Lace up and explore Bristol on a 10km running tour that covers a thousand years of history, led by Jonathan Bolland, a Bristol local who combines a love of running with a passion for the city's past.
Starting and ending at College Green, the route follows the Floating Harbour and winds through the city centre, tracing Bristol's rise from a Saxon settlement to one of England's most powerful maritime cities. The commentary doesn't shy away from the difficult chapters — you'll hear about Bristol's central role in the transatlantic slave trade and how the city is still coming to terms with that legacy today.
Along the way, you'll pass the remains of Bristol Castle, the spot where Edward Colston's statue was pulled down in 2020, and streets that bear the scars of the Bristol Blitz. You'll also hear about Isambard Kingdom Brunel's outsized influence on the city, from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the SS Great Britain, the world's first iron-hulled ocean liner.
Three original Banksy pieces appear on the route, and the harbour path takes you past contrasting layers of the city — medieval streets sitting alongside areas rebuilt after wartime devastation.
GPS triggers the commentary at the right moment, so you can focus on the run rather than a screen. Download the tour in advance, and you won't need a data connection on the day. The route is designed for runners but works just as well at a walking pace, with plenty of natural pauses built in.
