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:

Bristol Christmas Market

Nov 14, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025

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

Nov 14, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025

Bristol Pride x Martin Parr at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025

Legendary photographer Martin Parr teams up with Bristol Pride and Bristol Museums to showcase a…

Bristol Pride x Martin Parr at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025

Mamma Mia at the Bristol Hippodrome

The Bristol Hippodrome
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025

The new UK tour of Mamma Mia!, the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical…

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

Nov 14, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

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

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

Nov 14, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

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

Nov 14, 2025 - 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

Nov 14, 2025 - Apr 26, 2026

Christmas holidays at We The Curious

Nov 20, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026

Enjoy a day of curiosity with a festive twist at We The Curious, with over 200 exhibits and plenty…

Nov 20, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026

Planetarium Nights at We The Curious

Nov 20, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025

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

Nov 20, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025

After Hours at Wake the Tiger

Wake The Tiger
Nov 21, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025

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

Nov 21, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025

Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole

Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025

This December, you're invited to get into the spirit of Christmas with Santa and his elves at…

Nov 22, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025

Beneath the Waves at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Nov 27, 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

Nov 27, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

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

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

Nov 29, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026

Join the festive trail to find the giant presents across the zoo, solve the riddles and match them…

Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

Nov 29, 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 see Santa in Bristol this Christmas

8 min read

He's making a list, he's checking it twice; he's gonna find out who's naughty or…

Christmas

24 Festive things to do in Bristol

16 min read

Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, enchanting light trails, festive events and experiences, not…

Christmas

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the National Trust around Bristol

3 min read

As the festive season approaches, two of the National Trust’s most loved places near Bristol…

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

Food and Drink

Bristol's best Sunday roasts

11 min read

You’re never too far from a great Sunday roast in Bristol. Bristol has an eclectic mix of…

Christmas

Where to go for Christmas Day lunch in Bristol

6 min read

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

Where to go for Christmas Day lunch in Bristol

Historic and Heritage

Itinerary: Take a dark tour of Bristol

14 min read

Local author of the Weird Bristol history books, Charlie Revelle-Smith, takes us on his personal…

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…

Historic and Heritage

Itinerary: 4 spooky places to discover in Bristol

9 min read

Bristol is a city bustling with strange stories and mysterious tales – built on a history…

Itinerary: 4 spooky places to discover in Bristol

About Bristol

11 of the most haunted places in Bristol

6 min read

As Halloween is fast-approaching, it’s got us in the mood for goose bump-inducing tales of…

11 of the most haunted places in Bristol

Events

Review: The Book of Mormon at Bristol Hippodrome

3 min read

Find out what Laura from the Visit Bristol team thought of The Book of Mormon, which is lighting up…

Review: The Book of Mormon at Bristol Hippodrome

Food and Drink

The food lover's guide to Bristol

15 min read

Bristol is known for its fabulous food scene, from sizzling street food markets to glamorous…

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!