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!

Latest blogs

Category: Outdoors and Nature

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. 14, 2024

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…

The bar area at The Swan Inn in Rowberrow, near Bristol - credit Butcombe

Top country pub walks near Bristol

Sep. 04, 2024

From rolling hills to ancient woodland, we’re lucky to have what feels like an endless supply of green space just beyond Bristol. Of course, the wondrous wildlife and gorgeous scenery is reason enough to get out for a walk. But there’s nothing like a country pub pitstop to make a rural ramble even…

Two women eating a picnic in the grounds of Tyntesfield House, near Bristol - credit Alana Wright

Bristol’s best picnic spots

Jul. 17, 2024

Warm summer weather calls for al fresco 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…

A view of the cliffs in the Uphill area of Weston-super-Mare near Bristol - credit Dave Peters

Top beauty spots near Bristol

Jul. 09, 2024

Put on your walking boots and pack a camera (or maybe even a picnic if the weather is looking good), and explore some of these picturesque locations in and around the city, from nature reserves to historic estates and riverside parks. Skip to: City green spaces - North of Bristol - South of Bristol…

An exterior view of Cheddar Gorge, near Bristol

Spectacular natural wonders near Bristol

Jun. 26, 2024

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…

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

May 06, 2024

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…

Person walking three dogs on the bankside path at Conham River Park in East Bristol - credit Paul Box

The best walks in and near Bristol

Apr. 11, 2024

We asked Bristol Walk Fest for tips on alternatives to some of the city's best-known walking spots. Bristol Walk Fest run events throughout May to coincide with National Walking Month, and you can also join in a series of walks as part of the new North Somerset Walk Fest. Ashton Hill Ashton Hill is…

A mother walking with her two young sons through the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol - credit Johnny Hathaway

Best gardens to visit in and around Bristol

Mar. 28, 2024

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…

Ashton Court Mansion in the grounds of Ashton Court Estate near Bristol, credit Chris Bahn

Top 20 Spring walks around Bristol

Mar. 19, 2024

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…

5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

Mar. 13, 2024

One of the best ways to reach green corners of Bristol and the surrounding area is to hop on your bike. With many cycle paths and bike-friendly routes to follow, it doesn’t take long to pedal your way to tranquil hangouts steeped in nature and wildlife. Here are five beauty spots you can cycle to…