Bristol: A city of stories and a tapestry of time

An iconic symbol of Bristol spanning the spectacular Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop to my stories. This masterpiece of engineering offers breathtaking views and a sense of timeless adventure.

This is exactly where Jocelyn drove when her world collapsed in Coming Home. Thankfully, she drove away—otherwise, it would have been a very short book!

You can also experience the city from a unique perspective, just like the children did in Back For Good. Step into a world of wonder at the nearby Clifton Observatory, explore the Camera Obscura and Ghyston's Cave (Vincent's Cave), or brave the famous natural rock slide. It is a truly magical place that captures the very best of Bristol's charm.

Bristol's Harbourside, a vibrant and bustling waterfront, is another key location in my books.

This historic port actually inspired the famous phrase "Shipshape and Bristol Fashion"—a nod to the city's massive tidal range, which required ships to be impeccably maintained to survive taking the mud at low tide. Today, the rivers Avon and Frome meet in the modified, enclosed Floating Harbour. It was given this name because it created a constant, non-tidal water level, allowing ships to remain safely afloat at all times regardless of the sea outside the lock gates.

The area has transformed into a lively modern hub of culture and community, offering a rich tapestry for all walks of life. From its maritime heritage to its contemporary art scene, bustling restaurants, and cultural attractions, the Harbourside provides a dynamic setting for my characters. Visitors can experience the contemporary heart of Bristol at Millennium Square—a bustling public space hosting events and art installations—or explore the waterfront on foot or by the iconic harbour ferry.

In the Coming Home Trilogy, Jocelyn lives in one of the modern apartments that sprung up during the 1990s regeneration and works on a nearby main thoroughfare. As you read her story, you will see her catching the ferry towards Castle Park or taking Lucy out for a meal in Millennium Square. From her apartment window, she can even look out over the water to admire the dry-docked SS Great Britain and watch the replica of John Cabot's The Matthew glide past on its chartered trips.

The Centre of Bristol is where the past and present truly converge, offering a diverse and lively backdrop for my stories. Here, grand historic architecture—a beautiful remnant of Bristol's merchant past—now coexists with a vibrant, modern cityscape filled with an eclectic mix of businesses, bars, and clubs.

Step back in time as you walk through the narrow, winding alleys of the Old Walled City, once the bustling heart of trade and finance. Stop outside the Corn Exchange to see the historic bronze pillars where merchants used to literally "pay on the nail." In the Coming Home Trilogy, the fictional venues St4rs and The Three Graces are heavily inspired by the traditional pubs and clubs tucked away in these very streets. You can even climb the steps up into the Old City to see the exact spot where Jocelyn and Lucy first meet.

Just outside the old city walls lie King Street and Queen Square, areas that were once simple marshland before being developed in the 1650s. Today, King Street is renowned for its historic theatres, traditional alehouses, and a vibrant nightlife that crackles with unique energy. Just a short walk away, Queen Square offers a beautifully preserved Georgian sanctuary, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Queen Square holds a very special place in my heart and features across both the Coming Home Trilogy and The Perfect Blend series. It is where Jocelyn discovers the contents of her Nan’s will, and where Georgina and Catherine visit a solicitor to sign their agreement. In a lovely twist of real life mirroring fiction, both my grandfather and my mother actually worked for solicitors right here in this square!

The surrounding area inspires my other books, too; in Christmas In The Canaries, Maddie and Alison enjoy a pre-theatre meal on King Street before heading off to watch a musical at the iconic Bristol Hippodrome.

College Green, a central open space in Bristol, boasts a history as rich as its verdant landscape. From its origins as part of St Augustine’s Abbey (now Bristol Cathedral) to its modern-day role as a vibrant gathering place for cultural events and peaceful demonstrations, College Green has stood as a silent witness to centuries of Bristol’s evolution.

Steeped in maritime history, Anchor Road and Hotwells Road connect the city centre to the Floating Harbour and the historic SS Great Britain. Once a bustling, gritty thoroughfare for global trade and transport, this area has transformed into a scenic route rich with stories.

Park Street is famous for its steep climb, stunning Georgian architecture, and eclectic mix of independent shops. It is also home to one of Banksy’s most famous early pieces of street art (which, despite being famously defaced over the years, remains a must-see landmark). Perched just behind it atop Brandon Hill is Cabot Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and stands as a proud monument to John Cabot's historic 1497 voyage to North America.

Together, College Green, Park Street, Cabot Tower, the college on Anchor Road, and one of the striking retail buildings on Hotwells Road serve as the primary, real-world settings for the entire Coming Home Trilogy.

Gloucester Road is widely celebrated as one of the longest continuous stretches of independent shops in all of Europe. You can easily spend an entire day and evening exploring, soaking in the independent, vibrant, and famously bohemian spirit that defines the neighborhood. The area is a bustling modern hub of community life, completely packed with artisanal food shops, vintage clothing boutiques, independent beauty salons, and quirky cafes.

When it comes to eating and drinking, you are completely spoilt for choice. The street is a culinary map of wine bars, tapas joints, authentic tandoori restaurants, independent craft micro-pubs, and seafood specialists. As day turns to night, the local venues come alive with free live music, local comedy nights, and pub board game evenings.

The local sports scene thrives right on the doorstep, too. The nearby Gloucestershire County Cricket Club hosts thrilling domestic fixtures and major international matches, while Bristol Rovers F.C. plays their home games just up the road at the Memorial Stadium on Filton Avenue.

For fans of the Coming Home Trilogy, this is the exact neighborhood where Trina lives, and where she and Jocelyn spend long, quiet hours together as their relationship begins to deepen. Take a walk down these busy pavements and you can visit Jocelyn’s favorite football ground, stop for a pint at the local pub, or simply order a coffee, grab a window seat, and picture the real-world inspiration behind The Perfect Blend coffeehouse.