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    Why we love Bristol

    Cool creative Bristol is a must-see destination if you’re a fan of art, culture and action-packed adventure. And when it comes to great grub and welcoming pubs, the city’s no slouch. For a true taste of Bristol, head out on a street art tour to discover the works of the city’s most famous resident, Banksy. Delve into maritime history at the legendary SS Great Britain steamship, or discover awe-inspiring views on a tour of the historic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

    Feel your adrenaline pumping at The Wave, the city’s inland surfing site, see historic works of art at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, or savour local ale and cosy up in one of its eclectic bars, pubs or breweries. With shopping ranging from budget to blowout and an impressive music scene to boot, one thing’s for sure - Bristol doesn’t disappoint.

    Things to do in Bristol

    Take to the waves and head inland for some serious surfing thanks to Bristol’s innovative inland wave-creating lake.

    The Wave
    Surfing at the Wave Garden
    The Wave Bristol

    Come and see 100 balloons take to the sky at Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta.

    Find out more about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
    Colourful hot air balloons over floating above countryside
    Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

    Step aboard the world’s first great luxury liner, and discover the ship that changed the world.

    Step on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain
    Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol
    Brunel’s SS Great Britain

    Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

    Find out more about Clifton Suspension Bridge
    Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
    Clifton Suspension Bridge

    From dinosaur skeletons to local inventions, this free museum puts one billion years of art, culture and nature at your fingertips.

    See what’s on at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
    A sculpture on display at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
    Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

    Take to the waves and head inland for some serious surfing thanks to Bristol’s innovative inland wave-creating lake.

    The Wave
    Surfing at the Wave Garden
    The Wave Bristol

    Come and see 100 balloons take to the sky at Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta.

    Find out more about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
    Colourful hot air balloons over floating above countryside
    Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

    Step aboard the world’s first great luxury liner, and discover the ship that changed the world.

    Step on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain
    Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol
    Brunel’s SS Great Britain

    Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

    Find out more about Clifton Suspension Bridge
    Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
    Clifton Suspension Bridge

    From dinosaur skeletons to local inventions, this free museum puts one billion years of art, culture and nature at your fingertips.

    See what’s on at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
    A sculpture on display at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
    Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

    Places to stay in Bristol

    Stokes Croft

    Find the coolest vibe in Bristol, from local boutiques and artist studios to traditional pubs, hip eateries and trendy cafés.

    Harbourside

    Once where merchants and traders set sail, the Harbourside is now a trendy enclave with a great selection of places to eat, shop and stay.

    Clifton

    Take in views of the awesome Clifton Suspension bridge, eat in bistros and stroll around its impressive Georgian architecture.

    Explore nearby

    An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

    Picadilly Circus underground station

    A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

    Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa

    Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

    A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff.

    Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

    Male and female couple hugging in the garden near a fountain

    Getting to Bristol

    England’s south west city is easily accessible from across the UK by train and car, and boasts fast, efficient transport connections, from regular buses to trains running from Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway Railway Stations. The city is served by Bristol International Airport, with easy connections to the city centre on the Airport Flyer bus service.

    Getting around

    With bus services a plenty, find ticket prices and discounts across the city and the south west with FirstGroup. Being the UK’s first cycling city, Bristol is easy to explore by bike and on foot. Or head to the water aboard a ferry with Number Seven Boats and Bristol Ferry Boats for a unique way to visit major attractions.

    By bus

    With ticket stations at every stop, you can buy tickets for the city’s environmentally-friendly metrobuses before you board.

    By train

    Save money on train and bus travel in and around Bristol and explore more with a Freedom Travelpass.

    By bike

    You can discover the best cycling routes and find out how to hire bikes and equipment at Better by Bike

    Want to know more?

    Get the inside scoop of all things Bristol from those in the know at Visit Bristol.