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

An aerial view of hot air balloons flying over Bristol Harbourside

Swap London for Bristol: our top travel 'dupes'

Oct. 20, 2026

Avoid the stress and bustle of the capital city and come to Bristol instead! We've listed some destination dupes where you can swap some of London's best-known attractions for a quieter (and often cheaper) version in our beautiful city. Swap The Cutty Sark for... Brunel's SS Great Britain The famous…

A mother and her young daughter in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum near Bristol in autumn - credit Johnny Hathaway

Bristol's best autumn walks

Oct. 14, 2026

When the landscapes of Britain are starting to change colour, golden leaves spatter the ground and there’s an official whiff of autumn in the air, there’s nothing quite like heading outdoors to experience this magical time of year. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best places for an…

Aerial view of The Lock Keeper in Keynsham - credit Youngs, The Lock Keeper

Top country pub walks near Bristol

Sep. 25, 2026

From rolling hills to ancient woodland, we’re lucky to have what feels like an endless supply of green space just beyond Bristol. Of course, the wondrous wildlife and gorgeous scenery is reason enough to get out for a walk. But there’s nothing like a country pub pitstop to make a rural ramble even…

The golf course at Bowood in Wiltshire, credit Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

5 ways to get golfing in Bristol

Aug. 24, 2026

Whether you’re a golf pro or a total novice, we’ve put together some great ways you can give the sport a go on your next visit to Bristol. Birdies and bogeys aside, it’s a fine way to stretch your legs and spend some time outdoors with friends and family over the summer… 1. Book a private lesson…

A family with a dog walking in woodland in Bristol - credit Jon Chamberlain

Five easy hikes around Bristol

Aug. 04, 2026

Looking to lace up your boots and go on some long walks and hikes around the city? We asked Mike from Hiker Hero to share a few of his local favourites... Some parts of Bristol are hilly enough that a walk to the shop feels like going on a hike. That said, there’s no better feeling than leaving the…

People sitting outdoors under the sun by The Ostrich pub in the Redcliffe area of Bristol - credit Mahtola Eagle

Bristol's best pub gardens

Jul. 24, 2026

We’ve rounded up some of the best beer gardens in Bristol to get you in the mood for a nice cold pint in the spring sunshine. We can almost taste the cider now… The White Lion This Clifton pub has one of the best views in the city from its back terrace, overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton…

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…