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!

Tag: Countryside

A mother and her young daughter in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol in autumn - credit Johnny Hathaway

Bristol's best autumn walks

Oct. 14, 2026

When the landscapes of Britain are starting to change colour, golden leaves spatter the ground and there’s an official whiff of autumn in the air, there’s nothing quite like heading outdoors to experience this magical time of year. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best places for an…

Aerial view of The Lock Keeper in Keynsham - credit Youngs, The Lock Keeper

Top country pub walks near Bristol

Sep. 25, 2026

From rolling hills to ancient woodland, we’re lucky to have what feels like an endless supply of green space just beyond Bristol. Of course, the wondrous wildlife and gorgeous scenery is reason enough to get out for a walk. But there’s nothing like a country pub pitstop to make a rural ramble even…

The golf course at Bowood in Wiltshire, credit Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

5 ways to get golfing in Bristol

Aug. 24, 2026

Whether you’re a golf pro or a total novice, we’ve put together some great ways you can give the sport a go on your next visit to Bristol. Birdies and bogeys aside, it’s a fine way to stretch your legs and spend some time outdoors with friends and family over the summer… 1. Book a private lesson…

Holiday parks and campsites near Bristol

Jul. 15, 2026

Summer is the perfect time for a break outside of the city, whether you opt to stay on site at a local attraction with the family or enjoy a peaceful countryside camping trip. Bristol is surrounded by stunning countryside, dramatic coastline and some award-winning attractions just waiting for you to…

Warblers' Meadow shepherd huts at WWT Slimbridge - Credit WWT Slimbridge

Escape to the country: Rural retreats near Bristol

Jun. 10, 2026

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…

The New Inn pub near Blagdon - credit The New Inn

Top country pubs near Bristol

May 22, 2026

Whether you’re staying on the outskirts of Bristol or in the city centre, you're never far from a traditional country pub that serves a great selection of food and drink. They provide a relaxing spot for Sunday lunch or a pitstop on a long country walk. Avon Valley Between Bristol and Bath, you'll…

Avon Gorge Wildlife kestrel credit Kathi Held

Wildlife spotting in Bristol

May 18, 2026

Bristol may be a bustling city, but it also has a greener and wilder side. Along with our own wildlife spotting suggestions below, we asked Heather from the Bristol Nature Channel to tell us her top five wild places that have inspired their nature documentaries and show that Bristol is bursting with…

Person walking three dogs on the bankside path at Conham River Park in East Bristol - credit Paul Box

The best walks in and near Bristol

May 14, 2026

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…

5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

May 11, 2026

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…

A family of 4 eating lunch at a table with a view of the Mendip Hills - Credit Wookey Hole

Places to stay with kids in and near Bristol

May 05, 2026

Bringing the family to Bristol? After experiencing the excitement of the city’s attractions, adventurous activities and delicious food and drink, you’ll need somewhere to rest and recharge. Luckily, there are countless places to stay with kids, whether you fancy a city centre hotel with big…