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

Bristol's best pub gardens

May 19, 2025

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…

5 Bristol beauty spots you can reach by bike

May 13, 2025

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…

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

Apr. 28, 2025

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…

A group of people walking in a field as part of Bristol Walkfest - credit Jeni Nott

Explore the city with Bristol Walk Fest 2025

Apr. 14, 2025

From 1-31 May there are hundreds of walks on offer all around the city as part of this year's Bristol Walk Fest. Most 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 enthusiastic…

Cyclists on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path - credit Sustrans

Explore Bristol by bike

Apr. 11, 2025

Cycling and Bristol go together like Wallace and Gromit. Named as England’s first cycling city back in 2008, Bristol has flourished as a bike-friendly haven and is home to excellent cycle routes and experiences suitable for every type of rider, from regular pedal-heads and fearless mountain bikers…

Person swimming at Conham River Park in Bristol - credit Georgie Duckworth

The best wild swimming spots near Bristol

Mar. 31, 2025

Georgie Duckworth, author of new book ‘Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath’, shares her favourite walks and wild swims close to Bristol. This book shares 28 unique and enticing wild swimming walks, all within one hour’s journey time from the city. Each walk differs in length and complexity level…

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

Top 20 Spring walks around Bristol

Mar. 24, 2025

Spring’s colourful carpets of flowers, sunny days and blossom-heavy trees make it a great time to get out and about in the city. We’ve put together our favourite spring walks around Bristol – whether you’re a serious hiker or gentle stroller, there’s something to suit all springtime wanderers. Every…

Cabot Tower at the top of Brandon Hill in central Bristol - credit Chris Bahn

Best gardens to visit in and around Bristol

Mar. 18, 2025

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 cyclists riding along the Harbourside Loop path in central Bristol - credit Cycle the City

Top 5 Bristol cycling routes

Feb. 26, 2025

Bristol was named the UK’s first Cycling City in 2008, and today boasts more cycling commuters than many other large British cities. There are a wide range of options to hire bikes in the city, or even a tandem! There are lots of marked routes which both traverse and surround the city - here are a…

Christmas Nights at Avon Valley - Credit Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Christmas light trails in and around Bristol

Nov. 11, 2024

Grab a warm coat and a woolly hat and head out to experience a little bit of Christmas magic with a twinkly festive light walk in and around Bristol. Remember to tag us in your photos and videos on Instagram and TikTok, and include #MerryBristmas in your posts! Jump on board First Bus to explore…