20 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 top 25 things to do in 2025 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.
1. Go on a Wallace & Gromit hunt
Gromit Unleashed 3 arrives in the city from 30 June - 31 August, giving you all summer to try and locate the painted sculptures of Aardman's most loved characters. The citywide trail will feature Wallace and Gromit, the mischievous penguin Feather’s McGraw and a new character, Norbot, the new ‘smart gnome’ from the latest film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Image - Gromit Unleashed
2. Find filming locations
Bristol is a popular filming location, with recent productions including Rivals and Young Sherlock.
Scour 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.
Image: David Tennant filming the 2023 Doctor Who 60th anniversary episode 'The Giggle' on Clare Street in the Old City, credit Logan Walker
3. Go to a festival
Bristol has a festival for just about anything you can think of. The year kicks off with Bristol Light Festival (31 January - 9 February), followed shortly afterwards Slapstick Festival (12 - 16 February). Don't miss the city's flagship summer festivals Bristol Harbour Festival (19 - 21 July) and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (9 - 11 August), as well as St Pauls Carnival in July.
Enjoy family fun and find out more about sustainability and nature at the Festival of Nature (6 - 15 June), discover new favourite beers at the Bristol Craft Beer Festival (13 -14 June) or sample the best of Bristol's food scene at Feast On (24 July). Bristol Pride returns from the end of June for a two-week celebration, culminating on 12 July with Pride Day – expect music from pop icons such as Cascada and much more.
Image - Bristol Pride
It's also a great year for music festivals, with BS3 (21 June), Dot to Dot (24 June), Love Saves the Day (24 - 25 June) and FOWARDS (23 - 24 August) all returning. Bristol Sounds (25 - 29 June) will see Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas and Olly Murs play against the backdrop of the iconic Harbourside, plus Bloc Party will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with a harbourside gig for Siren Bristol on 25 July.
To the north of the city Westonbirt Arboretum will host Forest Live (18 - 22 June), where you’ll be able to see Snow Patrol, Elbow, The Coral, Paul Heaton, McFly and The Script.
Image: Bristol Sounds
Film festivals take place across the city throughout the year, from celebration of the natural world Wildscreen Festival to sci-fi and horror classics bonanza Forbidden Worlds Film Festival (29 May - 1 June), and global film festivals such as Afrika Eye and Bristol Palestine Film Festival (dates TBA). Bristol Film Festival screens films at iconic venues across the city throughout the year, including the spooktacular Redcliffe Caves and the magical Clifton College.
Two of Bristol's most iconic film events reach important milestones in 2025, with Encounters Film Festival (24-28 September) celebrating 30 years of championing short film, animation and virtual reality, while Cinema Rediscovered (23-27 July) marks its 10-year anniversary of showcasing classic and silent films.
Image - Forbidden World Film Festival
4. 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.
IDLES will play their only UK gig this year in Queen Square on 1 & 2 August, there are still plenty of amazing acts coming to Bristol’s clubs and venues, including SWX, Motion 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
5. Have a laugh
Bristol has a brilliant comedy scene, with shows throughout the week at The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol Improv 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, look out for announcements from Bristol Comedy Garden which returns in June, or view the Slapstick Festival event programme to see some classic comedy icons at talks and special screenings.
If you're a fan of magic, head to Bristol's comedy and magic bar Smoke & Mirrors, or prepare to be amazed as Derren Brown returns to Bristol Hippodrome for a four-night run at the end of May.
Image: Bristol Comedy Garden
6. 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.
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 al fresco or head to one of the city's best beer gardens.
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.
Join a food tour, workshop or tasting to learn more about Bristol’s fabulous food and drink scene, or keep an eye out for an exciting new arrival to Bristol's food scene in BOXHALL, a modern food hall due to open on Welsh Back in the city centre later in 2025, showcasing independent Bristol street food traders and restaurants.
Image - Brunch at Rick's
7. Catch a match at Bristol’s stadiums
One of the highlights of the year, the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup is coming to Bristol in September! Ashton Gate Stadium will host both semi-finals and two quarter-finals, with the Red Roses guaranteed to play their quarterfinal match at Ashton Gate should they progress.
Save yourself a spot in the stands at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for their 2025 fixtures. Nab a ticket for an international fixture: England Men v West Indies on 8 June, or England Women v India on 1 July.
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.
8. 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 Mercure 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.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit, Hotel Gotham will be opening in the Old City in 2025. Expect pizzazz and to be pampered in an historic and stylish location.
Image: Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, credit Jose Coello
9. Spend a night at the theatre
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 Old Vic, The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome, 1532 Performing Arts Centre and Tobacco Factory Theatres.
See the shows performed by talented students at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School at various venues throughout the year. Watch an improv show, or join in an improv workshop with 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.
If you're more into musicals, nab your tickets for Kinky Boots, Chicago or Moulin Rouge at The Bristol Hippodrome.
Image: The Bristol Hippodrome, credit Freia Turland
10. Soak up some history
From a journey through Bristol’s aviation achievements at Aerospace Bristol, to stepping aboard Brunel’s iconic SS Great Britain, travel through time at the city’s historic attractions and museums.
Find exhibits around art, nature and history and more at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, while M Shed showcases amazing film and photographs, personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects through interactive displays. Don’t skip the city’s smaller museums and historic houses either.
Get to grips with Bristol’s ship building past, present and future, with a trip to Underfall Yard’s hands-on visitor centre, part of an 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 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: Brunel's SS Great Britain
11. Check out new exhibitions
There's still time to catch Wildlife Photographer of the Year at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, or explore arty exhibitions and classes at the RWA, Spike Island and Arnolfini.
As well as being home to two fantastic photography galleries, The Royal Photographic Society and 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 BOP Photobook Festival in October.
Image: RWA Bristol
12. 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. Bristol's interactive science centre celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, so keep your eyes peeled for special events and school holiday activities.
Image: We The Curious Planetarium, credit Lisa Whiting
13. Meet the local wildlife
Be wowed by an exciting array of creatures at Bristol Zoo Project, including the red pandas which will be welcomed in spring. Work is also due to start on the ambitious Central African Forest area, which when built will be home to Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas.
Dive into the wonders of the deep at Bristol Aquarium; go on a safari adventure at Longleat; 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.
Spot big zoo animals at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, which will be unveiling their redeveloped lion habitat in spring 2025, as part of their ongoing Project Carnivora - which will also see a brand new habitat for tigers, Arctic foxes and vultures.
Image: Bristol Zoo Project. Credit: Andre Pattenden
14. See Bristol’s world-famous street art
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: Upfest
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 tours themed around the city’s pirate past, street art obsession, role in transatlantic slavery, WW2, literary links and more. Hop aboard a guided boat trip with Bristol Packet or Bristol Ferry, who 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 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.
Make sure you learn about the West Country’s favourite drink (cider!) at the Thatchers cider farm just outside the city, taste your way through some local ciders at The Cider Box, or join a cider tour, which you can book via Yuup.
Image: Food tour in St Nicholas Market. Credit: GOOD Stories in Food
17. 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
18. 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
19. Book a memorable Bristol experience
Choose from a 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 grafitti stencil art with Graft.
Unleash your inner lumberjack at Whistle Punks, practice your golf swing at Treetop Golf or Par 59, 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 scale a 10 metre high pole to make a 'Leap of Faith', or choose from a range of adventurous activities, from archery to quad biking at Bristol Activity Centre and Mendip Activity Centre.
More of a water baby? See the city from the water on a stand up paddleboard, or in a canoe with the Adventurous Activity Company. Have fun splashing your way through water sports on the harbour, 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 or Virgin Balloon Flights.
Image: SUP Bristol
20. 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 city of Bath this year for the 250th birthday of one of the city's most famous residents: Jane Austen. Expect special tours, Regency balls, lavish dinners, creative workshops and much more, where you can dress up with fellow Austen fans and learn more about the author's most famous works and characters.
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
21. 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.
Image: Wake The Tiger
22. 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 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 International Balloon Fiesta, credit Adam Gasson
23. 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 run 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
24. 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. Motion has been voted as DJ Mag's 11th best club in the world as well as the UK's best large club, while 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.
25. Give back to a local cause
Show some love to the fantastic local organisations in Bristol by sharing your time, money or support. 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:
