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! 

Bristol's best Sunday roasts

You’re never too far from a great Sunday roast in Bristol. Bristol has an eclectic mix of venues to enjoy a classic roast dinner, from cosy pubs to stylish restaurants. Many restaurants and pubs in Bristol are passionate about sourcing ingredients locally from great producers, in addition to having…

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Where to go for Christmas Day lunch in Bristol

Want to take the stress out of the big day? Gather your family or friends and book a table at one of these restaurants or pubs, which are serving a special lunch on Christmas Day. Hort's Townhouse Cosy up in this sprawling city centre gastropub and tuck into three indulgent courses for your…

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The food lover's guide to Bristol

Bristol is known for its fabulous food scene, from sizzling street food markets to glamorous speakeasies, and more award-winning restaurants than you can shake a stick at. Here are our recommendations for a food-tastic trip to the city... 1. Book a food & drink tour One of the quickest ways to get…

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Restaurants in Bristol perfect for large groups

There are plenty of places to treat your gathering to a special meal, from a boat with a view to a grand house in the countryside. These are 12 of the best, suited for large groups and with delectable food and drink offerings. Racks Bar and Kitchen Located in Clifton just off Whiteladies Road, Racks…

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Bristol's brewery taprooms

Bristol is a beer lover's paradise, with over 20 breweries in the city and surrounding countryside, and you'll be pleased to hear that many of them have tap rooms that you can visit! Not only can you enjoy a great pint, but there's usually the option of booking on to a tour of the brewery too. Most…

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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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The definitive guide to afternoon tea in Bristol

Jam or cream first? Ahh the great Devonshire or Cornish cream tea debate…well, we suggest seeing how it’s done Bristol fashion. From the quirky to highly traditional, grab a brew and indulge in some of these afternoon teas. Central Bristol Hotel du Vin & Bistro Located in an old sugar factory, this…

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Bristol’s best picnic spots

Warm summer weather calls for alfresco eating at some of Bristol's best picnic spots. Please remember to take your rubbish home with you, to help keep our parks and green spaces clean. 1. The Downs The Downs is an enormous expanse of green up in Clifton and is loved year-round by runners, dog…

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10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

When the temperature rises in the city, it’s hard to beat a rooftop watering hole for an awesome view and glass of something chilled. Here are ten of Bristol’s best rooftop bars: The White Lion Bar Home to one of the most iconic views in Bristol, The White Lion Bar (part of the Avon Gorge by Hotel…

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How to celebrate your graduation in Bristol

If you’re one of the graduates-to-be collecting your undergraduate degree, masters or PhD this year, it’s time to mark the end of an era and raise a glass or two with your friends and family. Here are some ideas for ways to celebrate and make it an occasion you never forget. When is graduation in…

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