Things to do near Locksbrook campus
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Your Locksbrook Starter Pack: What’s Good Within 10 Minutes of Campus
Monday, 8 September, 2025Welcome to Locksbrook, where your studio backs onto a river, and your next snack/coffee/creative spark is never more than a 10-minute wander away. Whether you’re here to sketch, snack, thrift or just survive the week, we’ve compiled your no-fuss guide to what’s good just outside the studio doors.
The essentials
Need to stock the fridge without draining your loan? Lidl (a.k.a. your new best friend) is just across the river, perfect for budget-friendly hauls and pastry pit stops. A short walk lands you on the charming Chelsea Road - think charity shops, Chelsea Road Deli, and a trusty Co-op for those last-minute dinners. Coming in from town? There’s a Tesco Express 5 minutes away for a speedy grab-and-go.
Coffee lovers, assemble
We’ve got options. Head to 8e Chelsea Road for smooth coffee and minimalist interiors, it’s the calm you need mid-deadline panic. Around the corner, Rooted Café is packed with plants, good vibes, and even better lunches (shoutout to the vegan sausage roll). Down by the river, The Den is your go-to for laptop days and chill catchups. And here’s a hidden gem: some mornings, Pick Me Up Coffee parks on the cycle path like a caffeine fairy. Blink and you’ll miss it, but your morning will thank you.
Feeling peckish? Let’s talk lunch
Mai Thai delivers big flavour and zero fuss ideal for an after-uni mood boost. Parsons Bakery has the flakiest sausage rolls in town, while Golden Moments is your spicy comfort food fix. Take a scenic riverside stroll to discover Basil’s Bakery, a dreamy, tucked-away gem where the Greek gyros are the stuff of legend (especially on Tuesdays).
Need a break from it all?
The River Avon towpath runs right behind campus, it is perfect for head-clearing walks, golden-hour cycles, or riverbank daydreaming. Stretch your legs a little further and you’ll hit Royal Victoria Park, with space to draw, lounge, or play a spontaneous game of frisbee.
And for that post-studio pint?
Electric Bear Brewing Co. is a local gem for craft beer and Friday night pizza. Want something more classic? Stroll down the river to The Locksbrook Inn, a student staple with a leafy garden, perfect for sunset hangs and legendary Sunday roasts.
Whether you’re finding your feet or just hunting down the best croissant, trust us - everything you need is right here. Welcome to your new creative stomping ground.