Bristol Blitz – Above Ground Walking Tour
Overview
Before the Second World War, Bristol’s Old Town was a dense network of medieval streets and centuries‑old buildings. Much of that historic fabric vanished during the long hours of the Bristol Blitz of 1940–41.
Nazi air raids targeted the docks, factories and railway, but the surrounding Old Town suffered devastating collateral damage. Incendiary bombs ignited fires that tore through timbered buildings, churches, and entire streets, erasing landmarks that had survived for hundreds of years. The scale of destruction permanently altered the city’s historic core.
This walking tour traces what remains: the fragments of the Old Town, the scars left by wartime bombing, and the post‑war architecture that rose from the ruins. It offers a chance to see how the Blitz reshaped Bristol and how a new city emerged from the destruction of the old.
At the end of the tour there is an opportunity to visit The Kings Head Pub for refreshments.
Includes
- Spice Host
- Guided Tour
Extras
- any merchandise or refreshments
The Tour will last about 90 minutes and covers 1.5 miles. There are steps and stairs on the route. Discounted tickets are available to anyone who did the Chocolate Tour on 10th October.
Location & Itinerary
Meet outside the Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange played an important role in Bristol's wartime story, serving as both an air raid shelter and playing a vital role for communications. You'll meet your personal ARP warden/guide here in full uniform.
Bristol's Old Town
Bristol's Old Town once stood on the site of Castle Park. These beautiful buildings were lost during the first night of the Blitz. See images of the Old Town and retrace the ancient streets with your expert guide.
See images of before and after the Blitz
Compare photographs of the Blitz with the same streets today.
St. Peter's Church
See the ruins of St. Peter's Church, hear about the destruction of the Old Town, and observe the accompanying memorial to those who lost their lives in the Bristol Blitz.
Castle Park
Once the heart of Bristol's Old Town, Castle Park still holds many secrets of the Blitz
D-Day Memorial
Few people realise that the US First Army planned their D-Day landings from Bristol. Hear all about it on our fascinating tour.
Shrapnel damage on the street
See scars left by shrapnel still visible in the city centre.
Hidden air raid shelter entrances
We pass three entrances which once led to air raid shelters along the tour. You may have visited them on previous tours.
Temple Church
Temple Church was destroyed on the 24th of November 1940. Its bombed-out remains now stand as a memorial to those fateful nights. Hear about how the raid spread, destroying more buildings in the surrounding area.
Kings Head pub
The Kings Head is a 1940s time capsule, and the perfect place to finish the tour with a drink or two.
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member Discounted Ticket (attended previous tour) | £12.00 | Available |
| Member Ticket | £16.00 | Available |
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Host & Everything Else
Gallery
