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: Outdoor

People swimming at Lido Bristol and chilling by the pool

Outdoor swimming pools and splash parks in Bristol

Jul. 10, 2026

Make the most of warmer days and cool off at these alfresco swimming spots, from Bristol Harbourside to open air lidos, marine lakes and more. Jump to: Outdoor swimming pools - Open water swimming - Splash parks Outdoor pools Bristol Lido Tucked away down a quiet street in Clifton, this Victorian…

Terrace at 360 Cafe in Bristol - credit Clifton Observatory

10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

Jul. 07, 2026

When the temperature rises in the city, it’s hard to beat a rooftop bar for an awesome view and a glass of something chilled. Here are ten of Bristol’s best bars with a roof terrace: The White Lion Bar Home to one of the most iconic views in Bristol, The White Lion Bar (part of the Avon Gorge by…

Five people in sit-on-top kayaks on Bristol Harbour pose together for a photo with Bristol’s famous colourful terrace houses on the hill in the background. They are smiling and look relaxed, having a good time on a unique urban adventure.

8 of Bristol's best water-based activities

Jul. 01, 2026

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…

Outdoor theatre in and around Bristol this summer

Jun. 01, 2026

Watch dramatic Shakespeare performances and family-friendly shows alfresco this summer! Here's our guide to the outdoor shows you won't want to miss, both in the heart of the city and nearby countryside... As You Like It at Boiling Wells Amphitheatre (Sun 21 June) Head to a tucked-away corner of St…

Avon Gorge Wildlife kestrel credit Kathi Held

Wildlife spotting in Bristol

May 18, 2026

Bristol may be a bustling city, but it also has a greener and wilder side. Along with our own wildlife spotting suggestions below, we asked Heather from the Bristol Nature Channel to tell us her top five wild places that have inspired their nature documentaries and show that Bristol is bursting with…

Person walking three dogs on the bankside path at Conham River Park in East Bristol - credit Paul Box

The best walks in and near Bristol

May 14, 2026

We asked Bristol Walk Fest for tips on alternatives to some of the city's best-known walking spots. Bristol Walk Fest run events throughout May to coincide with National Walking Month, and you can also join in a series of walks as part of the new North Somerset Walk Fest. Ashton Hill Ashton Hill is…

5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

May 11, 2026

One of the best ways to reach green corners of Bristol and the surrounding area is to hop on your bike. With many cycle paths and bike-friendly routes to follow, it doesn’t take long to pedal your way to tranquil hangouts steeped in nature and wildlife. Here are five beauty spots you can cycle to…

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…

Best gardens to visit in and around Bristol

Apr. 27, 2026

Now that spring is finally showing signs of sticking around, it’s the perfect time to venture out of hibernation and see Bristol’s beautiful gardens in bloom. From tiny Knot Gardens hidden behind tall Georgian town houses, to unforgettable estates in rolling countryside, here are our pick of…

A group of people on the Downs in Bristol, as part of Bristol Walk Fest - credit Bristol Walk Fest

Explore the city with Bristol Walk Fest 2026

Apr. 15, 2026

From 1-31 May, there are hundreds of walks on offer all around the city as part of this year's Bristol Walk Fest. More than 80% of them are free, and they cover all abilities and interests. Whether you are a casual walker who fancies a gentle stroll to explore new parts of the city or an…