

Why we love Bristol
When it comes to great grub and welcoming pubs, Bristol is no slouch. For a true taste of the city, 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 on a paddleboarding adventure in Bristol Harbour, 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.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu/Dave Bain/Lorna Harrington/Upfest/Aardman
Location: Bristol, England

Meet Bristol’s blockbuster duo
They recently graced our screens in Vengeance Most Fowl – now Wallace and Gromit are taking to the streets of Bristol as part of a new Gromit Unleashed character trail, launching in June 2025. Aardman, the studio behind the claymation comedy, has been based in the city for almost 50 years. Head to Quakers Lane to see a colourful mural depicting some of their other iconic characters, including Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run’s Babs. Cracking stuff!
Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Discover a world of art
Bristol’s street art scene needs no introduction. Home of the world-renowned stencil artist Banksy, the city is bursting with colourful creations around every corner. Hit up a street art workshop or explore the area on a walking tour to uncover the stories behind the city’s bright and bold walls.
Photo by: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

A festival for the taste buds
Great beer, delicious food and a brilliant playlist: what could be a better way to celebrate summer? The Bristol Craft Beer Festival showcases the city’s huge range of artisan breweries, alongside top British and international names. Enjoy diverse flavours as well as live music, DJ sets, and access to the street food market.
Photo by: Andre Pattenden/Bristol Lido
Location: Bristol, England

Take a dip
Whether it’s a cold winter’s day or a blissful summer evening, Bristol Lido is always a good choice. Make a splash in the outdoor pool that’s located right in the heart of picturesque and historic Clifton. For a real treat, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or find your zen in the hot tub and steam room.
Photo by: lifeoutthere.photography

Surf’s up
Hit the waves for a surfing session on The Wave, Bristol’s inland wave pool. Pick up the adrenaline with a ride out onto the water, or for a more relaxed trip, tuck into some tasty grub from the on-site Clubhouse.
Photo by: VisitWest

Eat like a local
At lunchtime, hungry Bristolians descend on St Nicholas Market. Dating back to 1743, this food market is the city’s largest gathering of independent retailers: from artisan cheesemongers and award-winning bakers, to stalls piled high with spicy noodles, plump dumplings and much more. The cuisine hails from all over the world, but the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced.
Things to do in Bristol
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Featured things to do
Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Street art walking tour
Add a splash of colour to your trip to Bristol on a tour of its creative graffiti and murals – from Banksy originals to international artists, you’ll find the city’s walls popping with eccentric artwork.
Learn more about street art in BristolPhoto by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

International Balloon Fiesta
Look up as the sky fills with hot air balloons for Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta. From sunrise flights to night-time glows, the city is filled with a balloon extravaganza.
Learn more about the International Balloon FiestaPhoto by: bristolferry

See Bristol from the water
Hop aboard an iconic yellow and blue Bristol Ferry for a unique way to see the city from its Harbour. For an added splash of fun, look out for trips to the Beeses Beer and Cider Festival in October for a well-deserved pint of local ale.
Learn more about the Bristol FerryPhoto by: Destination Bristol_ 1

Christmas in Bristol
Discover frosty winter walks around the city, and follow twinkling lights along the bustling streets for a real festive feel.
Learn more about Christmas in BristolPlaces 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 cafes.
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
Getting to Bristol
Bristol is served by Bristol International Airport with easy connections to the city centre on the Airport Flyer bus service. Bristol is easily accessible from across Britain 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 train from London takes around one hour 40 minutes from London Paddington, direct to Bristol Temple Meads with Great Western Railway. Direct coaches are also available from London to Bristol, via megabus, National Express and Flixbus with a journey time of approximately two hours 20 minutes.
Getting around
With bus services aplenty, find ticket prices and discounts across the city and the South West with FirstGroup. Being Britain’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?
Head to Visit Bristol for insider tips and more recommendations on things to do in Bristol.