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!

A giant light up reindeer in Quakers Friars - Credit Cabot Circus

Twixmas holiday activities in Bristol

Dec. 18, 2024

Don't just sit around eating turkey sandwiches – banish the lull between Christmas and New Year and find fun Twixmas holiday activities in Bristol. Explore new trails aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain Step back in time and explore the historic dockyard and ship, which reopens on 27 December and is…

Child with Shaun the Sheep statue - credit Bristol Zoo Project

9 ways to have a cracking Wallace and Gromit themed festive break in Bristol

Dec. 17, 2024

It’s a Cracking Christmas, Gromit! As the latest film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl premieres on our TV screens this Christmas on BBC One in the UK and Netflix globally afterwards, it’s safe to say the world’s most famous inventor and dog duo are making headlines once again. Did you know…

A black and white image of Cary Grant on College Green in Bristol - credit Bristol Post

Itinerary: Explore Cary Grant's Bristol

Dec. 13, 2024

Did you know that Hollywood legend Cary Grant started his life as Archibald Leach in Bristol? Find out where one of the most iconic film stars called home, learned his trade and is now commemorated in the city. The Cary Grant Statue Start your Cary Grant tour of the city by seeking out the statue of…

Goldilocks and the Three Bears poster on the front of the hippodrome - Credit Charlotte Harris

Review: Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome

Dec. 12, 2024

Ian from Visit West reviews Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome, which runs until 5 January. Goldilocks and The Three Bears was a vibrant, wonderful performance. It's a show for all ages, and there's something for all to enjoy as you band together to save the circus. Image - The…

A lounge area with 2 grey sofas and a table - credit Mint Stays

Independent places to stay in Bristol

Dec. 09, 2024

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…

Bristol Cathedral alter with Christmas trees and candles - Credit Bristol Cathedral

Christmas carols, concerts and services in Bristol

Dec. 04, 2024

If you’d like to add a touch of the spiritual to your Christmas celebrations, we’ve put together a list of the most enchanting and sacred spaces around Bristol. Bristol Cathedral Bristol Cathedral is an extraordinary building filled with secrets of Bristol’s past. Christmas is a busy time for the…

Children playing with bubble machine at the We The Curious in Bristol - credit Lisa Whiting

Take some time out for play and discovery this Christmas

Dec. 02, 2024

The silly season has arrived but before you get swept away by the festive frenzy, why not plan in a spot of time for play? A day out at Bristol’s surprising science experience, We The Curious, is the perfect way to escape and enjoy being together. Step out of the cold and through the…

Christmas lights and stalls with Cabot in background - Credit James Bridle

What's on at Bristol Christmas Market 2024

Nov. 29, 2024

Get into the holiday spirit at Bristol's much-loved Christmas Market. Open from early November until 23 December, Broadmead is alive with the spirit of the season, featuring enchanting chalets, festive treats, and joyful entertainment. Shop for gifts With over 50 stalls offering everything from…

A Santa hand handing a small gift to a child - Credit Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Where to see Santa in Bristol this Christmas

Nov. 27, 2024

He's making a list, he's checking it twice; he's gonna find out who's naughty or nice, Santa Claus is coming to Bristol. Here are all the places you can meet the jolly old man in red…#MerryBristmas! Jump on board First Bus to explore festive events across the city, and if you're coming from out of…

A women dressed in a red robe showing a doll to a small child - Credit Brunel's SS Great Britain

24 Festive things to do in Bristol

Nov. 25, 2024

Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, enchanting light trails, festive events and experiences, not to mention the magnificent theatre productions – Bristol is brimming with exciting things to do this Christmas. Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas. Here's our round-up of what’s on this…