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

A group of people walking along river path in Brislington, Bristol, as part of Bristol Walkfest - credit Katie Murt

Five lesser-known walks around Bristol

May 06, 2024

Expand your knowledge of Bristol with a walk around one of the city's lesser-known rambling routes, detailed by Mike from Mike's Bristol Walks. Take it away, Mike... There’s no denying the healing power of a good walk on a clear day, exercising your body while you fill your lungs with fresh air and…

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

Five easy Bristol hikes

Jan. 15, 2024

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…

Woman walking a small white dog through bluebells in a wood in Bristol

Top 10 dog walks in Bristol

Jan. 02, 2024

Unlike a lot of cities, you’re never far from green space in Bristol. The city is home to over 400 parks and gardens offering outdoorsy fun and fantastic walks for owners and their dogs. Beautiful countryside surrounds on all sides, making Bristol a good base for long rambles in nearby South…

People sitting under the sun on the roof terrace at the Bambalan restaurant, central Bristol - credit Bambalan

10 rooftop bars for summer in Bristol

May 25, 2023

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

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

5 ways to get golfing in Bristol

Mar. 05, 2023

Golf fans know the season doesn’t truly begin until the beautiful Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia appears on our TV screens at the Masters. The lush, verdant greens framed by hot pink azaleas are instantly recognisable and signal many relaxing afternoons ahead on the fairway. Whether you’re a…

Deer roaming in the deer park at Ashton Court Estate near Bristol in the autumn, credit Paul Box

Wildlife spotting in Bristol

May 11, 2021

Bristol may be a bustling city, but it also has a greener and wilder side. 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 urban wildlife. The River Avon On a hot, summer’s day…

A view of Ladye Bay in Clevedon near Bristol at sunset - credit Dave Peters

Itinerary: A day out in Clevedon

Mar. 29, 2021

Clevedon near Bristol is a charming Victorian seaside town with a pebbled shoreline and stunningly restored Grade I listed Victorian pier. If you’re visiting Bristol and fancy an outing to the coast, Clevedon has plenty to offer. The Marine Lake on Clevedon’s seafront is one of only a handful of…

A climber scaling Avon Gorge in West Bristol - credit Martin Crocker

Plan an adventurous microgap in Bristol

Feb. 23, 2021

Need to get away but don’t have much time off work or can’t afford a long holiday? Perhaps you’re just looking to restore some work-life balance, or feel like you want to try something completely new. Then say hello to the microgap – a short break that capitalises on your free weekend time and is…