Explore the hidden corners, famous murals, and stories behind Banksy’s world.
Introduction — Follow the Trail of the Invisible Artist
Bristol, Banksy’s hometown, is the beating heart of street art in the UK. It’s where the world’s most mysterious artist first picked up a spray can, turning dull grey walls into bold social commentary. For art lovers, photographers, and curious explorers, a Banksy walking tour in Bristol is one of the most fascinating cultural experiences in the country.
This guide takes you through Banksy’s most famous works, the best ways to see them, and a few travel tips to make the most of your street-art adventure — from Bristol’s cobbled lanes to international Banksy hotspots.
1. Planning Your Banksy Journey
When to Visit
Bristol’s street art can be enjoyed all year round, but the best times are spring to early autumn (April–October) when the weather is mild and walking tours are pleasant. Summer months also coincide with the Upfest Street Art Festival, one of Europe’s largest live painting events.
Getting There
- By Train: Regular services from London Paddington (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes).
- By Car: Bristol is easily accessible via the M4 and M5 motorways, but parking in the city centre can be limited — park outside and take public transport or walk.
- By Air: Bristol Airport (BRS) is just 8 miles southwest of the city.
Once in Bristol, most Banksy sites are within walking distance, particularly around the city centre, Harbourside, and Stokes Croft.
2. The Best Way to See Banksy’s Bristol
Option 1: Guided Banksy Walking Tour
Several companies offer excellent guided tours, such as:
- “Where the Wall” – the official Banksy tour endorsed by Visit Bristol. Guides are often local artists with insider stories.
- “Bristol Street Art Tour” – focuses not only on Banksy but also on emerging Bristol artists.
🕓 Tours last about 2 hours, cost around £10–£15, and include historical insights, access to hidden works, and live commentary.
Option 2: Self-Guided Tour
If you prefer to wander at your own pace, download a Banksy walking tour map (available on the Visit Bristol website or Google Maps). Start from the Harbourside and loop through the city centre to Stokes Croft.
Bring:
- A camera or smartphone (you’ll want plenty of photos!)
- Comfy shoes — expect some hilly streets
- A bottle of water and an umbrella (this is England, after all)
3. Bristol’s Banksy Map — Must-See Murals
Here are the most famous Banksy artworks still visible (or preserved) around Bristol, complete with directions and stories behind them.
1. The Mild Mild West (Stokes Croft)
Location: Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY
About:
Painted in 1999, this mural shows a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at riot police — a symbol of peaceful rebellion. It’s one of Banksy’s earliest known works and perfectly encapsulates Bristol’s countercultural spirit.
Travel Tip:
Grab a coffee from The Canteen, just below the mural. It’s a community café that often features live music and art — a great place to soak up the local vibe.
2. Well Hung Lover (Park Street)
Location: Side of a building overlooking Frogmore Street
About:
This cheeky image of a naked man dangling from a window while a husband looks out is one of Bristol’s most photographed murals. Created in 2006, it caused controversy because it appeared on a council-owned wall — but public support saved it from removal.
Photography Tip:
The best angle is from Park Street Bridge overlooking Frogmore Street. Visit early morning for clear shots before traffic builds up.
3. The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum (Hanover Place, Albion Dockyard)
About:
A twist on Vermeer’s classic Girl with a Pearl Earring, this piece replaces the pearl with an alarm box. It appeared overnight in 2014 and quickly became one of Banksy’s modern favourites.
Tip:
It’s slightly hidden — walk from M Shed Museum along the harbourside to Hanover Place. It’s best viewed during daylight hours.
4. Valentine’s Day (Barton Hill, Marsh Lane)
About:
Appearing on Valentine’s Day 2020, this mural shows a girl firing red petals from a slingshot — a joyful yet powerful symbol of love and protest. Sadly, it was vandalised shortly after appearing, but restoration efforts have preserved parts of it under protective covering.
Travel Note:
Barton Hill is about a 10–15 minute drive from the city centre, or you can take bus routes heading east.
5. The Grim Reaper (Now inside M Shed Museum)
About:
Originally painted on the hull of Bristol’s Thekla nightclub boat, this piece depicts the Grim Reaper rowing a boat — a darkly humorous comment on mortality. Due to weather damage, it was moved inside M Shed Museum, where it’s now safely displayed.
Why Visit:
It’s free to enter, and the museum also features exhibitions on Bristol’s history — perfect for combining art with a bit of local culture.
6. The Rose Trap (Park Row)
About:
Often overlooked, this lesser-known piece shows Banksy’s signature rat holding a rose. While smaller and partly weathered, it’s a subtle nod to his recurring use of rats as symbols of survival and rebellion.
7. The Masked Gorilla (Easton)
About:
This mural shows a large gorilla wearing a pink eye mask. Originally removed by mistake, it was later repainted due to public outcry. It’s a testament to how fiercely Bristol defends Banksy’s legacy.
4. Beyond Bristol — Banksy Destinations in the UK
While Bristol is Banksy’s birthplace, several other UK locations showcase his work.
London
- Shop Until You Drop – Mayfair
- The Guard Dog and His Master’s Voice – Clerkenwell
- One Nation Under CCTV – formerly on Newman Street, later removed
- Girl with Balloon – one of Banksy’s most iconic pieces originated here
London’s Banksy spots are scattered but make for a great urban hunt. Combine them with a visit to Shoreditch — one of the best areas in the world for street art.
Brighton
- Banksy’s “Kissing Coppers” (2004) originally appeared on the side of The Prince Albert pub and was later sold, but the pub retains a replica and a mural honouring him.
Port Talbot, Wales
- “Seasons Greetings” (2018) — A child playing in ash falling from a burning bin. This poignant work reflects pollution and industrial decay. It’s now preserved and occasionally exhibited.
5. International Banksy Highlights
For those who want to follow Banksy beyond Britain, here are a few must-see international locations:
Bethlehem, Palestine
- The Walled Off Hotel: Banksy’s working hotel and gallery opposite the Israeli barrier wall.
- Murals such as “Dove of Peace”, “Girl Frisking a Soldier”, and “Hole in the Wall” remain powerful and moving.
New York City, USA
- Better Out Than In series (2013): scattered around the five boroughs, including “Hammer Boy” on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
- “The Sirens of the Lambs” — a performance piece using a slaughterhouse truck filled with toy animals.
Paris, France
- Banksy’s 2018 series commented on refugees and nationalism. Look for the “Girl covering a swastika with wallpaper” near the Bataclan theatre — a memorial to terror attack victims.
Venice, Italy
- In 2019, Banksy set up an unlicensed “stall” during the Venice Biennale — a quiet protest against the commercialisation of art. One mural of a migrant child holding a flare can still be found along the Grand Canal.
6. Tips for Banksy Explorers
1. Respect the Art
Many of Banksy’s works are on private or protected property. Avoid touching, climbing, or graffitiing over them.
2. Look Beyond the Obvious
Banksy often hides works in plain sight — near alleyways, under bridges, or beside overlooked corners. Keep your eyes open for small details like stencil shadows, rats, or witty captions.
3. Combine with Local Culture
Bristol’s art scene thrives on collaboration. Visit local galleries such as:
- Upfest Gallery – North Street, Bedminster
- The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft – for independent art and activism exhibits
4. Capture Thoughtfully
Banksy’s art is as much about context as the image itself. Frame your photos to include surroundings — the street, the wall texture, the city life passing by.
5. Stay Updated
Some works disappear, get covered, or move indoors for preservation. Check @VisitBristol, Banksy locations on Google Maps, or fan websites like Banksy Locations & Tours for the latest updates.
7. A Day in Banksy’s Bristol — Suggested Itinerary
Here’s a sample itinerary for a full day dedicated to Banksy’s Bristol:
Morning (9:00–11:30)
- Start at M Shed Museum to see The Grim Reaper and learn about Bristol’s maritime and industrial past.
- Walk along the Harbourside to view The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum.
Lunch (12:00–13:00)
- Stop at The Canteen or Poco Tapas Bar in Stokes Croft — both known for supporting local art and sustainability.
Afternoon (13:00–16:00)
- Explore Stokes Croft and photograph The Mild Mild West.
- Head up Park Street to see Well Hung Lover.
- Continue to Park Row to find The Rose Trap.
Evening (17:00–20:00)
- Enjoy drinks at No. 1 Harbourside or The Grain Barge, both offering stunning harbour views.
- For night photography, revisit illuminated murals — Well Hung Lover looks particularly atmospheric under the street lights.
8. Why Banksy’s Bristol Matters
Exploring Banksy’s art in Bristol isn’t just a sightseeing trip — it’s a journey through the city’s rebellious heart. Bristol has always been a city that celebrates independence, creativity, and activism. Banksy didn’t just emerge from Bristol — he helped shape its identity.
Every mural is a conversation between the artist and the city, between rebellion and community. They invite us to look closer, think deeper, and question the walls around us — both literal and social.
Conclusion — The Art That Belongs to Everyone
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to street art, a Banksy tour in Bristol is more than an art hunt — it’s a dialogue with one of the most powerful artistic movements of our time.
Banksy reminds us that art doesn’t need permission. It doesn’t belong in hushed galleries or behind velvet ropes. It belongs where we live, work, and walk — on the streets that tell our stories.
So bring your curiosity, your camera, and a sense of wonder. Somewhere in a Bristol backstreet, the world’s most mysterious artist is still whispering through the walls.
