Atmospheric theatres, beautiful gardens, leisurely boat trips, amazing shopping, award-winning museums and attractions, and food and drink to shout about – Bristol is perfect for a group trip.
Many of the listings on this page offer special rates and packages for groups, but many require advance booking to ensure the best visitor experience possible.
Culture & Heritage
Bristol is jam-packed with museums and attractions that are perfect for a group visit, whether that is part of the city’s maritime or industrial heritage or a vision into the future at one of the best science centres in the country, We The Curious.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic symbols of Bristol; tours are available for groups.
Tours of the city and surrounds
Boat tours of Bristol’s Harbourside are available year-round as well as walking tours, either scheduled or private. Themes can include an overview of the city, theatre walks showcasing some of the quirkier history of Bristol, street art tours (Banksy is from the city), Bristol Blitz tours, and more.
Smaller groups can book a food tour in the city or explore some of the independent drink producers in the countryside around Bristol, with a sample (or several) along the way!
Using Bristol as a base, there are a number of easy-to-reach day trips to places such as Bath, Stonehenge, The Cotswolds, Cardiff and Forest of Dean. Cheddar, Glastonbury and Wells are also on the city's doorstep, all of which can be explored using public transport or by booking a private excursion for your group.
Theatre & Performance
As well as heritage and behind the scenes tours at Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Hippodrome, groups can book to experience performances at these city centre theatres. Bristol Hippodrome is the city’s ‘West End’ theatre, offering big touring musical productions. Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continually operating theatre in the English-speaking world and offers cutting edge performances in an atmospheric setting.
Bristol Beacon is the city’s largest concert venue, offering a wide range of performances from every genre of music through to stand-up comedy. St George’s Bristol is a lauded classical music venue just off Park Street – check our What's On pages for the latest listings.
Tours are available at theatres and other attractions if pre-booked, often offering behind the scenes access.
Shopping
Whether your group are after high street names, boutique designers, quirky independents or fabulous markets, Bristol fits the bill. Bristol Shopping Quarter in the city centre is a huge, mostly pedestrianised area combining the areas of Broadmead, Cabot Circus, Quakers Friars, The Galleries, and The Arcade.
Nearby St Nicholas Market in the Old City has been serving the needs of shoppers since 1743, while the scenic Georgian streets of Clifton Village are packed with boutique shops selling unique gifts.
Heading out of the city to the north, there's a large IKEA store, and near the M4/M5 junction you'll find Cribbs Causeway, a huge out-of-town shopping mall.
Events
Bristol is host to hundreds of events throughout the year, many of which are suitable for a group visit. Some of these events are free but may require pre-booking for coach parking - check our individual listings for details.
Bristol Harbour Festival and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in the summer months are two of the city's most popular annual events. Don’t miss Bristol Christmas Market in November and December, as well as Bristol Light Festival in February, which is guaranteed to brighten your winter!
Stag & Hen parties
Bristol makes a great destination for stag and hen groups, but make sure to book ahead to ensure you aren’t disappointed. There are a huge range of activities and experiences available from street art workshops to games and activity venues, escape rooms and retro arcades. See our Stag & Hen blogs for more inspiration.
Sport
Touring sports teams are in for a treat in Bristol with many clubs to link with, but also professional sport to go along and watch too. See our Sports & Active pages for more information.
School and College Visits
Many Bristol attractions offer programs that tie in with the National Curriculum. Check individual listings and websites for more details.
Find out more
For more information and inspiration for your group check out our other pages below:
