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: Groups

The bowling alley at Roxy Lanes Bristol - credit Roxy Lanes

Things to do in Bristol on a Sunday

Nov. 14, 2025

In town on a Sunday and stuck for entertainment? Well, just so happens we have a few ideas. From *free* dance classes to *free* gigs, there’s no excuse to be holed up in your hotel room watching The Antiques Roadshow… Take a tour Get to know the city on a guided walking tour - the Blackbeard to…

Restaurants in Bristol perfect for large groups

Sep. 10, 2025

There are plenty of places to treat your gathering to a special meal, from a boat with a view to a grand house in the countryside. These are 12 of the best, suited for large groups and with delectable food and drink offerings. Racks Bar and Kitchen Located in Clifton just off Whiteladies Road, Racks…

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

Self-guided experiences to try in Bristol

Aug. 28, 2025

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…

The definitive guide to afternoon tea in Bristol

Aug. 11, 2025

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…

Paddleboarders in front of Hotwells on Bristol Harbourside - credit Visit West

8 of Bristol's best water-based activities

Jul. 14, 2025

With our lovely harbour at the heart of the city, it’s no surprise that Bristol is awash with water-based things to do. These range from a leisurely cruise on a boat tour right up to a day of adventure on a canoe or stand up paddleboard. Here are eight of Bristol’s best water-based activities to…

'Clothed with the Sun' by El Mac on Nelson Street in Bristol - credit Blackbeard to Banksy walking tour / AFT Bristol

From Blackbeard to Banksy: 1000 years of Bristol in just two hours

Jul. 02, 2025

Step through the mists of time and clear the fog surrounding Bristol's fascinating origins. What if you could stand where literary giants found inspiration, listen for underground rivers, discover hidden WWII stories, explore ancient taverns, and decode world-famous street art – all in one…

Old Market Assembly venue packed with people enjoying a meal

Bristol's best party venues

Jun. 12, 2025

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…

Peanut butter parfait dessert at No. 4 Clifton Village in Bristol - credit Evoke Pictures

10 of the best Bristol hotels for foodies

Jun. 06, 2025

If West Country fodder is calling you, and you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Bristol area, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect combination of delicious food, fine wines and a comfy bed. We’ve rounded up some top places to stay for foodies, from charming boutique hotels to country…

A room with 1 large armchair and a sofa - Credit Berkeley Suites

Where to stay for a stag or hen do in Bristol

May 23, 2025

Looking for some accommodation options for a stag or hen party? We've rounded up some of the best options for groups in and around the city, from glamorous hotels to spacious apartments and countryside getaways. A great starting place if you're planning a stag or hen break is GroupAccommodation.com…

A group of men trying raft building at Mendip Activity Centre near Bristol - credit Mendip Activity Centre

Alternative stag and hen do ideas in Bristol

Feb. 19, 2025

Stag and hen parties (or 'sten' dos!) can be more than learner plates and pub crawls. Here are our suggestions if you fancy doing something a bit different with your group in and around Bristol. From river cruises around Bristol's iconic harbour to trampoline parks and even making your own gin…