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.

Beaches & seaside towns near Bristol

Bristol is only a few miles from the coast, so if you're looking for places to enjoy…

Experiences

Bristol is a city of unique experiences, find out more about them.

Tour group in Queen Square - credit AFT Bristol

Go alfresco

From outdoor gardens in country pubs to the waterfront restaurants along the floating…

Friends drinking cocktails and wine on the terrace at Harbour House in the Redcliffe area of Bristol - credit Harbour House

Dynamic Variation:

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

M Shed
Jul 22, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026

Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol Major new exhibition comes to M Shed…

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

Jul 22, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026

Mini-museum hunt! 50 years of Aardman at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Jul 22, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026

Mini Aardman treasures have been hidden around the museum - how many can you find? A little bit of…

Mini-museum hunt! 50 years of Aardman at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Jul 22, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026

Summer takes off at Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol
Jul 22, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026

This summer, enjoy giant outdoor lawn games, an interactive marble run and the chance to see the…

Jul 22, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026

Feast On

Jul 23, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

Experience the best of Bristol as top restaurants and traders showcase their signature dishes. From…

Jul 23, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

Mendip Mini Fest: Daisy Chapman and Supervision at Mendip Basecamp

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

From Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July, enjoy live music from local singer-songwriter Daisy…

Mendip Mini Fest: Daisy Chapman and Supervision at Mendip Basecamp

Jul 24, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026

After Hours at Wake the Tiger

Wake The Tiger
Jul 31, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026

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

Jul 31, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026

Mendip Mini Fest: Sam Evans and Aardvarks at Mendip Basecamp

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026

On Friday 31 July, South West-based Sam Evans will bring uplifting soul, folk, and pop sounds…

Mendip Mini Fest: Sam Evans and Aardvarks at Mendip Basecamp

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026

Dome Club Planetarium at Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol
Aug 1, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

Go on an adventure this summer inside a 360° immersive digital dome. Choose your experience and…

Dome Club Planetarium at Aerospace Bristol

Aug 1, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

BBC Proms 2026 at Bristol Beacon

Bristol Beacon
Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026

Bristol Beacon will host the BBC Proms for a third residency this August, with six concerts taking…

Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026

Bristol Balloon Fiesta SUP Yoga Paddle with SUP Bristol

Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026

On the 7th, 8th, and 9th August, celebrate the Bristol Balloon Fiesta with a truly unique…

Bristol Balloon Fiesta SUP Yoga Paddle with SUP Bristol

Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Ashton Court Estate
Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in…

Aug 7, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026

SUP the Avon Gorge with SUP Bristol

Aug 8, 2026 - Aug 8, 2026

Discover Bristol from a completely new perspective on this guided paddleboarding adventure through…

Aug 8, 2026 - Aug 8, 2026

Dynamic Variation:

Things To Do

6 top tips for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

6 min read

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most popular and striking outdoor events on the…

6 top tips for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Food and Drink

10 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

6 min read

If West Country fodder is calling you, and you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the…

10 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

Things To Do

Tree Tops Adventure Bristol: An unforgettable outdoor adventure for all ages

1 min read

If you’re looking for exciting outdoor activities for kids in Bristol, something different to…

Tree Tops Adventure Bristol: An unforgettable outdoor adventure for all ages

Family

7 reasons to visit We The Curious this summer

4 min read

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

7 reasons to visit We The Curious this summer

Accommodation

Holiday parks and campsites near Bristol

6 min read

Summer is the perfect time for a break outside of the city, whether you opt to stay on site at a…

Holiday parks and campsites near Bristol

Things To Do

Fun things to do with teenagers in Bristol

14 min read

Worried about keeping teenagers entertained during a visit to Bristol? Don’t be!…

Fun things to do with teenagers in Bristol

Sports and Active

Outdoor swimming pools and splash parks in Bristol

6 min read

Make the most of warmer days and cool off at these alfresco swimming spots, from Bristol Harbourside…

Outdoor swimming pools and splash parks in Bristol

Things To Do

8 ways to make the most of #SummerInBristol

14 min read

Bristol is a city made for summer. From soaring hot air balloons to bustling Harbourside festivals…

8 ways to make the most of #SummerInBristol

Food and Drink

10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

4 min read

When the temperature rises in the city, it’s hard to beat a rooftop bar for an awesome view…

Things To Do

Where to watch the World Cup in Bristol

13 min read

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday 11 June, with 48 teams taking part in a total of 104…

Summer

Ships and Giggles: A summer of games and adventures at Bristol Dockyards

2 min read

Looking for the ultimate family day out this summer? Bristol Dockyards – home of the…

Ships and Giggles: A summer of games and adventures at Bristol Dockyards

Family

Magical summer adventures at Wookey Hole - with 20% off!

2 min read

Looking for a great-value family day out this summer? Around 40 minutes’ drive from Bristol…

Magical summer adventures at Wookey Hole - with 20% off!

The Official Guide to Bristol

Welcome to Bristol! Take a trip around some city highlights with our video guide...

Visit Bristol - The official tourist guide to Bristol

Exploring Bristol for the First Time - The Magic Geekdom

From iconic places like Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain museum to unique…

Exploring Bristol for the First Time (Not What We Expected)

24 Best Things to do in Bristol - The Intrepid Guide

From Banksy to bridges, markets to museums, and churches to castles, this Bristol city guide shows…

How to spend 24 hours in Bristol - Steph and Pete

A family-friendly guide to the city, with some top food picks and activities.

Bristol Narrated Walking Tour

This walk around the city takes in many local landmarks, including the Wills Memorial Building…

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

Film and TV

Stay on a film set: overnight at Bristol filming locations

7 min read

Did you know that Bristol is a UNESCO Creative City of Film? This permanent status…

Stay on a film set: overnight at Bristol filming locations

Film and TV

Rivals season 2 filming locations in Bristol

5 min read

The eagerly-awaited second series of this steamy adaptation of Jilly Cooper's…

Rivals season 2 filming locations in Bristol

Film and TV

Discover Rivals season 1 filming locations in Bristol

6 min read

The hotly-anticipated new television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's steamy 1988…

Discover Rivals season 1 filming locations in Bristol

Film and TV

Bristol film & TV filming locations

20 min read

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

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!