Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bristol – latest information and advice

The health and safety of visitors, delegates and residents within Bristol is of paramount importance to us all and we want to share ongoing advice related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) here.

Last updated: 26 November 2020

Key information: 

• From 2 December 2020, Bristol, North Somerst and South Gloucestershire will all be within Tier 3 (Very High Alert) restrictions. Neighbouring area Bath & North East Somerset will be within Tier 2 (High Alert).
• Find the latest information on the official UK government website.   
• As far as we are aware, All visitor attractions, venues, pubs, bars, restaurants, places of worship, parks and non essential shops are temporarily closed from Thursday 5 November 2020.
• Please check directly with venues, businesses and attractions for up to date information.
• Some outlets may be offering a take away or delivery services.
• Some accommodation businesses are offering rooms for those needing to self-isolate away from home and for key workers.
• The current guidance is to stay at home and away from others. More information can be found here.
• Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and using a face covering, can be found at NHS.uk
• For travellers already in the UK and who need medical advice, use the 111 online coronavirus service to get further information.  

Team VB are working hard to ensure that information on VisitBristol.co.uk is relevant and up to date. However this cannot be guaranteed due to the ever-changing nature of the current situation. Please check with restaurants, hotels, attractions and shops before visiting by calling ahead or checking their website directly.

How will coronavirus impact my travel to Bristol? 

In response to the current coronavirus outbreak, the UK government has advised against all 'unnecessary travel' and has asked public to stop 'non-essential contact' for four weeks from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December 2020.

From 2 December Bristol will be in Tier 3 (Very High Alert) restrictions. For more information on what this means, see the Government's 'Local restriction tiers: What you need to know page.

This means that all Bristol attractions, restaurants and businesses are temporarily closed and events and conferences are being postponed.

There are changes to the public transport network to and within Bristol. Please check this page on the Travelwest website for further information.

Stay up to date with the latest advice on the official government website.

What is still open?

Tyntesfield -  The grounds at Tyntesfield are open. The Cow Barn, Pavilion Cafe and Griddle Pod are open on a takeaway basis. To avoid disappointment please book your visit to Tyntesfield in advance

Clevedon Pier - You can take exercise in your family group in an uplifting way by taking a walk down the Pier between Thursday and Sunday from 10:30-16:00* (with last entry at 15:30pm) *weather dependent. However, all our buildings, including the shop are closed.

Windmill Hill City Farm - The farm will remain open to the public, 7 days a week, 9-5pm during the lockdown period.

American Museum & Gardens - The gardens and Garden Cafe are open (cafe open for takeaway and outsode seating) Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Normal admission applies.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum - Westonbirt will remain open for outdoor recreation and exercise. All visits must be pre-booked online including members of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.

Jekka's Christmas Charity Open Days - 27th & 28th November - Following the new Government Guidelines permitting the opening of garden centres and botanical gardens, Jekka's are delighted to be able to open for their Christmas Charity Open Days. Entrance to Jekka's Open Days is by coupon only which can be purchased on their website along with any restrictions.

Arnos Vale Cemetery - The Cemetery grounds will be open 9-4, Monday to Saturday during lockdown. The Café will be open for takeaway 9am and 3.30pm.

RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve - In line with Government guidance on essential, daily exercise outdoors, the car park, trails and toilets are open through lockdown. The welcome building, hides, and shop are closed, however the takeaway refreshments are still available.

Salisbury Cathedral - The Cathedral will be open Monday - Saturday, 10.00am - 1.00pm for private prayer and contemplation only.  

Closures and cancellations include:

Please note that all visitor attractions (except those mentioned above), venues, bars, restaurants, places of worship and non essential businesses are now closed until further notice under the directive from UK Government. Takeaway, delivery and click and collect are allowed in some businesses. 

You can find a selection of Bristol restaurants offering takeaway and/or delivery in our blog

We will continue to keep this page updated as the situation changes and we find out more.

Further resources:

Visit Bristol, Meet Bristol and our member businesses are continually revising policies in line with the latest Public Health England (PHE) advice, which includes increased cleanliness and hygiene procedures as well as travel advice.

Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and covering your face, can be found at NHS.uk and more information can be found via the UK Government website.

Advice for tourism businesses is regularly updated by Visit Britain

Conference organisers and delegates, please check directly with any venues for up to date information.

Visit the official UK government website for the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak and advice for travellers, or take a look at the frequently asked questions on coronavirus on the National Heath Service (NHS) website

Exploring Bristol’s beautiful outdoor spaces:

Heading outdoors seems more appealing than ever. Even though Bristol is a city, it is closely surrounded by glorious countryside including Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds and The Mendips. We are also a green city with over 400 parks and green spaces and have some amazing outdoor visitor attractions so it's easy to spend time outside here.

• Outdoor activities and places to visit
• Find out more about Bristol's parks and gardens
• Discover Bristol's best picnic spots
• Take a walk in some lesser known places in the city
• Bristol's best autumn walks

Business event guidance for venues & industry professionals

• The visitor economy guidance includes guidance for business events and consumer shows.
• See VisitBritain’s business advice hub for a summary of the latest updates.
• Visit the Meetings Industry Association (mia) website for advice and insight regarding meetings and events.
• Find out more about VisitBritain’s We’re good to go industry trademark.
• Prime Minister’s office latest updates.

If you’d like to discuss hosting a business event in Bristol or the surrounding areas for 2021 and beyond please contact Amy Bramhall, Convention Bureau Manager on amy.bramhall@meetbristol.co.uk

Further resources:

Visit Bristol, Meet Bristol and our member businesses are continually revising policies in line with the latest Public Health England (PHE) advice, which includes increased cleanliness and hygiene procedures as well as travel advice.

Guidance on prevention measures, which includes ensuring the washing of hands regularly, and covering your face, can be found at NHS.uk and more information can be found via the UK Government website.

Advice for tourism businesses is regularly updated by Visit Britain

Conference organisers and delegates, please check directly with any venues for up to date information.

Visit the official UK government website for the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak and advice for travellers, or take a look at the frequently asked questions on coronavirus on the National Heath Service (NHS) website.