Nomadic dani

Bristol is a city that breathes creativity. From its underground music scene to its independent spirit, it’s a place where art spills beyond gallery walls and straight onto the streets all across the city. Familiar with Banksy? Well Bristol is more than just this amazing artist!

Nowhere is this more vibrant, or more wild than in Bedminster, the city’s unofficial canvas and the beating heart of its street art scene. Being a lover of all things nature I had to take a look for myself. And the best thing its is free to do!

Walking through its colourful corridors and you’ll find tigers peering from rooftops, tropical birds swooping across brick walls, and mythical beasts constructed from bits of local architecture. In Bedminster, nature and imagination collide – and much of it is thanks to Upfest.

What is Upfest?

Upfest (short for Urban Paint Festival) is Europe’s largest street art festival, and it’s proudly rooted right here in South Bristol. Every few years, hundreds of artists from across the globe descend on Bedminster and Southville, transforming the area’s walls, shopfronts, and shutters into giant open-air murals.

While the festival features all styles and subjects, one theme soars above the rest: wildlife. From endangered frogs to fantastical birds andi n the past a whole giant wall dedicated to Greta Thunberg, Upfest has given nature a powerful presence on Bristol’s streets.

A City of Creatures: Wildlife in the Art

In recent years, Upfest has partnered with the Bristol Zoological Society to raise awareness for endangered species through art. Frogs, gorillas, rhinos and crayfish have all leapt off the walls, turning conservation into something visible and memorable.

Even the city’s architecture joins in. Artist Andy Council’s signature style fuses animals with city landmarks, like a stegosaurus whose tail resembles the Clifton Suspension Bridge – making the link between Bristol’s identity and the natural world that surrounds it. This is one of my favourite pieces that can now be seen in the M-Shed (for free) in central Bristol.

Why Bedminster Is the Best Place to See It

If you want to explore this vibrant wildlife art scene, Bedminster is the place to start. It’s where Upfest began, and where it continues to thrive. North Street is its backbone, lined with murals big and small, many created during past festivals. Even outside of Upfest season, the neighbourhood remains alive with colour as artists update and refresh the walls year-round, so there is always something new to be discovered. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on walls, lamposts, the top of buildings.

A highlight is the “Six Sisters” which is a row of Victorian buildings painted by six female artists, each offering a unique, often nature-themed take. From foxes to butterflies, these works are a celebration of both the natural world and Bristol’s women-led creative power.

Elsewhere in Bedminster, underpasses near the station now feature animal-themed community murals, turning even the dullest corners into visual delights.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

The best way to enjoy this art? On foot.

Start your walk on North Street, home to many of the largest and most iconic pieces. Continue down East Street to find Curtis Hylton’s parrot and other colourful creations. Loop around to West Street and nearby side roads for hidden gems, then end your tour at Bedminster Station, where even the railway walls have something to say.

What is great about this area are the copious amounts of coffee shops, bars and bakeries that will keep your fuelled on your journey. Bedminster is a vibe. The best way to explore this area is to just go where the wind takes you. I ventured down streets and found unexpected pieces of art across whole houses. My favourite were the giraffes as seen below.

Art with Meaning

What makes Bristol’s wildlife street art so special is that it’s not just decoration – it’s storytelling. Bristol is a “Green” city and It connects people to animals, to place, and to purpose. Through these colourful murals, the city highlights environmental issues, celebrates biodiversity, and reminds us of the wild world just beyond the concrete.

Whether you’re a street art fanatic or just someone who appreciates a good stroll with a side of inspiration, Bedminster delivers.

So, next time you’re in Bristol, look up, look down and look around corners. The city’s wild side might just be watching you.