I had a fantastic night’s sleep in Bristol on Saturday. After a delicious meal the night before and arriving at a wonderful hotel, I fell asleep as soon as I got to my room. There’s nothing quite like a good night’s rest.
Sunday morning rolled around, and although I’d be returning to London later, I had some hours to spare. I decided to visit Bristol Cathedral, a place I’d been curious about. It had been occupied on both Friday and Saturday, making Sunday a perfect day for a visit. Unlike many London cathedrals, it was free to enter. As I walked inside, I was amazed by the intricate interior, and it was amusing to see everyone else equally astonished. The cathedral was conveniently located near the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel where I stayed.
Afterward, the harbor festival was still happening, and though I wanted to relax in the sun, I couldn’t resist checking out the dinosaur exhibits at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Dinosaurs have always fascinated me, and I was eager to see their preserved skeletons and artistic reconstructions.
On my way to the museum, I got sidetracked by a vintage shop called Love From Random. I spent more time there than I planned, discovering a surfer troll, Homepride salt and pepper shakers, and a vintage camera in good condition. Unfortunately, there was no price on the camera, and the shopkeeper couldn’t reach the owner. I left without it, but later received a call at the museum with the camera’s price—just £15! I hurried back to purchase it, now proudly owning this quirky piece despite it not working.
Continuing to the museum, I admired the Wills Memorial Building, a relatively young Gothic structure in UK architectural terms. The museum’s dinosaur collection was as awe-inspiring as I’d hoped. I then wandered through the art gallery, which captivated me enough to spend hours exploring its many corridors. Art, after all, should evoke thoughts and feelings, and this gallery certainly did.
With limited time before my train, I headed for lunch. I stumbled upon a Jamie Oliver restaurant. Although I hadn’t visited one in years and was never particularly fond of them before, hunger and convenience won me over. Inside, the décor struck me, making me feel surprisingly comfortable. I started with pork scratchings, which aren’t typically my favorite, but they paired well with a salsa dip. The main dish, a carbonara, was a highlight. I’d been craving it, and it did not disappoint, paired perfectly with some fizz.
For dessert, I enjoyed raspberry pavlova and chocolate cake, which were too good to describe adequately as I was preoccupied eating. I left feeling like a convert, eager to return. The waitress, Michelle, was hilarious, making the dining experience even more delightful. With a happy but hurried step, I returned to the hotel, gathered my things, and headed to the train station.
Heading back to London, I felt relaxed and thrilled about my spontaneous weekend getaway. I got to see the sights I wanted, immerse myself in the festival, enjoy delicious food, and explore Bristol more thoroughly than I had imagined.
