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 view of the Stonehenge monument near Bristol by day

6 World Heritage Sites to visit near Bristol

Apr. 13, 2026

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…

The tropical pool at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, credit University of Bristol Botanic Garden

The story of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden

Mar. 31, 2026

Bristol’s Botanic Garden sits at The Holmes in Stoke Bishop, a peaceful oasis in our city. The Garden is a museum, and the plants are the exhibits set in displays that tell the remarkable stories of plants; from their beginnings millions of years ago, how they attract pollinators, and habitats such…

Black and white photo of a woman on a horse being led by a man

16 incredible Bristol women

Mar. 03, 2026

For some International Women's Day inspired reading, check out our list of amazing women who have helped shape Bristol. Image - Adela Breton with her guide in Mexico, Pablo Solorio. Courtesy of Bristol Museums. Adela Breton – Explorer Adela, brought up in nearby Bath, was no normal Victorian…

Interior of the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton, Bristol

The Story of the Redgrave Theatre

Mar. 01, 2026

As the Redgrave Theatre approaches its 60th anniversary, we asked the team to tell us more about the history behind this much-loved venue... Hidden away in the beautiful suburb of Clifton, the Redgrave Theatre is one of Bristol’s most popular and distinctive performance spaces. With its tiered…

People on a walking tour with costumed guide - credit Show Of Strength Theatre Company

An A-Z of top Bristol trivia

Feb. 27, 2026

Are you looking for some tantalising Bristol tales to impress your friends? Or learn more about the city's lesser-known stories? We asked Sheila Hannon from Show of Strength Theatre Walks to tell us some of her favourite trivia about the city - Show of Strength runs several guided walks in Central…

The community gardens allotments at Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol - credit Windmill Hill City Farm

The story of Windmill Hill City Farm

Jan. 23, 2026

Based in the heart of Bedminster, Windmill Hill City Farm has been a fixture of the area for decades. In fact, this beloved community space is celebrating its 50th anniversary this September! In honour of this fantastic achievement, we would like to share the inspiring story of how this little farm…

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…