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: Outdoors and Nature

Best gardens to visit in and around Bristol

Apr. 27, 2026

Now that spring is finally showing signs of sticking around, it’s the perfect time to venture out of hibernation and see Bristol’s beautiful gardens in bloom. From tiny Knot Gardens hidden behind tall Georgian town houses, to unforgettable estates in rolling countryside, here are our pick of…

A group of people on the Downs in Bristol, as part of Bristol Walk Fest - credit Bristol Walk Fest

Explore the city with Bristol Walk Fest 2026

Apr. 15, 2026

From 1-31 May, there are hundreds of walks on offer all around the city as part of this year's Bristol Walk Fest. More than 80% of them are free, and they cover all abilities and interests. Whether you are a casual walker who fancies a gentle stroll to explore new parts of the city or an…

Meadow at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, credit University of Bristol Botanic Garden

Top 20 Spring walks around Bristol

Apr. 10, 2026

Spring’s colourful carpets of flowers, sunny days and blossom-heavy trees make it a great time to get out and about in the city. We’ve put together our favourite spring walks around Bristol – whether you’re a serious hiker or gentle stroller, there’s something to suit all springtime wanderers. Every…

An exterior view of Cheddar Gorge, near Bristol

Spectacular natural wonders near Bristol

Apr. 09, 2026

Bristol and the surrounding area is home to a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to miles of coastline. Here are some of the most impressive cliffs, gorges, caves and waterfalls within easy reach of the city... Avon Gorge The Avon Gorge is a breathtaking limestone ridge which runs for a mile…

The community gardens allotments at Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol - credit Windmill Hill City Farm

The story of Windmill Hill City Farm

Jan. 23, 2026

Based in the heart of Bedminster, Windmill Hill City Farm has been a fixture of the area for decades. In fact, this beloved community space is celebrating its 50th anniversary this September! In honour of this fantastic achievement, we would like to share the inspiring story of how this little farm…

A view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in West Bristol covered in snow, looking towards the Abbots Leigh area - credit Angharad Paull

Bristol’s best winter walks

Dec. 10, 2025

Crisp air, frost-coated foliage and beautiful views - an invigorating wintry walk is the perfect way to experience Bristol this season. So head out on one of these head-clearing strolls around Bristol… The Harbourside When the mist rises on a chilly winter’s morn, the Harbourside is a sight to…

A mother and her young daughter in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol in autumn - credit Johnny Hathaway

Bristol's best autumn walks

Oct. 15, 2025

When the landscapes of Britain are starting to change colour, golden leaves spatter the ground and there’s an official whiff of autumn in the air, there’s nothing quite like heading outdoors to experience this magical time of year. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best places for an…

Long tailed tit on branch - credit Kathi Held

Birdwatching in Bristol: Avon Gorge

Oct. 10, 2025

The Downs and Avon Gorge are a mosaic of incredible habitats within one stunning landscape. One of the best things about this rich array of habitats is the diverse range of species they host! None more so than our bird species. Birds are universally considered an ecological indicator as they inhabit…

A group of people walking along river path in Brislington, Bristol, as part of Bristol Walkfest - credit Katie Murt

Five lesser-known walks around Bristol

Sep. 16, 2025

Expand your knowledge of Bristol with a walk around one of the city's lesser-known rambling routes, detailed by Mike from Mike's Bristol Walks. Take it away, Mike... There’s no denying the healing power of a good walk on a clear day, exercising your body while you fill your lungs with fresh air and…

Children running in the grounds of Blaise Castle Estate in North Bristol - credit Blaise Castle Estate

The story of Blaise Castle Estate

Sep. 01, 2025

Blaise Castle Estate is one of Bristol’s best green spaces. It’s loved for its 650 acres of parkland, enchanting woodland areas, and an intriguing castle that sits on a hill. Whether you’re coming for a picnic, a walk, or to explore the museum, it’s the perfect place to enjoy, especially this…