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: Attractions

Weston-super-Mare beach and Grand Pier - credit Visit West

The story of The Grand Pier

Oct. 03, 2024

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…

An wide shot of the Great Bath at The Roman Baths in central Bath, near Bristol

Best day trips east of Bristol

Aug. 05, 2024

As the 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…

A view of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare near Bristol at sunset - credit Dave Peters

Best day trips south of Bristol

Aug. 01, 2024

As the 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…

British Airways Concorde Alpha Foxtrot supersonic airliner inside Concorde Hangar at Aerospace Bristol - credit Adam Gasson

Best day trips north of Bristol

Jul. 15, 2024

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…

A family in a cave at Wookey Hole in Wells, near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole

The story of Wookey Hole

Jul. 02, 2024

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…

Exterior of Tyntesfield House, near Bristol - credit Andrew Butler

Best day trips west of Bristol

Jul. 01, 2024

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

Lit up colourful trees at Westonbirt - Credit Johnny Hathaway

Accessible winter activities in Bristol

Dec. 05, 2023

Visiting Bristol around the festive period and want to know the best things to do if you have additional access needs? Tallulah Clark has a few suggestions... Bristol is brimming with fun things to do this winter, from Bristol's Christmas Market in Broadmead to light trails, festive theatre shows…

Mini Jeep Safari at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park near Bristol - credit Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Inclusive family attractions in Bristol

Aug. 05, 2022

Local blogger and mum-of-two Jade from The Autism Page has kindly penned this guest post for us, sharing her top recommendations for inclusive family-friendly attractions in Bristol. Over to Jade… Bristol is full of fantastic inclusive family attractions. Knowing that an attraction is disability…

Visitors at an exhibition at RWA Bristol in central Bristol - credit RWA Bristol

Give the gift of Bristol: Vouchers, gift cards & donations

Nov. 03, 2021

Buy vouchers for Bristol attractions and activities as gifts or just to treat yourself to the gift of Bristol. Attractions We The Curious You can buy a gift membership for hands-on science centre We The Curious, which starts from the date you redeem the voucher. They also have an online shop with a…

Underfall Yard Visitor Centre and boats - credit Underfall Yard

The story of The Underfall Yard

Mar. 31, 2021

The red brick buildings and chimney of Underfall Yard are an iconic sight on Bristol’s Harbourside. But how did this working boatyard and visitor attraction, now considered the heart of the harbour, come to be? Discover its fascinating story in this guest article from the Underfall Yard team…