Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

If you’re a fan of the classic British comedy Only Fools and Horses, this tour offers a fun way to see Bristol while reliving some of the show’s most iconic moments. Although we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews suggest it’s quite a hit—especially among dedicated fans. It’s a half-day adventure packed with visits to filming locations, some light re-enactments, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from guides who know their stuff.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines sightseeing with a dose of nostalgia. It’s a chance to see Bristol from a different angle, visiting more than 10 spots that appeared in the show. Plus, the tour is well-paced at around 3.5 hours, making it easy to slot into a day without feeling rushed. On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned that directions for the meeting point could be clearer, and the bus journey sometimes feels a bit repetitive.

This tour is a solid pick for die-hard Only Fools and Horses fans or TV buffs who want a new perspective on Bristol. If you enjoy TV history, character re-enactments, and don’t mind a guided bus ride, you’ll likely find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Engaging for Fans: Perfect for those who love Only Fools and Horses and want to see filming locations.
• Informative Guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides provide behind-the-scenes stories.
• Flexible Timing: A half-day tour that leaves you free for other activities in Bristol.
• Accessible: Conducted via air-conditioned bus with live commentary, making it comfortable and informative.
• Good Value: At around $48, it offers a decent experience for TV fans and sightseeing.
• Location Variety: More than 10 different spots, including Boycie’s house, Sid’s Café, and Nelson Mandela house.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point at Bristol Temple Meads Station

The tour kicks off at Bristol Temple Meads Station, which is a well-known transport hub. This makes it easy to access for most travelers arriving by train or public transit. The station itself is a historic site, adding a little extra charm to the beginning of your adventure. The tour starts at 1:00 pm, giving you a leisurely afternoon to enjoy.

The Itinerary and Filming Locations

The main event takes you on a bus tour through Bristol, visiting more than 10 locations from the show. What makes this part special is the chance to see some famous exterior shots—like Sid’s Café, where many comedic scenes took place, and Boycie’s house, which gets a quick photo stop. Several reviews highlight this part as a highlight; one reviewer notes, “Seeing places we didn’t even know were filmed in Bristol was a real eye-opener,” emphasizing how the tour reveals lesser-known filming spots.

A memorable moment is the re-enactment of the Batman and Robin scene, where you’re invited to don costumes and recreate the famous run through the street. It’s a fun, interactive addition that fans especially appreciate. It’s worth noting that the interior scenes—like the bar Del visits—were actually filmed in a London studio, so this tour concentrates on those recognizable exterior locations.

Visiting the Iconic Homes and Studios

One of the most touching stops is Boycie and Marlene’s home, which has become a fan favorite for its authenticity and the chance for a quick photo. The Nelson Mandela house and its garages are also included, giving a glimpse into the show’s familiar neighborhood. Fans have especially loved these stops—“Guide was full of information and didn’t hurry us at all,” shares a reviewer—highlighting how the tour balances sightseeing with enough time for photos and absorbing the scenery.

Sid’s Café and Other Local Spots

Sid’s Café is a must-see, and the tour allows you a moment to soak in the atmosphere, even if the interior scenes were shot elsewhere. The guide provides background stories, adding context that fans find enriching. The tour also visits the location where the infamous ‘falling through the bar’ scene was shot, which is one of the most iconic moments from the series.

The Transportation and Group Size

Transport is via an air-conditioned coach, which is comfortable even on hotter days. The group size is limited to 36 people, so it still feels intimate enough for questions or quick chats with the guide. Several reviews praise the guides for being friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging—one said, “Andy took photos with everyone’s phone and was very patient,” which is a good sign if you want a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The Overall Experience

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including stops and travel time. It’s a manageable length for most, with enough material for devoted fans but not so long as to be tiring. The tour is well-organized—“Thanks to Andy and the team! We had a great tour,” says a reviewer—and the bus journey offers plenty of background stories, making the trip both fun and educational.

Practical Considerations

The price point of around $48 is reasonable considering the amount of nostalgia and sightseeing you get. It includes live commentary from a professional guide and transport, which adds value. Keep in mind, gratuities are optional, and the meeting point, while near public transit, could be clearer according to some travelers.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited to serious Only Fools and Horses fans, given the focus on filming locations and series-specific details. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun way to explore Bristol while indulging your TV obsession, this tour hits the right notes. It’s also a good option if you enjoy guided bus tours, storytelling, and some light re-enactments. While not specifically tailored for children, families with older kids interested in TV history should find it entertaining.

Those who prefer more varied or historic tours might find it a bit narrow in focus, but for the right crowd, it’s a delightful slice of British comedy history.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a dedicated Only Fools and Horses fan or even just a casual viewer curious about the show’s filming locations, this tour offers a fun, informative way to spend part of your day in Bristol. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience both engaging and personable. The stops are well-chosen, giving you a good mix of recognizable spots and lesser-known gems.

The price is reasonable for what you get—mainly a guided sightseeing bus ride filled with behind-the-scenes stories, photo opportunities, and a chance to re-enact some of the show’s funniest moments. It’s particularly rewarding if you want to indulge in nostalgia and see Bristol from a TV lens.

However, be aware that directions to the meeting point could be clearer, and the tour might feel a little repetitive if you’ve already seen many filming locations. Still, for the passionate fan, this tour tends to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older children interested in the show might enjoy the re-enactments and photo stops. The tour is mostly outdoor and bus-based, so it’s manageable with kids who can sit comfortably for a few hours.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including travel and stops. This makes it a manageable half-day activity, leaving plenty of time for other Bristol explorations.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation on an air-conditioned vehicle, live commentary from a professional guide, and the chance to see over 10 filming locations. Gratuities are optional.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Bristol Temple Meads Station at 1:00 pm and ends back there, so it’s easy to plan around public transportation.

Are the filming spots all exterior locations?
Yes, the tour focuses on exterior locations from the show. Interior scenes, like the bar, were filmed in London studios.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely, and guides are friendly about helping with photos. Some reviews mention guides taking photos with phones and being very patient.

What if I’m not familiar with the show?
While the tour might be more enjoyable for fans, casual viewers can still appreciate the sightseeing and Bristol scenery. However, some details and re-enactments might be less meaningful without prior knowledge.

In the end, this Only Fools and Horses tour offers a fun, nostalgic glimpse into the series’ filming locations and Bristol’s TV history. If you’re a fan, it’s likely to be a highlight of your Bristol trip. For the TV-curious or casual sightseeing fan, it’s a charming, light-hearted experience worth considering—just keep your expectations realistic and enjoy the humor and scenery along the way.