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. 15, 2025

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…

De vere Tortworth Court near Bristol exterior with outdoor bar and seating in garden - credit De vere Tortworth Court

Country house hotels near Bristol

Sep. 22, 2025

Birdsong or Bansky? Hedgerows or Harbourside? If you can’t decide between a city break or a country retreat, do both. North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of the Mendips are all within a hop and a skip of Bristol city centre. Dress like a city weekender, but…

A group of people walking along river path in Brislington, Bristol, as part of Bristol Walkfest - credit Katie Murt

Five lesser-known walks around Bristol

Sep. 16, 2025

Expand your knowledge of Bristol with a walk around one of the city's lesser-known rambling routes, detailed by Mike from Mike's Bristol Walks. Take it away, Mike... There’s no denying the healing power of a good walk on a clear day, exercising your body while you fill your lungs with fresh air and…

A white The Big Lemon X91 bus in North Somerset - credit The Big Lemon

Go for a Chew Valley adventure with the X91 bus

Aug. 19, 2025

Did you know that you can travel directly from the heart of Bristol to the beautiful landscapes of the Chew Valley by bus? The Big Lemon’s new X91 ‘Chew Valley Sprint’ bus service connects the city directly to the scenic slopes of the Mendip Hills, as well as the banks of the spectacular Chew Valley…

Avon Gorge Wildlife kestrel credit Kathi Held

Wildlife spotting in Bristol

Jul. 18, 2025

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…

Holiday parks and campsites near Bristol

Jun. 02, 2025

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…

A purple and beige-coloured Mendip Explorer 376 bus parked at Clarks Village in Street, Somerset - First Bus

Go on a Mendips adventure with the 376 bus

May 20, 2025

Did you know that you can catch one of Britain’s most scenic bus routes from Bristol? The beloved 376 bus service connects the city to the beautiful Somerset countryside on its southern doorstep, and we've put together a list of the best things to do along the route! Hop aboard the 376 at Bay 18 in…

5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

May 13, 2025

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…

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

Apr. 28, 2025

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…

A fmaily eating ice cream on a bench outside Wookey Hole hotel - Credit Wookey Hole

Places to stay with kids in Bristol and beyond

Apr. 23, 2025

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…