Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

Review of the Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

If you’re a fan of the iconic British TV comedy Only Fools and Horses, this Bristol-based tour offers a delightful way to see the city through a familiar lens. For around $48, you’ll hop onto a comfortable, air-conditioned coach that whisks you through more than ten filming locations linked to the series. With excellent guides like Andy, praised for their friendliness and knowledge, the tour balances entertainment and insight, making it a worthwhile outing—even if you’re just mildly curious about the show.

What I particularly like about this tour is how it combines sightseeing with a nostalgic journey, allowing fans to re-live classic scenes firsthand—such as the famous bar where Del Boy and Rodney “fell through.” The chance to put on Batman and Robin costumes for a re-enactment adds a playful element that’s great for photos and giggles. Plus, the tour’s lasting about three and a half hours means you stay well engaged without feeling rushed, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Bristol more or relax.

One small consideration is that finding the meet-up point can be tricky for those unfamiliar with Bristol, with some reviews mentioning vague directions. Also, on very hot days, there’s little opportunity for food or drinks during the tour, so plan accordingly. Yet, with the compact group size (max 36 travelers) and lively commentary, the overall experience strikes a good balance of entertainment, convenience, and value.

Key Points

• Authentic filming locations bring TV scenes to life right before your eyes.
• Engaging guides like Andy enrich the tour with behind-the-scenes stories and patience.
• Short but immersive—lasting around three and a half hours—leaves plenty of time for other activities.
• Photo opportunities are plentiful, including re-enacting scenes in exact spots.
• Value for money is high, especially considering the included storytelling and fun costumes.
• Practical tips: confirm meet-up details and bring water, especially on hot days.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Bristol Temple Meads Station

The tour kicks off at the Bristol Temple Meads Station, a central and easily accessible location. The station itself acts as a familiar landmark and convenient starting point, making meet-up straightforward for most travelers. According to reviews, some folks found the directions could be clearer, so arriving a little early to confirm the meeting spot might save you some hassle. The tour officially begins at 1:00 pm, just after lunch, which is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, post-lunch activity.

Traveling through Bristol: The Coach Ride

Once on board the air-conditioned bus, your guide—likely Andy—begins sharing fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits. Expect lively commentary about how some scenes were filmed and anecdotes about the actors. The small group size (max 36 people) ensures everyone can hear and participate, making it feel more like a local excursion than a tourist herd.

The route itself provides a refreshing way to see Bristol, with stops at over ten locations tied to the series. Among these is the exterior of the Yuppie Love wine bar, the backdrop for many scenes, and the house of Boycie and Marlene, iconic characters loved by fans. There’s also a poignant moment at the site of Rodney’s photo development scene from the final episode—an emotional nod to long-time viewers.

Key Highlights and Photo Stops

The highlight for many is the chance to re-enact the “Falling through the bar” scene where Del Boy and Rodney chase off muggers. The tour offers costumes of Batman and Robin for the occasion, and you’ll stand in the very spot where the magic was filmed. Several reviews mention how delighted participants are to “live the TV moment,” with some even taking multiple photos to capture the memory.

Another favorite stop is Sid’s Cafe, a local spot that fans will recognize from the show. Though the interior scenes were shot in a London studio, the exterior shots give a genuine Bristol flavor. Seeing the Nelson Mandela House garage and Boycie’s house makes it easy to visualize the characters’ lives, deepening your connection to the series.

The Sum Up of the Tour

The tour ends back at Bristol Temple Meads after approximately three hours and thirty minutes. Many reviewers appreciate that the schedule is tightly run without feeling rushed, and the driver is often praised for being friendly and accommodating. While some mention that the directions for meet-up could be clearer, the overall experience tends to leave fans satisfied and more connected to the show’s Bristol roots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for dedicated fans of Only Fools and Horses who want to see the actual locations and hear fun behind-the-scenes stories. It’s also appealing for families or groups wanting a light-hearted, interactive outing that combines sightseeing with comedy history. However, those with limited mobility might want to consider the physical demands of the bus route and stops. It’s a moderate-paced tour that’s suitable for most, but the focus on TV fans means it might feel a little niche to those unfamiliar with the series.

Final Word

This Only Fools and Horses tour offers a good dose of nostalgia, humor, and Bristol sightseeing in one package. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness, coupled with the chance for memorable photos and re-enactments, make it a standout for fans wanting to connect with the show at a deeper level. For just under fifty dollars, you get a half-day of fun, story-telling, and location-hopping, making it a solid value within the Bristol tourism scene.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy TV-based travel experiences, are fans of the series, or simply want a relaxed, guided city tour with a quirky twist. If you’re visiting Bristol with a sense of humor and curiosity, this is an easy, entertaining choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially if they’re fans of Only Fools and Horses. The interactive scene re-enactments and humor are family-friendly, but check with the tour provider if you have very young kids to ensure the pacing is comfortable.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day activity that leaves the rest of your day free for other pursuits.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bristol Temple Meads Station and concludes there as well, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While the data indicates a moderate physical level is recommended, specific accessibility details aren’t provided. It’s best to contact the tour provider directly to clarify.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided bus tour, with live commentary, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the fun opportunity to dress up for re-enactments. Tips are optional.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing you flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, this Only Fools and Horses Bristol tour offers a lively, personable look into the beloved series’ filming locations. It’s an ideal outing for fans looking to connect TV scenes with real places, and for those who appreciate good guides and a touch of humor along the way. The experience combines sightseeing, storytelling, and light-hearted fun—making it a memorable addition to a Bristol itinerary.