If ever there was a city with a story to tell, it’s Bristol.

Enveloped in the hills of South West England, Bristol has developed an inimitable identity and fiercely independent spirit, crafted by its passionate locals.

Dynamic Variation:

26 Things to do in 2026

Make the most of the year with our list of 2025 must-dos, covering everything from…

Winter in Bristol

Whether it snows or not, you’re sure to feel festive in Bristol over winter.

A view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in West Bristol covered in snow, looking towards the Abbots Leigh area - credit Angharad Paull

Dynamic Variation:

Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic

Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Jan 7, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026

Featured in The Guardian’s ‘20 of the Best UK Stage Shows this Christmas’, this…

Jan 7, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61 at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Jan 7, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026

Step into the breathtaking beauty and raw power of nature with Wildlife Photographer of the…

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 61 at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Jan 7, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026

After Hours at Wake the Tiger

Wake The Tiger
Jan 16, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026

Got a mate or a date and looking for something a little different for your next evening…

Jan 16, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026

Sunday Roasts on Board Brunel's SS Great Britain

Jan 18, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

Sunday Roasts in Bristol just got even better! Step aboard the SS Great Britain and enjoy a…

Sunday Roasts on Board Brunel's SS Great Britain

Jan 18, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

Slapstick Festival

Bristol Cathedral
Feb 4, 2026 - Feb 8, 2026

Slapstick Festival, a celebration of silent and classic screen comedy, returns in early…

Feb 4, 2026 - Feb 8, 2026

After Hours: Chemical Romance at We The Curious

This Valentine's weekend, join We The Curious for a unique adults-only evening exploring those…

Bristol Light Festival

Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026

Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks to…

Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026

Lunar New Year 2026 at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Welcome the Year of The Fire Horse! Join our joyful celebration to usher in Lunar New Year, also…

The Greatest Showman: The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome

Mar 15, 2026 - May 10, 2026

Leave what's real behind and be the first to experience the spectacular stage adaptation…

The Greatest Showman: The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome

Mar 15, 2026 - May 10, 2026

Bristol Walk Fest

May 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026

Bristol Walk Fest is an annual festival between 1 - 31 May showcasing the best of Bristol…

May 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026

Badminton Horse Trials 2026

May 6, 2026 - May 10, 2026

The Badminton Horse Trials return from 6 - 10 May 2026. The event is staged within…

May 6, 2026 - May 10, 2026

Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol at M Shed

M Shed
Jun 1, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol Major New Exhibition Launching at M Shed…

Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol at M Shed

Jun 1, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

Dynamic Variation:

Film and TV

The Bristol TV watchlist

10 min read

How many TV shows starring Bristol can you name? As well as shows set in the city…

Film and TV

Itinerary: The Outlaws-themed break in Bristol

7 min read

Stephen Merchant’s comedy thriller The Outlaws was set and filmed in and…

Itinerary: The Outlaws-themed break in Bristol

Film and TV

Bristol film & TV filming locations

19 min read

In celebration of the city's status as a UNESCO City of Film, we take a look at…

Itineraries

Itinerary: the ultimate Skins-themed break in Bristol

12 min read

Set and filmed in and around Bristol, the cult classic teen drama Skins has become…

Itinerary: the ultimate Skins-themed break in Bristol

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Let us choose

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Let us choose

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Let us choose

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Let us choose

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Let us choose

From late availability to money-off discounts, we have a special offer to suit you. Find a saving on your next Bristol break. Whether you're in need of a last-minute getaway or you're simply looking for a saving for your next trip, we have an offer for you. From last-minute trips to early bird…

A group of balloons lifting off in a mass ascent at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit Paul Box

Things To Do

Where to have a digital detox in Bristol

8 min read

We all need time to relax and recharge, and there’s no better place to take some time away…

Where to have a digital detox in Bristol

Things To Do

60 free things to do in Bristol

18 min read

A visit to Bristol doesn’t need to be an expensive one, in fact we’ve got 60 ideas for…

About Bristol

Top books set in Bristol

16 min read

'That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet…

Things To Do

26 Things to do in Bristol in 2026

23 min read

With a seemingly never-ending list of sights to see and experiences to tick off, how can you pack…

Christmas

Where to go for Christmas Day lunch in Bristol

8 min read

Want to take the stress out of the big day? Gather your family or friends and book a table at one of…

Christmas

Christmas light trails in and around Bristol

8 min read

Grab a warm coat and a woolly hat and head out to experience some Christmas magic. Create your own…

Christmas light trails in and around Bristol

Events

Review: Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic

2 min read

Find out what Kathryn from the Visit Bristol team thought of Treasure Island, which is lighting up…

Review: Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic

Outdoors and Nature

Bristol’s best winter walks

6 min read

Crisp air, frost-coated foliage and beautiful views - an invigorating wintry walk is the perfect way…

Food and Drink

Cosy pubs in Bristol

7 min read

When it’s cold or rainy outside, there’s nothing better than finding a comfy corner in…

Christmas

200 intriguing things to do at We The Curious this Christmas

3 min read

A day out at Bristol’s surprising science experience, We The Curious, is the perfect way to…

Things To Do

Top places to propose in Bristol

4 min read

If you're plotting where best to get down on bended knee and pop the question to your beloved…

Shopping

Sustainable and ethical shopping in Bristol

8 min read

Bristol is celebrated for its independent, eco-conscience spirit and has a long association with the…

Sustainable and ethical shopping in Bristol

Want to know what makes Bristol so special? It's more than just boats, bridges and…

About Bristol

Banksy's 'Well Hung Lover' on Park Street, central Bristol

The city of Bristol is made up of a series of districts and areas, each with its own…

Areas of Bristol

A balloon flying over Bristol Harbourside during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta - credit Paul Box

Make the most of your time in Bristol while keeping your trip as sustainable as…

Sustainable Bristol

A canopy of trees in the grounds of Ashton Court Estate near Bristol, credit Paul Box

Before you arrive

So you’re planning a trip to Bristol? Or maybe you
are already here?

Either way, we want to make your visit to our city as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this section you’ll find all the important information that you might need when visiting.

Perhaps you want to know more about the different areas of Bristol? Take a look at a map of Bristol? Or how to get here and get around? Browse the articles and pages here to help you plan your visit.

As a visitor to Bristol, you are in the right place to find out about the best things to see and do in the city and its surrounding area. Let us help you with anything you’re unsure about and make your break the best it can be!