Through Bristol Themed Walks, Anastasia creates welcoming, community-focused walking experiences that explore Bristol’s social history and the people who shaped it.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Anastasia, and I’ve been living in Bristol for the past five years. Moving between cities and countries has been a big part of my life, so I know what it feels like to arrive somewhere new and try to find your place.
Wherever I lived, I was always drawn to local history, hidden stories, and urban legends. At some point, I realised I wanted to share that curiosity with others, especially people who might also be new to Bristol or looking for connection.
“My walks are not just historical tours; they’re also social experiences where people can explore the city together, meet others, and hopefully feel a little more at home here.”
What’s your involvement in Bristol Walk Fest?
This year, I hosted a Women’s History in Clifton as part of Bristol Walk Fest, on 10 May.
It was the first tour I created, and I’ve been running it for the past few months. The walk explores stories of remarkable women connected to Clifton—from suffragettes and writers to doctors and local legends—and looks at Bristol through a slightly different lens. I’m really excited to be part of Bristol Walk Fest and to share these stories with even more people this year.
What is your connection to Bristol?
Although I still consider myself relatively new to Bristol, this city has become home to me very quickly. It’s where my family and I have built our life together.
Through my walking tours, I want to give something back to the community that made me feel at home. Alongside the tours, I also help to organise small community projects for Russian-speaking families in Bristol, focused on helping children maintain their heritage language and cultural connection. Those projects are very close to my heart because they’re also about belonging, identity, and creating community.
What’s your favourite place to walk in Bristol?
I’d probably choose two places: Blaise Castle Estate and the Clifton area in general.
Blaise feels special because there’s so much variety in one place. You can have a more challenging walk through hills and woodland paths, follow the stream, or simply enjoy an easy stroll around the museum and open green spaces.
I also love Clifton for a completely different reason. It has such a strong local character, with independent cafés, bookshops, and layers of history hidden in the streets. And because Clifton is so hilly, I often feel like I’ve accidentally done a workout by the end of the walk.
How long have you been walking there and how did you first discover it?
Blaise Castle Estate was one of the first places I discovered after moving to Bristol. I live in North Bristol, saw a huge green area on the map, and immediately wanted to explore it. Since then, I’ve walked there in every season, and it always feels different. One of my favourite routes is the circular walk connecting Blaise to Kings Weston House – it’s such a lovely way to spend a few hours outdoors.
I first discovered Clifton before I even moved here, during a visit to Bristol around 2019. I remember wandering around, having lunch, soaking up the atmosphere, and thinking how beautiful the area felt. At the time, I had no idea I’d eventually live here, so it still feels a bit surreal that this part of the city became home.
Who do you like to walk with and why?
My favourite people to walk with are those who are new to Bristol or still discovering the city. I love seeing familiar places through fresh eyes. People notice different details, ask unexpected questions, and often become curious about stories I hadn’t thought about before. That’s actually one of the reasons I enjoy leading walks so much – it keeps my own curiosity alive.
“Walking together also creates a very natural way for people to connect, especially if they’re new to the area and looking to feel a bit more at home.”
What’s your favourite bit of How do you feel when you’re out for a walk? Does it change your state of mind?
kit?
Absolutely! Walking always helps me feel refreshed and clears my mind. I often get new ideas while I’m walking, especially if I’m on my own listening to a podcast or just observing what’s happening around me.
I also really enjoy walking with other people, whether it’s close friends or people I’ve only just met through my tours. Somehow conversations feel more natural while walking, and we often end up discussing much more meaningful topics. I think being outdoors changes the atmosphere completely. Even a short walk can improve my mood, help me feel calmer, and bring me back into the present moment.
Have you experienced any health benefits from walking?
Yes, absolutely. Walking has helped me a lot with my mental health at different points in my life. During maternity leave especially, walks in parks and woodland areas were one of the main things that helped me stay afloat emotionally while adjusting to life with a newborn. Motherhood can be wonderful, but it can also feel intense and isolating at times, and simply getting outside every day made a huge difference.
Anything else you’d like to say about the benefits walking gives you or those around you?
I really think there’s truth in the idea that getting outside and walking every day helps, even when you don’t feel like it or the weather isn’t great.
I also think walking with other people can really help with feelings of isolation. From my own experience, maternity leave can sometimes feel lonely, and moving to a new country or city can feel the same. Joining a walking group or simply spending time walking and talking with welcoming people can create a real sense of connection and belonging.
What are your walking top tips?
My first tip would be to research your route beforehand, especially if you’re new to a city. I remember when I lived in Birmingham, I loved exploring on foot, but sometimes I accidentally wandered into areas where I didn’t feel particularly safe or comfortable.
What’s your favourite bit of kit?
I probably won’t be very original here, but definitely comfortable shoes. I’d also say headphones or earbuds if I’m going for a longer walk and feel like listening to music or a podcast along the way.
Any books / websites / social media that inspire you? Why?
One of the biggest inspirations for me has been the Women Who Built Bristol series by Jane Duffus. Those books actually inspired me to create my Women’s History in Clifton walk. I’ve always been interested in women’s history and feminism, and reading those stories gave me the push to start something that felt truly my own. At the time, I was in a difficult stage of motherhood where I felt a bit lost in my identity, and these books reminded me how important it is for women to have creative projects and passions of their own.
I also organise some walks in partnership with Socialise Bristol, and I really admire the sense of community they create through social events across the city.
What does Bristol Walk Fest do for the city? Why do you think it’s important?
I think Bristol Walk Fest encourages people to get outside, explore the city and see Bristol from a different perspective. Walking is such a simple thing, but it can have a huge impact – it helps people discover local history.