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: Family

A Bristol Ferry Boat sailing under Castle Bridge in Finzels Reach, towards Bristol's Harbourside

Self-guided experiences to try in Bristol

Sep. 16, 2026

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…

A group of balloons lifting off in a mass ascent at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit Andrew Varcoe

6 top tips for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Aug. 05, 2026

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the most popular and striking outdoor events on the calendar. This year, the world-renowned free Fiesta returns to Ashton Court between Friday 7 August and Sunday 9 August 2026. Each morning and evening of the fiesta, you can join one of the fiesta's…

Train on the track at Avon Valley Railway near Bristol - credit Avon Valley Railway

Train rides and railway attractions in Bristol

Jul. 31, 2026

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…

Family playing in kitchen - credit Upside Down House

Fun things to do with teenagers in Bristol

Jul. 14, 2026

Worried about keeping teenagers entertained during a visit to Bristol? Don’t be! There’s an endless amount of fun and adventure on offer for their age group, thanks to exciting attractions and activities. Whether they’d be happiest in a wetsuit, on roller skates or holding a spray paint can, here…

Ships and Giggles: A summer of games and adventures at Bristol Dockyards

Jul. 03, 2026

Looking for the ultimate family day out this summer? Bristol Dockyards – home of the legendary SS Great Britain – has something brilliant in store from 18 July to 2 September 2026. Ships and Giggles is a summer packed with interactive games and challenges inspired by the real stories of the SS…

Valley at Wookey Hole near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole

Magical summer adventures at Wookey Hole - with 20% off!

Jul. 02, 2026

Looking for a great-value family day out this summer? Around 40 minutes’ drive from Bristol, deep into the stunning Somerset countryside, Wookey Hole is offering the perfect combination of adventure, entertainment and discovery - now with 20% off advance tickets between 25 June and 2 September 2026…

Clownfish in tank at Bristol Aquarium - credit Bristol Aquarium

Neurodiverse-friendly activities in Bristol

Jun. 08, 2026

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…

A father and his son on one of the slides at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park near Bristol - credit Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Fun things to do with toddlers in Bristol

May 21, 2026

Exploring Bristol with children under three years old is an exciting adventure, and you're never short of options! Bristol offers a mix of fun, educational, and interactive activities perfectly suited for toddlers and young children. Whether you're seeking hands-on play spaces, outdoor parks with…

A large group of young people on paddleboards and kayaks is rafted up in a group on the River Yeo, smiling and waving in bright sunshine.

7 Most popular activities to try with Mendip Adventure

May 08, 2026

Looking for a fun day out near Bristol? Mendip Adventure is here to inspire you with its most popular beginner-friendly outdoor activities, and a little something for aspiring adventurers looking to develop their skills. Who is Mendip Adventure? Mendip Adventure is one of the UK’s largest outdoor…

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…