Bristol Attractions

Attractions in Bristol are all about the 'Bs': we have Brunel, boats, bridges, bikes and beautiful countryside. Everywhere you turn there is something spectacular to see and do in Bristol. The city has a fascinating past, and our historical and heritage sites, such as Bristol Cathedral and the Lord Mayor's Chapel, are not to be missed. If you're looking for things to do with the family, we guarantee that Bristol will let the children run off some steam with so many fun activities on offer.

The city has a fascinating maritime history, and the association with water flows through the Floating Harbour, where some of the best preserved boats in the country can be found. The grand SS Great Britain, designed and built by notable Briton Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is a sight to behold. Go below decks, or climb the rigging like a sailor in the 1800s; this wonderfully restored vessel offers hours of entertainment. 

Sail out of the harbour on The Matthew, a replica of the very same ship that John Cabot discovered North America on in 1497. M Shed is a modern museum documenting the history of Bristol, transforming the old transit shed on the harbour. There are also many free days out in Bristol that await you. 

Not to be missed is the most famous of Brunel's masterpieces, the Clifton Suspension Bridge that spans the picturesque Avon Gorge. The Clifton Observatory is a perfect place to get one of the best views of Bristol. We're not going to spoil it for you; go and see it with your own eyes! If you're a film, music or theatre buff, Bristol hosts some world-class performances covering a wide range of genres.

Millennium Square and the Harbourside offer some fantastic, modern Bristol attractions for small and big kids. We The Curious is a hands-on, interactive playground with planetarium and with Bristol Aquarium on the same site, you can easily spend the whole day here. We also recommend taking a boat trip to see Bristol from the water, or checking out the other options for tours and sightseeing around the city.

Prepare for an experience like no other at world-first Amazement Park Wake the Tiger in St Philips, a maze of interactive spaces and mazes, brought to you by the same creative team behind Boomtown Festival. 

In the north of the city you will find Aerospace Bristol, giving you the chance to step on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the iconic Bristol-built supersonic aeroplanes to fly. Nearby is Bristol Zoo Project, a family attraction that provides adventure, play and learning with an emphasis on protecting habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe. You're also within easy reach of inland surfing lake The Wave, as well as plenty of other attractions and activities in South Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.

There's also some amazing attractions close to Bristol such as Wookey Hole Caves, The Grand Pier, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Westonbirt Arboretum, Slimbridge Wetland Centre and Longleat Safari Park. There's so much to discover: check out our full list of things to do in Bristol for more ideas.