Discover Bristol’s wartime stories and explore the city’s role in the second world war.
As the UK marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May 2025, there’s no better time to visit Bristol and uncover the city’s powerful and often surprising wartime past. From top-secret spy networks and strategic planning for D-Day, to devastating bombing raids of the Bristol Blitz, Bristol was forever changed by the events of the Second World War.
Find out more about the history of Bristol and the impact of World War 2 with our WW2 itinerary.
Itinerary: Bristol in World War 2
To get the most out of your trip, follow our WW2 Bristol Itinerary, which weaves together major landmarks and hidden stories from around the city. Explore key locations, stories and memorials from Bristol's wartime history, from air raid shelters to memorials, and even the place where many of the plans for D-Day were drawn up!
Take a look at the second world war history itinerary.
VE Day 80 in Bristol
Thursday 8 May 2025 is the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe or VE Day, which marked the end of the second world war in Europe. There are celebrations and commemorations across the city, including Celebrate VE80 at Berkeley Castle and Spirit of '45 at Aerospace Bristol, both taking place from 4 - 5 May 2025. You can also join in a VE Day Celebration at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Monday 5 May, or book on to their talk about Americans in Bristol during WW2 in June.
Visit Arnolfini from 9 May – 29 June to enjoy a free exhibition of WWII woven tapestry devoted to Black British, African, Caribbean and African American service people to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day. This new tapestry, woven on a digital loom, is based on photographs from Getty, Imperial War Museum, Wickham Historical Society, Airborne Assault Museum and private collections.
Keep an eye on the Visit Bristol What’s On page for more events and updates as VE Day approaches.
History of Bristol
Bristol’s role in World War Two is just one chapter in a much longer and fascinating story. From its maritime roots to its industrial innovation and cultural evolution, the city has played a key role in shaping British history. To explore how Bristol developed through the decades—before, during, and after the 20th century—visit our History of Bristol timeline. You’ll find highlights from key moments in the city’s past, including its wartime resilience, post-war regeneration, and the rise of Bristol as a creative and diverse hub.
View the World War II history timeline
Remembering Bristol’s Global Legacy
After the war, Bristol looked outward in a spirit of peace and reconciliation, twinning with Bordeaux and Hannover in 1947. These connections continue to thrive today, symbolising Bristol’s commitment to unity after conflict.
Bristol's Twin Cities
Plan your visit to Bristol
Bristol’s WWII stories are not only fascinating—they’re part of the city’s fabric. Whether through guided tours, museum exhibitions, or simply exploring the streets, this VE Day anniversary offers a meaningful chance to reflect and connect with the past in one of Britain’s most historic cities.
Explore more on our WWII in Bristol itinerary, or browse the full list of historic attractions in Bristol.
