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:

Christmas experiences

Find something magical to do in Bristol this Christmas

Create your new Christmas tradition - Christmas light trail at Westonbirt Arboretum - CREDIT Visit West

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:

A Festive Voyage: Christmas at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025

Wander through a shimmering sound and light installation in the historic dry dock, step on board to…

A Festive Voyage: Christmas at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025

Beneath the Waves at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Beneath The Waves, a light and sound installation presented by Squidsoup Descend into the historic…

Beneath the Waves at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Bristol Christmas Market

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025

Bristol Christmas Market returns to the city centre from 7 November to 23 December 2025, bringing…

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025

Christmas at Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield
Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

This Christmas, Tyntesfield invites you to step into a festive fairytale with Once Upon a Christmas…

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Experience an Unforgettable Christmas Evening at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum…

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Christmas holidays at We The Curious

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026

Fairytale SOS: A Magical Science Adventure How do you free a genie from a tight squeeze? Or cure a…

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026

Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome

The Bristol Hippodrome
Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome 2025 Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and…

Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Join the Big Gift Hunt! Christmas has come for the animals too! Discover what special treats…

Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Planetarium Nights at We The Curious

Are you ready to open your mind to the incredibly large and impossibly distant? Looking for a unique…

The Last Sprouts at Wake The Tiger

Wake The Tiger
Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026

Step into the SPROUTERverse - a festive parallel world where the humble sprout becomes the unlikely…

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026

Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic

Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026

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

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

It’s the magical family adventure you’re looking for this Christmas! Families can…

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 4, 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

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

Christmas

Christmas carols, concerts and services in Bristol

2 min read

If you’d like to add a touch of the spiritual to your Christmas celebrations, we’ve…

Christmas

The Last Sprouts: The great festive comeback at Wake The Tiger

3 min read

This Christmas, sprouts are making a comeback… and they’re bringing the magic with…

The Last Sprouts: The great festive comeback at Wake The Tiger

Shopping

Support local business with the Love Bristol Gift Card

4 min read

Give the gift of Bristol! The Love Bristol Gift Card can be used at more than 180 businesses across…

Support local business with the Love Bristol Gift Card

Christmas

Travel the season with First Bus

5 min read

Whether you’re coming to Bristol to do your Christmas shopping or for a festive evening with…

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!