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Bristol Visitor FAQs

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 surrounding area. Let us help you to tailor your break to make it the most brilliant it can be!

Some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive every day are listed below, which we hope will help you to hit the ground running when you arrive. Of course, if you still have any other questions, please get in touch via phone, email or twitter

Where can I get hold of a map?

You can download a free map from our website right here. Many of the hotels will also have maps available at reception.

Where can I get hold of a visitor guide?

You can view and dowload our Official Bristol Visitor Guide. Prefer a physical copy? You'll be able to find the guide at information stands across the city, check shopping centres, hotels and major attraction lobbies.

Where can I find Accessibility Information about Bristol?

Check out our Accessible Bristol page for information regarding your visit, or get inspired by Accessible Places to Stay or Accessible Things to Do.

I’m looking for accommodation…

You can search and book accommodation via our Where to Stay section. Pop in your dates and you can compare prices, check availability and book online through the website. When booking directly with the property via Visit Bristol you support tourism in the city.

Are there any offers or package deals available?

There are often special offers and package deals for accommodation, things to do, tours and food and drink in Bristol. Take a look throught our extensive offers section for all the information.

Where can I find out information about public transport around and to Bristol?

Where can I buy tickets for public transport in Bristol?

We have included information on where to find bus and train routes, park and ride, taxis and ferries, plus links to buy tickets and more on our Public Transport page here. 
 

Where can I park in Bristol? 

Find out more about car parks, where you can park and parking charges on our parking page here.

Where is the coach parking in Bristol?

You can find out more about coach parking and drop off in and around Bristol here. This is also where we will update information about coach parking and drop off are major events such as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival.

What do I need to know about Bristol's Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

Bristol City Council is operating a Clean Air Zone in the city centre area. To find out more and to check if you will need to pay, go to the https://www.bristol.gov.uk/streets-travel/bristol-caz website.

For more information view our page here.

What is there to see and do in Bristol?

Top attractions include:

The following attractions and places of interest are free of charge to visit (although they do welcome donations and paid-for tours are available for a deeper insight):

For more ideas see a full list of things to do, or what's on. See the city from the water with a ride on a Bristol Ferry boat or enjoy a tour aboard one of Bristol Packet's vessels. We recommend checking directly with the attraction you are planning to visit for up-to-date openings and booking information.

How can I get to the Clifton Suspension Bridge?

Clifton Suspension Bridge is about 40 minutes’ walk away from the City Centre, including up a big hill. Alternatively, you can catch a bus (numbers 8/9) which offer a frequent service throughout the day from various stops within the City Centre.

The best place for viewing the bridge is from Observatory Hill, which has plenty of viewpoints for photography and a natural slide that you shouldn't miss (even if you don't fancy a go!). Our top tip is to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in the sunshine on the terrace of the White Lion Bar. The sun sets over the far tower of the bridge on a summer's evening - perfect for a date night.

When is the Balloon Fiesta? / How much is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta?

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta usually takes place over the second weekend in August. Have a look at the latest information here. It is a free event.

When is the Harbour Festival?

Bristol Harbour Festival is traditionally held mid-late July each year. Have a look at the latest information here.

What tours are there in Bristol?

There are lots of tours available, including walking tours, bus tours and cycling tours. Many tours are themed around interests, such as street art, history, food and even beer. Find a full list here.

I've bought a ticket/booked a stay in Bristol but I have an issue. Can you help?

If you have an issue with a booking you have made you will need to contact the venue, accommodation or organiser directly. You can search for venues/accommodation/events by using the magnifying glass icon in the header and there will be contact details on their listing to get in touch with them.

Are there any left luggage facilities in Bristol?

Left luggage facilities are available with Bounce or Stasher, with many locations in Bristol to choose from. 

How can I get to Bath?

By Train: The quickest way between the neighbouring cities is by train. There is a frequent service from Bristol Temple Meads (city centre) and Bristol Parkway (North Bristol) – times and prices can be found at www.gwr.com and the journey takes just 12-15 minutes.

By Bus: There is a frequent bus service from Bristol. A West of England Day bus ticket can be used within Bristol and will get you to Bath also. This costs £6.60 (as at April 2020) and can be bought at Bristol Bus Station or on a bus.

By Bike: There is a 13-mile off-road cycle/foot path between Bristol and Bath, following the route of an old Railway line. Find out more details of the Bristol & Bath Railway Path and where to hire a bike in Bristol via our dedicated pages.

By Road: Bath is about 25/30 minutes’ drive away from Bristol on a clear run - it may take longer at rush hour times. Routes and parking information can be found at www.TravelWest.info. If you are driving to central Bath, we recommend using the Park and Ride service.

How can I get to Stonehenge? 

Catch a train from Bristol Temple Meads Train Station to Salisbury, which takes around 80 minutes. The service is direct. See www.gwr.com for time and prices.

The ‘Stonehenge Tour’ bus picks up at the station door and runs every hour from 10.00 until 14.00 (check seasonal times via their website). Adult, child and family tickets are available and you can also purchase Stonehenge entry tickets from the driver. This hop-on hop-off tour also stops at Salisbury Cathedral and Old Sarum.

Fully guided tours from Bristol to Stonehenge are available to from MadMax tours.

By car the journey from Bristol takes about 1h 40 minutes. SatNav users should use the following post code: SP4 7DE. Parking is available on site. This is free to English Heritage members and Stonehenge ticket holders, otherwise parking tickets cost £5 and can be bought from ticket kiosks on site. A Visitor Shuttle service operates frequently from the visitor centre which takes 10 minutes to reach the Stones. Shuttles stop about halfway to the Stones so that visitors can walk part of the way if they wish.

Where can I learn English in Bristol?

There are a number of excellent learning facilites in Bristol where you can learn English, take a look at Language Schools in Bristol or the list below.

Bristol Education Group

Hunter Language School

International House Bristol

Living Learning English

Brexit: what do I need to do to come to the UK?

Some of the rules on entering the UK after Brexit have changed, Browse the pages below to find out more about visas and entry requirements.

Where are the public toilets in Bristol?

A question that everyone wants to know the answer to! 

You can find a map of toilets in Bristol via this page.

Please note: that sometimes toilet opening hours may vary and they may close for cleaning during the day. Lockdown Loo recommend people consider a few options if planning a trip.

Where can I change money?

There are currently facilities to change currency in the Galleries Shopping Centre in central Bristol (NM Money, N1 Currency, Post Office, Ramsdens), Bristol Post Offices (find a list here) and at Bristol Airport.

Where can I find ATMs/cash machines?

There are ATMs located throughout the city. But some recommendations are; Bristol Airport, The Galleries, Cabot Circus, Park Street, Broad Quay (Sainsbury’s)

Is there a physical Tourist Information Centre in Bristol?

There is no longer a physical Tourist Information Centre in Bristol. All our services have now moved online on this website and across social media. 

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