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! 

16 Green places to stay in Bristol

Discover Bristol's most sustainable and eco-friendly hotels, which have been celebrated for their commitment to the environment. Enjoy locally-sourced food in your breakfast buffet, charging points for your electric vehicle, water refill stations and other nifty features! Where are the Green Key…

Read More

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…

Read More

10 Day trips from Bristol by train

Staying a few days in Bristol? Take advantage of Bristol being the capital of the South West with a day trip to some of the impressive cities, historic towns, and seaside destinations nearby. 1. Keynsham Based halfway between Bristol and Bath, Keynsham is a pretty, independent market town that is…

Read More

Five easy hikes around Bristol

Looking to lace up your boots and go on some long walks and hikes around the city? We asked Mike from Hiker Hero to share a few of his local favourites... Some parts of Bristol are hilly enough that a walk to the shop feels like going on a hike. That said, there’s no better feeling than leaving the…

Read More

Bristol's most sustainable restaurants

Bristol has a strong tradition of green-minded and purpose-led restaurants, with many of the city's top chefs championing local suppliers and minimising waste. Bristol has been a Gold Sustainable Food City since 2021, and we're lucky to have some great quality produce on our doorstep, from farms…

Read More

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…

Read More

A guide to taking the bus in Bristol

Buses are the main form of public transport here in Bristol. The city and its surrounding areas are covered by an expansive bus network that can get you where you need to go quickly and conveniently, with a range of ticket types and payment methods to cover all needs. In this guide, we’ll take you…

Read More

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…

Read More

10 ways to have a sustainable break in Bristol

Looking to minimise your impact on the environment or city when you come to Bristol? We've got plenty of eco-friendly ideas to help with planning your trip, from transport choices to activities and tasty food and drink. First of all, if you've picked Bristol as a place to visit, you've already…

Read More

Best gardens to visit in and around Bristol

Now that spring is finally showing signs of sticking around, it’s the perfect time to venture out of hibernation and see Bristol’s beautiful gardens in bloom. From tiny Knot Gardens hidden behind tall Georgian town houses, to unforgettable estates in rolling countryside, here are our pick of…

Read More

Latest blogs

Find something to do

Get some inspiration for your trip to Bristol...