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!

Category: Accommodation

People enjoying small plates and cocktails at Rick's Bristol

10 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

Jul. 21, 2026

If West Country fodder is calling you, and you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Bristol area, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect combination of delicious food, fine wines and a comfy bed. We’ve rounded up some top places to stay for foodies, from charming boutique hotels to country…

Holiday parks and campsites near Bristol

Jul. 15, 2026

Summer is the perfect time for a break outside of the city, whether you opt to stay on site at a local attraction with the family or enjoy a peaceful countryside camping trip. Bristol is surrounded by stunning countryside, dramatic coastline and some award-winning attractions just waiting for you to…

Exterior of Tyntesfield House, near Bristol - credit Andrew Butler

Stay on a film set: overnight at Bristol filming locations

Jun. 22, 2026

Did you know that Bristol is a UNESCO Creative City of Film? This permanent status recognises Bristol's global contribution to film and television over many years, its world-class film festivals, popular filming locations and pop-up screenings. While it's easy to be blown away by the film and TV…

Warblers' Meadow shepherd huts at WWT Slimbridge - Credit WWT Slimbridge

Escape to the country: Rural retreats near Bristol

Jun. 10, 2026

Get the best of both worlds and combine your city break with a rural getaway! Fill your day with exciting events and attractions on offer in the buzzing city of Bristol before ending the day gazing out over green fields, sweeping hills and woodland. The city is right on the doorstep of sensational…

Swimming pool at Aztec Hotel and Spa - Credit Aztec Hotel and Spa

Places to stay with swimming pools in Bristol

May 27, 2026

Looking for a Bristol hotel with somewhere to take a splash, swim some lengths or simply soak to your heart’s content? These hotels, located in and around Bristol, all have indoor pools for year-round swimming. HarSpa at Harbour Hotel Bristol The pint-sized, mood-lit indoor pool at this luxury…

A family of 4 eating lunch at a table with a view of the Mendip Hills - Credit Wookey Hole

Places to stay with kids in and near Bristol

May 05, 2026

Bringing the family to Bristol? After experiencing the excitement of the city’s attractions, adventurous activities and delicious food and drink, you’ll need somewhere to rest and recharge. Luckily, there are countless places to stay with kids, whether you fancy a city centre hotel with big…

A bed and side table in Beech House - Credit Urban Apartments

Independent places to stay in Bristol

Apr. 21, 2026

Bristol is an independent city and fiercely proud of it too, so where better to stay than in an independently-owned hotel, B&B, apartment or guesthouse? Small and family-run places to stay in Bristol can offer a real personalised touch and a chance to get under the skin of the city. Our selection…

A red dog sat on a grey bed in the corner of a room - Credit Jamie Street

Bristol's best dog-friendly hotels

Mar. 09, 2026

In Bristol, you’re never far from green space; the city is home to over 400 parks and gardens, and it’s just a short journey out of the city centre to beautiful countryside. Add to that some fantastic dog-friendly hotels, and you have a great city break with a dog in tow. So, instead of leaving a…

Indoor pool with loungers at Foxhills Spa - credit Old Down Estate

Bristol's best spa breaks

Jan. 30, 2026

We all need a bit of chill out time, so whether you’re after a romantic getaway, a girls’ (or boys!) pamper day or just some well-earned ‘me-time,' come and get blissed out in Bristol… Harbour Hotel Bristol & Spa Restore yourself to full marvelousness with a prosecco lunch above ground in the…

Thornbury Castle - The Queen Mary Bedchamber

Romantic places to stay in Bristol

Jan. 19, 2026

For Valentine’s treats, honeymoons and loved-up weekend breaks, fall madly in love with Bristol’s most romantic rooms... Gorge-ous views: Hotel du Vin Bristol Avon Gorge Clifton’s elegant old lady has re-emerged as a bright young thing following a major refurbishment under the Hotel du Vin brand…