We spent a few days in Bristol for my husband’s work. He travels a lot and sometimes I get to tag along and this was one of those lucky trips. I had never even heard of Bristol before this trip, my UK geography knowledge is… not the strongest hahaha. But wow. I’m so glad I went.
I absolutely fell in love with this city. We were there in mid-September, weather in the 60s–70s°F, light rain, cozy vibes, and I squeezed as much as I could into those three days. And on my last full day, I dedicated the whole thing to thrifting.
When we travel for work trips, I usually have full solo days, which works out, because shopping is always better solo. I can take hours if I want to. And I usually want to.
So here’s everywhere I went thrifting in Bristol, what each spot was like, and what I ended up buying!
Shop 1: The Vintage Thrift Store
Located near the University of Bristol
A huge, multi-level vintage shop with tons of trendy pieces and such a fun vibe.
I was very much on the hunt for anything Disney (shocking, I know), and I only found one Disney tee… but it wasn’t quite my vibe. I did find a perfectly worn-in Adidas shirt that I loved, so I grabbed it and washed it in my hotel sink so I could wear it on the trip – no shame.
Great spot, super easy to browse, and definitely worth stopping by if you love digging for good basics and vintage finds.
Shop 2: Happytat & Treasure
About a 20-minute walk from the university – I was already doing a Banksy walking tour, so it fit perfectly into my route.
This is more of an “everything” thrift shop: clothing, home goods, décor, random treasures… all the fun stuff. I found a super cute vintage Mickey wallet (a win!!) plus some vintage jewelry. And you know I love jewelry, especially bracelets, so this was perfect.
The area around here felt very different from the university area – more urban, more crowded, more traffic. Still fine to walk around, but definitely a shift in vibe, and I was solo. Just something to note if you’re planning the same route.
Shop 3: St. Peter’s Hospice Shop
A classic charity shop that benefits St. Peter’s Hospice.
It reminded me of NCJW stores in LA – curated, organized, clean, friendly staff, lots of options. I didn’t personally find anything I wanted here, but it’s absolutely worth popping in. You never know what you’ll find.
Shop 4: Sparks Bristol
This place was SUCH a highlight!!
It’s more like a marketplace thrift setup – tons of individual stands and little shops all inside one big space. Vintage sellers, handmade jewelry, small businesses… all my favorite things in one place.
I found some jewelry here (of course), and I loved the mix of vendors. My only heartbreak? Not a single piece of vintage Disney. Why is there no Disney in Bristol?! I was devastated but also laughing at myself because apparently I expected the UK to have hidden Mickey treasure troves lying around.
Still – I absolutely loved this spot.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Solo Day in Bristol
I walked so much, drank way too much coffee, and genuinely had the best solo day thrifting my way through the city. It was such a fun way to see different parts of Bristol beyond the university area.
If you love thrifting, vintage shopping, or just wandering through new cities, I highly recommend spending a day like this in Bristol. I’m already dreaming about going back.
If I missed any good spots, please tell me!! I will happily add them to my list for next time.
Bristol, you were truly a gem!
XOXO,
Julia
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Bristol, UK and beyond!
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