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! 

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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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…

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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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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…

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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…

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Independent places to stay in Bristol

Bristol is an independent city and fiercely proud of it too, so where better to stay than in an independently-owned hotel, B&B, apartment or guesthouse? Small and family-run places to stay in Bristol can offer a real personalised touch and a chance to get under the skin of the city. Our selection…

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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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Top 20 Spring walks around Bristol

Spring’s colourful carpets of flowers, sunny days and blossom-heavy trees make it a great time to get out and about in the city. We’ve put together our favourite spring walks around Bristol – whether you’re a serious hiker or gentle stroller, there’s something to suit all springtime wanderers. Every…

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Sustainable and ethical shopping in Bristol

Bristol is celebrated for its independent, eco-conscience spirit and has a long association with the green movement. As well as being the first UK city to win the award of Green Capital in 2015, Bristol is the UK’s first cycling city, and home to the pioneering Sustainable Fashion Week. In stark…

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The food lover's guide to Bristol

Bristol is known for its fabulous food scene, from sizzling street food markets to glamorous speakeasies, and more award-winning restaurants than you can shake a stick at. Here are our recommendations for a food-tastic trip to the city... 1. Book a food & drink tour One of the quickest ways to get…

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