The Grade II listed Arcade in Bristol was designed by local architects James Foster and Sons in 1824-25 and is described by Gomme, Jenner and Little in their book Bristol, An Architectural History as a 'fine surviving example of an early shopping arcade, modelled on the Burlington Arcade, London.' At 600 feet in length it rivals contemporary arcades in Cheltenham, Bath and London. The Arcade links The Horsefair and Broadmead. Its Greek revival style entrances are marked by two Ionic and fluted columns. The Arcade (or The Lower Arcade as it was formerly known) was originally one of a pair of arcades with the Upper Arcade linking the Horsefair to St James Barton. The Upper Arcade was destroyed in the German bombing raids of 1940 that destroyed so much of the medieval streetscape of the commercial centre of Bristol.
In the post-war reconstruction of the centre of Bristol it was decided not to rebuild the Upper Arcade and the Lower Arcade was very nearly demolished to make way for new buildings too! But thankfully it was listed in 1949. In the 1960's the original steps at the entrances to the arcades were replaced by ramped walkways and the shops at the entrances altered to align with the ramps. New shop extensions were introduced at the Horsefair entrance partially masking the original elevation.
FINDING US
The Arcade can be found in the Broadmead area of our glorious city of Bristol, conveniently located between Broadmead and the Horsefair. Our beautiful and historic Grade II listed Georgian shopping arcade has recently undergone a major refurbishment to restore the arcade to its former glory. The Arcade (previously referred to as St James Arcade or The Lower Arcade) hosts an incredibly wide range of shops and services, each and every one of our retailers is passionate and we are confident our range of retailers will satisfy your shopping needs. For Sat Nav users, just type this postcode to get directions to The Arcade BS1 3JD
By Car
Cabot Circus Car Park has over 2500 spaces and is easily accessible from the end of the M32 off Newfoundland Street. The postcode for sat nav users is BS1 3JD Cabot Circus car park is open 24/7 Disabled bays are available on the ground floor and third floors. Parent & Toddler bays are available on the ground floor, second floor, third floor and fourth floors.
By Train
The Arcade is just a short walk, bus ride and ferry journey away from Bristol Temple Meads station. First Great Western offers direct, half hourly high speed services to Bristol Temple Meads from London Paddington, Reading, Swindon, Chippenham and Bath. A comprehensive local service also operates around Bristol itself. Direct services from destinations such as Taunton, Westbury, Portsmouth, Exeter, Weston-super-Mare, Salisbury, Gloucester, Yate, Cheltenham, Newport and Cardiff also regularly serve Bristol Temple Meads. FARES First Great Western offers great value Advance and Off Peak fares to Bristol Temple Meads: Single Advance journeys are as low as £10 from London Paddington, £7 from Portsmouth and £7.50 from Reading. Off Peak Day Returns are as low as £8.90 from Cardiff, £9.80 from Taunton, £7 from Gloucester and £5.20 from Weston-super-Mare.
By Bus
The Arcade is well served by local bus services and the national coach network. Bus stops for the majority of local bus services are located close to The Arcade and Cabot Circus is a short walk away. Bristol Bus and Coach Station is nearby providing bus links to South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, Bath, Wiltshire and South Wales as well as Bristol International Airport and the national coach network. National Express coaches arrive at Bristol bus station just a short walk away. The Bristol City Centre coach park is now open at next to the Cabot Circus car park off Newfoundland Road at the end of the M32. There are 13 bays for coaches operating on a first come first served basis. The postcode - for sat nav users - is BS1 3JD Please note the coach park is not a drop off area. The nearest drop of point for coach drivers is on Bond Street North (300 metres away). Overnight parking will be available with no charge for coaches Cabot Circus and Bristol City Centre Shopping is within easy walking distance
