Blog & Guides

Welcome to the Visit Bristol blog, your one-stop shop for ideas, inspiration and handy tips to make your time in Bristol that bit better!  

From suggested itineraries to festival round-ups and unmissable things to do, our guides aim to showcase the best of the city, whatever the time of year. We publish new blogs every week and keep our blog posts up-to-date with the latest information, so you can trust that you’re getting the most accurate and useful tips for your trip. 

Planning a trip with the family? Check out our guides on Places to stay with kids in and around Bristol and Things to do with teenagers. We’ve also got a list of 60 free things to do to keep costs down. 

Coming  here to sample as much of the food scene as you can? Have a read through our list of Bristol’s Michelin-starred restaurants, top cocktail bars and pub gardens, or find the best places to go for vegan food while you’re here. We’re sure you’ll also want to try a tasty Sunday roast while you’re here – we've rounded up a few of the best of those too! 

If you’re local to Bristol, or here for a few days, we’ve also got plenty of suggestions for day trips to the north, south, east and west of the city so that you can experience as much of the region as possible. Maybe you want to tick off all of the World Heritage Sites near Bristol, or discover our most accessible outdoor attractions

We’ll also have seasonal guides to help you get the most out of Summer in Bristol, from rooftop bars to scenic cycle routes, or find out what’s on for Christmas in and around the city. 

Keep checking back for more brilliant Bristol inspiration! 

Fun things to do with toddlers in Bristol

Exploring Bristol with children under three years old is an exciting adventure, and you're never short of options! Bristol offers a mix of fun, educational, and interactive activities perfectly suited for toddlers and young children. Whether you're seeking hands-on play spaces, outdoor parks with…

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Waterside places to eat & drink in Bristol

You're never far from the water in Bristol, whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a pint in the Harbourside, or a riverside terrace for a special meal. Here are our top picks for where you can drink or dine by the water's edge. Harbourside No.1 Harbourside One of the city centre's most…

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Where to stay for a stag or hen do in Bristol

Looking for some accommodation options for a stag or hen party? We've rounded up some of the best options for groups in and around the city, from glamorous hotels to spacious apartments and countryside getaways. A great starting place if you're planning a stag or hen break is Group Accommodation…

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Go on a Mendips adventure with the 376 bus

Did you know that you can catch one of Britain’s most scenic bus routes from Bristol? The beloved 376 bus service connects the city to the beautiful Somerset countryside on its southern doorstep, and we've put together a list of the best things to do along the route! Hop aboard the 376 at Bay 18 in…

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Bristol's best pub gardens

We’ve rounded up some of the best beer gardens in Bristol to get you in the mood for a nice cold pint in the spring sunshine. We can almost taste the cider now… The White Lion This Clifton pub has one of the best views in the city from its back terrace, overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton…

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Review: Kinky Boots at Bristol Hippodrome

Find out what Vicki from the Visit Bristol team thought of award-winning musical Kinky Boots, which is at Bristol Hipppodrome until 17 May. My oh my, what a show... Kinky Boots tells the rather simple story of Charlie, who inherits his dad's loss-making shoe factory and through a chance meeting with…

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5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

One of the best ways to reach green corners of Bristol and the surrounding area is to hop on your bike. With many cycle paths and bike-friendly routes to follow, it doesn’t take long to pedal your way to tranquil hangouts steeped in nature and wildlife. Here are five beauty spots you can cycle to…

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Bristol's most sustainable restaurants

Bristol has a strong tradition of green-minded and purpose-led restaurants, with many of the city's top chefs championing local suppliers and minimising waste. Bristol has been a Gold Sustainable Food City since 2021, and we're lucky to have some great quality produce on our doorstep, from farms…

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A music lover's guide to Bristol

As the city that gave the world acts such as Portishead, Roni Size and Massive Attack, Bristol has a well-deserved reputation for an incredibly varied, thriving music scene. From legendary artists playing in iconic concert halls, to bluegrass twanging under Banksy-decorated walls, music lovers are…

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Support local business with the Love Bristol Gift Card

Give the gift of Bristol! The Love Bristol Gift Card can be used at more than 180 businesses across the city including retailers, restaurants, theatres and music venues. Whoever you give the gift card to will be able to pick a new outfit, enjoy a meal out or buy something nice for their home from…

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