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: Events

Review: Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic

Dec. 11, 2025

Find out what Kathryn from the Visit Bristol team thought of Treasure Island, which is lighting up the Bristol Hippodrome until 10 January 2026. A rip-roaring swashbuckling musical adventure for Christmas, Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic is a great family adventure and a perfect way to celebrate…

Christmas circus show at Wookey Hole near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole

24 Festive things to do in Bristol

Nov. 10, 2025

Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, enchanting light trails, festive events and experiences, not to mention the magnificent theatre productions – Bristol is brimming with exciting things to do this Christmas. Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas. Here's our round-up of what’s on this…

Neon Tree at Westonbirt Arboretum by Culture Creative - credit Sony Music

Christmas light trails in and around Bristol

Nov. 04, 2025

Grab a warm coat and a woolly hat and head out to experience some Christmas magic. Create your own new Christmas traditions with a festive lights walk in and around Bristol. Remember to tag us in your photos and videos on Instagram and TikTok, and include #MerryBristmas in your posts! Jump on board…

A group of balloons lifting off in a mass ascent at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit Paul Box

60 free things to do in Bristol

Oct. 28, 2025

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…

The Book of Mormon production credit Paul Coltas

Review: The Book of Mormon at Bristol Hippodrome

Oct. 23, 2025

Find out what Laura from the Visit Bristol team thought of The Book of Mormon, which is lighting up the Bristol Hippodrome until 8 November 2025. If you’re looking for a night out in Bristol that’s outrageous, hilarious and full of heart, look no further than The Book of Mormon! The musical comedy…

The Challenge Team in Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic - CREDIT Pamela Raith

Review: Starter for Ten at Bristol Old Vic

Sep. 18, 2025

Find out what Vicki from the Visit Bristol team thought of Starter for Ten, which is on at Bristol Old Vic until 11 October 2025. Starter for Ten, first performed at the Bristol Old Vic in 2024, is back with a bang for 2025. It follows the story of the book called Starter for Ten by David Nicholls…

England Women's Rugby Team - credit Getty Images / Rugby World Cup

A guide to the Women's Rugby World Cup in Bristol

Sep. 08, 2025

The biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby, the Women's Rugby World Cup, comes to England from Friday 22 August until Saturday 27 September, and Bristol is lucky enough to be one of the host cities! We've rounded up everything you need to know about the tournament in Bristol, whether you're…

Stage and crowd at Dot to Dot Festival 2022 - credit Dot to Dot Festival

Top 10 music venues in Bristol

Aug. 20, 2025

Bristol has a vibrant music scene beating behind the doors of its many characterful venues. From musical legends in revered concert halls, to 25-piece Samba bands strumming under Banksy-covered walls, from indie hangouts to gigs afloat an old German boat, these music and arts venues cater for all…

Night Glow at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - Credit Paul Box

6 top tips for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Jul. 28, 2025

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most popular and striking outdoor events on the calendar. This year, the world-renowned free Fiesta returns to Ashton Court between Friday 8 August and Sunday 10 August 2025. Each morning and evening of the fiesta, you can join one of the fiesta's…

Hot air balloons at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit George Blagdon

8 ways to make the most of #SummerInBristol

Jul. 11, 2025

From soaring hot air balloons to bustling Harbourside festivals, incredible live music to new cultural event spaces, food festivals to family fun; there’s something very special about #SummerInBristol... Read on to find out why Bristol is always a good idea: find out what’s coming up and how to make…