Let’s talk running & toilets – BRISTOL
I was out for a long run yesterday when reality hit: I needed the loo. We’ve all been there. You can have the perfect long-run plan – route mapped, gels packed, hydration almost on point – but if your gut has other ideas, none of that matters. Because when a runner needs a toilet, they need a toilet. And ideally, not one that involves hedges, awkward eye contact with dog walkers, or desperate prayers that no one comes around the corner.
So, I popped into a pub and politely asked to use the loo. The answer? A firm no – facilities were for customers only. However, I was given the option to pay 50p, either in cash or by contactless. Now, just because I’m a running nerd doesn’t mean I always practise what I preach, and (out of character for me), I’d left the house with neither cash nor card. Error.
In a mild panic, I hurried to Spike Island, where – thankfully – they let me use their loo. Crisis averted.
But it got me thinking: if, like me, you’re caught short and can’t pay for a toilet, what are your options?
The Struggle is Real
For women, finding a loo can be even trickier. Hormones, hydration, and the impact of running itself all play a role in when nature calls. And let’s be honest – Bristol isn’t exactly bursting (pun intended) with classic public toilets. Many have vanished over the years, leaving runners (and everyone else) facing a bit of a dilemma.
The Good News: The Community Toilet Scheme
Luckily, Bristol City Council has stepped up with the Community Toilet Scheme – essentially a list of businesses that let the public (sweaty runners included) use their loos. No purchase necessary. Just good old-fashioned human kindness and a well-timed pee stop.
Where to Find a Loo in Bristol
Here are some of the best city-centre options for mid-run emergencies:
Bristol Central Library (Deanery Road, BS1 5TL) – free toilets, accessible facilities, and a chance to feel intellectual for 30 seconds before sprinting back out.
Cabot Circus (Glass House, Broadmead, BS1 3BX) – toilets on the lower ground floor and Floor 3. Bonus: an excuse to window-shop sweaty and victorious.
Spike Island (Cumberland Road) – a great place to grab a mid-run coffee, too!
The Galleries (25 Union Gallery, Broadmead, BS1 3XD) – a classic, reliable spot, soon to be lost so use it while you can!
Watershed (1 Cannons Road, Harbourside, BS1 5TX) – great for a scenic Harbourside pit stop and quick browse of Bristol’s best film offering.
There are hundreds of places on the full list – just another reason why Bristol is a very special place. And there’s an interactive toilet map, too.
The Future of Public Loos
In February 2025, a campaign called Legalise Loos launched, aiming to make public toilets a legal requirement for central and local governments. Because, frankly, everyone deserves access to a toilet – runners, tourists, parents, everyone.
Your Turn: Share Your Best (or Worst) Toilet Stops!
Bristol runners, where do you dash when nature calls? Have you got a secret loo spot that’s saved your long run? Or, conversely, a horror story involving a locked door and sheer panic? Let’s swap tips and make sure we all stay comfortable, hydrated, and not desperately scanning for bushes.
And remember – if you use a business’s toilet, a simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. Even better, consider popping back another time to support them.
Happy running, and may your loo stops be perfectly timed!
P.S. London Marathon has toilets every mile. YAY.
