Culture and shopping
in artistic Bristol

Bristol city

Bristol is a small, friendly city surrounded by green hills. The old river harbour is a cultural hub with independent shops, restaurants, galleries and museums. The city is famous for street art, including by internationally-known graffiti artist Banksy.

Our visit to the city starts at the M Shed museum, which explores local social and industrial heritage. There pupils can see amazing films and photographs, hear personal stories, enjoy interactive displays with items from prehistoric times to the present day.

Then we walk together through the old medieval heart of Bristol and green parks to Cabot Circus shopping centre. There pupils have free time to explore and go shopping in small groups.

97% of our pupils surveyed said the trip to Bristol was "good", "very good" or "excellent" in summer 2022

Trip details

Age: 11+

Duration: full day

Lunch: pupils prepare a packed lunches after breakfast, including a sandwich, crisps, chocolate bar and fruit.

Travel: 1.5 hour drive by coach

Cost: no additional cost

Learn more about Bristol

Taking care

We try to balance freedom to explore with supervision on all our trips. This encourages independence and confidence while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our pupils. All ECS trips are fully risk-assessed with a thorough 'what if' process to ensure we are prepared for every eventuality.

There are always at least two members of staff on each coach. Younger children are accompanied at all times with at least one member of staff with every six children. In the museum and shopping centre pupils can explore in small groups, with our staff nearby. Pupils are advised to stay in pairs if they are away from the group, for example using the toilets.

As the rail connection takes around twice as long, we take a coach for this journey. Travelling together in one vehicle, helps keep this excursion fuel-efficient, and reduces air pollution and carbon emissions. We always ask our providers about their green credentials.