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! 

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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The best views in Bristol

Bristol is blessed with some amazing vistas and vantage points, here are a few of our favourites... Clifton Suspension Bridge The world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was built in 1864 and offers dramatic views down the Avon Gorge into the city and beyond. This iconic attraction is open to walk…

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Train rides and railway attractions in Bristol

Enjoy a day out a local heritage steam railway, or take the family along to a miniature railway! 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Bristol has its place at the centre of UK railway heritage, with Isambard Kingdom Brunel engineering the Great Western Railway between…

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60 free things to do in Bristol

A visit to Bristol doesn’t need to be an expensive one, in fact we’ve got 60 ideas for totally free things to do in Bristol. 1. M Shed Located in a huge 1950s transit shed right on Bristol’s Harbourside, the M Shed museum explores over 2000 years of Bristol’s history and is free tlo enter. Learn…

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The story of The Grand Pier

The Grand Pier, located in Weston-super-Mare, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. As seaside towns became popular, thanks to the railway network and more leisure time for workers, Weston-super-Mare saw a surge in visitors. To cater to these tourists, a grand attraction was needed…

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The ultimate Bristol student bucket list

If you’ve landed a place to study in Bristol, congratulations – you’re in for a brilliant three years. With all-round friendly vibes and a particularly buzzing student community, unbeatable nightlife, cracking culture and a renowned foodie scene, we’re certain you’ll love your soon-to-be second…

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Best day trips east of Bristol

As capital of the South West, Bristol makes the perfect base to explore the very best the region has to offer. World-famous attractions, ancient landmarks and gorgeous countryside are all just a short train journey, car ride or cycle away! So why not add a few extra days onto your stay in the city…

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Best day trips south of Bristol

As capital of the South West, Bristol makes an ideal base to discover the very best the region has to offer. Iconic attractions, historic landmarks and stunning countryside are all just a short bus, train journey, car ride or cycle away! So why not add a few extra days onto your stay in the city and…

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Best day trips north of Bristol

Bristol makes the perfect base to explore the very best the region has to offer. So why not add a few extra days onto your stay in the city and tick off some iconic sites at the same time? Here’s our pick of the best day trips north of Bristol, from castles and historic towns to animal attractions…

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The story of Wookey Hole

Nestled in the picturesque Mendip Hills of Somerset, less than an hour's drive from Bristol, Wookey Hole has captivated the imaginations of visitors for generations. This enchanting destination, deeply ingrained in the hearts of Bristolians, is as iconic as Banksy, hot air balloons, and the…

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