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! 

6 top tips for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most popular and striking outdoor events on the calendar. This year, the world-renowned free Fiesta returns to Ashton Court between Friday 7 August and Sunday 9 August 2026. Each morning and evening of the fiesta, you can join one of the fiesta's…

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7 reasons to visit We The Curious this summer

A day out at Bristol’s surprising science experience, We The Curious, is the perfect way to enjoy some time out together over the summer holidays. You’ll find We The Curious right in the heart of Bristol’s historic harbourside. Step through the rainbow-coloured entrance to two floors full of things…

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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 ways to make the most of #SummerInBristol

Bristol is a city made for summer. From soaring hot air balloons to bustling Harbourside festivals, incredible live music, family fun and outdoor adventure; there’s something very special about #SummerInBristol... Read on to find out why Bristol is always a good idea: find out what’s coming up and…

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Magical summer adventures at Wookey Hole - with 20% off!

Looking for a great-value family day out this summer? Around 40 minutes’ drive from Bristol, deep into the stunning Somerset countryside, Wookey Hole is offering the perfect combination of adventure, entertainment and discovery - now with 20% off advance tickets between 25 June and 2 September 2026…

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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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Beaches and seaside towns near Bristol

Bristol is only a few miles from the coast, so if you're looking for places to enjoy a long walk, do some watersports or take a dip, here are some of the places within easy reach of the city. Beaches near Bristol Sand Bay One of the most scenic spots along the North Somerset coast, Sand Bay has a…

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Outdoor theatre in and around Bristol this summer

Watch dramatic Shakespeare performances and family-friendly shows alfresco this summer! Here's our guide to the outdoor shows you won't want to miss, both in the heart of the city and nearby countryside... As You Like It at Boiling Wells Amphitheatre (Sun 21 June) Head to a tucked-away corner of St…

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