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 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 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…

England Women's Rugby Team - credit Getty Images / Rugby World Cup

A guide to the Women's Rugby World Cup in Bristol

Sep. 08, 2025

The biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby, the Women's Rugby World Cup, comes to England from Friday 22 August until Saturday 27 September, and Bristol is lucky enough to be one of the host cities! We've rounded up everything you need to know about the tournament in Bristol, whether you're…

Where to watch the Women's Rugby World Cup in Bristol

Sep. 07, 2025

The biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby, the Women's Rugby World Cup, comes to England from Friday 22 August until Saturday 27 September, and Bristol will be hosting two of quarter-final games and both semi-finals! If you're planning on coming to the games at Ashton Gate, or just heading into…

People swimming at Lido Bristol and chilling by the pool

Outdoor swimming pools and splash parks in Bristol

Jul. 25, 2025

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

Jul. 14, 2025

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…

5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

May 13, 2025

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…

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. 28, 2025

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 group of people walking in a field as part of Bristol Walkfest - credit Jeni Nott

Explore the city with Bristol Walk Fest 2025

Apr. 14, 2025

From 1-31 May there are hundreds of walks on offer all around the city as part of this year's Bristol Walk Fest. Most 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 enthusiastic…

Cyclists on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path - credit Sustrans

Explore Bristol by bike

Apr. 11, 2025

Cycling and Bristol go together like Wallace and Gromit. Named as England’s first cycling city back in 2008, Bristol has flourished as a bike-friendly haven and is home to excellent cycle routes and experiences suitable for every type of rider, from regular pedal-heads and fearless mountain bikers…