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: History

A frosty morning at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire ©National Trust Images, Rachael Warren

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the National Trust around Bristol

Nov. 05, 2025

As the festive season approaches, two of the National Trust’s most loved places near Bristol are preparing to unwrap unique Christmas experiences. Whether you love fairytales or history, twinkling lights or woodland trails, there’s something truly special waiting at Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park this…

Pirate street art in Bristol - credit Show of Strength Theatre Walks

Yarr! How to have a pirate-themed day out in Bristol

Sep. 17, 2025

It's been over 300 years since the death of the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Previously known as Edward Teach, the infamous Bristol-born buccaneer terrorised the West Indies and eastern coast of the USA before meeting his demise in America in 1718, when he was captured and killed by the Governor of…

Children running in the grounds of Blaise Castle Estate in North Bristol - credit Blaise Castle Estate

The story of Blaise Castle Estate

Sep. 01, 2025

Blaise Castle Estate is one of Bristol’s best green spaces. It’s loved for its 650 acres of parkland, enchanting woodland areas, and an intriguing castle that sits on a hill. Whether you’re coming for a picnic, a walk, or to explore the museum, it’s the perfect place to enjoy, especially this…

Itinerary: Explore Brunel's Bristol

Aug. 13, 2025

Legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel is one of Bristol's icons - he may have been born in Portsmouth, but many of his greatest engineering achievements were right here in Bristol. Two of the city's best-known attractions, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain, were designed by…

Ashton Court Mansion in the grounds of Ashton Court Estate near Bristol, credit Chris Bahn

The story of Ashton Court Estate

Aug. 07, 2025

One of Bristol’s most-loved parks is the stunning Ashton Court Estate, which covers 850 acres. It's known for its gorgeous landscape, intriguing mansion, variety of wildlife and huge amounts of green space . Located in Long Ashton, it’s the perfect place for anyone keen to spot some wildlife on a…

Child playing in the Tudor knot garden at The Red Lodge Museum in Bristol - credit Visit West

Spotlight on Bristol’s small museums

Aug. 01, 2025

Home to iconic landmarks and big world-class attractions, Bristol also has its share of smaller, unusual and fascinating museums which shouldn't be overlooked... John Wesley’s New Room Tucked away in the heart of Bristol's main shopping district is the world’s oldest Methodist building, The New Room…

Stoke Park Estate on the northern side of the M32 motorway in East Bristol - credit Bristol Parks

The story of Stoke Park Estate

Jul. 20, 2025

Stoke Park Estate is a gorgeous green space, located in Bristol, which sits beside the M32. It’s particularly known for the iconic yellow house that sits on a hill overlooking the rest of the park. This house, known as the ‘Dower House’, is a Grade II listed building. The park, which is 270 acres…

'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…

Air Raid Shelter in Bristol - credit Visit West

Itinerary: Bristol in World War II

Apr. 21, 2025

Thursday 8 May 2025 was the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe or VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. Due to its size, docks and strategic importance, Bristol played a key role in the Second World War and also saw a huge amount of devastation during bombing raids from…

A view of the Stonehenge monument near Bristol by day

6 World Heritage Sites to visit near Bristol

Apr. 09, 2025

Bristol makes a perfect base to explore the historical wonders of the region. Here you’ll find ancient countryside and world-famous landmarks that sit proudly alongside their diverse and unique UNESCO World Heritage Site counterparts such as the Pyramids of Egypt and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef…