Bristol residents and visitors alike will enjoy the Bristol Opening Doors walking trail which explores 24 diverse buildings across the city centre.

You can use this trail to see the buildings that are involved in the annual Doors Open Day, but on any of the 365 days of the year. Instead of waiting for one Saturday in September, curious architecture and interiors fans can enter a virtual world, making the interiors and stories of key buildings more accessible through a website, app and printed trail, as well as teaching and learning resources.

The circular walking route has a standard and extended version and an accompanying treasure hunt activity for familes is also available. Taking about 1¼ hours for the standard route or 2 hours for the extended route (at a gentle pace) this might be an evening walk, or you could explore the city centre by following sections of it during your lunch breaks!

So, you can just follow the printed trail below, take the treasure hunt with you, or throw yourself in and get the smartphone app and more via the Bristol Opening Doors website.

Download the Bristol Opening Doors printed walking trail leaflet here

Download the Bristol Opening Doors treasure hunt family activity here

This walking trail requires a moderate level of fitness. The route allows time for taking photographs, but does not take into account time taken to look around venues that are open to the public. The route uses pedestrian crossings on main roads and is free of steps.

Thanks very much to The Architecture Centre in Bristol for allowing us to publish this route on OutdoorsWest. The Architecture Centre exists to foster a greater understanding and enjoyment of architecture and to promote the value of a better built environment. The Centre is based on Bristol’s Harbourside and their gallery is open to the public 5 days a week (they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

This project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Your Heritage’ programme with additional support from the Bristol Building’s Preservation Trust, Bristol City Council and The Drake Trust.

Note

Note that we have not checked routes for accuracy or suitability unless clearly stated. Use of the routes is at your own risk. Full terms and conditions are here.

If you find any problems on any of these routes, it is very helpful if you let us know - thank you!

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