Bristol travel guide

Memory of Bristol

"We could not have asked for a better time here in Bristol, and have seen so much in a short period of time. This trip has left a lasting impression on me."

Suzanne, USA

An historic maritime city

Bristol, the capital of the South West of England, is only 90 minutes by car or train from London. An historic maritime city, it's full of exciting attractions and bursting with events and festivals throughout the year, from waterfront regattas to ballooning spectaculars. There's fantastic shopping at Cabot Circus, wonderful fresh food markets in the medieval Old City, stunning nightlife, restaurants and cafes on the Harbourside and some of the finest theatres and concert halls in the country.

Just a short trip away is the elegant city of Bath and the rural splendour of Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.

Culture and heritage

Bristol has a rich and eventful maritime history, the Old City district is much as it was hundreds of years ago, with cobbled streets and historic architecture. From a medieval city to a cutting-edge cultural destination, Bristol continues to lead the way in its own unique style.

Attractions

Bristol has a wealth of attractions. The most iconic and famous is Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge. Another of Brunel's engineering feats is the ss Great Britain. Bristol Zoo Gardensis a favourite with families and Explore-at-Bristol is an exciting hands-on science centre with an amazing Planetarium.
 

Food and drink

In addition to the many award-winning restaurants, cafes and bars, Bristol has developed a reputation for locally produced food and drink. St Nicholas Market in the Old City is the site of the world's first Slow Food market and a regular farmers' market, one of many throughout the city.

Shopping

The opening of Cabot Circus in 2008 marked the emergence of Bristol as a top 10 UK shopping destination. Neighbouring Broadmead and The Mall Bristoloffer 300 additional stores. Nearby, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway has 135 shops under one roof and Clifton Village houses numerous boutique and designer shops. 

Sport

Bristol has a host of sports in the city. At Gloucestershire County Cricket Club you can see county cricket and One Day Internationals. Football fans can enjoy Bristol City F.C and Bristol Rovers F.C. Bristol Rugby Club is one of the region's top rugby union teams. There are numerous golf courses throughout the city.

Music and nightlife

Bristol has an outstanding clubbing scene and regularly attracts top name DJs and acts. The main nightlife areas are around the Harbourside, Park Street and Whiteladies Road. The city that produced Massive Attack, Roni Size and Portishead also boasts some of finest classical concert venues and theatres in the country.

Buy before you fly 

There’s so much to see and do in Bristol, so don’t waste time in queues, buy your travel passes and attraction tickets online! With the BritRail GB Flexi Pass you can hop on a train wherever and whenever you like, and explore the country at your own pace. For more great offers, go to VisitBritain Shop .