Living in St. Augustines

Community life in St. Augustines is shaped by its central location, historical background, and diverse residents. Many people know one another locally, particularly through cultural hubs such as the Bristol Central Library, nearby churches, and music venues. The area sees a steady stream of community events, especially on College Green and through organisations like St. George’s Bristol (a celebrated concert venue).

The area’s plentiful public spaces foster outdoor living—Brandon Hill, just to the west, offers panoramic views and provides a popular place to relax or meet up. Regular markets and pop-ups in and around the city centre contribute to the bustling street scene and a sense of shared identity among locals.

St. Augustines sits in the heart of Bristol’s city centre, where safety and crime rates can vary depending on the time and location. Like many urban central zones, it experiences typical city-centre challenges, including occasional petty crimes such as theft and anti-social behaviour, especially around nightlife hotspots.

However, the area is generally bustling with people, and there is a regular police presence thanks to proximity to major city venues and offices. Community safety partnership schemes are active, with neighbourhood policing initiatives working in tandem with local businesses and residents to improve safety. CCTV coverage is widespread, especially in busier streets and near landmarks like College Green and Bristol Cathedral, helping to maintain a reassuring environment for most residents and visitors.

Parking in St. Augustines can be limited, reflecting its central Bristol status. On-street parking is available in controlled parking zones, often requiring a resident’s permit. Paid parking facilities nearby, such as the Trenchard Street car park and College Street car park, provide convenient options but can be expensive, especially during peak periods or city events.

Congestion in the area is not uncommon given the city centre location, especially during rush hour. Main access roads include the A4044 (Temple Way), the A38, and the M32, which connects quickly to the M4 and M5 motorways for longer-distance travel.

• Birmingham – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via M5 (88 miles)
• Cardiff – approx. 50 minutes via M4 (45 miles)
• Bath – approx. 35 minutes via A4 (13 miles)
• Gloucester – approx. 55 minutes via M5 (35 miles)

While securing a spot close to home may require patience or planning, central positioning means many can rely on public transport or cycling to get around.

St. Augustines benefits from Bristol’s renowned food and drink scene, offering a wide choice of options from independent cafés to classic pubs. Local highlights include gourmet spots such as The Ox (steakhouse), small bistros, and artisan bakeries. College Green and Park Street are within easy reach, home to a lively collection of eateries and coffee spots popular with both students and professionals.

The pub culture is strong, with establishments like The Hatchet Inn dating back to the 1600s, and more contemporary bars serving craft beers and cocktails. Nightlife is present but tends toward relaxed, with several music venues and low-key late-night bars. The nearby harbourside and King Street expand the variety, housing celebrated theatres, jazz clubs, and bustling waterfront bars.

School Quality: St. Augustines has access to highly regarded primary and secondary schools, including institutions linked to the historic cathedral.

Parks and Green Space: The area is adjacent to College Green and close to Brandon Hill, offering families space for play and recreation.

Childcare: Central Bristol has a range of nurseries and childcare services, with easy access for working parents.

Safety: While city-centre living brings some challenges, safety initiatives and active neighbourhood policing provide daily reassurance.

Family Activities: There are plenty of museums, galleries, children's events, and family-friendly festivals within walking distance, making St. Augustines a practical if busy choice for family life.

Living in St. Augustines can be uniquely pet-friendly despite its city-centre location. The proximity to green spaces like Brandon Hill, College Green, and the riverside paths provides excellent routes for daily dog walks. Pet owners benefit from several nearby veterinary surgeries and pet supply shops, with friendly policies common in local cafés and some pubs.

Most housing is flats or period townhouses, so outdoor space may be limited, but the welcome towards pets in public spaces offsets this. Residents often take advantage of the harbourside’s walking routes and the variety of pet-friendly venues in and around the area.

St. Augustines is exceptionally well-connected, making it an attractive base for those needing quick access to Bristol's transport network and wider UK destinations. The area benefits from being near both Bristol Temple Meads railway station—less than a mile away—and Bristol Bus & Coach Station, providing frequent buses and coaches across the city and beyond.

Local bus services (including the Metrobus) stop regularly throughout the area, with routes heading towards Clifton, Redland, and the harbourside. Cyclists enjoy extensive dedicated paths, while foot travel is easy thanks to flat city-centre geography.

• Bristol Temple Meads railway station – approx. 5 mins by bus (0.8 miles)
• Bristol Bus & Coach Station – approx. 5 mins walk
• Clifton – approx. 15 mins by bus
• Bath – approx. 15 minutes by train
• Cardiff – approx. 50 minutes by train
• London Paddington – approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by train

Bristol Airport is located around 8 miles to the south and is accessible via dedicated bus services or a short taxi ride, making international travel straightforward for residents of St. Augustines.

Education is a cornerstone of the St. Augustines area, benefiting from its central Bristol location and close ties with prominent educational institutions.

Primary Schools:
Some well-regarded primary schools near St. Augustines include Cathedral Primary School (Ofsted rated ‘Good’, 2018), which offers a blend of academic excellence and arts focus due to its partnership with Bristol Cathedral, and St. Mary Redcliffe Primary School (‘Outstanding’, 2021), known for its welcoming ethos and central position.

Secondary Schools:
Bristol Cathedral Choir School (Ofsted ‘Good’, 2016) is perhaps the area’s most renowned, offering a unique combination of music and academic achievement. Redcliffe and Temple School also serves many local families and has a positive reputation. Cotham School (‘Good’, 2018) to the north is accessible from St. Augustines and remains popular.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:
Centrally located, St. Brendan’s Sixth Form College draws students from across the city for a wide range of A-level and vocational courses. North Bristol Post 16 Centre is also within easy reach for those seeking further education options.

Universities:
Bristol is famous for the University of Bristol, a prestigious red-brick Russell Group institution situated just a short walk from St. Augustines, offering world-class undergraduate and postgraduate study. The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is also accessible by public transport for a broad selection of further and higher education courses.