Features / Photography

23 photos of lockdown in Bristol

By Lowie Trevena  Thursday Apr 23, 2020

Simon Holliday normally works as an events photographer but, since the coronavirus pandemic began, he’s been taking photos of Bristol’s reaction to the crisis.

After photographing Asda in Bedminster just before lockdown, he decided to take photos throughout lockdown Bristol as the enforced shutdown of the country began, from March 27 to April 9.

“These photos were all shot during hours which would normally be busy, most of them in the early evening between 6pm and 8pm,” says the 44-year-old, who lives in the city centre.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

“There’s a certain odd beauty to the shapes and architecture of some of these spaces which it’s easier to appreciate without traffic and people. I’d never previously considered enjoying the sunset from the Lawrence Hill roundabout, but I look forward to doing so again!

“I’ve found that Bristol on the whole has respected the lockdown and stayed safe. Although the traffic seems to be gradually coming back, it still feels like the Bristol streets are owned by seagulls, pigeons and joggers.

“I miss the live music scene immensely, it was a big part of my life and hopefully it will be again soon. On the plus side, my flat is really tidy now.”

Park Street. Photo: Simon Holliday

Looking towards Mud Dock. Photo: Simon Holliday

The city centre and harbourside. Photo: Simon Holliday

St Nick’s Market. Photo: Simon Holliday

Bristol Bus Station. Photo: Simon Holliday

We The Curious. Photo: Simon Holliday

Brandon Hill. Photo: Simon Holliday

The River Avon. Photo: Simon Holliday

Broadmead. Photo: Simon Holliday

A homeless person sleeps on Pero’s Bridge. Photo: Simon Holliday

A lone paddleboarder in the Cumberland Basin. Photo: Simon Holliday

Empty bike stands in Castle Park. Photo: Simon Holliday

Castle Park. Photo: Simon Holliday

The M32, coming into Bristol’s city centre. Photo: Simon Holliday

King Street. Photo: Simon Holliday

Temple Meads. Photo: Simon Holliday

An empty park in east Bristol. Photo: Simon Holliday

The city centre, looking towards Wine Street. Photo: Simon Holliday

Clifton Suspension Bridge. Photo: Simon Holliday

An aerial shot of the River Avon. Photo: Simon Holliday

The Horsefair. Photo: Simon Holliday

Outside Cabot Circus. Photo: Simon Holliday

Lawrence Hill roundabout. Photo: Simon Holliday

See more of Simon’s work at www.simonholliday.com

All photos: Simon Holliday

Read more: 15 photos of Asda in Bedminster just before lockdown

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning