Stuck delivery drivers, crampon-studded shoes, and sideways-parking – life on England’s steepest street requires some skill – but locals say it’s ‘fine most of the time’
Don’t forget to put the handbrake on if you’re parking on this insanely steep street – or risk seeing your car plunge to the bottom of the road.
Locals living in Totterdown, Bristol, must have calves of steel, particularly those living on Vale Street – which was crowned the steepest in England back in 2019. In fact, the street is so steep there are stairs on either side to help pedestrians clamber up.
Luckily, the street isn’t a long one – measuring in at just 0.2km. However, according to reports, it has a staggering elevation of 17m and an average gradient slope of 22 degrees. The huge incline means you’ll have to scurry outside in your pyjamas and traipse to the end of the road just to collect your Friday night takeaway. It’s also a complete nightmare for delivery drivers and those who haven’t quite mastered the art of parking sideways yet.
Despite the clear downside to living on Vale Street, residents appear to have acclimatised. “It’s fine most of the time. It’s the winter that is the hardest part,” says resident Appleby-Tyler, an artist who has lived on the street for more than a decade.
“It gets very slippery so we have to wear crampons if we want to leave the house. They’re like studs you can add to your shoes,” he told Yahoo News back in 2023. “Deliveries can be tricky. When we got a new washing machine we had to go and collect it and bring it down.”
The street’s unusual claim to fame has, however, made it the perfect place to host unique events such as an egg-rolling contest on Easter Sunday – which sees dozens of boiled eggs race their way down the steep street. Residents also don’t have to compete for free parking spaces, which is somewhat of a rarity in Bristol, due to many motorists not being brave enough to try and rev up the hill.
“Home to (apparently) the steepest hill in the UK, Totterdown makes no apologies for its inclines, but it’s easy to forgive when you consider what’s on offer here,” explains Boardwalk Estate Agents, which operates in the area. “Thriving local businesses, colourful Victorian terraces, and a real family-feel to the suburb, all make for very comfortable living in Totterdown, Bristol. “
If your budget doesn’t stretch to San Fransisco – a city also renowned for its crazy steep streets – you can travel a much more manageable 119 miles from London to Vale Street. The journey takes around three hours, but can be slashed down to under two and a half hours if you take the train and bus. Direct trains to Bristol cost as little as £38.50, depending on your flexibility.
*Prices based on Trainline listings at the time of writing.
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