St Nicholas Market Tours

Photo provided by Visit England
St Nicholas Market featuring markets and interior views
St Nicholas Market showing interior views and markets
Photo provided by Visit England
St Nicholas Market


Bristol’s oldest market is still very much alive with merchants and shoppers. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the best days to visit.

St. Nicholas Market is a vibrant area of shops and covered and uncovered stalls in Bristol’s “old city.” It’s a delightful place to grab lunch, find a bargain, or simply spend an hour or two browsing. The market started life in 1743, and today remains surrounded by handsome Georgian architecture. In 2010, it was named as one of the U.K.’s top 10 markets. St. Nicholas Market, known locally as “St. Nicks,” is open daily Monday to Saturday. The setting is under a glass Georgian arcade. Independent traders sell anything from books or wine, to art or souvenirs. Three extra weekly markets take place every Wednesday is the Farmers Market. On Friday, the Food Market sets up. On Friday and Saturday, the “Nails” arts and crafts market takes over. On the first Sunday of every month, three additional markets join forces the Book Market, Slow Food Market and the Art Market.The Nails Market derives its name from the brass pillars on Corn Street. Traders used to conduct business between these pillars, or “nails” as they were called. The commodity of the past was sacks of corn but today the Nails Market focuses on arts, crafts, jewelry and clothing. At the Farmers Market and Food Market, you can put together a picnic to go and eat by the river in nearby Castle Park. Cheese, bread, chicken and organic juice are just a few of the products available. Produce is sourced locally, within a 40-mile (64-kilometer) radius of Bristol. If you’d rather eat in, there are a number of pubs and eateries close by.St. Nicholas Market is based on Corn Street in the center of the old city. The visiting markets also take place here, and on nearby streets. It’s a five-minute drive or 10-minute bus ride from Bristol Temple Meads, the main station in the city.

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Best Lodging Options Near St Nicholas Market

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre

4 out of 5
2 Lower Castle Street, Old Market, Bristol, England
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
The Bristol Hotel

The Bristol Hotel

4 out of 5
Prince Street, Bristol, England
The Bristol Hotel
Clayton Hotel Bristol City

Clayton Hotel Bristol City

4 out of 5
Broad Street, Bristol, England
Clayton Hotel Bristol City
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

4 out of 5
College Green, Bristol, England
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday

Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday

4 out of 5
Broad Street, Bristol, England
Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday
Leonardo Hotel Bristol City

Leonardo Hotel Bristol City

4 out of 5
3 Temple Way, Bristol, England
Leonardo Hotel Bristol City
Harbour Hotel Bristol

Harbour Hotel Bristol

4 out of 5
53-55 Corn St, Bristol, England
Harbour Hotel Bristol
Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol

Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol

4 out of 5
Broad Quay, Bristol & West House, Bristol, England
Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol
Future Inn Bristol

Future Inn Bristol

4 out of 5
Bond Street South, Bristol, England
Future Inn Bristol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St Nicholas Market

Explore the vibrant St Nicholas Market in Bristol, where you can enjoy market stalls offering unique goods and delicious street food. Don't miss the opportunity to take part in guided market tours to learn about its history. For entertainment, check out local theater performances and join in on themed events like Turkish Night. It's a perfect spot for shopping and soaking up the lively atmosphere!

Shopping

St Nicholas Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with unique gifts and souvenirs. Nearby, you’ll find the Broadmead Shopping Centre (0.3 miles), The Galleries Shopping Centre (0.2 miles), and Cabot Circus Shopping Centre (0.4 miles), all featuring a mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Explore Ashton Gate Stadium for an exhilarating sports experience, only 2 miles away. Enjoy live performances at Colston Hall, a vibrant venue just 0.2 miles from the market. For outdoor relaxation, head to Knowle Golf Club, located 3 miles away, offering beautiful greens and a serene atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at The Wave, located 6 miles from St Nicholas Market, perfect for adventure seekers. Alternatively, enjoy a family-friendly day at West Country Water Park, 7 miles away, offering fun attractions for everyone. For a unique challenge, navigate the Bath Maze, situated 10 miles from the market.

Nightlife

The nightlife around St Nicholas Market buzzes with excitement! Enjoy a captivating performance at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre or the Old Vic Theatre, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a laid-back evening, catch a romantic film at the Showcase Cinema De Lux, making for an unforgettable night out.

Find the best attractions near St Nicholas Market

St Nicholas Market in Bristol is a vibrant hub for tourists, featuring urban parks, modern universities, and historic churches. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and outdoor experiences while exploring attractions like the famous St Nicks markets and enjoying the festive St Nicholas European Christmas events. This area offers a delightful blend of sightseeing and shopping, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the charm of Bristol.

  • University of Bristol: This modern university, located 0.5 miles from St Nicholas Market, offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of historic and contemporary architecture. Wander through its beautiful campus and soak in the academic energy that permeates the city.
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge: Situated 2 miles from St Nicholas Market, this iconic suspension bridge is a marvel of engineering. It provides breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge and embodies the rich cultural heritage of Bristol.
  • SS Great Britain: Located 0.7 miles from St Nicholas Market, this historic ship turned museum showcases maritime history. Explore its impressive restoration and learn about its significance in the industrial era.

Best time to go to St Nicholas Market

Visitor numbers around St Nicholas Market is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St Nicholas Market is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St Nicholas Market

Visiting St Nicholas Market in Bristol can be budget-friendly with a few savvy tips. Enjoy free entry to the market, and consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to March for lower accommodation prices. Mondays offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find tailored hotel deals, combining your stay with flights and activities for added savings. Join the Expedia One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to explore free local attractions around the market!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St Nicholas Market are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St Nicholas Market is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St Nicholas Market is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at St. Nicholas Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.