Living in Totterdown

Community and local life in Totterdown are shaped by a strong spirit of neighbourliness and creativity. Residents often cite the welcoming atmosphere and lively sense of belonging as reasons for choosing to live here. The Totterdown Front Room Arts Trail, an annual open house event, encourages neighbours and visitors to explore local artists’ work displayed in homes and studios throughout the district.

Regular street fairs, family-friendly events, and classes at the Totterdown Centre further strengthen the social fabric. The area’s network of green spaces, including Victoria Park and Perrett’s Park, provides settings for informal gatherings, runners, dog walkers, and picnics. Allotments and community gardens offer further opportunities for residents to interact and co-create their local environment.

Safety in Totterdown is perceived as relatively good compared to some inner-city areas of Bristol, though, like much of the city, it experiences typical urban challenges. Residents report a strong sense of community vigilance, with neighbours often looking out for one another.

Recent years have seen increased efforts by local police and neighbourhood watch schemes to address concerns such as bike theft and antisocial behaviour. The proximity to the city centre can mean a higher incidence of minor crimes, especially close to main transport interchanges, but overall crime rates in Totterdown are considered moderate.

Many new residents are attracted by the area’s friendly reputation, and ongoing regeneration projects in and around southern Bristol have focused on improving public safety and open space design.

Parking in Totterdown can be a challenge due to the narrow Victorian streets and local demand. Much of the area operates residential permit parking schemes to help manage availability, though on-street parking can still be limited during peak hours. Some newer developments and streets further from the centre offer more generous parking options.

Totterdown benefits from direct access to the A4 Bath Road, which facilitates car journeys towards Bristol (city centre, 10-15 minutes), Bath (approx. 30 minutes), and further east into Somerset. The M32 motorway, accessible via Temple Meads, connects to the M4 and M5 for wider national travel.

• Bristol City Centre – approx. 10 minutes via A37
• Bath – approx. 30 minutes via A4
• Keynsham – approx. 20 minutes via A4
• Clevedon – approx. 40 minutes via M5
• Gloucester – approx. 50 minutes via M5

While congestion can occur during rush hour, Totterdown’s close proximity to the city centre means many residents choose to walk or cycle rather than drive daily.

Totterdown has developed a reputation for its vibrant and varied food scene, with a cluster of independent cafés, artisan bakeries, and friendly pubs serving both traditional favourites and modern cuisine. Popular spots include the Thali Café (renowned for its Indian street food), Redcatch Community Garden Café, and the atmospheric Star & Dove pub, which combines real ales with creative gastropub dishes.

The area’s casual nightlife is anchored by a handful of local bars and live music venues, which often feature events showcasing Bristol’s musical heritage. While Totterdown is not home to large nightclubs, its easy access to the city centre means the wider nightlife of Bristol, including acclaimed venues and theatres, is just a short walk or bus ride away. The neighbourhood’s food markets and pop-up events add to its lively culinary culture throughout the year.

School Quality: Families benefit from Totterdown’s access to highly-rated primary and secondary schools, with several options within walking distance. The area’s educational reputation is a key draw for young families moving into the neighbourhood.

Parks and Green Space: Open spaces such as Victoria Park and Perrett’s Park provide ample opportunity for outdoor play, meetups, and weekend relaxation. These parks are equipped with children’s play areas and regular community activities.

Childcare: A number of nurseries, childminders, and pre-schools serve Totterdown, giving parents flexible options for early childhood care.

Safety: Totterdown is known for a watchful, supportive local network, which adds to the sense of security for families. Local initiatives and neighbourhood watch schemes are active in the area.

Family Activities: Creativity is valued locally, with classes, clubs, and children’s theatre events taking place throughout the year. Access to libraries, sports clubs, and cycling routes adds to the area’s family-friendly appeal.

Pet-friendly living in Totterdown is enhanced by the area’s many parks and open spaces. Victoria Park and Perrett’s Park are popular with dog owners, providing wide open areas and dog-friendly walking paths. Allotments and community gardens also provide welcoming environments for pets to enjoy.

Local veterinary practices are well-regarded, and several pet shops in the area and neighbouring districts ensure pet supplies are easily sourced. Many cafés and pubs are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs, and pet-friendly rental properties can be found with some searching, reflecting the area’s generally welcoming stance towards pets in both public spaces and housing.

Totterdown is exceptionally well-connected for both public transport and road users, offering convenient options for commuting into Bristol city centre and beyond. Bristol Temple Meads railway station, just to the north of Totterdown, is a key national rail hub with regular services to London, Cardiff, Bath, and the South West.

Several bus routes pass through Totterdown, linking residents with major employment zones, shopping districts, and surrounding areas. Cycling is also popular, thanks to dedicated routes leading to the city centre and Bristol’s harbourside district. The A4 Bath Road borders the area, providing swift access east towards Bath and west into central Bristol.

• City Centre (Bristol): approx. 10 minutes by bus or 20 minutes on foot
• Bath: approx. 25 minutes by train from Temple Meads
• London Paddington: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by direct train
• Bristol Airport: approx. 25 minutes by car or airport bus from Temple Meads

Totterdown benefits from access to a selection of Bristol’s reputable schools, appealing to families prioritising education quality. The area is served by both primary and secondary options within close reach, as well as further education providers and access to well-known universities in the city.

Primary Schools in Totterdown

Hillcrest Primary School stands as a key educational institution in the heart of Totterdown, offering a well-rounded curriculum and receiving an Ofsted rating of 'Good' in 2023. St Mary Redcliffe Primary School, located nearby, is also rated 'Good' (2021) and is popular with local families. Knowle Park Primary School is to the south and remains highly regarded for its inclusive ethos.

Secondary Schools near Totterdown

St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School, situated to the north, is an established secondary option known for strong academic results and an Ofsted rating of 'Outstanding' (2023). Oasis Academy Brislington and City Academy Bristol are also within reach, providing a broad secondary education for residents.

Colleges and Sixth Forms

Post-16 students benefit from proximity to St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, one of Bristol’s largest, offering a diverse range of A-levels and vocational courses. City of Bristol College, with a range of technical and creative programmes, is easily accessible for Totterdown residents.

Universities Nearby

Totterdown is only a short journey from the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), both prominent institutions attracting students nationally and internationally.