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: Sports and Active

A group cycling on rented mountain bikes towards the off-road mountain biking trail at Ashton Court - credit Pedal Progression

Top 5 Bristol cycling routes

Feb. 26, 2025

Bristol was named the UK’s first Cycling City in 2008, and today boasts more cycling commuters than many other large British cities. There are a wide range of options to hire bikes in the city, or even a tandem! There are lots of marked routes which both traverse and surround the city - here are a…

People watching rugby at Racks - credit Evoke Pictures

Where to watch the Six Nations in Bristol

Jan. 24, 2025

The Six Nations is back, keeping rugby fans on the edge of their seats over five weekends from 31 January to 15 March 2025. Unless you’re lucky enough to be watching inside one of the six host stadiums, the next best thing is the atmosphere at a packed-out pub or bar. Our handy round-up of places…

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

Bristol’s best winter walks

Nov. 04, 2024

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 group participating in the Wild Wookey caving experience at Wookey Hole in Wells, near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole

Adventurous activities in Bristol

Sep. 02, 2024

Whether you’re looking for daring date ideas or a fun day out with friends or family, Bristol and the surrounding area is home to plenty of thrillseeking activities, from rock climbing to surfing! Head for heights? Climb, jump and zip line your way around Adventure Bristol's high ropes course in…

A wide shot of the pool at Bristol Lido by day - credit Bristol Lido

Where to swim and splash outdoors in Bristol

Aug. 13, 2024

Make the most of warmer days and cool off at these alfresco swimming spots, from Bristol Harbourside to open air lidos, marine lakes and more. Jump to: Outdoor swimming pools - Open water swimming - Splash parks Outdoor pools Bristol Lido Tucked away down a quiet street in Clifton, this Victorian…

Paddleboarders in front of Hotwells on Bristol Harbourside - credit Visit West

8 of Bristol's best water-based activities

Aug. 12, 2024

With our lovely harbour at the heart of the city, it’s no surprise that Bristol is awash with water-based things to do. These range from a leisurely cruise on a boat tour right up to a day of adventure on a canoe or stand up paddleboard. Here are eight of Bristol’s best water-based activities to…

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…

An audience at the Seat Unique cricket stadium in North Bristol - credit Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

Howzat! Bristol and Cricket

Apr. 19, 2024

When it comes to cricket, Bristol has some fascinating stories to tell - birthplace of one of the game's true greats, home of the largest score ever made and the ship that carried England’s first international cricket tour. Gloucestershire County Cricket Club Bristol is home to Gloucestershire…

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…

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…