Christmas Steps

Popular with both tourists and locals, the Christmas Steps are a quintessential area of Bristol. Brimming with history, these steps were originally named Queene Street, after Queen Elizabeth the 1st visited in 1574. The steps themselves were built in September 1669, paid for by the wealthy wine merchant Jonathan Blackwell. The Christmas Steps have since become a must-visit stop for anyone visiting Bristol and quickly evoke images of these long gone days, due to the many listed, old-fashioned buildings and cobbled pathways, so it almost feels like you’re stepping into the past. Now, it is lined with shops, cafés and bars for you to explore. Proudly supporting Bristol’s artists, you can find stunning artwork for sale by both well-known and upcoming artists. Browse the shelves of the shops housed here and see what curiosities you’ll find, from books to gifts to clothing and after, why not stop by one of the many pubs or cafés for a well earned drink.