Getting To Know Bristol - Bristol Free Walking Tours
Posted on: 28 Jan 2016Bristol Free Walking Tours is a great new initiative that offers tourists and locals alike the opportunity to see and experience some of the many sights and attractions around the city that make Bristol great!
James Bailey is both the brains behind the operation and the head tour guide. At 365 we were very excited to hear of the launch of this great new idea and so we had to find out more. What better way to understand what Bristol Free Walking Tours entails than to get it straight from the man himself...
Bristol Free Walking Tours is about to launch on 1st February 2016– where did the idea spring from?
After graduating from university, I was fortunate enough to travel solo around the world. It became something of a habit of mine to go on a walking tour in each city I visited as a way of orientating myself, meeting new people and receiving advice from locals. After my gallivanting, I moved back to Bristol and worked in some of the hotels in Clifton and each day guests would ask for recommendations or directions. I put two and two together and thought it was about time Bristol had a Free Walking Tour.
Are you from Bristol? Tell us a bit about yourself?
Yes, I was born in Bristol, went to school at QEH, and have always lived just outside the city in Congresbury. I went to university at King's College London where I studied Spanish - so if things go well we could potentially offer Spanish language tours too!
What sort of walks will be included – is it all Banksy, Brunel and Blaise Castle?
The walk lasts approximately two hours in which we will see many of Bristol's most famous sights - The Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower, and Banksy's artwork. In addition to these landmark places, there are lots of anecdotes about the extraordinary people who have lived in this city over the years, which hopefully should appeal to tourists and locals alike. We walk at a leisurely pace and the majority is downhill so it's not too strenuous! We notably walk whatever the weather so do please bring a brolly if showers are forecast!
It can’t really be free – what’s the catch?
The aim of the company is to allow everyone to tour Bristol whatever their budget, and there is no obligation to pay anything. However, we are not funded by any organisation so to keep the walks running we do rely on tips. We operate on a pay what you think it's worth model which we also believe ensures your guide works extra hard to give you a great time.
How do people sign up or get involved?
The other thing is we wanted to offer these tours without the need to book ahead - we know plans change, especially with our weather! There is no need to sign up beforehand, simply turn up and look out for your guide wearing bright green! We meet in front of the Victoria Rooms and tours depart at 10.30am and 2.30pm every day. Just arrive a few minutes beforehand so we're ready to set off on time. For further information please refer to our website BristolFreeWalkingTour.com.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
Bristol has a great selection of places to eat out. If it was for a light lunch then The Bristol Guild Café, an afternoon drink at Caffe Clifton, or a meal out then probably either Bill's or La Campagnuola.
What's your favourite place in Bristol?
Oh that's a tough question. I do love wandering around Clifton Village, or otherwise I can normally be found catching a movie at The Watershed.
Where do you see Bristol Free Walking Tours in 5 years time?
You have to aim big, right?! So it would be great if we were the number one tour company in Bristol and hopefully we can expand to offer more services.
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
Don't be afraid to try something new. If you don't give it a go, you will never know!
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
I'm sure being Mayor is one of those jobs where you can't please everyone but I'd probably revert all the parking restrictions, at least until public transport is improved. And also make it compulsory for everyone to go on a Bristol Free Walking Tour!
Further info on Bristol Free Walking Tours can be found at their website, Facebook page or Twitter.