23 min readWith a seemingly never-ending list of sights to see and experiences to tick off, how can you pack the best of Bristol into your year? Our list of 26 things to do in 2026 is here to help, covering everything from uniquely Bristol attractions to outdoor adventures.
Plan the perfect city break around these highlights, or if you’re a local, take on the challenge of experiencing everything on the list.
Skip to:
- Street Art
- 50 Years of Aardman
- Filming Locations
- Festivals
- Music
- Comedy
- Food & Drink
- Sport
- Hotels
- Theatre
- History
- Exhibitions
- We The Curious
- Animal Attractions
- Shopping
- Tours
- Spas & Wellbeing
- Outdoors
- Cycling
- Experiences
- Day Trips
- Wake The Tiger
- Seasonal Events
- Sacred & Spiritual
- Nightlife
- Community
1. Scour the streets for Street Art
Bristol has been named one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 top 50 destinations, thanks to its ever-changing street art scene.
You can go in search of street art, including pieces by the world’s most elusive artist, Banksy, who hails from Bristol. For a deep dive into just how this city became graffiti-covered and tied up with street art legends, book a tour with Bristol Street Art Walking Tours, or have a go at making your own stencil art with Graft.
Explore the Upfest murals dotted around South Bristol (map here), or head to Weston-super-Mare to work your way around the Weston Wallz murals (map here). Dates are yet to be confirmed for this year's street art festivals, where you can expect live painting, artist activities and tours.
Image - Banksy's Well Hung Lover
2. Celebrate 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol
Bristol Museums and Aardman mark the studio’s 50th anniversary in summer 2026 with a brand-new event, Cracking Exhibition, Gromit at M Shed. Over the summer, the exhibition will offer a playful behind-the-scenes look at the Bristol-based studio and the characters that have become household favourites. Earlier in the year, keep your eyes peeled for hidden Aardman artworks and treasures dotted around Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
Image - Aardman 50 Years of Clay
3. Find filming locations
Bristol is a popular filming location, with recent productions including Rivals, Young Sherlock, Seven Dials and The Forstyes.
Explore our UNESCO City of Film for locations that have starred in film and TV programmes such as Doctor Who, The Outlaws, Sanditon, Alex Rider, Poldark, Sherlock and more. Find out about Bristol’s celebrity connections with legends like Paul McCartney, Cary Grant, and Frank Sinatra on the Bristol Film and TV tour, spanning from Clifton to the harbourside.
Image: The Forsytes filming at St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol - credit Mammoth Screen
4. Go to a festival
Bristol has a festival for just about anything you can think of. The year kicks off with Bristol Comedy Festival (15 - 31 January), followed shortly afterwards by Slapstick Festival (4 - 8 February) and Bristol Light Festival (19 - 28 February). Don't miss DIASPORA! (1 - 10 May) a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity through the arts, or the city's flagship summer festivals, Bristol Harbour Festival (July, dates TBC) and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (7 - 9 August).
Enjoy family fun and learn about sustainability and wildlife at the Festival of Nature (6 - 14 June), or sample the best of Bristol's food scene at Feast On (23 - 26 July). Bristol Pride returns from the end of June for a two-week celebration, culminating on 11 July with Pride Day.
Image - Bristol Pride, credit Shotaway
It's also a great year for music festivals, with a lineup including Bristol Folk Festival (1 - 3 May), Gigantic All Dayer (9 May), Good Times Live (20 - 25 May), Dot to Dot (23 May), Love Saves the Day (23 - 24 May), FOWARDS (29 - 30 August) and The Old Duke Jazz Festival (29 - 30 August).
Head to the coast for Summer Fest at the Beach (5 - 7 June), a brand-new music festival in Weston-Super-Mare, boasting an amazing lineup including Madness, Razorlight, Five, Dizzee Rascal, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Scouting for Girls, Ocean Colour Scene and The Feeling.
Bristol Sounds (23 - 28 June) will see The Kooks, Super Furry Animals and The Streets play against the backdrop of the iconic Harbourside, plus The Maccabees will be heading over for a harbourside gig for Siren Bristol on 23 July.
To the north of the city, Westonbirt Arboretum will host Forest Live (24 - 28 June), where you’ll be able to see Fatboy Slim, Deacon Blue, UB40 feat. Ali Campbell, Rick Astley and Richard Ashcroft. To the south, Valley Fest (31 July - 2 August) returns to Chew Valley, showcasing Bristol’s live music scene as well as fine local food producers and cooking demos.
Image: Bristol Sounds
Film festivals take place across the city throughout the year, from sci-fi and horror classics bonanza Forbidden Worlds Film Festival (23-26 April 2026), and global film festivals such as Afrika Eye and Bristol Palestine Film Festival (dates TBA). Bristol Film Festival celebrates 10 years of screening films at iconic venues across the city this year, with venues including the spooktacular Redcliffe Caves and the magical Clifton College.
Enjoy short films and animations at Encounters Film Festival (dates TBA), tune into the 10th edition of Cinema Rediscovered (22-26 July), and the Cary Comes Home festival marks the 40th anniversary of Hollywood icon Cary Grant's death with hosted screenings, live music, performances and expert panels.
Image - Forbidden World Film Festival
5. Discover Bristol's world-class music scene
Classical, rock, house, drum and bass, blues, jazz, pop – you’ll find it all in Bristol. Check out the gig listings at Bristol Beacon, St George’s Bristol, Lakota, Trinity Centre and other top music venues. There are also plenty of amazing acts coming to Bristol’s clubs and venues, including SWX and the O2 Academy.
Bristol also has some first-rate grassroots venues, including The Fleece, Thekla, Strange Brew, The Louisiana, Cosies, Mickey Zoggs and many more. Check out Bristol Gig Guide and Headfirst for the latest updates on live music in Bristol, as well as our gigs and concert listings.
Image - Bristol Beacon, credit Shotaway
6. Have a laugh
Bristol has a brilliant comedy scene, with shows throughout the week at The Gaffe Comedy Club, The Wardrobe Theatre, and Hen and Chicken, while a little further out of town, Wookey Hole runs regular comedy nights, welcoming both well-known and up-and-coming stars.
Make sure to nab tickets for Bristol Comedy Festival in January, Bristol Comedy Garden in June, or view the Slapstick Festival event programme to see some classic comedy icons at talks and special screenings, including Harry Hill, Alexei Sayle, Lee Mack and Armando Iannucci.
If you're a fan of magic, head to Bristol's comedy and magic bar Smoke & Mirrors, or if you want to see a brand-new show every evening, book a ticket to Bristol Improv Theatre.
Image: Bristol Comedy Garden
7. Feast on fantastic food and drink
Our award-winning food and drink scene spans Michelin-starred restaurants, international cuisines, regular street food markets, delicious vegan eats, locally-made craft beers and gins, and so much more.
Don't miss the city's key food and drinks festivals, such as Bristol Craft Beer Festival in June, Feast On in July, Cider Salon in August, and Bristol Wing Fest and Bristol Cocktail Weekend in September.
Be bowled over by the globe-spanning foodie offering in the historic St Nicholas Market, or dine at the independent restaurants and bars housed inside converted shipping containers at Wapping Wharf. Visit street food stalls, dine alfresco or head to one of the city's best beer gardens. Join a food tour, workshop or tasting to learn more about Bristol’s fabulous food and drink scene.
Make sure to visit Bristol’s bars and restaurants on boats, including 6 O'Clock Gin at The Glassboat and Three Brothers Burgers. Enjoy fish and chips with sea shanties aboard The Matthew, a cream tea on Bristol Packet or a sunset booze cruise with Bristol Ferry.
Image - GOOD: Stories in Food
8. Catch a match at Bristol’s stadiums
Bristol is the host city for six matches of the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup at Bristol County Ground. The run of matches starts with West Indies vs. Sri Lanka (21 June), and ends with a doubleheader on 27 June, featuring matches between Pakistan and West Indies against two tournament qualifiers.
If you're looking for more regular sporting fixtures, you can cheer on Bristol Bears in the rugby and Bristol City FC at Ashton Gate Stadium, or watch Bristol Rovers over at the Memorial Stadium just off Gloucester Road. You can also watch basketball at Bristol Flyers' home SGS WISE Arena, or Bristol Pitbulls ice hockey at Planet Ice, both located to the north of the city.
Image - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Bristol County Ground
9. Stay for the night
One day is never enough in Bristol. See more of the city by checking in for an overnight visit – we’ve got excellent hotels such as the historic Bristol Grand Hotel, country house hotels, cosy B&Bs and hotels for foodies, along with a range of independent accommodation and quirkier places to stay.
Just outside the city, new countryside hangout Mad Swans offers a different way to unwind, with eco-cabin stays in the Mendips alongside great food, golf, padel, pickleball and more.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit, Hotel Gotham will be opening in the Old City in 2026 as a stunning 5* Hotel. Expect pizzazz and to be pampered in a historic and stylish location.
Image: Mad Swans Eco Cabins
10. Spend a night at the theatre
2026 marks some significant anniversaries for Bristol's theatres. The oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, Bristol Old Vic Theatre, marks 260 years in 2026. On the younger end of the spectrum, the quirky ‘secret’ The Wardrobe Theatre turns 10 this year, and Redgrave Theatre celebrates its 60th anniversary.
From hard-hitting productions to enchanting musicals and stand-up comedy, catch theatre shows of all genres and for all ages on the stage at Bristol Hippodrome, 1532 Performing Arts Centre and Tobacco Factory Theatres.
You can also see shows performed by talented students at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School at various venues throughout the year, or join an improv workshop and watch energetic shows at Bristol Improv Theatre. See what alternative shows are being performed at The Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market, from family-friendly performances to storytelling and stand-up comedy.
Bristol is lucky to be hosting the world premiere of the new The Greatest Showman musical at Bristol Hippodrome in spring - tickets are sold out, but you can keep an eye out for returns and related events in the city. Other smash hits coming to the Hippodrome this year include Matilda, Legally Blonde and Annie.
Image: Bristol Old Vic
11. Soak up some history
This year is an exciting one for museums, too; the new immersive Dockyard Museum will be opening at SS Great Britain in late 2026, and this year also marks the 50th Anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flight, so step aboard the last Concorde to fly at Aerospace Bristol and learn more about this incredible feat of engineering.
Find exhibits around art, nature and history and more at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, while M Shed showcases local films and photographs, personal stories, rare and quirky objects and interactive displays. Don’t skip the city’s smaller museums and historic houses either.
Get to grips with Bristol’s maritime past, present and future with a trip to Underfall Yard’s hands-on visitor centre, part of a historic 19th century working boatyard.
Be wowed by the views of Bristol’s world-famous landmark, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and learn about its history at the free-to-visit Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum. Delve further into the bridge’s history and engineering during a Hard Hat Tour of the vaults underneath the bridge. Wander into the Clifton Observatory to see superb views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge and Clifton Downs.
Image - Aerospace Bristol
12. Check out new exhibitions
Spike Island celebrates its 50th anniversary with a stellar programme of events, including the 50th edition of their Open Studios, Spike Print Fair in July and Summer Party in September.
There's still time to catch Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and explore arty exhibitions at The Arnolfini.
As well as being home to a fantastic photo gallery, the Martin Parr Foundation, the city also has a series of big photography exhibitions and festivals, including the Photo Open Exhibition at the RWA in spring and the BOP Photobook Festival in October.
Image: Spike Island, credit Lisa Whiting
13. Uncover curiosity, creativity and ingenuity at We The Curious
We the Curious has hands-on experiences, plus more than 200 interactive exhibits and new shows in the 3D Planetarium throughout the year, from stargazing to family-friendly adventures.
Image: We The Curious Planetarium credit Lee Pullen
14. Meet the local wildlife
Be wowed by an exciting array of creatures at Bristol Zoo Project, as it unveils the Central African Forest area in Spring, which will be home to critically endangered western lowland gorillas and cherry-crowned mangabeys in one habitat, plus slender-snouted crocodiles, African grey parrots and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.
Dive into the wonders of the deep at Bristol Aquarium; go on a safari adventure at Longleat; spot big zoo animals at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm; spend a day birdwatching at WWT Slimbridge; or get up close to an amazing ensemble of farm animals at Avon Valley Adventure Park and Windmill Hill City Farm.
Image: Bristol Zoo Project credit Jon Drew
15. Discover shopping across the city
Discover the variety of shopping areas in Bristol – from vintage shops to malls, including Cabot Circus and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Bristol Shopping Quarter is home to plenty of places to eat and shop too, including over 100 independent shops, such as sustainable hub Sparks Bristol and Prior Shop, which stocks a range of local makers and designers.
Explore Bristol's varied high streets and shopping areas - Clifton, Park Street, St Nicholas Market, Christmas Steps, Wapping Wharf, Bedminster and Gloucester Road are all home to great local businesses and a great way to get a sense of Bristol's different neighbourhoods.
16. Take a guided tour
Dig a little deeper into Bristol’s history and culture while you see the sights. You can find a variety of tours themed around the city’s pirate past, street art obsession, role in the transatlantic slave trade, World War II, literary links, and more. Hop aboard a guided boat trip with Bristol Packet or Bristol Ferry, which also run tours alongside their regular ferry services.
If you're more of a foodie, Bristol has some great food & drink tours to introduce you to the highlights of the city's food scene - book a Gourmet Tour of Wapping Wharf or a tour of North Street with Food Tours of Bristol, or a Hotspots and Hidden Treasures Tour around the Old City with GOOD: Stories in Food. We'd also recommend taking a tour of Bristol's local breweries - highlights include Wiper & True in Old Market, Bristol Beer Factory in South Bristol and Lost and Grounded Brewers in Brislington.
Bristol was recently named the Cider Capital of the World! Make sure you learn about the West Country’s favourite drink at the Thatchers cider farm or Wild West Cider, both just outside the city, taste your way through local ciders at The Cider Box, or join a cider tour, which you can book via Yuup.
Image: Treasure Island Walk with Show of Strength
17. Unwind in Bristol
Explore the city's relaxing side. Make the most of all the saunas we have scattered around the city by heading on a sauna safari. From a sauna with a view of frolicking goats, to a Scandinavian-style sauna outside the city, there are plenty of places to heat up and cool down. Experience the city at a gentle pace with water-based activities, wildlife spotting or scenic walks, and let curiosity rather than checklists shape your days.
Image - SUP Bristol, credit Paul Box
18. Take in the greenery
There are leafy green spaces galore to discover in Bristol and the surrounding area. Picnic in the parks, admire pretty parks and gardens around Bristol, follow countryside walking routes or head for the open air of outdoor attractions such as Westonbirt Arboretum.
Combine a scenic walk with a bit of history at National Trust houses such as Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park, or Bristol's 45-acre Victorian garden cemetery, Arnos Vale.
Bristol Walk Fest returns for the whole of May, showcasing the best of Bristol for everyone to enjoy with inclusive walks taking place across the city for people of all ages, interests and abilities. The majority of walking events are free to attend.
Image: Westonbirt Arboretum, credit Johnny Hathaway
19. Hop on a bike
One of the best ways to see the city is on two wheels. Hit one of the easy-to-follow cycling routes, such as the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, or pedal your way to some Bristol beauty spots.
Explore the Pier to Pier Cycle Route, a new 13-mile cycle route linking Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon in North Somerset, or if you want to take on some of the mountain biking trails around Bristol, you can rent a bike or take a course with Pedal Progression.
Image: Pedal Progression
20. Book a memorable Bristol experience
Choose from a range of citywide classes, workshops, tours and fun local activities with Yuup, from wine tasting and pottery workshops to dance classes and film nights.
Blow your own glass with the team at Bristol Blue Glass, who use 300-year-old methods to create glass, or do some graffiti stencil art with Graft.
Practice your golf swing at Treetop Golf, Par 59, or Putt Above, step up to bat at Sixes Social Cricket, bowl at Roxy Lanes, aim for a bullseye at Flight Club, or summon your inner Tigger at AirHop, the world’s biggest trampoline park.
Adventure-seekers can choose from a range of adventurous activities, from archery to quad biking at Bristol Activity Centre, high ropes courses with Adventure Bristol, or snowboarding and tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre.
More of a water baby? See the city from the water on a stand-up paddleboard, sailing with All Aboard Watersports, or in a canoe with the Adventurous Activity Company. Have a day of surfing at The Wave or swimming lengths at The Lido.
Finally, don't miss the unforgettable experience of soaring above Bristol in a hot air balloon with Fly Away Ballooning, First Flight Ballooning or Virgin Balloon Flights.
Image: First Flight Ballooning
21. Plan a day trip beyond Bristol
There are heaps of remarkable and beautiful places within easy reach of Bristol, from the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and Caves to the multiple attractions at Wookey Hole, where you can explore ancient cave systems and hunt out the infamous Witch of Wookey before strolling through the prehistoric Valley Of The Dinosaurs and playing some pirate-themed miniature golf!
Head to the culture-steeped UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath for stunning Georgian architecture, the famous Roman Baths and spas galore. It's the 20th anniversary of Thermae Bath Spa, so it's a great opportunity to take a dip in the rooftop pool and enjoy the views, or head along to the new Bath Fashion Festival (12-13 June).
Rabbie's Tours offer a range of excursions from Bristol to locations such as Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Oxford and even Cornwall!
Explore the nearby coast of North Somerset - take a bus or train to Weston-super-Mare to spot some street art and murals, walk along the beach at Sand Bay, paddle in the marine lake and visit local attractions including The Grand Pier. Discover more in our guides to the seaside towns of Clevedon, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare.
South Gloucestershire lies on Bristol’s doorstep and is chock-full of amazing attractions, including Bristol Zoo Project, Aerospace Bristol, The Wave, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Berkeley Castle, Wolfridge Alpaca Barn, and lots more.
Image: Wookey Hole
22. Be amazed at Wake the Tiger
Pay a visit to the world’s first Amazement Park®, Wake the Tiger. Visit the alternate world of Meridia during the day with your family and friends, or check out the adult-only after-hours experiences, or attend their special events where you can expect DJs, dancers, performers and more.
Keep an eye out for DJs, entertainment and an extension of the magic portal that is Wake The Tiger at their new outdoor dining and events space, Junk Yard.
Image: Wake The Tiger
23. Take a seasonal break to the city
Bristol buzzes all year round, but there’s something special about #SummerInBristol. Book a stay to visit the city during the summer months, to visit the city’s festivals, incredible live music, maritime entertainment, delicious food and drink, comedy and more.
Is Halloween your favourite time of year? As well as spooky events around this ghoulish time of year, including award-winning scare mazes at FEAR at Avon Valley, we've got plenty of ways for you to be a dark tourist year-round! Uncover tales from Bristol’s gruesome past on a Blood and Butchery tour of Bedminster or with Bristol Ghost Tours, or learn more in our Spooky Bristol section.
Christmas in Bristol is a special time too, with a variety of markets and gift fairs, enchanting light trails, special events at the city's top attractions, and plenty of festive food and drink to tuck into.
Image: Bristol Harbour Festival
24. Discover Bristol’s sacred and spiritual side
Search out the impressive sacred buildings around Bristol, including the historic Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church and learn more about religious figures who have shaped the city, such as the Wesley brothers and George Müller.
St Mary Redcliffe run regular Friday tours of the church, and Bristol Cathedral runs tours throughout the year. You can also visit The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, the only remaining building of the 13th century Hospital of Saint Mark throughout the year. Located right in the heart of Bristol City Centre, John Wesley’s New Room is home to the original 18th century Chapel, as well as a museum of John & Charles Wesley's life and work in Bristol.
Image: Bristol Cathedral, credit Jon Craig
25. Experience Bristol's famous nightlife
Bristol is a city that knows how to have fun, and many of the city's nightclubs and music venues are legendary. Longstanding clubs Lakota, Thekla and Basement 45 are all well-known for booming club nights which attract revellers from across the country.
Newer venues such as The Prospect Building, Document, The Jam Jar and Clock Factory are also quickly building up their reputations for memorable nights out.
Image - The Prospect Building
26. Give back to a local cause
Show some love to the fantastic local organisations in Bristol by sharing your time, money or support. Book a cooking class with Migrateful, go to a MAZI Project event, celebrate 10 years of 91 Ways, purchase a Billy Chip, visit the Help The Homeless or The Key Cafe.
You can also support local businesses by buying gifts and souvenirs - check out our gift guides to Bristol experiences, attractions and food and drink. Or read our Ultimate Bristol Gift Guide.
Plan your Bristol break:
