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

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…

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…

Woman walking a small white dog through bluebells in a wood in Bristol

Top 10 dog walks in Bristol

Aug. 26, 2025

Unlike a lot of cities, you’re never far from green space in Bristol. The city is home to over 400 parks and gardens offering outdoorsy fun and fantastic walks for owners and their dogs. Beautiful countryside surrounds on all sides, making Bristol a good base for long rambles in nearby South…

A white The Big Lemon X91 bus in North Somerset - credit The Big Lemon

Go for a Chew Valley adventure with the X91 bus

Aug. 19, 2025

Did you know that you can travel directly from the heart of Bristol to the beautiful landscapes of the Chew Valley by bus? The Big Lemon’s new X91 ‘Chew Valley Sprint’ bus service connects the city directly to the scenic slopes of the Mendip Hills, as well as the banks of the spectacular Chew Valley…

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

The story of Ashton Court Estate

Aug. 07, 2025

One of Bristol’s most-loved parks is the stunning Ashton Court Estate, which covers 850 acres. It's known for its gorgeous landscape, intriguing mansion, variety of wildlife and huge amounts of green space . Located in Long Ashton, it’s the perfect place for anyone keen to spot some wildlife on a…