Is Bristol Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Bristol is the self-proclaimed, unofficial capital of the West Country of England.

All the major festivals are held there during summer, so it’s the best time to visit.

There are so many green spaces in Bristol that are easily accessible from any area of the city and they free to use.

Bristol also offers easy access to history and art events and exhibitions all year round and there are many music venues and events, of all genres.

Bristolians are friendly and welcoming and there is a great sense of their shared past, they are proud of their heritage and a community spirit is to be found in many different parts of the city as a whole.

Warnings & Dangers in Bristol

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Bristol is very safe, generally. Crime rates are low and the most common form of crime is petty theft and scams, so just use your common sense and your trip should go smoothly.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation is relatively safe and reliable in Bristol, but it is still recommended that you pay attention to public transportation and be on the lookout for pickpockets and bag snatchers.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is some risk of encountering a pickpocket, especially in more touristy areas. Apply the basic laws of precaution to avoid such a situation, and follow your common sense.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

You can relax when it comes to natural disasters, because, apart from somewhat rainy weather, there are no natural disasters recorded in this city.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Bristol is mostly safe when it comes to mugging and kidnapping, but it is recommended that you avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and dangerous areas known for occasional street crime.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

The United Kingdom has recently been targeted by terrorist attacks and it is now publicly announced that the threat to the UK is severe.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

As in any tourist destination, there is a risk of getting scammed. Check your change twice, negotiate everything in advance, never pay upfront, and be wary of people trying to distract your offering you unsolicited help with your luggage or anything else, as it might be a trick to steal from you. The most common scam is taxi drivers overcharging for rides.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Bristol is mostly very safe for women to travel to. Just follow your basic common sense and general rules of things to avoid, and you should be fine.

So... How Safe Is Bristol Really?

If you follow basic precaution rules, Bristol can be a very safe city.

It is quite a small city, so there are far fewer gang-related crimes like you would find in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Of course, there are areas and occasions which during particular times, and when alone, can be somewhat spooky like St. Pauls, Shirehampton, Knowle or Eastville.

However, there are no particular no-go zones in Bristol.

There are wealthier areas, like Stoke Bishop and Clifton and poorer areas like Southmead and Hartcliffe, but they wouldn’t be described as dangerous.

Like all UK cities you will find crime if you look for it, and like anywhere else – always be mindful if walking alone at night when pubs and bars are closing.

Clifton and Redland on the upper west/central side have more burglaries than the rest of the city, as they are lots of large family homes there.

Another thing to watch out for is crossing the roads since every year tourists suffer from traffic accidents because the British people drive on the left side of the road which is highly confusing for people from around the world.

How Does Bristol Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Member countries of the EU do not need visas to enter the United Kingdom, as well as some other countries, but there is a considerable number of countries that do. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the United Kingdom.

Currency

The British pound is the currency in Bristol. Keep in mind that this is one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the prices of accommodation in most cities in the country are skyrocketing. You should bear in mind that you will need about 100£ per day, including accommodation.

Weather

The weather in Bristol is mild with cool summers, and heavy rainfalls during the year. The best time to visit is during summer, from June to August.

Airports

The busiest airport in Briston is Bristol Airport. It is situated a few miles south-west of Bristol city center and offers direct services to over 125 destinations across Europe.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Bristol, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Bristol Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

United Kingdom - Safety by City