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! 

Itinerary: Take a dark tour of Bristol

Local author of the Weird Bristol history books, Charlie Revelle-Smith, takes us on his personal tour of some of Bristol’s macabre and gruesome history. From haunted pubs to bloody murder, wrap up warm and retrace the steps of our city’s darkest days… The Tour Map The route is approximately two…

Read More

11 of the most haunted places in Bristol

As Halloween is fast approaching, it’s got us in the mood for goosebump-inducing tales of supernatural, mystical goings-on. We asked Bristol ghost Pundit John, of Haunted and Hidden Walking Tours, to reveal his top 11 most haunted places in Bristol, visited on his excursions around the city. From a…

Read More

Bristol's best party venues

Planning a party? Whatever the occasion or vibe you're after, Bristol has a whole host of venues to host your event, from private dining to cocktails in a mock prison cell! Here are our top venues to celebrate in the city: King Street Brew House, Old City The Tank Room at King Street Brew House…

Read More

How to spend a Monday in Bristol

Monday blues? Not in Bristol. Swap work for play and get your fill of culture, adventure, great food and good times in the city. Here are some top ways to keep the weekend vibes going and kick off your week in the best way possible. Visit Bristol's top attractions Many of Bristol's most popular…

Read More

Self-guided experiences to try in Bristol

Treasure hunting, road tripping, street art spotting, fact-finding, beer tasting – you can try out all these activities and more via self-guided experiences in Bristol. Great for exploring the city safely and at your own pace, here’s an introduction to some of the best on offer. Race Across the…

Read More

A solo traveller's guide to Bristol

Planning a solo trip to Bristol? Bristol is a great option for independent travel and has gained a reputation as a friendly, safe, and fun city. Book the perfect solo adventure with our tips below... Skip to: Travel | Where to stay | Top things to do | Day trips Getting to and around Bristol…

Read More

Bristol's best rooms with a view

From Harbourside hotels and waterfront views to dramatic Avon Gorge-edge vistas, ancient spires and Somerset countryside, these Bristol hotels have rooms with beautiful, awe-inspiring and interesting sights to be seen: On the waterfront: Leonardo Royal Hotel Bristol On a busy stretch of the city’s…

Read More

The definitive guide to afternoon tea in Bristol

Jam or cream first? Ahh the great Devonshire or Cornish cream tea debate…well, we suggest seeing how it’s done Bristol fashion. From the quirky to highly traditional, grab a brew and indulge in some of these afternoon teas. Central Bristol Hotel du Vin & Bistro Located in an old sugar factory, this…

Read More

Things to do at night in Bristol

No matter what time it is, there is always something to do in Bristol. Nightlife in Bristol is legendary, whether you are a party-goer or want a more cultural night out. Here are some of our top picks for things you can do in Bristol at night. Activity bars to play and socialise Not one for…

Read More

Train rides and railway attractions in Bristol

Enjoy a day out on a local heritage steam railway, or take the family along to a miniature railway! Bristol has its place at the centre of UK railway heritage, with Isambard Kingdom Brunel engineering the Great Western Railway between London and Bristol, which opened in 1838. There are numerous…

Read More

Latest blogs

Find something to do

Get some inspiration for your trip to Bristol...