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! 

Outdoor swimming pools and splash parks in Bristol

Make the most of warmer days and cool off at these alfresco swimming spots, from Bristol Harbourside to open air lidos, marine lakes and more. Jump to: Outdoor swimming pools - Open water swimming - Splash parks Outdoor pools Bristol Lido Tucked away down a quiet street in Clifton, this Victorian…

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Adventurous activities in Bristol

Whether you’re looking for daring date ideas or a fun day out with friends or family, Bristol and the surrounding area is home to plenty of thrill-seeking activities, from rock climbing to surfing! Head for heights? Enjoy the views from 25 metres above the harbour after climbing the rigging in Go…

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Stay on a film set: overnight at Bristol filming locations

Did you know that Bristol is a UNESCO Creative City of Film? This permanent status recognises Bristol's global contribution to film and television over many years, its world-class film festivals, popular filming locations and pop-up screenings. While it's easy to be blown away by the film and TV…

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Where to watch the World Cup in Bristol

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday 11 June, with 48 teams taking part in a total of 104 matches in just over five weeks. The tournament is being hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, but this is our guide to where you can catch all of the action right here in Bristol…

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The best places to eat alfresco in Bristol

From harbourside restaurants to stunning roof terraces, we've picked out some of the best places to eat alfresco in Bristol when the sun is shining. By the water Aqua, Welshback Whether you're looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can enjoy your food with a view of the water from the sunny…

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10 highlights for Bristol Pride 2026

Bristol Pride returns for 2026 with a phenomenal and diverse line-up of events across Bristol, from 27 June to 12 July, with the main festival Pride Day taking place on Saturday 11 July on the Downs. We asked Bristol Pride Trustee, Freddie Daw, to talk us through some of the highlights from this…

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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…

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Escape to the country: Rural retreats near Bristol

Get the best of both worlds and combine your city break with a rural getaway! Fill your day with exciting events and attractions on offer in the buzzing city of Bristol before ending the day gazing out over green fields, sweeping hills and woodland. The city is right on the doorstep of sensational…

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Neurodiverse-friendly activities in Bristol

From immersive experiences and historic ships to wildlife parks and museums, Bristol offers a growing range of inclusive attractions designed to make everyone feel welcome. Here are some of the best neurodiverse-friendly activities in and around Bristol. You can find more information for your visit…

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