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! 

5 ways to get golfing in Bristol

Whether you’re a golf pro or a total novice, we’ve put together some great ways you can give the sport a go on your next visit to Bristol. Birdies and bogeys aside, it’s a fine way to stretch your legs and spend some time outdoors with friends and family over the summer… 1. Book a private lesson…

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Five scenic walks from Bristol train stations

Explore Bristol by rail and on foot with these five walking routes from Miriam Ricci at Railwalks. Bristol's local rail network, with the famous Severn Beach Line connecting different neighbourhoods, opens up a different way of exploring the city. Rather than driving to the start of a walk and back…

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Outdoor swimming pools and splash parks in Bristol

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…

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8 of Bristol's best water-based activities

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…

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Adventurous activities in Bristol

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 thrill-seeking activities, from rock climbing to surfing! Head for heights? Enjoy the views from 25 metres above the harbour after climbing the rigging in Go…

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Howzat! Bristol and Cricket

As Bristol prepares to host several fixtures for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, we thought it would be useful to give some background on Bristol's links with the sport. When it comes to cricket, Bristol has some fascinating stories to tell - birthplace of one of the game's true greats, home of the…

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The best walks in and near Bristol

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…

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5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

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…

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7 Most popular activities to try with Mendip Adventure

Looking for a fun day out near Bristol? Mendip Adventure is here to inspire you with its most popular beginner-friendly outdoor activities, and a little something for aspiring adventurers looking to develop their skills. Who is Mendip Adventure? Mendip Adventure is one of the UK’s largest outdoor…

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Explore the city with Bristol Walk Fest 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…

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