Jun 2026
A vibrant new pocket guide celebrating Bristol’s creativity, station murals and car-free adventures is launched during Community Rail Week
Download printable version SCR_ArtMap_Artwork_ FINAL COPY
The guide builds on Bristol’s recognition as the only UK destination featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 for street art, giving the city’s creative reputation an international boost and helping attract even more visitors. Bedminster station was selected for the launch because it offers a striking welcome to the area, with artwork by Lucas Antics, Paul Monsters and Bill Guilding, and serves as a gateway to Upfest, Europe’s largest street art festival, in the heart of Bristol’s creative quarter.
Developed by Severnside Community Rail Partnership with support from the Great Western Railway (GWR) Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and Community Rail Network, the guide shows how to explore Bristol’s creativity—from iconic artworks and station murals to hidden gems across the city and beyond—by rail, bus and Bristol Community Ferry Boats, helping people enjoy creative days out while supporting local communities and businesses.
The launch coincides with Community Rail Week, an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the vital role community rail plays in fostering inclusion, strengthening local connections and breaking down barriers to travel. The week highlights how community rail partnerships and station groups work with local people to create welcoming, accessible, and vibrant places that reflect the communities they serve. The Art on Route guide shows how Community Rail can bring partners and supporters together to celebrate Bristol’s international reputation, showcase the city’s vibrant creativity, and highlight the role sustainable transport can play in helping people experience it.
Heather Cullimore, Severnside Community Rail Partnership Manager said: “Bristol’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 is a brilliant endorsement of the city’s creativity and energy. We created this guide to help people explore beyond the city centre by public transport, connecting iconic creativity with community projects, station murals and inspiring places across the wider area. Launching it during Community Rail Week is a great way to celebrate how rail can connect people with local culture, creativity and community.”
GWR Senior Community Impact Manager Emma Morris said: “Community Rail Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate how rail connects people with the places, culture and experiences that make the communities we serve so special. We are thrilled to support this new pocket guide, which is a brilliant example of that connection in action. “By highlighting station murals, local artists and lesser-known spots, it supports communities and businesses, inspires exploration, and helps more people experience everything the Great Western network has to offer.”
Susie Bowers, Visit West PR Manager said: “Bristol is world-famous for its street art which attracts UK and international visitors all year round to our ever-changing outdoor gallery. We are delighted to see Severnside Community Rail produce this guide, helping both locals and visitors discover incredible artworks across the region, including many murals beyond the well-known street art hotspots. By encouraging people to explore these locations by rail, the guide celebrates creativity, accessibility and sustainable travel and will no doubt contribute to people discovering new areas and businesses, supporting the local visitor economy.”
Gary Shipp, Community Rail Network Projects Development Manager said: “Community Rail Week’s theme of Journeys for All celebrates the partnerships that make travel more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. The Art On Route guide is a brilliant example of community rail in action, helping more people explore Bristol’s culture and creativity by sustainable transport while supporting local communities and businesses.”
