By Milly Middlehurst, Fourth Year, German and Italian
Studying an English degree or reading that book you bought a year ago and just remembered to pick up, or anywhere in between, we all want to find the most idyllic places to read. Whether cosied up with blankets on a November morning or catching the sun in early June, the surroundings help to set the scene for the perfect reading session.
Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill offers the perfect atmosphere no matter the time of year, with its glistening pond, beautiful clocktower, and abundance of benches. Especially in September, the autumn scenery is unmatched, but the days are still long enough to sit and read in the evening just as the sun sets. It offers a sweeping view of the whole city, possibly making it my favourite spot.
The Book Cellar
New to the Bristol literary scene, this addition to Stokes Croft is a fabulous bookshop and wine bar, open until late every day. The perfect spot to read with a soft drink in the daytime or to cosy up with some wine in the evening. They even pair books with wine recommendations. I would highly recommend checking it out and supporting this new local independent business!
Harbourside
It is hard to narrow down the wonders of Bristol’s Harbourside so instead of specifically recommending one place here, I just have to recommend everywhere. All of the cafés in the area have a gorgeous view over the harbour, or you can just sit along the picturesque waterfront, as you may notice students doing in summer, with their legs dangling from the sides! For a beer or a coffee, my personal favourite spot would be Arnolfini café, a part of the Arts Centre (with a bookshop and gallery too), but the options are boundless.
The Downs
The Downs are the perfect location to chill and read, especially if you are living in Clifton or Stoke Bishop. Wandering down to the Suspension Bridge Observatory too, there’s plenty of space to read with a view of the towering cliffs and vast gorge, especially at sunset. And if you’ve had enough of reading for the afternoon, you could even try to find the goats (hint: look for Goats in the Gully)! A perfect location, especially in autumn as the leaves are changing.
Senate House Living Room
Whilst I could recommend anywhere in Senate House, the living room may be the best. Perhaps you like to read novels during breaks or have reading to quickly catch up on for class. With picturesque views, sofas to get comfy on, and a location right between lecture halls, the living room offers all you could need without ever leaving campus.
Cotham Hill
Another where it is difficult to offer just one place but instead a collection of cafés and bars that each have something delicious to offer. The whole street looks stunning, and the majority have outdoor seating perfect to read in in the warmer months, or on a cold but sunny autumn day. The only downside is the likelihood of bumping into at least one person you know whilst sitting outside here is high! So, if settling down and reading distraction-free is what you’re after, I’d choose a quieter spot.
Cotham Gardens
Perhaps one for the new second years to discover, directly next to Redland station lies the quaint Cotham Gardens. In between Cotham and Redland, it is the perfect place to escape the confines of your bedroom without having to go too far. It feels like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the city, and you can enjoy the sun or the autumn with a cosy read.
All in all, this list is impossible to reduce to just a few places. Bristol is filled with wonderful cafes, bookshops and green spaces, so you will never be short of somewhere to go. Freshers and returning students alike, I’m sure you will find your own favourite places to read, whether for pleasure or for uni work!
Featured image: Epigram / Hanno Sie
What's your favourite reading spot in Bristol?
