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The 15 best things to do in Bristol - from Banksy to bridges

Jan 23, 2022 • 8 min read

Street art – including many works by famous native son Banksy – is a calling card of Bristol © rafalkrakow / iStock / Getty Images

One meander through the colorful streets of Bristol  and you’ll be hooked on the city’s passion for creativity.

From Brunel’s groundbreaking steamships to Banksy’s thought-provoking art, this city on the Avon River prides itself on taking risks and breaking the rules. And that heritage extends far beyond its most famous sons: whether it’s the artisans at St Nicholas Market or the independent restaurants at Wapping Wharf, all of Bristol’s people contribute to its inventive spirit. 

Here are a few of the things not to miss as you explore this vivid city.

Cross one of the world’s most famous bridges

It’s all about location. Visionary Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel oversaw many groundbreaking projects throughout his illustrious career, and few are as spectacular as the Clifton Suspension Bridge . Crossing the 245ft-high chasm of the Avon Gorge, the bridge runs from the handsome Georgian neighborhood of Clifton over to the serene streets and bucolic landscapes of North Somerset. 

Tragically, while Brunel never lived to see the bridge in its final form – completed in 1864, it took 34 years to build – it looks today as magnificent today as it did in his original sketches. Cross the bridge’s 702ft span on food to get a wind-whipped idea of its grandeur. If that still isn’t enough, a tour from its Visitor Centre will teach you more about the history of Bristol’s most iconic site. 

Go belowdecks on a 19th-century ship

Another masterpiece of design by Brunel, the SS Great Britain  has resided in Bristol since 1970. A heroic salvage operation in the Falkland Islands thousands of miles away brought the ship back to the Bristol harbor, where she was first built in 1856; it’s remarkable she still exists in one piece. Today, visitors can explore almost every inch of the almost 100m-long vessel. 

The tour of the first ship in the world to be both built of iron and powered by a screw propeller begins belowdecks with a slightly unnerving walk beneath the vast hull and around that huge propeller. It’s a perfect introduction to your discovery of this pioneering ship.

Experience the counterculture in Stokes Croft

The epicenter of Bristol’s creative movement, the Strokes Croft neighborhood offers a smorgasbord of jaunty art, cool cafes, quirky pubs, vintage shops and more. Just north of the city center, this district has a palpable sense of counterculture, community and artistic drive that few other neighborhoods in the UK can match. 

Home to some original Banksy pieces and local institutions like the Crofter’s Rights and Canteen , Stokes Croft is perfect for a wander day or night. 

Enjoy the views from Cabot Tower

From the tumbling cliffsides of the Avon Gorge to the breathlessly steep walk up Nine Tree Hill, Bristol promises wild topography. So there might be nowhere better to get a panoramic view of this cinematic city than from the top of a hill.

Built at the end of the 19th century to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s historic voyage to Newfoundland, Cabot Tower at the top of Brandon Hill offers gorgeous views of Bristol and the surrounding countryside. 

Stay in an artistic haven

Bristol has bold artistic traditions, and the Artist Residence on Portland Square does right by them. Located on the square’s northwestern corner in a handsome Georgian townhouse, this boutique hotel has spacious stylish rooms dotted with unique art and period features. 

With mid-century modern furniture and high ceilings allowing plenty of natural light, its breezy Library bar is a fine neighborhood spot for a quiet drink. (We recommend the divine Smoky Martini.)

Take a walk in the woods

At a compact two square miles, Leigh Woods Nature Reserve packs a lot into its small size. Located just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge on the western side of the Avon Gorge, these ancient woods provide a tranquil escape from the city and boast stunning views of the bridge from an angle few visitors ever see. 

As well as rare flora and fauna, the woods are also home to Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hill fort dating back to 350 BCE whose rising green ridges are clearly visible today.

See some of the best street art anywhere

Few cities in the UK have an identity as purely visual as Bristol’s. Using the city’s streets, buildings, walls and parks as an enormous canvas, Bristol’s street artists have given the city a color and richness that capture the eye almost immediately. The street art visible just about everywhere embodies the city’s vibrant and creative culture.

The enigmatic Banksy is the local whose work really put Bristol on the map over 20 years ago. You can explore his oeuvre in glorious yet succinct detail on tours run by Where The Wall . Taking you by Banksy classics like Mild Mild West and Well Hung Lover , global graffiti art authority John Nation explains the history and significance of these works, and why they could only have been made in Bristol. 

Sip some cider

England’s West Country is one of the world’s most foremost cider regions, so unsurprisingly its largest city is home to some sublime cider pubs. Quietly situated at the end of a low-lit street in Clifton, The Coronation Tap  – CoriTap to locals – is a 200-year-old cider house famous for serving the fearsome 8.4% Exhibition cider (only available in half pints).

Other superb spots for sampling the fermented apple beverage include the charming riverside barge The Apple in the Old City. On  Spike Island ,  The Orchard Inn  is a traditional pub dating back to 1834 with over 20 different dry and sweet ciders available. 

Lie back at the Lido

An oasis in the heart of Clifton’s busy residential streets, Bristol Lido is a restored Victorian outdoor swimming pool with a unique open-air setting. Flanked by wooden changing rooms on one side and a modern European restaurant on the other, this modern bathhouse is a gorgeous retreat that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day. 

Especially pretty in the evening under the glow of the lights, the Lido also features a hot tub and a sauna, very welcome amenities during the winter months. 

Learn what makes Bristol, Bristol

Some city museums display gaudy art and artifacts from far-flung corners of the globe. On the other extreme, Bristol’s M Shed  goes deep into the fascinating, hyper-local makeup of this city, from its unsung heroes to proud neighborhood heritage. 

M Shed celebrates everything that makes Bristol what it is today – without shying away from difficult episodes from the past. Handled with particular care is the city’s historical relationship with the slave trade, especially the sobering exhibition on the (in)famous Bristol merchant and colonial trader Edward Colston. 

Sample the diverse food scene

With Bristol’s cultural range and creative mindset, it makes perfect sense that the city has a rich food scene, too. From the zesty Jamaican favorite ackee and saltfish at Carribean Croft to Coconut Tree’s fiery Sri Lankan Jaffna goat curry, there’s a wild variety of flavors to choose from.

If you want to choose from a selection of alluring flavors in one location, head to the famous St Nicholas Market in the Old Town, or the shipping containers converted into food stalls at Wapping Wharf . 

Make some waves

If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing outdoors but far from the rough sea, meet The Wave . Just outside Bristol, this pioneering 180m-long inland surfing lake is the first of its kind in the UK, and is powered by 100% renewable energy. 

It’s also a hugely welcoming environment with encouraging coaches who get just as much of a kick from seeing beginners ride their first wave as the surfers do themselves. Yes, you’re sure to wipe out a few times – but that first stand-up surf above the waves makes every tumble worth it. 

Question your own ways of thinking

Bristol’s We The Curious does things a little differently from typically didactic science museums. Intended to get kids thinking about the world around them, this science center asks visitors questions in an interactive, visual and playful manner. 

Located by the historic harbor, We The Curious engages young people’s natural curiosity, even encouraging them to leave their own questions pinned to the wall as a way of expanding the conversation. Don’t miss the remarkable 3D Planetarium shows on the first floor. 

Pedal around a bit

With so much green space, Bristol’s a fine city for enjoying the great outdoors. And there might be no better way to enjoy the fresh air than by cycling the 14-mile Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Entirely free of cars, this converted railway right-of-way offers an eco-friendly path to Bath’s ancient Roman spas and majestic Georgian streets. 

Within Bristol’s city limits, Pedal Progression will take your cycling to the next level by showing you the finer techniques of mountain biking amid the lush trees and hills of Ashton Court Estate. 

Get high (in a hot-air balloon)

Bristol’s long relationship with aviation is proudly displayed at Aerospace Bristol , where visitors are able to explore, among other mechanical highlights, the last Concorde to ever fly. 

For something more genteel than supersonic, hot-air balloons take to the skies around Bristol throughout the year. Organize a trip with Bailey Balloons or Elite Air to see the city from thrilling new heights. 

You might also like: Bristol’s former police HQ is now a chic hostel on a mission to help the homeless How to get around in England this winter Top 9 road trips in England

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Home » Travel Guides » 25 Best Things To Do In Bristol (England)

25 Best Things To Do In Bristol (England)

Bristol is England’s sixth biggest city, home to nearly 450,000 people. The area has been populated since the Iron Age with evidence of ancient forts and Roman villas in the surrounding countryside. Bristol has thrived throughout the centuries, once a popular port for journeys to America, and now a hub for culture, aerospace and industry. Today, Bristol is a colourful and welcoming city with easy access to coastline and natural countryside, making it a great place to start exploring England . Here are some of the best things to do on your next trip to Bristol.

1. Bristol Harbour

Start your Bristol experience with a trip to Bristol Harbour. The harbour has stood since the 13th century due to its excellent location upon the River Avon. In the past, this was the departure point for ships sailing to the ‘New World’ and a popular arrival destination for Europeans.

Today, the main port has been moved further downstream but the harbour remains full of activity, with a number of arts and exhibitions spaces on-site, as well as cafes and interesting attractions. Take a river cruise on a ferry to learn more about Bristol, the River Avon, and nearby towns. Or time your trip to coincide with the Bristol Harbour Festival to see a grand array of boats on display, including Royal Navy vessels and tall ships.

2. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic Bristol landmark, having opened in 1864. The bridge spans a total of 214m over the Avon Gorge, linking Bristol to the beautiful Leigh Woods. The final design of the bridge was adapted from Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a famous English industrial designer.

Before walking across the bridge, climb nearby Observatory Hill for one of the best views of the bridge in Bristol – a perfect place to stop for photography! Take a free tour across the bridge and see if you can notice it swaying gently, as all suspension bridges do. Finish your trip at the Visitor Centre located on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge. With free entry and a gift shop, the Visitor Centre is also an ideal place to learn more about the history and influence of this infamous Bristol landmark.

3. At-Bristol

At-Bristol is the city’s science centre, featuring hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, workshops and talks. Exhibitions cover fascinating topics including the human body, geography and physics. There are lots of activities for all of the family. You can create your own animated short, build a flying object, and try out optical illusions.

Attend the planetarium for demonstrations on space, or visit the Live Science Zone to explore current hot topics. At-Bristol features a programme of constantly changing events and activities, so there is always something new to experience. End your visit with a break in the café for sustainable and delicious snacks, or get a scientific souvenir from the shop.

4. Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo is a lovely place to spend a day out, with a huge variety of animals on show, including Asiatic lions, red pandas and seals. Since 1836, the zoo has been committed to conservation and research. Bristol Zoo was the first in the world to breed okapis, and is also one of the few zoos in Britain where you can find aye ayes and lowland gorillas.

Visit the Twilight Zone for a unique indoors experience that guides you through artificially-created night-time habitats, offering an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures in their natural setting. For the brave, tackle ZooRopia, an adventure rope course that leads you through the zoo alongside gibbons, lemurs and gorillas. And for a truly special zoo experience, book a stay at The Lodge to see the zoo after closing hours, with a private tour and delicious food.

5. Cabot Tower

Cabot Tower is a 32m high tower situated in the beautiful Brandon Hill park. The tower was built in 1897 to celebrate John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to North America 400 years earlier. The tower is a listed building which you can climb via spiral staircase for impressive views out across the city.

Afterwards, spend some time exploring Brandon Hill, Bristol’s oldest park. The park features a number of gardens which look especially gorgeous in spring. Walk through the park’s small nature reserve, home to a wildflower meadow, a pond for newts and frogs, and a butterfly garden.

6. SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain is a historically-important ship, once an iron steamship used to ferry visitors across the Atlantic between Bristol and New York. The ship was built in 1845 and was the world’s longest passenger ship for almost ten years.

The ship was designed by the famous designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and could carry 360 passengers alongside cabins and recreational facilities. This was an astounding achievement at the time. Over the years, the SS Great Britain has transported immigrants to Australia and been used as a warehouse. Today, the ship is a floating museum dedicated to telling the story of this remarkable vessel. A must-visit in Bristol.

7. St Mary Redcliffe

Completed in the 15th century, St Mary Redcliffe is an imposing gothic-style church with beautiful historical architecture. The church was built on an important site of Christian worship that has been used for centuries. Praised by Queen Elizabeth I, St Mary Redcliffe is a delight to witness and a great way to explore some of Bristol’s history.

The church features stained glass windows dating from the 14th century all the way up to the 1960s. Inside you will also find a number of statues and monuments, as well as 15 bells in the church tower, dating from the 17th century. Today the church is still used as a community space and for prayer, as well as hosting regular choir and organ performances.

8. Watershed

Watershed has stood on Bristol’s harbour since 1982, making it Britain’s first dedicated space for media. Housed in ex-warehouses, Watershed holds three cinemas, a café, and a number of open spaces for small businesses and creative use. Watershed is a great place to experience Bristol life, as it is a vibrant place that is popular with the locals, designed to encourage culture and connection.

Come to Watershed to catch the latest blockbuster, a niche indie film, and unique film-based events including talks and workshops. Listen to filmmakers discussing their recent projects, or get hands-on with Watershed’s practical events. Watershed has been home to a number of festivals and is used by the British Film Institute to promote film, culture, and critique. This is a wonderful place for film fans, and the café offers a gorgeous spot to sip a coffee right besides Bristol’s waterfront.

9. Queen Square

Queen Square is a popular green space located in the heart of the city. The Square offers a calming retreat away from the hustle of the city centre whilst still retaining a sense of Bristol’s unique vibrancy. The Georgian park has existed since 1622 when it was a fashionable place for residents to live.

Today, you can still walk down the Georgian promenades and view the beautiful architecture of the surrounding houses. Visit the statue of John Michael Rysbrack in the centre of the park, which has stood here since 1736. The park is a great place to sit and relax on a sunny day, and also hosts many public events including open air theatre and concerts.

10. Georgian House

The Georgian House is a historic building, built in 1790 and currently used as a museum. The house showcases typical life in the 18th century in Bristol, with free entry to visitors. Learn about the servants’ and housekeeper’s chambers, and stroll through the meticulously restored resident’s house, including a drawing room, bedroom and dining room.

There is also a small display outlining the history of the family that once lived here and the sugar trade they worked in. The Georgian House is a unique way to experience a slice of Bristol’s history and culture.

11. Royal West of England Academy

The Royal West of England Academy is Bristol’s first art gallery, built in the 19th century in order to celebrate local and international artists. The academy continues to dedicate itself to promoting arts and culture in Britain, and the gallery features work by important artists such as Vanessa Bell, Julian Trevelyan, and Gilbert Spencer.

The gallery also features regular temporary exhibits and one-off events, showcasing subjects such as landscape paintings, female artists, and even hosting workshops to get visitors into creating their own art! This is the perfect place to experience some culture in Bristol.

12. Ashton Court

Ashton Court is a stately home and grounds that once belonged to a wealthy family living in Bristol. With 850 acres of land, there is plenty to explore and see here. The manor has stood since the 11th century, a beautiful building with an eclectic mixture of architectural styles, evidencing the additions and changes that have been made over the centuries.

Explore the mansion and gain a taste of noble life in this home. Spend some time on the grounds which have been a deer park for over 600 years. See deer frolicking amongst the ancient oak trees, and hike or bike along the specially designated trails. Ashton Court is a gorgeous and historical way to enjoy the countryside surrounding Bristol.

13. Blaise Castle

Blaise Castle is home to a mansion and estate built in 1798 on a site that has been inhabited since Neolithic times. On the estate is a stately home currently used as a museum, the castle itself, and 650 acres of parkland. Start with a visit to the house to learn about life in Bristol since the 17th century. The Picture Room is a gorgeous home gallery showcasing paintings from the inhabitants’ collections over the years. Learn about early children’s toys and games, or stroll through a perfectly-recreated Victorian school room.

Move onto the nearby Roman Villa featuring the only Roman baths in Bristol, original mosaic floors, and a unique touch of Roman history in the city. Be sure to visit the Blaise Castle standing on a hill overlooking Avon Gorge and Bristol, with excellent vistas. Finish your trip to the estate by exploring the woods which are home to beautiful flowers, plants and English wildlife.

14. Arnolfini

Arnolfini is Bristol’s hub for contemporary art, showcasing international and local art and culture. Located on the harbourside, the gallery has featured works by Paul McCartney, Bridget Riley and Jack Yeats. It is regularly used as an events and exhibition space for art, dance, music, and even lectures.

Be sure to check the week’s listings as the gallery hosts film screenings, archive displays and art installations. Stop by the Reading Room for an extensive library of art books, magazines and resources, available to peruse in a quiet environment. Visit the shop for one of the country’s best collections of art books, or grab a bite to eat at the café. Arnolfini is one of the best places in Bristol for contemporary arts and culture.

15. Avon Valley Railway

To experience an important part of Bristol’s heritage, pay a visit to the Avon Valley Railway. The railway was once used to connect Bristol to Bath, but today it is a tourist attraction with around 80,000 visitors every year. Avon Valley Railway features a fully-restored Victorian station to provide an immersive historical experience.

The railway also runs regular steam and diesel train rides for visitors – or, for hiking enthusiasts, you can walk alongside the track. Be sure to stop by the museum to learn more about the railway’s history, and pick up a souvenir in the shop.

16. Bristol Hippodrome

The Bristol Hippodrome is a theatre and performance venue built in 1912, and one of Bristol’s largest venues. The Hippodrome is one of the best places to go to catch a live show. The venue has hosted acts such as Eddie Cochran and Lee Mack, and is a popular spot for touring West End theatre shows, including Cats and Les Miserables.

This historical building provides the biggest names in live performances, all in a beautiful setting. Take some time to admire the architecture before turning your eyes to the stage.

17. Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield is a stately home located just outside Bristol featuring beautiful gothic-style architecture set amongst gorgeous and peaceful gardens. The home is part of the Tyntesfield estate which is home to flower displays, a lake, and plenty of woodland to get lost in.

Begin your journey through Tyntesfield at the house, constructed from 1843 into the current building standing tall on the estate. The house features thousands of objects from the period, reflecting life at the time in Bristol. Wander through immaculate historical rooms with original architecture and details.

Go outside to the gardens which feature a huge variety of plants and flowers, all laid out decoratively in stunning displays. Here you will find a rose garden, an arboretum, a kitchen garden, and a cut flower garden where flowers are taken to form the arrangements inside. Finally, relax with a walk through the estate’s woodland or parkland, the perfect place to find local wildlife including bats, badgers and hares.

18. Blaise Hamlet

Built in 1811 as a home for retired staff from Blaise Castle, Blaise Hamlet features a small collection of buildings that remain well-preserved to this day.

The hamlet is made up of nine quaint cottages laid out around the hamlet’s green, forming a picturesque scene of the English countryside. This hamlet was one of the first of its kind and is also home to an original stone sundial and water pump. The hamlet puts on frequent events that change with the seasons, including wildlife explorations, group runs, and sketching sessions.

19. Spike Island

Spike Island is a creative space, dedicated to developing and promoting contemporary art and design. Spike Island was once a man-made island but has since been joined to the mainland and is now a hub for Bristol’s active culture scene.

Spike Island has a weekly roster of arts events and exhibits, featuring work from modern artists around the world. There are also talks, activities, workshops, performances and screenings on offer every week so there is always something new and exciting to engage with. Visit the Spike Island Café for organic, sustainable food with plenty of veggie options and delicious baked goods on offer.

20. The Old Duke

For fans of jazz and blues, The Old Duke is a must. This pub is infamous in the jazz and blues scene. The Old Duke features live music every night, and even hosts its own jazz festival each year.

The pub was built in 1775 and features gorgeous architecture and a cosy vibe. Specialising in traditional, New Orleans-inspired jazz, The Old Duke has featured acts such as the Blue Notes, Andy Hague and Code Red. This important venue is a wonderful place to spend an evening listening to some good music in a vibrant atmosphere.

21. Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral was founded in 1140, but has been built upon and renovated over the centuries. The cathedral features impressive gothic-style architecture and has played an important part in Bristol’s history. The first female Church of England priests were ordained here. You can also find stained glass windows dating from the 14th century to the 1960s.

Visit the cathedral to view the towering vaulted ceilings, or attend a guided tour to learn about the building’s history, including its place in historical riots and archaeological discoveries. The cathedral was also used in the filming of BBC’s ‘Wolf Hall’ and now features a trail to help visitors place themselves in their favourite scenes.

22. Temple Church

The Temple Church ruins have a rich history and are one of the best landmarks to see in Bristol. During the 12th century, the church was donated to the Templars, a medieval religious order of knights tasked with protecting pilgrims. The Templars eventually fell into disrepute and in 1540, the church returned to the parish. During WWII, the church was bombed and gutted by fire, creating the ruins that can be seen today.

Amongst the ruins, you can see the shape of the original Templar church which is considered to be particularly long. On-site, there is also a leaning tower, tilting 1.6m away from where it once stood vertically. The tower was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Temple Church ruins are a perfect place to experience some of Bristol’s unique history.

23. Bristol’s Speakeasies

For a distinctive night out, spend some time getting to know Bristol’s hidden speakeasies. Bristol has plenty of lively nightlife, with a host of clubs and bars available to suit all tastes. More recently, speakeasies have become very popular, offering a more intimate nightlife experience.

Seek out The Milk Thistle, hidden in one of Bristol’s gorgeous historic buildings, and decked out with Prohibition-era-style décor. With a rotating cocktail menu, immersive atmosphere, and regular events such as whisky or gin clubs, this bar is sure to provide a unique drinking experience. For a ‘gentleman’s club’ vibe complete with wooden walls and leather smoking chairs, try Hyde & Co for original and themed cocktail concoctions. Speakeasies are a fun way to explore Bristol’s nightlife.

24. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is one of Bristol’s biggest, exploring local and natural history as well as showcasing extensive art collections. The museum has stood since 1823 with beautiful Victorian architecture throughout the building. The museum features exhibitions on natural and ancient history, including a focus on ancient civilisations, archaeology, local wildlife, dinosaurs and more.

Here you can find stuffed animals to ignite your imagination and relics from centuries ago, such as Egyptian sarcophagi. The gallery is home to both traditional and contemporary work by artists such as Pissarro, Constable and Gainsborough. The museum and gallery host a variety of events for all of the family, including talks, workshops and temporary exhibitions. This is an ideal day out for culture lovers.

Bristol is home to the legendary street artist Banksy, who is now internationally recognised. Banksy grew up in Bristol and some of his earliest pieces can be found on the streets of the city today. Banksy remains anonymous, his artwork seeming to appear overnight and completely unexpectedly. His work has appeared in cities around the world, selling for hundreds of thousands of pounds in some cases.

Tracking down Banksy’s Bristol pieces is an excellent way to explore the city and adventure down smaller streets and passageways. Alternatively, book a guided street art tour to learn more about Bristol’s street art scene. Famous pieces are dotted around the city, including the Grim Reaper, the Well Hung Lover, and the Masked Gorilla, amongst others.

25 Best Things To Do In Bristol (England):

• Bristol Harbour
• Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Bristol Zoo
• Cabot Tower
• SS Great Britain
• St Mary Redcliffe
• Queen Square
• Georgian House
• Royal West of England Academy
• Ashton Court
• Blaise Castle
• Avon Valley Railway
• Bristol Hippodrome
• Tyntesfield
• Blaise Hamlet
• Spike Island
• The Old Duke
• Bristol Cathedral
• Temple Church
• Bristol’s Speakeasies
• Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

25 Of The Best Things To Do In Bristol At Least Once In Your Life

From beer crawling your way along King Street to taking in the stunning views at Clifton Downs, Bristol is packed full of things to do at least once in your life. Here’s our rundown of 20 of the best of them.

While far from the UK’s biggest city, Bristol punches above its weight when it comes to activities. Super artistic, fiercely independent and full of history, the city is jam-packed with excitement everywhere you turn. It’s a vibrant city, to say the least, from its colourful houses to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge . So whether you’re up for sampling local brews to soaring in the skies in a hot-air balloon , there are so many things to do in Bristol you’ve got to try at least once in your life.

1. Soak up the views of the city from Clifton Observatory

This is the best spot to see Bristol’s most iconic sight: Clifton Suspension Bridge . Not a guidebook nor postcard about Bristol can go without an image of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s engineering masterpiece. So to get the best sights of it, you’ll want to head up to Clifton Observatory – perfect on a sunny day for a picnic too.

Inside the observatory, you’ll also have access to one of only three working camera obscuras in the UK. You can also climb the depths of Giant’s Cave – home to the local legend of Goram and Ghyston – for views of the Avon Gorge . Nearby, you’ll find one of the ultimate free things to do in Bristol too: Bristol’s natural rock slide, locally known as The Slidey Rock .

Clifton Observatory, Litfield Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT

2. See the colourful houses

It’s a quirk of Bristol that so many of the houses here are brightly coloured . There are plenty of theories as to why, but few hold up under scrutiny. The most popular involves Bristol’s former mayor, George Ferguson . He claims to be the first in Cliftonwood to paint his house in the 1970s before the whole street followed and kickstarted the area’s iconic look. But south of the river, in Totterdown , you also find rows-upon-colourful-rows of houses, so explain that. All that matters to us is that they help turn Bristol into a rainbow-coloured city, taking strolls through the streets a kaleidoscopic adventure.

3. Shop on fiercely independent Gloucester Road

It can sometimes feel like there’s no end to unique shops on Gloucester Road . One of the longest stretches of independent businesses found in the UK, you’ll start by The Arches and soon find yourself on the outskirts of the city before you know it – discovering all the amazing shops, cafes and restaurants along the way. From bookshops to Spanish supermarkets, vintage shops to plant stores and pubs, there’s so much to discover. Check out our guide to Gloucester Road here .

4. Walk across every bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic image of Bristol, even if it’s a little overused (yes, we know we’re guilty of it too). But it’s far from the only bridge in the city. The city’s name, originally Brycgstow , literally means ‘the place at the bridge’ and there are currently 45 walkable bridges that make the city tick. But did you know you can walk across all of them in a single trip without doubling back?

The Bristol Bridges Walk Challenge is a circular 28-mile walk that leads all around Bristol’s waterways – from Redfield to Clifton and back to the City Centre. While not technically possible at the moment due to a few bridge repairs, much of it is still open and it is one of the best walks you can do to see all sides of Bristol.

5. Sample the local speciality of cider

Bristolians are an eclectic bunch, no two are the same. But there’s one thing most can agree on and that’s cider. But where’s the best place to get it? Well, that’s an argument in itself. The Coronation Tap in Clifton is said to be Bristol’s oldest cider specialist – older than Clifton Suspension Bridge. Its exclusively brewed Exhibition is a must-try but is strong stuff at 8.2%.

The Apple on Harbourside is arguably a bit more accessible, with a variety of local ciders to try. While sitting on the corner of Spike Island and overlooking the marina, you’ll find The Orchard Inn . See our full list of Bristol’s best cider pubs here .

The Coronation Tap, 8 Sion Pl, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AX

The Apple, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB

The Orchard Inn, 12 Hanover Pl, Bristol BS1 6XT

6. Take in the culture at Bristol’s amazing art galleries

If you do go for a pint at The Orchard Inn, then heading to the art gallery , Spike Island , is a must. Founded in the mid-1970s by a group of painters, sculptors and printmakers looking for affordable studio spaces in Bristol, it has since remained a cultural hub for the city’s art scene. There are always new and unexpected exhibitions to discover here.

Another free gallery worth checking out too is Arnolfini , a short walk away on the Harbourside. Its ambitious exhibitions often feature everything from world-renowned artists to local talent from in and around Bristol. Thanks to its location, the cafe is also a favourite hangout spot for locals. See all of Bristol’s best art galleries here .

Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6UX

Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA

7. Climb aboard the SS Great Britain

Once the largest passenger ship in the world, and another Brunel marvel, SS Great Britain is among the best things to do in Bristol with children . Learn the life and legacy of Britain’s greatest engineer at Being Brunel ; Go Aloft! and climb the rigging over 25 metres above ground level; explore the Historic Dockyard & Museum ; and head below for ‘glass sea’ view of the SS Great Britain in the original dry dock .

SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY

8. Cycle up Vale Street for a sense of achievement

Bristol is notoriously hilly. You’ll need calves of steel to cycle around all day. (Not really, just a little.) Anyone who has had to cycle up Park Street or Brandon Hill will attest to that. But Bristol’s true cycle challenge is Vale Street . Only 0.10 km long, it’s not the length that’s tough. No, it’s the steepest residential street in England . Perfect for getting a sweat on.

Luckily, the peaceful Arnos Vale Cemetery is nearby for some well-earned respite. One of Britain’s best examples of a Victorian garden cemetery , it is set in a leafy 45-acre landscape dotted with classical buildings, historic monuments, leafy walks and wildflowers. Also see some of Bristol’s other best parks here .

9. Climb Cabot Tower for panoramic views

Want the best panoramic views of the city ? Well, you’re going to need to climb a very narrow tower at the top of a hill in the middle of a park. The 105ft, century-old Cabot Tower sits on Brandon Hill – built in 1897 to commemorate John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to North America. Its steep, twisting steps can feel arduous, but believe us, it will be worth it. At the very top, you can soak all of the city, especially Harbourside.

Cabot Tower, Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR

10. Head to King Street for the easiest pub crawl of your life

Every great city needs a place to pub crawl. And making it easier on your legs, some of the best pubs in Bristol can all be found on one street: King Street . There are 10 pubs on this street (including The Apple at the very end). But each offers a uniquely different vibe too, so you never feel like you’re repeating yourself.

There’s the haunted The Llandoger Trow (once the drinking hole of Blackbeard , which these days throws techno nights); the quirky and colourful Hey Dude bar; The Old Duke for jazz and blues music; and the King Street Brew House for football, to name a few. But The Beer Emporium , Kongs , Small Bar and the rest are all worth your time.

11. Head to the theatre for amazing shows in Bristol

Beyond all the pubs on King Street, you’ll also find the Old Vic . Built in 1766 as a place for Bristolians to come together, it is “the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world.” Today you’ll still find a mix of experimental storytelling and family-friendly classics. Head to Bristol Hippodrome for more mainstream shows, and the Tobacco Factory , The Wardrobe Theatre and Redgrave Theatre are fantastic for showcasing smaller shows. But for something truly unusual among things to do in Bristol, visit The Bristol Improv Theatre . It’s the UK’s first full-time dedicated improv theatre and you’ll never be able to guess what it has in store!

Bristol Old Vic, King St, Bristol BS1 4ED

Tobacco Factory Theatres, The Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Rd, Southville, Bristol BS3 1TF

The Wardrobe Theatre, 25 West St, Bristol BS2 0DF

Redgrave Theatre, Percival Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LE

The Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul’s Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP

12. Taste the world at Easton’s Sweet Mart

Too few people head to Easton when they’re in Bristol, including many Bristolians as well. But Bristol Sweet Mart should be a must-visit for all. This iconic shop has been around since 1978 and is a vital part of the community. Sat on St Mark’s Road , it is the biggest supplier of ethnic food and spices in the South West. You’ll find more than 9000 different food and drink products , as well as a huge range of fresh produce. Even if all you’re after is a quick bite to eat, the deli counter is perfect for picking up some freshly cooked, Authentic Indian food.

Bristol Sweet Mart, 71-82 St Marks Rd, Easton, Bristol BS5 6JH

13. Take a balloon ride above Bristol (Or just spot them from the ground)

There’s no doubt that the biggest event in Bristol is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta . Every August, Europe’s largest annual ballooning event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world to Bristol. Stunning mass balloon ascents fill the skies during this time of year, so here are some great spots to see them from the ground.

It’s also a great excuse to take to the skies yourself, with several nearby companies running balloon trips in the area. Don’t just save the trip for summer time though, you can go up anytime. You’ll rarely see a hot-air balloon-free sky no matter the time of year. Trust us, the views are spectacular!

14. Hit up St Nick’s Market for trinkets, gifts and street food

Dating back to 1743, St Nicholas Market is the oldest and most beloved market in Bristol. Here you’ll find fabulous cheap eats , like the crispy fried gyozas of Eatchu or the massive Middle Eastern wraps of Matina . But there’s plenty of great street food to find here. There are over 60 stalls to discover at this market, selling everything from hot sauces to wacky hats, and second-hand books to sewing equipment. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of Wonder.

St Nicholas Market, The Corn Exchange, Corn St, Bristol BS1 1JQ

15. See Bristol’s famous graffiti

You can’t talk about Bristol without mentioning the street art legend Banksy . His iconic works are everywhere from Well Hung Lover on Park Street to Mild Mild West in Stokes Croft. (All as recognisable as anything hanging in the Tate or Louvre.) But while you can find all of Banksy graffiti in Bristol here , the city’s street art scene is so much more than one person.

The annual Upfest sees the best local and international graffiti artists takeover Bedminster each year, painting mesmerizing murals on houses and shopfronts. Meanwhile in the City Centre, particularly on Nelson Street , you’ll find massive artworks leftover from the old See No Evil street art festival in Bristol. Finding a wall not covered in street art is the real tough find in Bristol, however! To see the best street art in Bristol head here .

16. Sail the harbour on a ferry

Whether you’re visiting Bristol or a lifelong resident, Harbourside is an integral part of the city. Many of the city’s best restaurants, pubs, and bars, as well as its incredible activities, are located close by. So you’ll likely end up spending a lot of time down by the waterside. But one of the best (and often overlooked) ways to explore it is by ferry. Bristol Packet and Bristol Ferry both offer a range of Harbourside trips, from cruises up the Avon Gorge trips to riverside pub Beese’s to boat parties and waterbus services.

17. Head to the romantic and secluded Blaise Castle

The secluded Blaise Castle in the north of Bristol is not the easiest place to get too. But nothing worth having comes easy, as they say. You’ll have to climb upwards through woodland to reach the glade where this folly sits. But trust us, it’s worth it. Especially if you are looking for romantic things to do in Bristol. ( Lovers’ Leap there might offer the best view of the city.)

Blaise Castle Estate also offers a museum to discover Victorian objects of the past, while the surrounding 400 acres of parkland – full of babbling brooks and exciting overgrowth – are worth a visit alone. Nearby Blaise Hamlet , a cute collection of cottages, is also only a short walk away.

Blaise Castle Estate, Kings Weston Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS

18. Go for a swim in the UK’s oldest heated pool

Tucked away in Clifton, this refurbished Victorian outdoor pool offers Wes Anderson-vibes and a relaxed swimming spot. The water is always heated between 22-25°C , so ideal any time of year, and you also have access to a sauna, outdoor hot tub, steam room and spa treatments . After a dip, head to the Bristol Lido restaurant in the original viewing gallery for Mediterranean cuisine cooked in a clay oven. Or some tapas-style dining at the poolside bar.

Bristol Lido, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP

19. Grab a pint at Bristol’s cat pub

One of the more unusual things to do in Bristol, you’ll find nearly a dozen cute cats roaming this traditional pub. Bag Of Nails is about more than just its feline friends though. You’ll also find some of the cheapest pints in Bristol here. (There are pints of real ale costing as low as £3.70.) Be warned, however, the cat pub has some strict rules you can learn more about here.

Bag of Nails, 141 St George’s Rd, Hotwells, Bristol BS1

20. Grab some food from Wapping Wharf

Recently voted one of the coolest places to live in the UK, everyone in Bristol spends summer days (and some winter days too) down by the harbour. It’s perfect for sitting down with a few cans of beer, dangling your legs over the water and soaking in the sight of passing kayaks, canals and yachts.

It’s also home to Bristol Harbour Festival once a year, bringing a mix of circus performers, local musicians and water activities to the area. While nearby, you’ll also find Wapping Wharf . These cargo containers are full of the best restaurants in Bristol .

21. Watch classic movies in Bristol’s strangest locations

The ongoing Bristol Film Festival offers one of the strangest cinema experiences in Bristol, possibly the UK. From watching David Lynch’s psychological horror Eraserhead in Redcliffe Caves to Top Gun at Aerospace Bristol , Evil Dead at Arnos Vale Cemetery to Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid at Clifton Observatory . You’ve seen these movies a thousand times. But we promise you, never like this. To see what’s scheduled, head here .

22. Support Bristol’s music scene at these free venues

Bristol’s music scene is legendary. From The Pop Group to Idles , via Massive Attack , the city had produced more than its fair share of amazing bands. But what about the music that will come to define the city in the future? Well, there are lots of exciting up-and-coming bands to discover, many of them frequently playing the local circuit. If you’re feeling a little thrifty , many of Bristol’s venues host free music regularly too. Check these free music venues out here .

23. Discover Bristol’s independent craft breweries

At first, St Philip’s Marsh can appear like a fairly barren suburb. But those in the know see it as the burgeoning capital of Bristol’s independent breweries . Sat just behind Temple Mead s, you’ll find the likes of Arbor Ales , Dawkins Ales, Good Chemistry Brewing , Wiper & True , Left Handed Giant , Moor Beer and Little Martha Brewing . They often have their tap rooms open over weekends and each year host The East Bristol Brewery Beer Trail too. Nearby you’ll also find Lost & Grounded in St Anne’s, recently named the best brewery in Britain!

Arbor Ales, 181 Easton Rd, Easton, Bristol BS5 0HQ

Dawkins Ales, Easton Brewery, Unit 2, Industrial Units, Lawnwood, Lawnwood Rd, Bristol BS5 0EF

Good Chemistry Brewing, 2 William St, Bristol BS2 0RG

Wiper and True, Unit 11, City Business Park, St Jude’s, Bristol BS5 0SP

Left Handed Giant, Wadehurst Industrial Park, Unit 3 St Philips Rd, Bristol BS2 0JE

Moor Beer Co, Days Rd, Bristol BS2 0QS

Little Martha Brewing, 23 Oxford St, Bristol BS2 0QT

Lost And Grounded, 91 Whitby Rd, Brislington, Bristol BS4 4AR

24. Pet a sheep at Bristol’s city farms

We’re not all farmers in Bristol, but some are! If you want to meet some cute animals head down to one of the two wonderful city farms. Windmill Hill City Farm was founded in the mid-70s and provides some inner city access to goats, pigs, sheep and cows, as well as gardens and shops selling handmade crafts and local produce. Meanwhile, on the other side of Bristol, St Werburghs City Farm also has lots of livestock, as well as woodlands, allotments and a community garden to explore. A taste of the countryside without leaving the city.

Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EA

St Werburghs City Farm, Watercress Rd, Bristol BS2 9YJ

25. Visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

It’s free entry to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery , so there’s no real excuse not to go if you’ve for some time to kill. Contained within, you’ll find sections on everything from ancient history to modern art . Across three floors of exhibitions, discover Egyptian mummies, explore the wetlands of the southwest, meet extinct wildlife from the UK and soak up stunning collections of British and European art. It’s also home to Banksy’s iconic Paint Pot Angel! To see all the free museums in Bristol head here .

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1RL

As you can see, Bristol is absolutely brimming with exciting things to do . Whether you’re after a bit of interesting history , incredible activities or delicious food , you can hardly put a foot wrong in this city. Even still, we barely feel like we’ve scratched the surface, but hopefully, this list will set you on your way. Just head into Bristol and you’re bound to discover something we even don’t know about!

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The 8 best Bristol attractions

Sightseeing in Brizzle? From architecture to big holes, here’s our guide to the best Bristol attractions you have to see

Brizzle is one heck of a good-looking place. From the harbourside to Clifton and the Downs, much of the best (and most beautiful) stuff in this city is to be found outdoors. But with all those amazing  museums , historic  pubs   and other attractions dotted across the city, there are plenty of cool things to explore if the weather   doesn’t   play ball (this is the West Country, after all).

The city has long been a magnet for creative folks from all over the land, but there’s more to the place than ideas and atmosphere. It’s also a tourism tour-de-force, with architectural splendour and fascinating history on every corner. Looking to plan jam-packed day out here? These are the best attractions in Bristol you have to tick off.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the  best things to do in Bristol

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Best Bristol attractions

1.  Clifton Suspension Bridge

• Attractions
• Historic buildings and sites

This isn’t just a convenient way of getting from Clifton Village to Lea Woods or a dizzying vantage point from which to admire astonishing views – it’s an internationally recognised symbol of the city and a source of great pride to anyone who calls Bristol home. Opened in 1864, the bridge was completed as a tribute to its designer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who died before it could be finished. You’ll now find a visitors’ centre on the Somerset side in Leigh Woods, and perched up on the hill on the Bristol side, you’ll find the Clifton Observatory.

2.  SS Great Britain

Even from the outside, the SS Great Britain is impressive, but an official visit is well worth the ticket price. No matter your age, it’s impossible not to be delighted by the entrails of this reconstructed steamship. Restoration has been carried out brilliantly; best of all, you can witness the noise and the huge, moving pistons of the engine room. There are evocative period soundscapes everywhere and in the kitchens a whiff of freshly baked seafarers’ bread. With storytellers in period dress, workshops on conservation and even a chance to climb the rigging in the warmer months, there really is no excuse not to visit this outstanding achievement of historical preservation.

3.  Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Trying to list all the attractions at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery makes you sound like a carnival showman. Egyptian and Ancient Assyrian artefacts! Diamonds and fossils! Alfred the stuffed gorilla! Contemporary ceramics and glassware! Not to mention the balcony gallery and an art collection ranging from Pissarro to the Old Dutch and Italian Masters. Stepping into the high atrium and seeing the Bristol Boxkite suspended above your head in flight, there’s a feeling of childish excitement. Think the Natural History Museum, but with added Victorian and Edwardian paintings.

4.  Blaise Castle House Museum

This place is very tricky to sum up. Where to start? The eighteenth-century Grade II-listed mansion building? The museum of social history oddities, from toys to toilets? The domed picture room, with its fine art collection? The 600 acres of stunning parkland? For convenience, the museum. Kids (and adults, probably) will be alternately delighted and freaked out by the displays of old toys, dollhouses and games, some of them more than 200 years old. There are beautiful fabrics and dresses from the 1730s to pore over in the costume collection, as well as an exhibition showing how everyday domestic living has changed over the past 300 years. You’re looking at a couple of hours well spent.

5.  Cabot Circus

Bristol’s very own cathedral of consumption opened back in 2008, completely transforming a depressingly shabby central shopping area into one of the prime attractions for locals and out-of-towners alike. Sweeping away the discount stores and carpet shops that previously occupied the site where the M32 ends and Broadmead begins, Cabot Circus brought decent shopping, restaurants, designer stores and a cinema fit for the twenty-first century to the middle of town. The main covered Circus area boasts all the usual shopping-centre keystones, from American Apparel to Zara. And unusually for a city-centre shopping centre, it’s all very tastefully done.

6.  Bristol Harbour

For centuries, Bristol’s greatest asset has been the docks and floating harbour around which it is built. From pirates and sugar traders to the pleasure-seekers of today, the waterways at the heart of the city have drawn trade and talent to Bristol from around the world to help create the city we all know and love today. The days of huge galleons mooring up in the docks have long gone, but the floating harbour remains and today provides a unique waterside setting for a very modern city. For visitors and locals alike, the museums, restaurants, bars, galleries and cafés that fringe the Harbourside area of the city are some of the city’s greatest attractions.

7.  We The Curious

Rather than traipsing around a museum that has installed a kids’ trail as an afterthought, this place is built on educating and entertaining children of all ages (and adults, if you have a sense of fun). Think everything science, from invention labs to a mini Aardman animation studio, a planetarium and, yes, a real human brain on display. They try to please everyone here, with specific days for under-fives – reduced ticket prices for parents – and whole sections aimed at under-eights. If the thought of a child-filled science centre fills you with horror, they hold adults-only evenings, too, where you can wander through the exhibits, beer in hand.

8.  Wookey Hole

The multiple limestone caves that make up Wookey Hole (in nearby Somerset) have been a source of fascination and intrigue for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. From prehistoric cavemen and pagan druids to Victorian explorers and excitable modern-day schoolchildren, the caves and the River Axe that mysteriously flows from them have caught the imagination of generations of visitors. The caves themselves are stunning, their stalagmites, stalactites and natural lakes beautifully lit up for all to marvel at. Guides delight in filling you in on the many mysteries and tall tales that have been ascribed to this place down the centuries.

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bristol, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Among Bristol's many tourist attractions are numerous art galleries and a number of pleasant parks and green spaces. It's also an extremely fun city to walk around, with some of the best routes taking in Bristol Harbour, with its preserved and rejuvenated old wharves and promenades.

For families, there's Bristol Zoo Gardens and We The Curious , a science and arts center that's especially designed to engage and educate young minds. Also worth a visit is Ashton Court Estate, a facility that provides a wide variety of fun outdoor activities for families.

You can also take day trips to places just outside of town, such as the amazing Cheddar Gorge.

Between all these points of interest and countless places to visit, you'll find plenty of fun things to do in Bristol.

See also: Where to Stay in Bristol

1. Bristol Harbour & Bristol City Docks

2. brunel's ss great britain, 3. clifton suspension bridge, 4. bristol cathedral, 5. enjoy city views from brandon hill park & cabot tower, 7. st. mary redcliffe, 8. llandoger trow, 9. bristol old city, 10. bristol museum and art gallery, 11. blaise castle house, 12. take a drive to cheddar gorge, a brief history of bristol, where to stay in bristol for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in bristol, england, bristol - climate chart.

The old Port of Bristol on the Avon River has been given a new and imaginative lease of life, with many of its old wharves and warehouses restored or converted for contemporary uses. Traditionally known as the "Floating Harbour" for the fact that a tidal bypass was constructed in 1809 to ensure water levels remained constant, the harbor covers 70 acres and is fun to explore on foot.

Today, Bristol Harbour, home to Bristol City Docks, is where you'll find numerous museums, galleries, entertainment, and dining opportunities suitable for all ages. It's also where you'll find top attractions like the Bristol Aquarium ; the We The Curious science center; and the Arnolfini, the city's world-class visual arts, music, and performance center.

Thanks to its lack of a tide, the harbor has also become a very popular area for personal pleasure craft such as kayaks and paddleboards, as well as local rowing clubs. From here, you can row a large navigable section of the River Avon.

Travel in and around Bristol Harbour is made easy thanks to Bristol Ferry Boats , which operates a number of ferry services on the Avon River. This convenient mode of transport offers inexpensive passes that let you hop on and off at key points of interest around the harbor area and across other parts of the city.

Location: Welsh Back, Bristol, England

The SS Great Britain , the world's first iron-hulled passenger ship, lives on at the same dry dock where the great vessel was built and launched in 1843. The work of the famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was also the first ship to use screw propellers.

Famously rescued from oblivion after being scuttled off the Falkland Islands , the ship is now located at Bristol's Great Western Dock and is a testament to Brunel's engineering ingenuity. Today, you can stroll the ship's upper decks or explore below deck and peep into the luxury cabins of First Class passengers, as well as the much more humble accommodations provided for other classes.

Part of the fun here is exploring an authentic facsimile of the original dockyards dating from the time the vessel was built, complete with goods waiting to be loaded. An exhibit entitled Being Brunel also offers a fascinating peak into the great inventor's mind.

The site is also home to the Brunel Institute and the David MacGregor Library , an archive of thousands of books, documents, plans, and objects related to England's greatest engineer and inventor. A gift shop, a café, and a picnic area is also located on-site.

Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Another work of the famed British engineer I. K. Brunel, and one of his first, is the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge. Spanning the 260-foot-deep Avon Gorge on the west side of the limestone plateau known as Clifton Down and Durdham Down, this spectacular structure measures 702 feet between its piers.

The bridge was completed in 1864, 33 years after Brunel had first submitted his prizewinning plans.

Stop at the visitor information center to learn about the bridge's construction or join a weekend behind-the-scenes tour. You can also grab a coffee and snack here and walk back across the bridge to sit on the grass or a bench to enjoy the incredible views of the bridge with the city in the background.

Located just a short climb up Observatory Hill from the bridge is the former Clifton Observatory. This historic building now houses a great restaurant with spectacular views, as well as the Camera Obscura attraction. Giant's Cave is located nearby and is worth a visit, too. While you're up there, watch for peregrine falcons flying above the Clifton side.

Address: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, England

Official site: www.cliftonbridge.org.uk

Built originally as the church of the Saint Augustine Abbey, Bristol Cathedral took almost 600 years to achieve its present form. The east end, superbly rebuilt in the Decorated style by Abbot Knowle, dates from between 1298 and 1330.

The central tower and transepts were completed in the 16th century, and the nave and towered west facade are from the 19th century. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1542. Among the many other interesting features of the cathedral is the rectangular chapter house, with its late Norman decoration of zigzags, fish scale patterns, and interlacing.

Also look out for the Great Gatehouse . Built in 1170, it served as the gatehouse for the St. Augustine Abbey. It also features early examples of the use of pointed arches. You'll also want to visit the cathedral café for a sweet treat to enjoy in the tranquil cathedral garden.

Guided tours are available with advance booking, as are audio guides for those who prefer to go at their own pace (these can be picked up when you arrive)..

Address: College Green, Bristol, England

Official site: http://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/

Perched high atop Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower strikes an impressive pose over the city. Constructed in 1897 to mark the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot's voyage to North America from Bristol, the tower stands 105 feet tall and, while easy to spot, does involve a bit of a climb.

Once here, though, the city views from the base of the tower are breathtaking. The best views are from the top of the tower, reached by a spiral staircase. It's worth expending the additional energy, as the panoramic views here take in not just the city, but the harbor area. The climb to the top is one of the best free things to do in Bristol.

When you're done with the views, Brandon Hill Park is certainly worth hanging around. The city's oldest park, it's a great place for a scenic picnic, or simply to chill on the grass. Other notable features include a pleasant network of paths and trails and a kids' playground.

Address: Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, England

Part of the Bristol Museums group, M Shed on Prince's Wharf is a must-visit when exploring Bristol Harbour. You'll not easily miss the museum thanks to the huge historic cranes set outside the building. The oldest such crane left in England, the Fairbairn Steam Crane was built in 1878 and was used continuously until the 1950s, when the shed itself was built.

Set in the large "shed" behind the crane, M Shed offers visitors a fascinating multi-media look at the city's rich history through a mix of colorful permanent and temporary exhibits. Highlights include displays related to the stories of everyday people placed in context with major events, as well as transportation and maritime history.

This "living museum" also includes a variety of fun experiences that feature some of the original machinery that once worked in the docks. A highlight for the kids is the chance to take a ride on the Bristol Harbour Railway. Built in the 1870s, this museum-run attraction offers fun rides along the quayside, offering great views of the harbor and SS Great Britain .

Another fun experience includes the chance to operate one of the original steam cranes lining the dock outside M Shed. This unique experience, though, is dependent on the availability of crew, so be sure to check ahead to ensure they're operating.

Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/

When Queen Elizabeth I visited Bristol in 1574, she described St. Mary Redcliffe as "the fairest parish church in England." Built in the 13th century and extensively renovated in the 15th century in the Baroque style, the church is located on the south side of Floating Harbour and takes its name from the red cliffs on which it stands.

With its slender, clustered pillars and reticulated vaulting, hexagonal porch, and richly decorated doorway, it perfectly displays the wealth of Bristol's rich merchants. A great triptych, Sealing The Tomb , designed and executed for the main altar by William Hogarth, is now at the offices of the Bristol & Region Archaeological Services in the former St. Nicholas Church.

Also of note is the memorial tablet and tomb of Admiral Sir William Penn, father of the William Penn who founded Pennsylvania. Be sure to pay attention to the church's organ, too. Built in 1726, it's regarded as one of the best preserved of its type in England.

Address: 12 Colston Parade, Redcliffe, Bristol, England

Official site: www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

The famous triple-gabled, half-timbered Llandoger Trow building in King Street, built in 1664, is where Alexander Selkirk is said to have told the story of his shipwreck to Daniel Defoe, who immortalized the tale in Robinson Crusoe .

The Llandoger Trow was also the model for the Admiral Benbow , the inn frequented by Long John Silver in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island . Carefully restored in 1991, the building is linked by an underpass to the Theatre Royal, home of the Bristol Old Vic and the oldest playhouse in England to have had its stage in continuous use.

Address: King Street, Bristol, England

Official site: https://llandogertrow.co.uk

Bristol Old City is a warren of historic buildings from a long stretch of the city's history. One of the most photographed landmarks is St. Stephen's Church on St. Stephen's Avenue, the parish church of Bristol, which dates from 1476. Look inside for the tomb of Martin Pring, the discoverer of Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts, and for the colorful effigy of George Snygge.

The medieval St. John on the Wall is close by and is the last of the many churches once built into the city wall. It is noted for its vaulted crypt and interactive displays added in 2016. It is near St. John's Gate , originally part of the old city wall, famous for its figures of Brennus and Belinus, mythical founders of Bristol, and Christmas Steps , an ancient alleyway paved in 1669 and now lined with antique and souvenir shops.

At the corner of Broad Street and Corn, you will find the neoclassical Old Council House , constructed in 1827. Across Corn Street, the Palladian-style Exchange (built in 1743) is noted for its four outdoor tables, the brass "nails," upon which Bristol merchants settled their transactions and gave rise to the expression "paying on the nail."

The covered St. Nicholas Market , with more than 60 stalls, is adjacent to the Exchange on St. Nicholas Street. A Farmers Market is held on Corn and Wine Streets on Wednesdays.

Official site: http://bristololdcity.co.uk/

Part of Bristol Museums, an association of six fine museums in the city, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has three floors filled with Egyptian mummies, wildlife, dinosaurs, gemstones, glass, pottery, oriental arts, and a collection of Old Masters. An entire section is devoted to I. K. Brunel and his many technical achievements.

The nearby Red Lodge Museum (closed Jan to April), with its old furniture and fine Elizabethan room, focuses on the human side of history.

Also at a separate location and open seasonally, the Georgian House Museum tells the story of an 18th-century merchant, sugar plantation owner, and slaveholder through his house and possessions.

Address: Queens Road, Bristol, England

Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/

A late 18th-century mansion house and estate, Blaise Castle House provides a feel for the lifestyle of a prosperous family on a country estate. The Picture Room, with a domed glass ceiling, is decorated with paintings, and the house is known for its collections of children's toys, including doll houses and furniture, trains, and toy soldiers.

On the estate are ruins of Kings Weston Roman Villa , with baths, a heating system, and mosaic floor. The house and Roman villa are closed January through March.

Address: Henbury Road, Bristol

Official site: https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/blaise-museum/

Located just 18 miles from Bristol, the spectacular Cheddar Gorge makes for an excellent day trip. Highlights of this National Nature Reserve include its dramatic 450-foot cliffs and stunning stalactite caverns.

Other attractions include the spectacular Gough's Cave, with its hidden chambers, as well the soaring chambers of "St. Paul's Cathedral" and the towering spires of "Solomon's Temple."

A word of caution: you do need a degree of fitness to tackle some parts of the gorge, including the 274 steps up the side of the gorge and the 48 more to the top of the Lookout Tower . Entry includes the cliff-top walk and the Cheddar Man Museum of Prehistory.

Official site: www.cheddargorge.co.uk

The city of Bristol, set inland on the Avon River and with access to the Bristol Channel, has an illustrious history as one of England's oldest and most important ports.

It was a favored port of departure for the New World following John Cabot's voyage to North America in 1497. To celebrate that event, Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park was erected on the 400th anniversary of Cabot's voyage in 1897. Bristol was also an important trading center and served as Royalist headquarters during the English Civil War.

Shipbuilding has been a pillar of Bristol's economy for centuries, reaching its pinnacle with Isambard Kingdom Brunel's famous SS Great Britain . Built in 1838, this was the first steamship to make regular Atlantic crossings. In addition to designing the famous suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge, Brunel was also the engineer in charge of completing the Great Western Railway between London and Bristol.

We recommend these centrally located hotels in Bristol near top attractions such as Bristol Harbour:

• Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa : This fine luxury boutique hotel is set in a Venetian-style building with an illuminated indoor pool and upscale spa; it's popular for its afternoon tea.
• Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre : A good choice for its mid-range pricing, the Holiday Inn is located near shops and features great showers, contemporary decor, and 24-hour room service.
• The Bristol : Featuring affordable rates and great harbor views, this stylish hotel boasts comfortable beds and Nespresso machines.
• Premier Inn Bristol City Centre : This budget hotel is set in a convenient location and features modern room decor and multilingual staff.

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Adventures of Alice

20 Best Places To Visit In Bristol

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Bristol is a city in the southwest of England and one that is full of incredible sights to see and places to visit. Known for its iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and a thriving arts scene, (the street artist Banksy hails from Bristol), as well as having a rich maritime history, varied culture and diverse attractions, there really is something for everyone in Bristol.

Bristol is not like other UK cities , it is full of differing vibrant neighbourhoods each with their own vibe, think the historic quarters of Welsh Back and King Street to the modern Millennium Square, the cultural Stokes Croft to the artistic Bedminster. Bristol embraces both its historic roots and its modern charm, all with a wide range of culinary options thrown in the mix.

So, looking for some ideas for visiting this wonderful city ? From the art galleries to historical landmarks, and street art tours to foodie havens, here is a guide to the best 20 places to visit in Bristol.  

20 Places To Visit In Bristol

The city of Bristol is full of attractions that can easily keep you busy for a few days, but here are the best places to visit in Bristol;

1. Clifton Suspension Bridge

Suspended over the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.

This iconic landmark is particularly wonderful during the summer when you can take to the nearby Avon Gorge Hotel terrace and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

You can also walk across the bridge, with panoramic views of the gorge and the River Avon below, and into Leigh Woods which are somewhat of a hidden gem in the city.

2. Bristol Camera Obscura & Observatory

This historic observatory offers visitors to Bristol an opportunity to stargaze by day and experience optical illusions in its darkened rooms.

The Camera Obscura, just one of three working Camera Obscuras in the UK, allows you to see 360-degree views of Bristol and has been open to the public since 1828.

3. The Downs

The Downs is a vast green space to the north of the main city centre which is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, you’ll often find an exercise class or two up here on a warm day as well. With its tree-lined pathways and wonderful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, (often with a balloon in sight too!), it is a favourite spot for both the locals and visitors to Bristol.

During the warmer months, you may even get the chance to see hot air balloons taking off or landing here as well.

4. Baltic Wharf

Baltic Wharf is an often-overlooked location in the city, with views across the harbour to the colourful Hotwells and Cliftonwood, and the option to get in the water on a paddleboard, kayak or sailboat.

The walk from the city centre, (via Wapping Wharf, which is the next place on the list of places to visit in Bristol), is wonderful and takes in not only Brunel’s SS Great Britain but also Banksy’s The Girl With The Pearl Earring and the Underfall Yard, which is a great place to learn about Bristol’s history of boat building.

5. Wapping Wharf

This is the place to visit in Bristol for an amazing variety of food and drink. This lively waterfront area of the city, with converted shipping containers housing independent shops and eateries, is one of the best places to savour Bristol’s culinary delights.

We would highly recommend eating at The Jolly Hog: Pigsty a restaurant specialising in sausage and British picnic food, Mokoko Coffee and Bakery for the most delicious cakes and Tare where you can have the most incredible 6-course set menu.

6. Welsh Back & King Street

The historic streets of Welsh Back and King Street are home to the legendary Llandoger Trow pub, historically once the local haunt of pirates who visited Bristol.

You’ll also find The Apple, a unique floating cider house, (it is located on a local barge), where you can sample a variety of delicious local and homebrew ciders. There is also a number of other pubs in the area, often with live music such as The Old Duke or King Street Brew House.

7. St Nicks Market

One of the best locations in Bristol for shopping from local traders, or for international street food is St Nick Market. Located on Corn Street this market reflects how diverse the culture of Bristol is, and you can easily get lost in the maze of the market for a few hours.

The street food served here is also incredible, try Woky Ko or Eatchu for amazing Asian cuisine or Matina for delicious Middle Eastern wraps.

8. Brunel’s SS Great Britain

You can’t visit Bristol and not visit at least one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpieces and the SS Great Britain is no exception.

This beautifully restored Victorian-era ship is open to visitors to explore the cabins, engine rooms and decks, all alongside interactive exhibits that bring the history of maritime travel to life.

9. Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower

Brandon Hill is a popular hilltop park in the centre of the city with beautiful gardens to explore and the views to match.

At the centre of the park is Cabot Tower, a Gothic tower that has some of the best panoramic views in the city. There are quite a few steps up to the top but the views make it well worth while.

10. Whiteladies Road & Park Street

Whiteladies Road and Park Street are home to some of the best and most vibrant shopping locations in Bristol.

Both roads are lined with unique boutiques, quaint cafes, and a bustling bar or two and with a mix of high-end fashion and quirky shops to explore, both Whiteladies and Park Street will keep you busy for a while, all whilst working out those legs up and down the steep roads!

Fun Fact: There was once a giant slip’n’slide put in place for a day on Park Street as part of Bristol initiative ‘Make Sunday Special’.

11. Ashton Court Estate

This park on the outskirts of the city of Bristol is home to deer herds that roam the woodland and fields around the main house and is the perfect place to spend a few hours outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

It is also the location of the International Balloon Fiesta , which is held every August and is a must-see if you are in the city at the right time.

12. Bristol Cathedral

Gothic architecture alongside intricate stained-glass windows means only one thing, and that is a visit to the Bristol Cathedral. Not only a place for reflection but an architectural marvel, this 12th-century building is stunning inside and out.

If visiting in the summer, be sure to avoid the cathedral around the university graduation dates as it is where the graduations happen so will be closed and very busy in the surrounding area.

13. Bristol Floating Harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour is a beautiful stretch of the harbour with historic ships moored alongside the quays and numerous waterside bars and restaurants to pick from.

There is often live music and events held along here too, with the Watershed warehouse venue housing lots of them alongside an arthouse cinema and bar overlooking the water.

14. Bedminster

Bedminster is the home of street art in Bristol. First made famous by Banksy, there is now an annual street art festival called Upfest held in Bedminster, which draws in street artists from around the world.

No wall is left uncovered with artwork, with the theme of the years art often taking on something that has been in the news or media, most recently a theme of Climate Change.

15. Millenium Square

The central square near the harbourside often hosts festivals throughout the year, including summer music festivals and Christmas markets , as well as live music and an outdoor cinema, all in the shadow of We The Curious, (more about this location further down the list of places to visit in Bristol).

16. Christmas Steps

This narrow winding street with historic architecture, is located between Cabot Circus and the Harbourside and is one of the most charming in all of Bristol.

Lined with independent shops, boutiques, art galleries and cafes, (there is a café where each table is a different board game ready to play!), this alleyway is one of the most unique places to visit in Bristol.

M Shed is the one museum in Bristol that you simply should visit during any trip to Bristol, plus entrance is free. Located in an old dockside transit shed, this museum focuses on life in Bristol, exploring the city through its people, places and through its colourful history.

There are rare and quirky objects to view as well as working exhibits outside the museum building, including the nearby cranes and a number of ships and tugboats that are located in the harbour.

18. We The Curious (@ Bristol)

One of the best places to while away a few hours is at We The Curious, (formally called @Bristol). There are hands-on exhibitions and interactive displays all focusing on science and the natural world, making it a great destination perfect for all the family.

19. Bristol Aquarium

If you feel like getting immersed in the aquatic wonders of the deep, then this is the place to visit in Bristol. With the option to get up close and observe marine life in an underwater tunnel as well as various talks and feeding sessions, the aquarium is another great location to visit for all the family.

20. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is home to an extensive collection of both historical and contemporary artefacts and artwork. It’s one of the best free things to do in Bristol.

With ever-changing exhibitions, and some permanent exhibitions, including Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs, this museum and gallery is a great place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day.

Where to stay in Bristol

We would highly recommend staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel or Hotel du Vin Bristol in the city centre, as not only are they both in great locations close to lots of cafes and restaurants, but also within easy walking distance to numerous attractions.

Places To Visit In Bristol FAQS

How to get to bristol.

If arriving from an international location then Bristol has its own airport, located roughly half an hour out of the city via public transport.

Bristol is also connected to the rest of the UK by a number of train stations, including Bristol Parkway at the outskirts of the city and Bristol Temple Meads in the centre of the city. The train from London to Bristol takes about 1.5 hours.

There are also a number of long-distance coaches that serve Bristol and connect through to numerous locations across England.

If arriving by car then there are a number of large car parks across the city including Cabot Circus, Wapping Wharf and Mud Dock.

How to get around Bristol

The easiest way to get around Bristol is via the public transport network that runs across the city. There are a number of bus routes connecting the city centre with various locations on the outskirts including the First Bus network and the Metro Buses.

Bristol also has a small ferry network that runs from the Bristol Harbourside along the river to Temple Meads train station in the east and Hotwells in the west.

The other ways to get around the city are via bicycle as there is a great cycle network that crosses the city, or on foot. This is one of the best ways to get around Bristol as you will often stumble upon a great cafe or even a Banksy piece.

What is the best time to visit Bristol?

One of the best times to visit Bristol is in the summer, with music and food festivals galore, lovely warm weather and hot air balloons filling the skies in the morning and evening. It can be a little busier than other times of the year, partly due to the summer holidays and due to the festivals, but it is all worth it for the atmosphere of the city.

What is Bristol famous for?

Bristol is famous for its three B’s, Banksy, Brunel and balloons. The world-renowned street artist Banksy hails from Bristol and has left his mark on a number of locations across the city, which you can follow via one of the many Bansky art trails. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is also well known across Bristol, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain showcasing his civil engineering talents.

Finally, and probably the most well-known thing to make Bristol famous, is hot air balloons. Once a year the International Balloon Fiesta is held in Bristol, with balloons and their balloonists from across the world, descending on the city for four days of hot air balloon-related fun. The hot air balloons can be seen throughout most of the warmer months of the year.

Is Bristol worth a day trip?

100% yes, Bristol is worth a day trip , however, if you can stay and experience Bristol longer then of course you should!

What is on in Bristol for free?

Bristol has a number of art galleries and museums that are often open with free admission, and during certain times of the year, there are also festivals held across the city that are free to experience. Most of the parks and gardens throughout Bristol are also free to visit.

Is Bristol UK worth visiting?

Bristol is most definitely worth visiting. With a rich history of art and culture, as well as a big foodie scene and numerous festivals held throughout the year, it is one city in the UK that you should make a point of visiting.

Conclusion: Places To Visit In Bristol

So, there are 20 places to visit in Bristol, from well-known places such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Cathedral to the off-the-beaten-path locations such as Baltic Wharf and St Nicks Market.

With museums and art galleries, historic architecture and modern street art and enough restaurants, cafes and bars to keep you busy for weeks on end, Bristol is one of the best cities in England to spend time in.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a full-time travel blogger and content creator and the founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy from her career as a Content Marketing Specialist, she embraced her passion for exploration and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

From her roots near Cambridge, UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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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.

VisitBritain/Peter Beavis

Discover a world of art

Bristol needs no introduction to the street art scene , home to the world renowned stencil artist, Banksy - the city is bursting with colour creations round 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.

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.

Andre Pattenden/Bristol Lido

Bristol, England

Whether it’s a cold winter’s day or a blissful summer evening, Bristol’s Lido has got you covered. 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.

lifeoutthere.photography

Hit the waves for a surfing session on Bristol’s in-land 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. 

Eat like a local

At lunchtime, hungry Bristolians descend on St Nicholas Market . Dating back to 1743, this food market had 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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The Wave Bristol

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

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

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

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

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

ssgreatbritain

Clifton Suspension Bridge

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

VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

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

SUP Bristol

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

Adventure Bristol

This outdoor activity centre is packed with challenges – so grab your mates and get stuck in.

Wake the Tiger

Step into ‘the world’s first amazement park’ – a place unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Wake The Tiger

Bristol is famous for its graffiti – so why not have a go too? Get hands-on at these expert-led workshops.

Peter Hall/Graft

Christmas Steps Art Quarter

It’s a real adventure to dip into these tiny boutiques, many of which serve as artisans’ workshops too.

Delve into Bristol’s history at this locally-focused museum, discovering the human stories behind its most pivotal moments.

Quentin Lake Photography

Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Great beer, delicious food and a brilliant playlist: what could be a better way to celebrate summer?

Grab your mates for a night of live music, bowling, karaoke and more, at this fun-loving Bristol nightspot.

The Lanes Bristol

Old Market Quarter, Gay Village

Whether you’re looking for a sociable drink with like-minded people, a night of cocktails and dancing till dawn, or adults-only fun at a discreet bar and sauna – the Old Market Quarter is the place.

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Ashton Court Estate

This impressive stately home isn’t just full of history – it has mountain biking, orienteering and golf courses too.

This collection of boutique hotels is synonymous with luxe bedrooms, fantastic food and brilliant service.

The Pig, Hampshire

Jekka’s Herb Farm

Look out for supper clubs, art workshops and craft classes – all with a herbaceous twist.

Jekka's Herb Farm

Thornbury Castle

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here on their honeymoon – and you can enjoy its luxury too.

Wills Memorial Building Tower

Enjoy magnificent views from this mighty landmark, opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1925.

Yasmin Chakar

Royal Fort House

This historic spot is a haven for walkers and wildlife, and features art installations too.

Wapping Wharf

This up-and-coming shopping, dining and entertainment quarter has breathed new life into Bristol’s waterfront.

Bristol Shopping Quarter

With over 400 retail and dining brands, this city-centre mall has something for every style.

Park Street and The Triangle

Top fashion brands rub shoulders with independent vintage stores, jewellery boutiques and gourmet delis.

Poco Tapas Bar

Tuck into a menu of tapas, brunches and sharing plates, which champions sustainably-sourced local ingredients.

Benjamin Pryor Photography

Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Rather than driving or taking the train between these great cities, why not cycle instead?

Bristol Pride

Featuring a star-studded line-up of singers and drag cabaret – plus an awe-inspiring protest march through the city.

Bristol Bear Bar

One of the UK’s only purpose-built bear bars, it attracts a varied crowd and brings the beats of pop and dance music to the table.

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Queenshilling

Be dazzled by a 1920s Art Deco style and a welcoming atmosphere. Expect disco lighting and a swanky dance floor complete with podiums and a stage.

Proper Job Productions

UPFEST, Bristol

Welcome to Europe’s biggest graffiti festival, where the streets of Bristol are the canvas.

Glastonbury

This legendary gathering is on every music-lover’s bucket list – featuring a star-studded mix of bands, comedy and cabaret.

Andrew Allcock

Whether you’re horse riding, cycling, playing football or walking, this green space is glorious year-round.

VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Discover soaring cliffs and spectacular caves, sculpted by the elements over many thousands of years.

National Trust Images/John Mill

Sherlock Locations Trail

Released by the Bristol Film Office, this official walking guide reveals the city’s key Sherlock locations.

Hartswood Films

Frogmore Street

Be part of the city’s legendary LGBTQIA+ scene, with buzzing bars, nightclubs, entertainment and more.

Bristol Harbour Festival

A whole weekend of entertainment, with circus, music, dance and more – all for absolutely free!

Paul Box/Bristol Harbour Festival

Bristol Marina

The city’s maritime roots run deep, and its waterways host festivals, floating restaurants and more.

[email protected]/Visit West

Bristol Lido

Dip your toe into Bristol’s history at this beautifully restored bathhouse, luxury spa and restaurant.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

With its hydrotherapy pools and luxurious treatment areas, this city-centre idyll is hard to resist.

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road

Calling all bargain hunters and trend setters: these shops, galleries and delis are anything but ordinary…

Bristol Tours – Walking Tour

Exploring with an expert local guide, you’ll be immersed in the city’s sights, sounds and stories.

Where the Wall

Whether for walking tours or stencilling workshops, immerse yourself in the city’s spectacular street art.

Alamy Stock Photo/Lee Thomas/Upfest (Bex Glover, Lucas Antics, Zoe Power, Gemma Compton, Sophie Long and Ejits)

Bristol Cathedral

Discover the soaring Gothic architecture and exquisite stained-glass windows of this city-centre landmark.

Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

This is the place to revel in Bristol’s free-spirited vibe, while shopping for clothes, antiques and crafts.

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Bristol’s harbourside

See Brunel’s iconic vessel to one Banksy’s most famous works at Bristol’s picturesque harbour.

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Featured things to do

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.

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.

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 a Gin Cruise for a liquid fuelled boat trip.

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.

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.

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.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

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

VisitBritain

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

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

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

Cotswolds, England

Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials. Discover the top attractions and best things to do and see during your next visit here.

Exeter City Council

Getting to Bristol

England’s south west city, 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 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 train from London takes around 1 hour 40 minutes from London Paddington direct to Bristol Temple Meads with Great Western Railway . Coaches are also available from London to Bristol direct, via megabus , National Express and Flixbus with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.

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.

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

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

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.

Bristol Travel Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

O ur  Bristol Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, best day trips, accommodation options, tips and more for this English city. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Bristol.

Plan your visit to Bristol

Located in England’s south west the city of Bristol is associated with 2 very famous (but very different individuals) namely Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Banksy! (And I shouldn’t forget it is also the birthplace of Wallace & Grommit as Nick Park the creator of Aardman Animations is also from Bristol)

Whether you plan to visit Bristol to enjoy the engineering genius of Brunel or the creative genius of Banksy there is plenty to do and see in the city to keep you busy.

Popular attractions include the SS Great Britain, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, M Shed, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Known for its excellent cafes and craft beer Bristol is the perfect destination for foodies too.

What you will find in this complete Bristol Travel Guide

Map of Bristol

When is the best time of year to visit bristol, how many days do you need in bristol, what is the best way to explore bristol, 🚆 by train from london – bristol, 🚙 by car, ⭐️ attractions, things to do in bristol & surrounding areas, the bristol hotel, avon gorge by hotel du vin, 3 berkeley square guesthouse, 🎟 tickets, tours & attractions in bristol, best day trips and tours from bristol, books set in bristol, 💛 enjoy your visit to bristol.

📖 Bristol travel guide – Visiting Bristol FAQ’s

As with anywhere in the UK the summer months are a popular time to visit. This makes it more crowded and pushes up prices. This is also the time of year when many festivals and events are held in Bristol.

If you can visit at any time of year perhaps the best time to go is during the spring or autumn. The temperatures may be a tad cooler but the city will be quieter and less busy.

• Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

There are a number of festivals and events held in and around Bristol during the year including one of the most famous music festivals in the world – Glastonbury (hopefully returning in 2022)

• Bristol Shakespeare Festiva l – TBA
• Beats and Eats Bristol – TBA
• Love Saves The Day – 27 May to 28 May 2023
• Foodies Festival – 12 May to 14 May 2023

We recommend a couple of days to explore Bristol (the perfect weekend staycation ) and to properly enjoy the culture, history, art and good food and drink Bristol has in abundance.

Bristol is a great city to explore on foot. There is a Metrobus which runs between the train station and city centre. There are also 4 Park and Ride locations available if you prefer to avoid driving into Bristol.

Take the ferry which runs two routes including stops at popular destinations such as the M Shed museum, SS Great Britain and Temple Meads.

What is the best way to travel to Bristol from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Bristol for a short break or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

• Distance from London: 170 km
• Time taken by train: Just under 1 hour 30 mins
• Leave from: London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

If using the motorways Bristol is a 2 hour drive from London on the M4. If you are thinking of parking in the city you will be pleased to hear there are over 11,000 parking spaces including many around the popular attractions such as the Harbourside and Bristol Shopping Quarter .

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of driving into a large city like Bristol there are 4 Park and Ride locations in Bristol where you can leave your car and catch a bus. Click here for more information about Bristol Park & Ride

Read – UK transportation guide

Click the links for more information about the best places to visit in Bristol and surrounding areas and counties.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

BATH TRAVEL GUIDE

DORSET & JURASSIC COAST TRAVEL GUIDE

CORNWALL TRAVEL GUIDE

DEVON TRAVEL GUIDE

COTSWOLDS TRAVEL GUIDE

CARDIFF TRAVEL GUIDE

🏩 Bristol Accommodation

Accommodation quick picks for bristol.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superb location for marina, bars, restaurants and city centre.

Best beer garden view in the UK! Luxury hotel with fabulous decor.

Beautiful property with fabulous breakfast. 

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

⭐️ CLICK FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ITINERARY PLANNERS

As well as the many great things to do in Bristol itself the city is also a great location from which to explore the nearby cities of Bath or Cardiff.

Why not book a tour to Stonehenge or the Cotswolds?

We use Get Your Guide when choosing tours – they have a huge selection plus one of the best cancellation policies in the business (so no stressing if your plans change at the last minute)

Viator is another company we have used around the world. I have listed the best tours available from both companies to give you a lot of choices!

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Bristol. These posts will also provide practical advice for travelling around the UK:

• UK train travel guide
• Salisbury Travel Guide
• Britain by train – top 10 UK rail journeys (+ map & tips)
• 17 Things to do in the Cotswolds
• Oxford Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• 25 Best Places to Visit in Cornwall (+ map & tips)

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Things to do in Bristol: A Bristol Itinerary and Planning Guide

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 10 Comments

I almost went to university in Bristol, which would have been a great choice, as it’s a fantastically beautiful city. As life turned out though, I ended up at Nottingham, home to the oldest pubs in Britain. Which wasn’t a deciding factor, honestly.

Still, Jess and I have explored Bristol thoroughly as part of our mission to explore as many corners of the UK as possible. We visited when we were living in Edinburgh, and then we moved to Bath which is just a short drive away.

As a result of our time spent in Bristol over the years, we’ve put together our suggestions of some of our favourite things to do in Bristol.

This covers some of our favourite sights in Bristol as well as places to eat and a few photography locations you’ll want to visit.

We’ve laid this guide to things to do in Bristol out in the form of an itinerary for 2 days in Bristol to help you plan, but this list can be used for any length trip to Bristol of course.

Following this, you’ll find some advice on when to visit Bristol and other planning advice for putting together the perfect trip. Let’s get started!

Things to Do in Bristol

Things to do in Bristol: Day 1

1. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

We’re starting off our two days in Bristol with a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery , which covers a wide range of subjects, from natural history through to Egyptology.

There are also exhibitions with a more regional focus, including work by local artists, information on the history of interesting fossil finds in the Bristol area, and a gallery which showcases how Bristol has changed over the centuries. For a more Bristol focused museum though, you’ll want to head to M-Shed, which is on the itinerary for the second day.

We particularly enjoyed seeing the Banksy statue “Paint pot Angel” and the dinosaur fossils, although there is a lot to see here with something for everyone. A good way to start off your Bristol adventure! Entry to the museum is free with a suggested donation. Special exhibits are separately priced.

2. Climb Cabot Tower

One thing I always like to do when visiting an unfamiliar city is to get to a place where I can get a good view of it, to help me get my bearings. In Bristol, the place to do that is at Cabot Tower.

This is a 19th century tower which commemorates the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to what later became Canada, in the year 1497. It’s found near the top of Brandon Hill, just a short walk from the Bristol Museum, and the 32 metre tower offers an excellent view of much of Bristol and surrounds, including the river area.

Climbing the tower is free, and you can see opening times here.

3. Georgian House Museum

We’re going to head towards the old city centre of Bristol now, but on the way you have the opportunity to stop in at the Georgian House Museum , which is on the way down the hill from Cabot Tower on Great George Street.

This house was built in 1790 for a man named John Pinney, who owned a number of sugar plantations in the Caribbean, as well as the slave labour that allowed these plantations to be so profitable. When Jess and I visited the deep south of the USA, we visited a number of plantations along the river road , where we learned a lot about the lives of plantation owners and slaves.

The Georgian House offers a small insight into slavery in England. Bristol profited heavily from the slave trade and slave-run plantations. Slave ships were operated out of Bristol, running the infamous “slave triangle”, taking goods to Africa from the UK, slaves from Africa to the USA, and then the plantation products from the USA back to the UK. Ships were also built in Bristol, which further added to the city’s wealth.

The Georgian house shows what that wealth would have looked like to a man like John Pinney who profited from the slave trade. Eleven rooms spread across four floors reveal the luxuries available in the late 18th century, as well as the stark difference between life “above stairs” and “below stairs”. Entry is free, and is definitely worth some of your time.

4. Christmas Steps

Next on our list is going to be a photo stop, before we swoop into lunch. Christmas Steps is a small and narrow stepped lane in Bristol’s city centre, dating from the mid 17th century, and lined with beautiful old buildings.

It’s the centrepiece of the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter, eight streets filled with independent shops, bars, cafes and art galleries, many of which don’t seem to have changed too much over the centuries. It’s worth exploring and an excellent photo opportunity.

5. Lunch at St. Nicholas Market

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Bristol, but one of our favourites was definitely the Glass Arcade at the St. Nicholas Indoor Market , which you’ll find on Corn Street. Winner of the award for Britain’s best large indoor market in 2016, and in operation since 1743, this is Bristol’s oldest market, with over 60 stall holders.

But we’re here for lunch, so head to the Glass Arcade – a large open glass-covered area with seating that offers plenty of food stalls to pick from, cuisines that vary from local to worldly. Take a look at some of the stalls available here , to get yourself excited. I went with Moroccan from the Moorish Cafe , whilst Jess had a healthy salad option from the Olive Works . But whatever food you’re into, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

6. Explore the Old City

Since our itinerary has brought you down into the old city, our suggestion for your post-lunch activity would be to wander Bristol’s old city for a little while.

The crossroads of Corn Street and High Street was the centre of the medieval city, and as you explore this small area you’ll be able to see traces of the old city boundaries, including the walls and gateways that used to mark the edges of the city. Of course, today Bristol has expanded far beyond these old walls, but it’s fun to walk around and imagine what the city might have been like in the past.

Naturally, you can explore the old city on your own, but there are also other options. For example, this self-guided tour you can download to your smartphone is a cost-effective way to learn about what you are seeing in the city.

7. Take a Street Art Tour

Bristol is famous for its street art, not least because it was where legendary street artist Banksy first came into the public eye. It is also believed to be the childhood home of Banksy although there is still speculation about his identity. So we think it’s appropriate to spend some time exploring the street art of Bristol!

You can either do this by yourself, or you can take a specific tour like this .

If you choose to do it by yourself, we highly recommend dropping into a tourist office and picking up a copy of the Bristol Street Art Map by Where the Wall, which has detailed information about where to find all the most famous pieces of street art in Bristol, as well as popular areas to find new street art.

That was what I did, and I documented my adventures in my post on Bristol’s Street Art .

Alternatively, you might consider this interactive street art exploration game .

If you’d rather take a tour, then we suggest the Where the Wall street art walking tour company, who operate the longest running street art tour in the UK. Timings for their tours are up on their website, but based on our itinerary, we’d suggest going for their Banksy tour , which start at 2pm. They also do another tour , which starts at midday, so you’d have to re-arrange this schedule a little to accommodate that.

Whichever tour you choose, we suggest booking in advance and always checking tour times and information on the official website.

8. Watch Sunset at the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Depending on the time of your visit, sunset will be at varying times. But whenever it is, either before you eat or after, we highly recommend that you take the time to go up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy the sunset from there.

This iconic bridge is the symbol of Bristol, with a design based on drawings by one of Britain’s greatest Victorian engineers: Isambard Kingdom Brunel . Whilst it is today accepted that the final version of the bridge differs from Brunel’s original vision, it is certainly the bridge that most associate with Brunel, and when built, had the longest span of any bridge in the world.

Today the bridge is still very much in use, and you can both drive and walk across it. We’d suggest that you head up to the park on the east side of the bridge though, where you’ll find the Clifton observatory, and lovely views of both the bridge, and the sunset. On warm summer days this is a very popular location with locals and visitors alike, who come up here to enjoy the evening warmth and views. A lovely way to end your first day exploring in Bristol!

Things to do in Bristol: Day 2

9. Bristol Cathedral

Our second day in Bristol has you starting off at Bristol Cathedral , seat of the Church of England in the city. This was founded as an Augustine abbey in 1140, although the version you see today largely dates from work undertaken in the 14th –16th centuries.Some parts of the original do survive though, including the Chapter House (dating from 1160!) and the Abbey Gatehouse.

In its present form the Cathedral is a stunning building both inside and out, with beautiful vaulting, medieval stonework and 14th century stained glass, to name but some of the features. It’s also one of the few churches in Britain to be designed as a “hall church”, where the nave, choir and aisles are all the same height. There’s an on-site cafe too, where you can grab a coffee to fortify you for the rest of your days explorations!

10. Bristol Aquarium

Down in the harbourside area just a short walk from the cathedral there are a number of excellent museums and attractions. Which of these you decide to visit will of course depend on your interests and who you’re travelling with, but we’re including a few highlights to give you ideas, ordered in a logical fashion.

First on that list is the Bristol Aquarium . This is home to over forty marine life displays, with everything from local specimens through to tropical environments on show. Unusually for an aquarium, there’s also a giant botanical house on site, that you walk through as part of the tour. The aquarium is open year round, and is an excellent attraction for families especially. Check out their official website for opening times, prices, and special events.

11. We the Curious (Bristol Science Centre)

Right next door to the Aquarium is We the Curious (formerly known as the At-Bristol Science Centre), which focuses on highly interactive science themed exhibits. There’s a lot of really hands on stuff here, and we had a lot of fun playing with the various displays.

There’s also a whole part of the attraction dedicated to animation. Bristol is home to Aardman Animations , the animation studio responsible for Wallace & Gromit as well as UK TV character Morph . This attraction was put together by Aardman, and lets you become an animator for the day – even creating your own TV show.

This is definitely a museum for people who like a more hands-on, interactive attraction, and you could easily spend a whole day here. Again, check the official website for opening times and ticket prices .

If you want to get deeper under the skin of what make Bristol tick, then a visit to M-Shed is an absolute must. This free museum, housed in a former transit shed, has exhibits that focus exclusively on telling the story of the city, from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

We don’t like to play favourites, but M Shed was definitely a highlight of the various museums and attractions that we visited. We loved how it explored the history of the city, with everything from the people to the geography to Bristol’s experiences in the war on show. There are even working exhibits on show, including the giant cranes outside the museum, and the museum even has its own Banksy on show. Not to be missed.

13. Visit the SS Great Britain

No visit to Bristol would be complete without a visit to the SS Great Britain – Bristol’s top visitor attraction. Designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was built in Bristol and launched in 1845. She was the first ship with both an iron hull and a screw propeller, and was also the longest passenger ship in the world.

Initially built as a transatlantic passenger ship, the cost of building and tweaking such a radical design combined with the cost of rescuing her after she ran aground ended up bankrupting her owners.

As a result she has a varied service history, including 30 years spent taking immigrants to Australia from Liverpool in the UK and coal-hauling. Finally, in 1937, she was scuttled and abandoned in the Falkland Islands.

Of course, the story doesn’t end there, as otherwise there wouldn’t be much to visit! In 1970, a great rescue operation took place, and what remained of her hull was floated onto a pontoon and returned to her place of construction in Bristol.

Following an extensive restoration process, she re-opened to the public, and today you can visit and tour her in a form that resembles her glory days as a transatlantic ship. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

14. Take a picture of the colourful houses

One thing that will catch your eye when you visit Bristol is the variety and colour of many of the homes and buildings in the city. This is one of Bristol’s signature features, and you definitely need to get a photo of these homes.

We actually visited Bristol during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta , and were lucky enough to go up in a balloon, and see all these houses from above.

But don’t worry if a balloon ride isn’t on the cards. If you walk a little further west along the south side of the river from the SS Great Britain, you’ll come to a lovely harbour area where many boats are moored. On the opposite side of the river, you’ll see a lovely selection of colourful houses for you to get a picture of.

15. Underfall yard

The last stop on our two day Bristol itinerary continues the marine theme. Underfall Yard is a historic Victorian-era boatyard in Bristol. The name “underfall” comes from the design solution that Brunel developed to resolve the issue of silt filling up Bristol’s floating harbour, which used a series of sluices to suck away the mud – a system that is still in use today.

Much of the original yard has been preserved, and is home today to a boat building cooperative, as well as various exhibits on the history of the floating harbour and the sluicing technology. I certainly learnt a few things that I didn’t know before, and I’m sure you will too!

With that, we’ve finished our ideas for how to spend two days in Bristol! Let’s take a look now at some practicalities for your visit.

Getting to Bristol

Bristol is a well connected city. There’s a fast train connection to London, which takes less than two hours, and of course it’s connected to a number of other cities in the UK as well.

Bristol also has an airport, with connections to a number of UK and European cities.

Finally, Bristol is easy to drive to, although in the city centre, we’d advise leaving the car safely parked somewhere else, as parking can be tricky to come by and fees can add up.

How to Get Around Bristol

Bristol is an easy city to get around, although it does have a few hills. The itinerary we’ve put together can be easily done on foot though, and it’s largely set up to have you travelling downhill for the most part.

Of course, there’s an excellent public transport network, as well as a ferry boat service that will take you to various points along the harbour.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has lots of accommodation options, pretty much something to suit every budget, from hostels through to boutique hotels and five star luxury.

There’s also a wide range of apartment rentals, and we opted for an apartment rental on our most recent visit as it gave us the flexibility to dine in as well as some working space and laundry facilities.

Check out all the Booking.com listings for Bristol, we find they usually come up with the best deal on a wide range of properties.

We also recommend Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment rental. Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their  listings for Bristol here .

For more vacation rental options in the UK, see our guide to our favourite holiday rentals websites in the UK .

When to Visit Bristol

Bristol is a pleasant city to visit year round, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained should the weather turn against you.

Probably the busiest time of year to visit is during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta , which takes place in early August. Whilst this is a fantastic time to visit the city and see the skies filled with beautifully coloured balloons, it’s also definitely going to be a very busy time to visit as well.

We visited during the Fiesta, and had a wonderful time, but do be aware that accommodation, traffic and visitor levels are certainly higher at this time of year.

Otherwise, for the best weather we’d recommend visiting from May through to September. Also, do check out the official Visit Bristol website for all the events taking place throughout the year, to get an idea of what’s on.

Day Trips from Bristol

If you’re in Bristol for a little while and wondering if there are any good nearby spots for a day trip, then you’re in luck. Bristol makes a great base for exploring a number of nearby attractions, including the following.

• Bath. This beautiful Roman-era spa town is filled with beautiful Georgian architecture. It’s also just a 13-minute train ride from Bristol, so very easy to reach.
• The Cotswolds. This beautiful part of England is filled with postcard perfect villages and lovely countryside. Explore with your own vehicle or take a tour like this .
• Stonehenge . An incredible ancient monument, the origins of which are still debated to this day. Can be visited by car or public transport from Bristol, or as part of a tour like this .
• Cardiff. The capital city of Wales is easy to reach by train from Bristol, and offers museums, castles and plenty more to fill a day.
• Glastonbury & Somerset. Glastonbury is famous for its Tor and links to St. Arthur. A day out from Bristol can easily cover other highlights of Somerset as well, including Cheddar Gorge and the incredible cathedral at Wells. You can drive yourself, or take a tour like this .

Further Reading for your Bristol Visit

That sums up our suggested things to do in Bristol for two days! As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Bristol, and you’ll easily be able to fill two days – or extend your trip for a few more days!

We’re got more content coming up on Bristol, so do subscribe to stay updated. In the meantime, here’s a series of resources to help you plan your trip to both Bristol and the wider UK!

• The official Visit Bristol tourism page , which has loads of ideas on what to do, where to stay, transport information as well as event information.
• Our detailed guide to attending the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
• The official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website
• The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol and Somerset , which is available in both digital and physical book formats
• My guide to the best locations to find Street Art in Bristol
• Our detailed one week itinerary of the UK , as well as a two week version
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• We also have number of other guides to UK cities, including things to do in Cambridge , things to do in Edinburgh  and  things to do in Belfast , amongst others.
• For London, we have some detailed itineraries to help you plan your visit. These include a 1 Day London Itinerary , a Two Day London itinerary and a six day London itinerary
• The top Harry Potter sites in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• A guide to Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• A guide to things to do in Portsmouth
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• If you’re interested in getting better photos when you travel, take a look at my online photography course , where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting better photos – whatever camera you have!

And that’s it for our suggestions for the best things to do in Bristol over 2 days! Have you ever visited Bristol? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

So you know: For some of the attractions we visited in Bristol, Visit Bristol provided us with complimentary entry. We covered our own accommodation, transport, meals, and other expenses.

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There are 10 comments on this post

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28th January 2023 at 2:29 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful itinerary! I’ll be traveling with my husband to Bristol from the US in about a month. It’ll be my first time in the UK. He’s going for his work so the first 4 days of our 10 day trip I’m on my own to explore. I may need to spread this out for 3-4 days vs. 2 but it looks like plenty to keep me busy seeing all the sights :)…Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:05 am

It’s my pleasure! I think you will easily be able to spread this out over a few days. However, as you have 4 days I can highly recommend jumping on the train and riding for 11 minutes or so from Bristol to the historic town of Bath which is a world heritage site and well worth a half day or full day of your time. It’s very different from Bristol, all Georgian architecture and lovely streets. Well worth it!

Safe travels!

Macarena says

13th January 2023 at 12:45 am

Thanks you so much for this guide! My husband and I are visiting UK for the first time from Argentina, and I was not very sure about including Bristol in our itinerary, but reading your blogue has convinced me! best wishes!! Macarena

14th January 2023 at 10:08 am

Thanks Macarena, have an awesome time in Bristol and the UK 🙂

17th December 2022 at 1:39 pm

This is a lifesaver! My girlfriend is coming to Bristol for the first time over Christmas, and I had no clue where to take her until reading your blog. Thanks again. Any to-do lists for Bath? 🙂

18th December 2022 at 11:45 am

It’s my pleasure! So we lived just outside Bath for three years, but haven’t really written much about it! However that’s not to say we don’t have recommendations. Obviously the town centre is pretty to walk around, and sights like the Royal Crescent, Circus and Bath Abbey are a must to see. There is an excellent free walking tour that meets most days in front of the Abbey that is worth doing. If you like walks, the Bath Skyline walk is really lovely. The Roman Baths are also of course worth a visit, and there also the thermal spa if you prefer a more relaxing experience. That should get you started hopefully!

Have a lovely Christmas 🙂

Mahmud says

1st January 2022 at 8:53 am

thank you so much Laurence and Jessica. We are on our way now. It was a fantastic blog really helpfull.

Thanks Mahmud & Şendül

1st January 2022 at 12:31 pm

Hey Mahmud & Şendül! Thanks so much guys 🙂 Have an awesome time in Bristol, what a great way to start 2022 🙂

All the best,

Dory Merriman says

8th May 2021 at 7:56 am

Thank you so much Laurence and Jessica for taking the time to put together this fantastic guide. It has helped me greatly for my forthcoming short visit to Bristol. Best wishes Dory

8th May 2021 at 11:18 am

Thank you so much Dory – have a wonderful trip to Bristol!

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Places to visit in Bristol

Bristol is as well known for Brunel's elegant Clifton Suspension Bridge as it is for Banksy's street art. And not forgetting Aardman, creators of plasticine superstars Wallace and Gromit. It's little wonder that innovative museums packed with objets d'art and historic relics have set up shop here. This combination of attractions make Bristol an amazing place for a family day out. Start your intrepid adventure of this southwest city at flamingo lagoons, monkey islands or the depths of the Amazon at the city's aquariums and zoo, or meander along the River Avon's locks and gorges. Shopaholics can head to the Bristol Shopping Quarter, a collective of galleries, malls and independent shops. Little chance of buying The Wrong Trousers here. With so many places to visit in Bristol, adults and kids will be spoilt for choice.

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Top places to visit in Bristol

Whether it’s the sophisticated streets of Clifton Village or the wild waters at The Wave, there are plenty of reasons to make Bristol your next city break.

Gold winner: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Take a walk on the wild side at this pioneering zoo just outside of Bristol – winner of 2023 award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism.

Discover the home of Banksy on a Bristol Street Art Tour

Street art tours are a ‘must do’ cultural experience in the city, thanks to Bristol-born Banksy and many other famous artists

Location: Bristol

Cycle the City of Bristol

Classic Cycle hire with picnics makes for a great active break, and guides available with themed itineraries means you can see the sights.

Rainy Day Activities: Embark on an expedition into Cheddar Gorge

This ultimate indoor activity will have you venture deep into the famous caves at Cheddar to see where the Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest skeleton, was discovered.

Location: Cheddar, Somerset

Enjoy the best view of Bristol from Cabot Tower

The greatest view of Bristol is like all best things in life, free. Head to Cabot Tower for an unforgettable panorama.

Experience life at sea aboard Brunel’s ss Great Britain

One of the world's most important ships brought to life for modern-day visitors.

Gain an all access pass to a Bristol gin distillery

Get some 'Ginspiration' with tutored tasting at family-run distillery in beautiful Thornbury, near Bristol.

Location: Thornbury, Bristol

Live the good life at The Lido in Bristol

Bristol's restored Victorian Lido offers outdoor swimming, spa facilities, a café and bar for lunch and award winning restaurant for dinner.

Rainy Day Activities: Beware the animal mummies at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

From Egyptian relics and biplanes, to works of art and stuffed deer, there’s something to excite everyone at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

Enjoy a show at the Bristol Hippodrome

Steeped in history and packed with West End tours and local community displays, the Bristol Hippodrome is ideal for theatre buffs and newbies alike.

Rainy Day Activities: Climb the walls of St Werburgh’s Church

Test your strength as you climb up the walls of this 15th-century church on an indoor activity break in Bristol.

Take the River Ferry to Beeses

Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at this scenic English riverside tea garden in Bristol.

Head to Bristol for a loved-up city break

Ditch the car – and even the bike – because relaxed and arty Bristol is the perfect size to stroll around, hand-in-hand.

Step into the St Mary Redcliffe

Standing for over 800 years , St Mary Redcliffe Church was described Queen Elizabeth I as 'The goodliest, fairest and most famous parish church in England'.

Sleep in a royal bed at Thornbury Castle

Get treated like royalty at Thornbury Castle, where its opulent bedchambers, award-winning food and picturesque gardens will bring out your regal side.

Location: Thornbury, South Gloucestershire

Take a trip to Bristol's Old City & the St Nicholas Markets

Stroll hand in hand through Georgian squares to discover Bristol’s buzzing St Nicholas market, with its quirky stalls and diverse street food.

Dine at the best restaurants in Bristol

Bristol is home to three Michelin starred venues, three of the UK's top restaurants and many other award-winning dining experiences.

Grab your paddle for an exploration of Bristol’s Harbour

Set out on a water sports adventure in Bristol’s beautiful, historic Harbour - the perfect setting for learning to paddleboard, canoe or sail.

Cycle Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge on a free tour

Celebrate Bristol's year as European City of Sport 2017 and pedal to your heart’s content along its cycle-friendly routes.

Discover 600 years of history along Bristol’s Park Street

Stroll Bristol's iconic Park Street and unearth the city’s history, including the university where Winston Churchill was once Chancellor.

Enjoy a weekend of champagne and romance at Berwick Lodge

Treat your loved one to a romantic getaway in the South Gloucestershire countryside for relaxation, rejuvenation and pure luxury.

Location: Henbury, Bristol

Stay in lavish Georgian suites in Bristol’s heart

Be pampered, learn new skills or unwind in luxury after a bracing autumn walk on a tailor-made stay in Bristol’s new Berkeley Suites – The Crescent.

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Other cities to visit.

A cultural hub, Liverpool is bursting with music, art, and history. Take your pick from the iconic waterfront, The Cavern pub, or its neo-classical Egyptology museums.

Looking for things to do in Newcastle and Gateshead? These twin cities have their fair share of history, art, and shopping. They’re pretty sport mad too.

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Ten of the most beautiful places within an hour of central Bristol

Bristol and neighbouring villages are home to famous gardens, fantastic forests and historic ruins

Bristol and the surrounding areas are packed with world class scenery and places to visit.

Whether it’s historic castles and picture postcard villages or bustling market towns and breathtaking river views, it’s not hard to find places that you want to shout about.

With spring around the corner, what better time to get out and about to explore Bristol and beyond?

We’ve rounded up ten of the must-visit places in Bristol or within an hour’s drive of the city centre.

If you can think of more beautiful spots we need to include, let us know.

Microadventures in Bristol and beyond

36 must-do day trips from Bristol

With so many excellent family attractions, iconic landmarks and glorious countryside within easy reach of the city, Bristol makes a brilliant base for exploring the West Country. There are tons of options for family days out near Bristol so I’ve rounded up my best day trips from Bristol, under two hours from the city.

Table of Contents

Bristol days out – animal attractions

Bristol zoo project.

This Wildlife conservation park is one of the easiest , fun day trips near Bristol. Wild Place recently returned four extinct British species – European brown bears, lynx, wolves and wolverine – to UK woodland for the first time in hundreds of years. A raised walkway through the trees and 180-degree glass viewing areas let you watch the animals in the forest, in what feels like an open, natural enclosure.

The rest of the park is made up of animal habitat-themed zones, for example, giraffes, red river hogs, cheetahs and zebras roam in recreated wilds of Cameroon, Africa and you can get within an arm’s length of the lemurs in a ‘Madagascan village’. The Barefoot Trail is where my kids would probably spend the entire visit if they could, scampering over different natural textures that have been laid out (worth bringing a towel if it’s muddy!)

There are also a number of play areas, including an indoor Fun Fort, a vast green meadow containing a clock tower made by the same dude (Dent) that created Big Ben (!) and an outdoor climbing adventure, ‘Leap of Faith’, with a giant 25ft swing.

Old Down Country Park

After ideas for a day out near Bristol in beautiful countryside? Old Down is home to farm animals, wandering peacocks, an excellent adventure playground, trampolines, an assault course, fairy garden, yurt (we saw Elsa in there once!) and a really nice restaurant.

WWT Slimbridge

For family days out near Bristol, WWT Slimbridge ticks lots of boxes. The attraction is most famous for its birds, but aside from feathered friends, there are also otters, field mice, water voles and other local wildlife to spot.

Grab a bag of bird feed (£1.50) to motivate little legs and get up close to the birds, some of which are in enclosures, others waddle freely.

Make sure you take a swimming costume or waterproofs for little ones, Slimbridge’s Welly Boot Land is one of the best splash parks I’ve been to, with a winding stream, obstacle course, slide, roundabout and picnic tables. 

Older kids will love to rent a canoe (for an extra charge) and head off on a water safari in search of more creatures.

>> More splash pads and outdoor water parks in Bristol <<

Puxton Park

Set within 40 acres of rolling Somerset countryside, this family-run adventure park is jam-packed with fun stuff for kids. Outside there are tractor rides, a bouncing pillow, trampolines, a miniature train, crazy golf, playgrounds, bumper boats, a pedal kart track, diggers, a boating lake and water activities, dodgems-style cars, a high ropes course and all kinds of animals to meet.

If the weather turns, there’s an indoor soft play, animals to pet in the discovery barn, a couple of restaurants and a farm shop. Your biggest problem is trying to fit it all into one day!

Cattle Country Adventure Park

If you’re in search of farm animal-themed Bristol day trips , head 25-minutes north of the city, to Cattle Country – a family park with all kinds of animals and play areas. Visitors can get up close to calves, pigs, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, and animal activities like calf/lamb feeding and small animal handling take place throughout the year.

There are also assault courses, jumping pillows, indoor play barns, trampolines, boating lake with canoes for hire, a water play area, a splash pool and a playground named after it’s close neighbour, Berkeley Castle. 

Avon Valley Wildlife and Adventure Park

30-minutes drive from Bristol, this Avon Valley Wildlife and Adventure Park is mostly about the animals, a lot about the rides (tractor, train, jeeps, boats) and a good chunk about the boinging (think jumpy pillows, bouncy castly) and a good smidge about the playgrounds and indoor soft play.

During school holidays, they put on enchanted trails (we’ve stroked an actual unicorn before…well…a pony with a dyed rainbow mane, but still!), lambing events, meet and greets with characters and a Christmas extravaganza plus lots more.

Longleat Safari Park

The UK’s no.1 safari park is 30 miles from Bristol (so just sneaking its way into days out within 1 hour – via the A36), and well worth the trip if you’ve got animal lovers in your brood. There is tons of wildlife to see and plenty of exotic creature experiences to be had – our favourites were giving the lorikeets a drink and feeding sea lions from a boat in a hippo-filled lake!

There are also fairground rides, a giant maze, a gigantic playground (with splash park), farm animals, a butterfly house (where we ALL had a butterfly land on our head) and the only koalas you can see in England.

You can’t visit without doing the world-famous safari drive-through (if you don’t want to self-drive you can take the bus for £5 each, although this gets VERY hot in summer). Don’t be put off by tales of monkey-car-destruction, you have the option to by-pass this while en route and still see the other animals. 

Chew Valley Animal Park

In the heart of Mendip countryside, this family-run ‘zoo’ (as they call themselves) is one of the most joyous places to visit outside Bristol with young animal lovers, especially in spring when little lambies and tiny piglets have just been born.

You can get up close to pygmy goats, pigs, chickens and book special animal interactions! It’s also great for kiddos who are a bit nervous around furry creatures as it can massively build their confidence around animals (as witnessed with our creature-fearful 6 yr old).⁣

There’s also an outdoor play area, lots of other animals to see and beautiful views over Chew Valley lake.

Best days out around Bristol: Castles and heritage

Berkeley castle.

Princess-enthusiasts and knight-lovers will be in their element visiting this enchanting 12th century castle. Surrounded by picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, a pretty walled garden and spectacular lily pond, it’s hard to believe the grizzly history this immaculate (and still lived-in) fortress has witnessed. A quick glance into the dismal dungeon, where King Edward was imprisoned and murdered however, lends something to the imagination and is guaranteed to send chills down your spine! 

The castle hosts regular medieval-themed days such as falconry, archery and meet-and-greets with famous Tudors. There’s also dressing-up onsite, a delightful Yurt Tea Room and Butterfly House to explore. 

Sudeley Castle

Once upon a time, four Queens of England (Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I) wandered the gardens of Sudeley Castle, admiring the roses as they did so.

Nowadays, one of them – Katharine Parr (the last of Henry VIII’s six wives) – lies entombed here, making Sudeley the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds. The gardens are still quite delightful, and include an exquisite knot garden, ancient ruins and beautiful views over the Cotswolds.

For kids, there’s a ginormous childrens’ playground and really lovely events during the school holidays – check out my review of their fairy-tale inspired Enchanted Halloween and festive Spectacle of Light .

Chepstow Castle

For historic places to go near bristol, Chepstow Castle is a snip of a drive at only 25-minutes away from the city, Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire is a magnificent ruined fortress, located on the cliffs of the River Wye. One of the earliest stone castles in Britain (with the oldest castle doors in Europe), for centuries it was home to some of the most powerful men of medieval and Tudor times.

A fascinating, historic site, it’s an incredible place to explore with kids, imagining people here in days of yore. After exploring the ramparts and gift shop, there’s a lovely pub next door.

Cyfarthfa Castle, Wales

Are you like me and keen to make more good family day trips to Wales? Just over an hour away, in the Welsh Valleys, is Grade 1* listed Cyfarthfa Castle – the best example of a 19th century Ironmasters’ residence to have survived in South Wales). Perched high on a hill, it overlooks emerald green hillsides, the town of Merthyr Tydfil and the historic site of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks.

The grounds – flower gardens, green fields, woodland and lakes – stretch out over 65 hectares, with an animal trail available from reception to entice children to explore. There’s also a splash pad, mini train (seasonal opening times apply), museum, adventure playground and cafes onsite.

Not only is World Heritage Site, Avebury one of the wonders of primeval Britain, it is the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. Built some 4500 years ago, it is actually OLDER than Stonehenge and closer to Bristol at around 55 minutes drive.

Days out from Bristol : attractions

Cheddar gorge and caves.

You’ve seen the Avon Gorge (pretty good isn’t it?), but did you know England’s longest gorge (Cheddar) is just a 45-minute drive from Bristol? The Cheddar Gorge and Caves are located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it goes without saying there are breathtaking views above ground to be had, as well as spectacular rock formations, ancient caverns and mysterious chambers below.

Adrenaline junkies can book ahead for the opportunity to go caving or rock climbing, or for something a bit less physical, the Museum of Prehistory tells the tale of how our ancestors survived the Ice Age.

Hiking, Cheddar cheese tasting, strawberry shopping – there’s plenty of things to do outside Bristol in Cheddar above ground too.

Wookey Hole Caves

I was amazed how much my kids (aged four and two when we visited) enjoyed the guided tour of Wookey Hole’s underground caverns. Or perhaps they were on their best behaviour – 100% convinced of the Witch of Wookey’s existence…

A 45-minute drive from Bristol, Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caverns, on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. You’re free to explore above ground, where you’ll find animatronic dinosaurs, 4D dinosaurs, circus shows, a soft play, Victorian-style arcade and a fairy garden. While the caves are spectacular, some of the other stuff seems a tad dated, but it’s a fun and fascinating day trip for kids either way.

Clearwell Caves

Another one to add to your ‘cave day trips around Bristol’ list! Clearwell Caves underneath the Forest of Dean, is a natural cave system which has been extensively mined for iron ore for more than 4500 years. There are n ine atmospheric caverns for visitors to explore, descending 100ft underground.

As well as exploring the mysterious subterranean world, visitors can go delve further into the caverns with group adventure caving sessions (book in advance). Atmospheric events are also held in the caves, including film screenings, theatre, parties and their sought-after Christmas Fantasy spectacular.

Crealy Resort

Crealy Resort in Devon is the South West’s largest theme park with over 60 rides, a splash park, farm animals and adventure playgrounds that will appeal for kids aged from tots to teens. Crealy has recently transformed one area of the park into a brand new Sooty Land! This unique attraction, dedicated to the world’s longest-running TV show features daily performances of The Sooty Show, four new rides (geared towards younger kids), 10 new indoor attractions, Sooty’s Hall of Fame exhibition, Sooty’s Magic and Souvenir Shop, new Sooty-themed restaurants, a new outdoor play park and wheelchair and accessible play equipment.

If you wondering where to go for a day out, it’s a thrilling, jam-packed Bristol day out – make sure you arrive early to make the most of the park! Crealy is around an hour and a half from Bristol.

Techniquest, Cardiff 

If you’re a local, you might wonder why one would bypass Bristol’s We The Curious and head to Cardiff to experience their Science Discovery Centre, Techniquest instead. Well, on the occasion we visited, it was Bristol half term (but not Wales’ – so the attraction was much quieter) and we fancied trying somewhere new!

We opted to travel via train to Cardiff from Bristol Parkway, although this was a bit more convoluted than I’d hoped, as you have to change at Cardiff Central and take the smaller train out to Cardiff Bay.

Techniquest overlooks Cardiff Bay and has two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits – our favourites were the giant piano and augmented reality screen, placing dinosaurs and the like, supposedly right next to you. There’s also a science theatre, planetarium and lab, and it’s great for a change of scene, but we are spoiled with our own brilliant We The Curious in Bristol and it doesn’t beat it.

Avon Valley Railway

This exciting locomotive adventure choo-choos you along three miles of track through beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside. Open mainly at weekends and during school holidays, there are themed events throughout the year such as Teddy Bear’s Picnics Wizard Adventure Weekends, Chocolate Sundays and the super popular Santa Specials.

American Museum and Gardens

The American Museum, based at Claverton Manor near Bath, is a 40-minute jaunt from Bristol and a several-hundred-year journey back through the history of America, from its early settlers to the twentieth century. Discover a manor-full of incredible artefacts used by cowboys, gold miners and pioneers, paintings and hand-made quilts, and find out the stories of the Founding Fathers, Native Americans, and the Civil War.

Outside, you can walk in a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon and marvel at far-reaching views across the Limpley Stoke Valley.

Day trips from Bristol : getting outdoors

Westonbirt arboretum.

If you’re craving countryside places to go around Bristol with a little something extra to keep the kids entertained, Westonbirt Arboretum in the Cotswolds is one of my favourite day trips from Bristol by car (30 minutes drive). As well as acres of spaces to stroll in, there are Gruffalo sculptures to hunt, natural wood playgrounds, nature activities for kids and a treetop walkway that lets you wander through the tree canopy.

The arboretum’s thousands of trees and shrubs mean it’s breathtakingly beautiful, particularly in spring with the bluebells and blossom, and autumn, when the fiery red Japanese maples appear. Come December, the woods are transformed into a magical illuminated trail for their Enchanted Christmas event – my favourite of the festive light festivals near Bristol .

National Trust Tyntesfield

We’ve done so many day trips with kids from Bristol to lovely National Trust property, Tyntesfield ! For a good dollop of rolling countryside, child-friendly activities and an adventure playground all within easy reach of Bristol, Tyntesfield ticks all the boxes. 

As well as acres of space to explore, there’s a handsome Victorian mansion, a couple of cafes and seasonally-themed events all year-round. My favourite times to visit are spring for the colourful blooms, Autumn for the pumpkin display and Christmas, to see the house festooned in charming Victorian Christmas glory. So pretty much any time of the year then.

National Trust Dyrham Park

For nice places near Bristol, National Trust-owned Dyrham Park is an easy day trip away. And lucky us, because not only is it phenomenally beautiful – with its 17th century mansion nestled deep in the valley, a backdrop of Cotswold hills and elegant gardens – but it’s also brilliantly equipped for family trips near Bristol. 

I recommend heading to the Old Lodge natural play area with young children first. Here you’ll find ancient tractors, a bug hotel, old farm buildings, ride-on diggers to play on and a kiosk. Then head downhill, to the gardens behind the house.

If you’re peckish and picnic-less, the Courtyard Tea Room offers kid’s meals, cream teas, babyccinos, and a baby station complete with microwave. It’s a steep walk back to the car park, or you can hop on the free shuttle bus (always a fave with little ones) which ferries people from the house to the car park every 15 minutes.

Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

Only a one hour drive from Bristol, Puzzlewood woodland walk in the Forest of Dean feels like journeying far away to a magical fairytale world.

It’s said J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth was inspired by these woods and it’s easy to imagine goblins and mythical creatures in these parts, which is exactly what our two girls did for the entire duration of the walk. Many a fantasy film production has had the same idea and productions from Star Wars to Tree Fu Tom have filmed here.

There’s also an outdoor playground, farm animals and Perrygrove miniature steam railway across the road.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

If it’s enchanting woodland walks you’re into, the Forest of Dean has plenty. A mere 8-minutes drive from Puzzlewood is a 4.5 mile-long Sculpture Trail, which starts and ends at the Forestry England Beechenhurst picnic site . Amazing what a few sculptures dotted about the woods and a spot of chestnut foraging (in autumn) can do for the walking capabilities of a reluctant 3 year old. ⁣⁣Our favourite was a glorious stained glass window hanging mystically in the trees, like the centrepiece of some invisible church.

The trail can also be explored in a series of shorter distances, if little legs can’t manage the whole route – follow the purple ringed posts and direction arrows.

National Trust Westbury Court

Westbury Court Garden is one of the only surviving 17th-century Dutch water gardens in the UK. Originally designed to be productive as well as pretty, the gardens were planted with beautiful flowers alongside veggies and fruit trees back in the da. A canal was stocked with fish and a warren provided rabbit meat – which still exists today.

Glorious countryside surrounds the immaculate restored gardens, which are great for kids to have a run around in. If you time your visit right you can wander down to the river and watch the Severn Bore pass through.

Click to discover more National Trust days trips from Bristol and Bath

Bath Soft Cheese Company, Kelston

Nestled in idyllic countryside, Park Farm – the home of The Bath Soft Cheese Company , is one of the tastiest and scenic day trips from Bristol. If you’ve ever tasted their award-winning artisan cheese, I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s jolly delicious! The farm’s bucolic location, well-looked after Holstein Friesian cows and entirely organic methods have a lot to do with that.

But a cheese farm is a strange place to recommend for a day trip from Bristol isn’t it? Well, firstly there’s more to this place than a just a milk and cheese factory – although it’s fascinating to watch the process in action through the windows of the cafe. You can sample some of that scrumptious cheese, washed down with a cider, say, in the onsite restaurant, which has an upstairs indoor play area and outdoor playground for kids.

Make sure at least one person tries their milkshakes and take an empty bottle to fill with their super creamy milk (or purchase one in the cafe). Be sure to check out some of the  fantastic country walks to do in the area – I recommend the short circular, riverside walk with young kids, before refuelling back at the cafe.

The Strawberry line

For fun day trips for kids, cycling enthusiasts and walkers should seek out the The Strawberry Line which runs between Yatton and Cheddar. The 11-mile bike route winds and wends its way through dramatically-changing landscape, from the pancake-flat Somerset levels to the soaring cliffs of the Cheddar Gorge. Look out for the Thatchers orchard and treat your pedalling legs to an authentic Somerset cider sampling…

Bowood House and Gardens

Bowood Estate is about an hour east of Bristol and is known amongst the kid-looking-after community for its mega adventure playground. The gardens, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, are great for family walks, and feature a lake, arboretum, pinetum and cascade. Finally, there’s Bowood House to explore, which hides unique trinkets like Queen Victoria’s wedding chair, Napoleon’s death mask as well as an extensive art collection.

Lydiard House and Park

This was one of those places near Bristol I discovered after many years of living in the city. A beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon, Lydiard Park makes quite a handy kid friendly day trip and half-way meeting point for seeing London-dwelling friends. With 260 acres of parkland to run around in, there’s masses of open green space, criss-crossed by flat cycle paths that would be perfect for a family bike-riding escapade.

There’s also a large playground, lake, walled garden, Palladian House and an snack kiosk (although not all of these were open due to pandemic restrictions when we visited, so check ahead to avoid disappointment).

Days out Bristol: beside the seaside

One of the peachiest plus points about living in Bristol is that the coast is within easy reach of the city and you can escape to the seaside often in under 90 minutes! You’ll find more beaches that make fun days out near Bristol in this blog post .

Portishead Open Air Pool

Portishead is a coastal town on the Severn Estuary, about 25 minutes from Bristol. The Portishead Open Air Pool there has become one of our favourite days out with kids near Bristol in the summer, thanks to its scenic perch overlooking the Bristol Channel. The large swimming pool is heated by green energy and there’s a shallow toddler pool for young kids. Amphitheatre-style steps are perfect for post-paddle bathing and there’s a cafe and tuck shop too.

If you’re keen for a bit of a runaround, you can walk out of the swimming pool and turn right towards Portishead Point and lighthouse. From here you can see for miles in all directions along the murky-brown estuary.

Clevedon Marine Lake and Pier

One of my favourite family friendly day trips from Bristol is the seaside town of Clevedon -there’s loads of outdoorsy stuff for kids to do there. The way Clevedon marine lake has been built, makes it look from certain angles like a giant infinity pool merging with the Bristol Channel. The 15,000m² lake is a picturesque spot for water sports – swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing or boating.

The marine lake lures locals for a toe-curlingly cold dip on New Year’s Day, but if you’d rather not freeze your nadgers off completely, I suggest going at warmer times of the year! Afterwards, soak up Victorian seaside vibes with a stroll along the seafront to the Grade 1* listed pier , hop on the miniature train (if it’s running it skirts Salthouse fields, near the bouncy castle), hunt for seaglass, play in the park or play on the arcades.

Weston-super-Mare

The North Somerset coastal town of Weston sometimes gets a bad wrap (it always makes me think of that Bottom sketch with Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson), but if you’re looking for an expansive beach to run around on, with a few classic English seaside-y shenanigans thrown in, it’s one of the best places to visit around Bristol on a sunny day.

Although you can’t swim here, there’s some great sand-castling to be done on the patch of beach just along from the Grand Pier (just watch for the sinking mud signs). You’ll also find a range of outdoor beach activities to keep the kiddos amused, if they ever tire of digging (is that possible?) – bouncy castles, swing boats, ice cream, donkey rides, a splash park, Gand low Golf await!

In bad weather, the Grand Pier, although a little on the tacky side, is quite fun for mini roller coasters, kiddy rides and arcade games.

Places to visit near Bristol: towns and cities

Before visiting Cheltenham, all I knew about this spa town was that it hosts an upmarket horse-racing event and has a lot of Regency buildings (the town is the most complete Regency town in the UK – it has more than Bath!)

And don’t get me wrong, that’s reason enough to visit, but I was surprised to learn of its street art, festivals and family-friendly vibes. From a boating lake to playgrounds and kid-friendly cycle trail, make the most of your Cheltenham day trips from Bristol with my 24-hour family itinerary for Cheltenham .

We are so lucky to have some fantastic cities near Bristol to visit and I definitely don’t visit Bristol’s neighbour often enough, considering it’s only 13 minutes by train! It’s not that much further by car, and you can even cycle all the way there on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path (although this might be a bit much for little legs).

There’s a lot to fit in once you’re there, so you might have to plan multiple day trips from Bristol to see the sights . I’ve put together a separate guide to the best things to do in Bath with kids here .

Liked this post on days out near Bristol for families? Read more:

Just off the motorway: family-friendly M5 stop offs near Bristol

For days out in Bristol, check out my post on 25 Fantastic family attractions to see in Bristol with kids

28+ Things to do in North Somerset

Angharad Paull

Posts by Angharad Paull

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Best 5 Places to Visit in Bristol

Synonymous with the West Country accent and home of famous artist Bansky, ensuring you plan your visit to Bristol is a must. Offering unique culture, the arts, and open green spaces, if you haven’t had the chance to visit Bristol yet, take this as your sign to start planning your trip. What’s more, being just a stone's throw away from the historic roman city of Bath, double up your adventure and experience the beauty these two English cities have to offer. Still undecided? Let us share the top 5 places you must know before you visit, as well as our top tips for planning your trip to ensure you don’t miss anything. Table of Contents:

• Top 5 Places to Experience in Bristol

Best Places to Eat in Bristol

5 places to visit near bristol, how to get to bristol.

• When is the Best time to Visit Bristol?

Top 5 Places to Experience in Bristol

Bristol is home to countless things to see and do. In fact, it can be quite overwhelming to know where to start. To help you out, here are five top places to visit in Bristol:

• The Clifton Suspension Bridge . With a free visitor centre open 10am - 5pm daily, the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge is an icon of the city. It’s almost a crime to visit Bristol and not see it. Designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge dates back to 1831. Visitors can walk across and marvel at the city below or climb up to the Clifton Observatory to admire the bridge and its gorgeous setting across the Avon Gorge.
• Ashton Court Estate . A place to explore both individually or as a way to spend time with the family, Ashton Court Estate is located about ten minutes out of Bristol city centre. Covering 850 acres of woodland, holding seasonal festivals and a host of free events, such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, we couldn't think of a better place to add to our must-see list than this estate.
• The Bristol Lido . Visit Bristol and take a plunge into the Bristol Lido . This beautiful outdoor pool is a peaceful urban oasis. And you’ll be happy to hear the water is heated. Enjoy a swim, treat yourself to a spa treatment, and have a delicious meal all in this romantic setting.
• The Theatre . Bristol has an incredibly impressive theatre scene. The Bristol Hippodrome is one of the largest theatres in Britain and often shows large hit musicals. Or try the newly revamped Bristol Old Vic which is celebrated for its wonderful performances from experimental theatre-makers. The Wardrobe Theatre offers a whole range of shows from comedy to family shows in an intimate, heartwarming setting. Try and fit a show in during your visit to Bristol.
• The Harbourside . At the heart of Bristol is a dock and floating harbour. The area is surrounded by funky bars and restaurants, cool shops, and intriguing attractions. Hop aboard a ferry to take in the scenery whilst you explore the different offerings along the Bristol Harbour - from the Spike Island art gallery to the SS Great Britain . Whilst you are enjoying the area, take a moment to reflect on its sombre origins. Bristol was built on the slave trade and the docks and harbour that remain today were a key port.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Wapping Wharf (@wappingwharf)

Bristol has a very inventive and cutting-edge food scene. You can find something to satisfy every palette in this city. Bristol is also very vegan friendly , drawing on multiple cultural influences with simple delights through to fine dining options. Here are five of the best places to eat at in Bristol:

• Souk Kitchen . Offering food inspired by the eastern mediterranean and middle east, Souk Kitchen is sure to impress. Their menu changes seasonally and makes the most of local ingredients in colourful dishes that will leave you wanting to lick the plate. It’s almost worth visiting Bristol just for Souk Kitchen alone.
• Oowee Vegan . Oowee Vegan opened its first store on Picton Street in Bristol in 2016. Since then, these dirty burger specialists have been so successful they’ve already opened four more restaurants. Plant-based and utterly delicious, this is food every traveller can enjoy.
• Bosco Pizzeria . If you like Italian food at a reasonable price look no further than Bosco Pizzeria . Their wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza says goodbye to all pretentiousness and lets simple quality ingredients do the talking. You’ll struggle not to adore a meal here. With their Regent Street location due for re-opening soon, Bristol is fortunate to have two Bosco restaurants on their doorstep. Be sure to discover this cuisine in their Whiteladies Road location on your next visit to Bristol.
• Paco Tapas . A Michelin-starred tapas bar, Paco will transport you from Bristol to spicy southern Spain . Their outstanding menu includes classics like patatas bravas as well as special dishes like Spanish hams carved to order. It would be a shame to visit Bristol and miss this truly amazing dining experience.
• Box-E . Part of the fantastic Wapping Wharf scene, Box-E is a miniscule eatery in a converted shipping container. Offering seasonal menus, you can find some of the best in modern British cooking here. If you’re planning to visit Bristol, try and book one of their seven-course tasting menus for a memorable meal you won’t want to stop talking about.

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Bristol is a wonderful city in itself but it’s also brilliant for its connections to the rest of south-west England. There are a whole host of incredible destinations just a short journey away from Bristol. Here are five of our favourite places to visit near Bristol:

• Bath . The city of Bath was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and it’s not hard to see why. The city is home to ancient Roman baths, Grand Georgian architecture and the impressive Bath Abbey. It’s easy to visit the City of Bath and Bristol in one trip as they are only about 12 miles from each other.
• The Cotswolds . It doesn’t get much more picturesquely English than touring The Cotswolds . Charming little villages dot the gorgeous rolling hills in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . On a day trip from Bristol, you could see Bourton-on-the-Water, a village nicknamed “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Or visit Lacock Abbey, another iconic Harry Potter filming location alongside Alnwick castle .
• Cheddar Gorge . Just 20 miles from Bristol, Cheddar Gorge should be on everybody’s bucket list. Boasting awe-inspiring cliffs and extraordinary subterranean caves, Cheddar Gorge is not just an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but it’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest . Try rock climbing, uncover secrets about our prehistoric ancestors, or just enjoy the views. It’s all possible on a visit from Bristol.
• Devon . Known for its dramatic coastline, sweeping sandy beaches and vast green spaces, the natural beauty of Devon is mesmerising. It’s no wonder Devon is a popular tour destination from Bristol. Be sure to plan time to incorporate the seaside location into your trip, and allow your feet to walk upon the sandy shorelines for a relaxing escape.
• Berkeley Castle . Just north of Bristol is the imposing 12th-century Berkeley Castle . One of the best castles in England , Berkeley Castle was built to defend England from the Welsh. It’s still lived in today by the Berkeley family but you can spend a day exploring its amazing rooms and grounds.

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Touring from the city of Bristol is easy thanks to its well connected public transportation. Whether flying in from overseas, taking the scenic train line route or carpooling with friends and family, each method ends in the same result. An English tour in the city of Bristol. Let's break down each one to make starting off your holiday stress-free.

1. Visit Bristol by Train

Bristol has two main train stations - Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway . Bristol Temple Meads is the more central of the two, about a 15-minute walk away from the city centre. Trains between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway run very frequently throughout the day and journeying between the two stations only takes about 13 minutes.

Travel to Bristol Temple Meads:

• Direct trains from London to Bristol Temple Meads usually depart every 30 minutes and the journey lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Direct trains run between Manchester and Bristol Temple Meads and take approximately 3 hours
• You can also visit Bristol by a direct train between Bristol Temple Meads and Edinburgh with the journey taking about 6 and a half hours

Travel to Bristol Parkway:

• A direct train from London to Bristol Parkway usually runs every hour and the journey takes an hour and 20 minutes
• You can also travel by a direct train between Bristol Parkway and Cardiff with the journey lasting about 50 minutes

Taking the train is a quick way to visit Bristol and if you book in advance, ticket prices can be very reasonable.

2. Visit Bristol by Plane

Another way to visit Bristol is to fly into Bristol Airport (IATA code: BRS). There are regular flights to and from other major cities in the UK as well overseas to Europe, allowing guests to experience the culture this city has to offer while keeping transport time low. This short transfer also works the other way, allowing Bristolians quick flight times when they want to tour Europe .

• Direct flights between Bristol and Edinburgh take 1 hour 15 minutes
• Direct flights between Bristol and Dublin take 1 hour 10 minutes
• Direct flights between Bristol and Belfast take 1 hour 10 minutes
• Direct flights between Bristol and Madrid take 2 hours 15 minutes
• Direct flights between Bristol and Lisbon take 2 hours 30 minutes

The Bristol Flyer bus service makes it easy to travel between the airport and the city centre with shuttles running every 10 minutes or so. 

* Airline schedules are subject to change. Whilst the information presented is correct at the time of writing, please check with your preferred airline or route for the latest information.

3. Visit Bristol by Car

It’s possible to drive into Bristol though it’s well worth checking their clean air zone charges before doing so.

• From central London, driving to Bristol takes about 3 hours
• From Oxford, driving to Bristol takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes
• From Manchester, driving to Bristol takes about 3 and a half hours
• From Cardiff, driving to Bristol takes about 1 and a half hours

Once you've arrived in Bristol some of the cheapest car park options are Trinity Centre and Bristol First Hotel Car Park . Both of these are within the city centre.

4. Visit Bristol by Bus

Regular buses run in and out of Bristol to many nearby towns and cities. The main Bristol Coach Station is located on Marlborough Street and is an easy walk to the city centre. Buses or coaches run between Bristol and:

• Weston Super Mare

Hopping aboard a bus to visit Bristol is an easy and affordable option. It can also be an easy and accessible way for solo travellers to see the breadth of the United Kingdom when they may not have friends and family to rely on.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Bristol?

There is no best time to visit Bristol in our opinion. The city is brilliant all year round. In summer, you can enjoy the lovely green spaces of Brandon Hill Park or the Clifton Downs . Touring in the British winter time , the city is lit up with magical lights and Christmas markets . Who wouldn’t want to experience both?

Visit Bristol and Beyond

With Bristol secured on your bucket list, why not explore what you need to know before visiting Belfast ? A tour of Ireland is just as enchanting as England, and is home to unique history everyone should learn about. But maybe Ireland has already been ticked off the list? No fear, why not explore Scotland ? Scenic landscapes draped in stories waiting for guests to ask of its history, and let's not forget you have a chance to spot wild, rugged coos . Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear of our newest location and seasonal deals.

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21 Best Day trips from Bristol (for Locals and Visitors)

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Whether you are visiting for the first time or a local looking for the best day trips from Bristol, UK, you’ll be in for a treat here!

Bristol is a beautiful and lively city but it’s also an excellent base to explore South West England and South Wales.

There are many day trips you can take from Bristol. They include small villages, English Heritage sites , seaside towns and plenty more!

As the city is also conveniently located near Wales, you get a huge variety of landscapes and can choose to spend your day out in England as much as in Wales.

🔎 Table of Contents

Best Places to visit within 1 hour of Bristol

Let’s start by the easy days out. You will find here the best places to visit outside Bristol. They are all located within 1-hour of the city and will be perfect if you want to stay local.

🚙 Distance: 13 miles / 30 minutes

Bath is one of the largest cities in the county of Somerset and one of the best day trips from Bristol for history buffs and Bridgerton fans.

It sits in the valley of the River Avon and was named after the Roman baths. It’s also filled with quaint street and little local boutiques.

HOW TO GET TO BATH FROM BRISTOL: The best way is to take the train.

It’s only 20 minutes, quite cheap and you will arrive in the centre. See prices here.

Although you can drive there, it will take you a bit more time and you will have to pay for car park. All in all, if you have to choose between the car and the train, take the train!

Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Bristol which includes a guided tour with a local guide .

🚙 Distance: 19 miles / 40 minutes

Tthe village of Cheddar is an excellent destination for a day out from Bristol if you love the outdoors.

It’s home to the stunning Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills with a rugged terrain and beautiful scenery.

You’ll also find the oldest complete skeleton, known as cheddar man, which is believed to be 9000 years old. It was found in Gough’s Cave in 1903.

Strolling around the village is also a pleasant thing to do. Make sure to stop in one of the cheese shops and get some cheddar. It’s absolutely delicious!

HOW TO GET TO CHEDDAR GORGE FROM BRISTOL: The best way to get there is by car. Not only is it the easiest way but it’s also a very scenic drive.

Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour from Bristol which also includes Wells.

Click here to see the latest prices.

🚙 Distance: 22 miles / 45 minutes

Located only 45 minutes from Bristol, Wells is one of the smallest cities in the UK and an excellent day trip for families and history lovers.

The main attraction is Wells Cathedral. Located in the centre of the town, this gothic edifice is rather impressive.

Just next to it, you’ll find the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens. This is a great place to visit with children. Not only is it beautiful but it’s also a very quiet and relaxing place.

You should also make sure to wander around and discover the beautiful streets of Wells especially Vicar’s Close which is the oldest purely residential street in Europe.

If you love British movie, you will also be happy to know that Wells is home to some Hot Fuzz filming locations!

HOW TO GET TO WELLS FROM BRISTOL: You can easily get to Wells by car. It’s a rather nice drive as you will go through the countryside. You can easily park your car in Wells although you may have to pay for that.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also take the bus 376. It goes to Glastonbury but stops in Wells before that. It takes a bit over 1 hour.

Finally, you can also opt for a guided day tour from Bristol which includes both Wells and Cheddar Gorge.

See prices here.

4. Long Ashton

🚙 Distance: 4 miles / 15 minutes

If you want to visit a cute village near Bristol, opt for Long Ashton.

It’s a very pretty place to visit and you’ll find local cafes and pubs where you can get a meal.

It’s also home to a fantastic property, Ashton Court Mansion.

Finally, it’s a great place to go on a hot balloon ride. If you’ve always dreamt of doing that and want to discover Bristol under a new angle, that will be perfect for you!

HOW TO GET THERE: You can either drive to Long Ashton or take the bus X9 from the Centre. Either way, it’s very quick, only 15 minutes.

5. The Cotswolds

🚙 Distance: 17 miles / 25 minutes

Suitable for couples, families, solo travellers and adventure seekers, the Cotswolds are one of the most unique places in the UK .

You will find farms, quintessential villages, lively towns, and plenty of castles and country houses to explore.

The most popular villages to visit in the Cotswolds are Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and Burton (the last two are closer to Bristol).

Castle Combe is a prime example of fairytale village in England and was also used as a filming location for many movies.

If you are a fan of Jeremy Clarkson, you can go to Diddly Squat Farm which is the one featured in the Amazon Prime show.

You will also find quite a few National Trust properties here including the Snowshill Manor.

READ MORE: National Trust Membership Review: is it worth it?

HOW TO GET TO THE COTSWOLDS: Although there are train stations all around the Cotswolds, this is definitely an area you should explore by car.

It’s a quick drive from Bristol and you will be able to visit several villages in the same day.

🚙 Distance: 44 miles / 55 minutes

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales. It’s very close, making it an ideal option when it comes to day trips from Bristol city centre.

Cardiff is everything you would expect from a capital city while still having a “small town feel” to it.

It is filled with high street shops, busy streets filled with boutiques, bars, and restaurants, as well as Cardiff Castle to explore.

You can go on a boat tour of Cardiff Bay and discover all the famous landmarks. It’s a fun thing to do as well as a pretty cheap activity. See prices here.

If you love discovering filming locations, you’ll also be in for a treat! Some very famous movies and series were filmed in Cardiff.

If you want to discover them, you can go on a Gavin and Stacey tour from Barry Island or a Doctor Who walking tour in Cardiff city centre.

Finally, if you are a foodie, you can also opt for a food tasting tour in Cardiff. You’ll get to discover the famous sights and taste 6 different food and drinks. See prices here.

HOW TO GET TO CARDIFF FROM BRISTOL: The best way is to take the train. It’s very quick (50 minutes) and also pretty cheap. See the latest fares here.

7. Weston-Super-Mare

Weston-Super-Mare is a cute seaside town in the county of Somerset. It’s a popular day out from Bristol, especially for families.

You’ll find a long beach where you can go for a walk or, in summer, for a swim.

The Pier is one of the best places to visit. You’ll get to enjoy the views over the beach and play with the arcade games.

You’ll also find many fish and chips along the promenade. Make sure to grab one for lunch as they are incredibly delicious!

You can also visit one of the two museums in the town, The Helicopter Museum and Weston Museum.

HOW TO GET TO WESTON-SUPER-MARE FROM BRISTOL: The best way to get there is by car. It only takes 45 minutes and it’s very easy. Also, if you are planning to go to the beach, it will come in handy to have a car to carry your stuff.

Weston-Super-Mare is also an option if you are looking for day trips from Bristol by public transport since you can take the train from Temple Meads. It’s direct but takes 90 minutes (that’s the only downside). See fares here.

8. Wookey Hole

🚙 Distance: 19 miles / 45 minutes

Wookey Hole is a small village in Somerset with small shops and cute eateries. It’s particularly known for its caves and caverns. The most popular attraction is the Wookey Hole Caves.

Wookey Hall is also a great place to visit for families, especially with younger children.

It is only a short distance away from Bristol city centre and will give you the peace and tranquillity you expect from village life without you running out of things to do.

As it’s very close to Wells you can also combine these 2 locations into the same day trip.

HOW TO GET THERE: You need to drive to get to Wookey Hole. It only takes 45 minutes from Bristol.

9. Glastonbury

🚙 Distance: 27 miles / 55 minutes

Glastonbury is famous in the entire world for its music festival. As much as it is a great festival to attend, the town of Glastonbury itself is also one of the best places to visit near Bristol.

It’s a quiet and quaint town with colourful houses, cute little cafes and a friendly atmosphere.

Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic day trip from Bristol or a family with young children, Glastonbury will be an excellent destination.

You can walk around the town and discover the colourful murals before heading to Glastonbury Tor and Abbey.

The Somerset Rural Life Museum is also an interesting place to visit and quite good fun, especially with kids.

Finally, you can also hit two birds with one stone by visiting South Cadbury Castle on the same day. It’s located about 30 minutes from Glastonbury and is a great thing to do if you like to discover ancient ruins. You can also book a tour from Glastonbury for this part.

HOW TO GET TO GLASTONBURY FROM BRISTOL: You can easily get there by car. Parking is easy and often free.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also take bus 376 from Bristol city centre.

10. Puxton Park

🚙 Distance: 17 miles / 33 minutes

Puxton Park is a great location for families as there are facilities such as soft play, aerial climbing and slides and approximately 40 acres of open countryside.

It’s the perfect place to run off some energy and have some fun and is only a short distance from Bristol city centre.

Tickets can be bought online and are pretty affordable. They also offer annual memberships.

HOW TO GET THERE: It’s an easy 30 minutes drive from Bristol. There is a carpark there.

11. Chew Valley Lake

🚙 Distance: 12 miles / 30 minutes

The Chew Valley Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in the UK with an area of 1200 acres and a great location for families to walk around and for couples.

It’s also a great spot for wildlife so if you are an avid bird watcher then this should be added to the list of day trips from Bristol.

With a picnic area and also plenty of walking trails, it could also suit people who enjoy hiking.

HOW TO GET TO CHEW VALLEY LAKE FROM BRISTOL: The best way is to drive there. It’s very easy, it only takes 30 minutes and will be the most convenient way.

12. Clevedon

Clevedon is a cute English town west of Bristol. It is a traditional Victorian seaside town that offers an excellent high street filled with shops, great bars, and restaurants but also the option of cliff-top walks.

If you love the tradition of an English seaside day out then eating some fish and chips and enjoying an ice cream on the beach is also a great option.

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the quickest and cheapest way to get there. It only takes 30 minutes and you can easily park there.

13. Gloucester

🚙 Distance: 40 miles / 45 minutes

Gloucester is a city near the Cotswolds. It’s known for 11th-century cathedral which has Romanesque and Gothic architecture as well as the tomb of King Edward II.

Not only are there quaint streets but you’ll also find docks with restored Victorian warehouses.

The National Waterways Museum is also worth a visit. You’ll learn plenty about the industrial past.

14. Burnham-on-sea

🚙 Distance: 31 miles / 45 minutes

If you are looking for another quintessential English seaside town then Burnham-on-sea will be a great option.

Make sure to stroll along the promenade with the family, enjoy some classic fish and chips and embrace the beautiful sandy beaches.

You can also visit the St Andrew’s Church and go golfing.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Bristol

Now if you are willing to drive a little more, here are the best places to visit around Bristol.

15. Salisbury & Stonehenge

🚙 Distance: 51 miles / 1 h 35 minutes

Salisbury is a medieval city that makes for a fantastic day trip from Bristol by train. It is a bit further out, but it is so worth it.

Aside from the town being full of history and stunning architecture, there is one main attraction that brings the tourists in year after year, Stonehenge.

It is believed that the stones were brought there across from Wales thousands of years ago and are a religious element where the sun rises and sets.

It is a fantastic location, perfect for anyone who takes an interest in the stone-age period or for families who have children learning about it in school.

HOW TO GET THERE: If you only want to visit Salisbury, the best way is to take the train from Temple Meads. It’s only 1 hour and will save you time. See fares.

If you also want to visit Stonehenge, it will be better to drive so you can easily access both locations.

Finally, you can also opt for a guided day tour from Bristol.

Click here to see the prices.

16. Brecon Beacons National Park

🚙 Distance: 75 miles / 1 h 50 minutes

Located a bit less than 2 hours from Bristol, the Brecon Beacons are one of the 3 national parks in Wales.

If you love outdoor activities and cute little villages, you will be in for a treat here!

You will find some of the best hikes in the UK! Make sure to go on the horseshoe ridge walk up to Pen-y-fan. This is the highest peak in the Beacons and the views are absolutely stunning!

Admittedly, the hike is a bit challenging but it’s well worth it.

If you are into history, you can visit one of the numerous castles in the area such as Abergavenny, Brecon or Crickhowell Castles.

Finally, get lunch in one of the local pubs in the cute towns of Brecon, Crickhowell or Hay on Wye.

HOW TO GET THERE: You will need to drive to get the Beacons. Although there are a couple of train stations, it’s not worth taking the train. You will need a car to go to Pen-Y-Fan anyway and you’ll have more flexibility if you are driving.

17. Exmoor National Park

🚙 Distance: 63 miles / 1 h 30 minutes

Exmoor National Park is an excellent day trip from Bristol for outdoor lovers.

If you love hiking, you will be for a treat! There are many walking trails in the area. Climbing up to Dunkery Beacon is a popular thing to do. You can also walk the South West Coast Path if you’d rather some sea views.

You can also go horse riding there. The Burrowhayes Farm Riding Stables offer some horse trekking options.

If you are into history, make sure to visit Dunster Working Watermill, Cleeve Abbey or Dunster Castle

HOW TO GET THERE: As for any national park, the best way to get there is by car. It will be easier and will give you more flexibility.

18. Malvern

🚙 Distance: 62 miles / 1 h 10 minutes

Malvern consists of 3 towns: Great Malvern, Barnards Green, and Malvern Link.

They all have their own centres offering something different for shoppers and tourists, so you are bound to find something that interests you.

One of the highlights is the Great Malvern Priory which is a stunning monastery. You can also go for a walk in Priory Park.

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving is the quickest way to get there. It takes 1h10.

Alternatively, you can take the train from Bristol but it will take 2 hours. See fares here.

19. Stourhead

🚙 Distance: 35 miles / 1 h 10 minutes

Stourhead is a 1072 hectare estate by the River Stour. It is a National Trust property so you can expect all of the usual things that go along with that including trails, events and beautiful surroundings.

You can see the Palladian house and go for a walk around the estate and gardens.

You will need to book your tickets in advance on the National Trust website . If you are a member, the entrance will be free but it’s still recommended to book.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to Stourhead is by car. You will find a National Trust car park near the entrance.

20. Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

🚙 Distance: 30 miles / 1 h 05 minutes

If you are an animal lover and want to get up close and personal to some of the more rare animals you wouldn’t find in a park then Longleat Safari and Aventure Park is for you.

This is the perfect family day trip from Bristol, but don’t be fooled as many couples love the chance to go on safari and experience the animals up close and personal.

It was actually the first drive-thru safari park outside of Africa and was opened back in 1966.

They care for the animals and while there is enough to occupy any child or adult here, they will likely hold events throughout the year.

You can book tickets online, directly on their website . They also offer annual passes.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way is to drive there. You’ll find a car park at the entrance.

21. Quantock Hills

🚙 Distance: 48 miles / 1 h 15 minutes

Quantock Hills are located west of Bridgewater and an hour south of Bristol, meaning it is the ideal day trip with a car.

The Quantock hills consist of heathland, oak woodlands, ancient parklands, and agricultural land. They were England’s first area of outstanding natural beauty and are well worth a visit.

There are walking trails, and hiking options, perfect if you have a sense of adventure and love to be around nature and in the open countryside.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get from Bristol to the Quantock Hills is by car. It’s a natural place and taking public transport would be more hassle than it’s worth.

You may also be interested in:

• 18 Best UK Staycation Ideas for the perfect British Holiday
• 11 Beautiful Seaside Towns in Devon That Are Perfect for the Summer Holidays
• The Best UK Picture Quiz: 90 Questions and Answers about the UK for your next British Quiz!
• Ultimate Bristol Quiz: 40 Questions and Answers about Bristol, England

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

Go South West England

30 incredible day trips from Bristol (2024 local guide)

Are you searching for the best day trips from Bristol? I’ve put together this comprehensive local guide with something for everyone.

Whether you want a trip to the beach or to experience some of the most cultural destinations in South West England, read this guide for travel tips on all the best places to visit near Bristol!

The city of Bristol certainly pulls you in.

I lived there for four years when I was at university, and then moved back for another year as a young professional – it was only the extortionately expensive housing that meant that I didn’t buy my first property there!

While Bristol has so, so many draws – the incredible street art, the diverse culture and food scene, the range of neighbourhoods, the looming Clifton Suspension Bridge and the seafaring history, it’s also an excellent West Country base for some of the best day trips in the region. 

From Bristol, you can drive south to Somerset and Devon, north to Gloucestershire, west to Wales and east to Wiltshire; there’s a plethora of beautiful places to explore in less than a two-hour drive from the southwest’s biggest city. 

So, what are the best day trips from Bristol?

Throughout my five years living in the city, I visited all of the places listed below, some of them numerous times.

Whether you want to explore the best of the British countryside, step back into the nation’s history or just find somewhere to relax on a beach, you can do all of that near Bristol!

Below I’ve listed the best places to visit near Bristol, including information about how to get there, what to see and when to visit.

Table of Contents

What are the best day trips from Bristol? 

As someone who’s spent a lot of time in the city, here’s my list of the best Bristol day trips: 

Cheddar Gorge

North cotswolds, south cotswolds, mendip hills, quantock hills, glastonbury and wells, tyntesfield.

• Weston-super-Mare

Chepstow and the Wye Valley

• Hay on Wye 

Brecon Beacons

Blackdown hills aonb, dartmoor national park, the jurassic coast.

• Teweksbury and the Malvern Hills

Shepton Mallet and Somerton

• Longleat Safari Park 
• North Devon

I’ll go into them all in more detail below! 

The Best Day Trips from Bristol

The best day trips from Bristol include the historic and beautiful city of Bath, the rolling Mendip Hills and especially Cheddar Gorge, seaside towns like nearby Weston-super-Mare or places on the Jurassic Coast in Devon and Dorset and the enigmatic Stonehenge in Wiltshire. 

The looming Bath Abbey , dating back to Medieval times, is just one landmark of the city of Bath.

Walking around the city is like stepping through layers of history, as you explore the Roman era with the baths and delve into Georgian history at The Crescent and The Circus . 

Bath’s the perfect day trip from Bristol, as it sits less than 15 minutes away by train; or you can even hike or cycle here! 

I lived in Bath for a year too – you can read all my top places to visit in Bath here – but the general highlights are:

• The Abbey: This was where the first King of all of England was crowned in 973 AD, and remains an enchanting and fascinating historic building to explore .
• The Roman Baths: The Roman Baths made use of Bath’s natural thermal waters to create a spa complex; here you can see the ruins of them and learn about Roman history. 
• Georgian Architecture: The Circus and the Crescent are the most famous examples – Bath’s Georgian terraces will have you feeling like you’re on the set of Bridgerton! You can even do a Bridgerton tour to see some of the filming locations – click here for more information.
• Bath Skyline Trail: This trail runs above the city, taking in some incredible views of Bath while enjoying its surroudning nature.
• Kennett and Avon Canal: Another excellent place for a walk, the Kennett and Avon Canal consists of colourful boats floating on the water – when I lived here, I used to jog here a lot. 
• Museums: Bath has an abundance of museums, including the newly opened Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, the Jane Austen Museum and the Fashion Museum. 
• The Thermae Spa: Soak in this naturally-heated spa after a day’s exploring – don’t miss the heated rooftop pool where you can look over the city! 

How to get there

Bath is reachable by train (just 10 minutes from Bristol Parkway and 15 from Bristol Temple Meads), bus (about an hour) or driving (about 40 minutes from Bristol). 

There isn’t much parking in Bath City Centre (and it has a clean air zone) but there are park and ride car parks or free parking available on suburban streets. 

It’s also connected to Bristol on the Bath to Bristol cycle trail. 

One of Britain’s most remarkable natural phenomena, Cheddar Gorge is like nothing you’ll have seen in the country before, which definitely makes it one of the best Somerset attractions !

It’s the largest gorge in England and is home to a dramatic cliff-top walk (definitely one of the best hikes near Bristol ) and enigmatic caves. 

You can also learn about the history of Cheddar Man here. Cheddar Man is the Mesolithic remains of a man dating about 10,000 years that were found in the nearby Gough Cave.

After hiking around, you can drive through the gorge to the town of Cheddar , which is famous for its cheese and cider.

Driving is the only feasible option to reach Cheddar Gorge; it takes about 40 minutes from Bristol. If you want to hire a car, SIXT has an office in Bristol.

Day trip to Glastonbury, Wells and Cheddar

You could also consider a day trip that involves Cheddar!

This tour initially stops in the city of Wells and town of Glastonbury and then visits at a Somerset cider farm – so you can sample the county’s favourite drink!

The tour finishes in the village of Cheddar – while you won’t have the chance to explore it entirely, you’ll see a little of the village along with other Somerset highlights .

Cardiff is Wales’ capital city and it is located not too far from the southern England/ Wales border. 

It’s smaller city than Bristol, but it has some iconic landmarks including the open-air museum of St Fagans, Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch .

There’s plenty of beautiful scenery in the area, and the city has got a completely different atmosphere to Bristol, so it’s worth checking out. 

Plus, a Cardiff day trip is a good chance to say you’ve been to Wales!

Activities and tours in Cardiff

There are lots of things to do in Cardiff that you can book before your day trip!  Click through to any of the below tours, all of which are powered by Get Your Guide .

It’s an hour’s drive on the M4, or 45 minutes on the train. Coaches also connect the two cities, and are cheaper than trains.

The Cotswolds region of England is famous for beautiful, quaint villages that look like they belong in a fairytale and gentle rolling hills.

The area stretches from Cheltenham to Bath and across into Oxfordshire. 

The North Cotswolds are the furthest part from Bristol, but they’re still only just over an hour’s drive. 

For a day trip itinerary to this part of the region, I’d recommend visiting Bourton-on-the-Water which is known as “the Venice of the Cotswolds” .

It has charming canals leading through the village, which is lined on either side by historic cottages, many occupied by restaurants and cafes with some of the most scenic views in Gloucestershire !

Then, head to Stow on the Wold , home to a unique 15th-century church and one of the UK’s oldest pubs. 

Finish your North Cotswold day trip by visiting Winchcombe , a tiny village that’s home to Sudely Castle , a 1,200 acre privately owned estate that was home to Queen Katherine Parr , Henry VIII’s sixth wife – and she was buried in the grounds.

The castle is open to visitors in the summer season. 

Other Cotswold Tours

If you’re visiting London on the same trip, you might find it easier to do a day tour of the Cotswolds from London. Click through to see the following tours on Get Your Guide .

Cars are the only sensible option for this road trip route!

The South Cotswolds is marginally closer to Bristol, but only just – the drive from the city to Tetbury is about 40 minutes. 

Tetbury is a must-visit – it’s fit for a King, after all!

Charles owns Highgrove House which is close to the town, although since he ascended to the throne he spends less time in the village. 

Westonbirt Arboretum is another nearby must-visit; it encompasses 15,000 plants and 2,500 species of trees, with a whopping 17 miles of walking paths leading through them all. 

Don’t miss Castle Combe , which is possibly the most quintessentially British village in the entire country, home to terraces of cottages leading up a cobbled road ascending a hillside.

Parts of War Horse and Downton Abbey have been filmed here. 

I’m also a huge fan of Bradford-on-Avon .

Sitting on the Kennet and Avon Canal – you could technically cycle from Bristol to Bath and then to Bradford – this town has a ramshackle tearoom (when I visited once, the owner described it as “the building that looks like it’s falling down” – but I mean this in a charming way!), historic features like a “lock-up” (where they used to detain drunks) and plenty of cafes and bars sitting along the river. 

Again, a car is the best way to get around the Cotswolds – but if you’re just exploring Bradford-on-Avon, you could take the train or cycle. 

Tour from Bristol to Cotswolds and Stonehenge

Don’t have a car? No problem!

There’s a fantastic day trip that leaves Bristol and spans to the Cotswold villages of Castle Combe and Lacock, where parts of Harry Potter were filmed.

This tour also visits ancient Stonehenge, which is another of Wiltshire’s best places to visit .

The Mendip Hills AONB is a collection of limestone peaks surrounded by the Chew Valley . 

It’s nowhere near as well-known as the Cotswolds or places like Exmoor and Dartmoor – but it’s one of the loveliest rural areas of Somerset and one of the easiest day trips from Bristol – the northern edge is just a 20 mintue drive away!

The hill stretch from Weston-super-Mare in the west to Frome in the east, and encompass sites like the pretty village of Blagdon, Black Down (the hills’ highest point which is a lovely afternoon hike), the Chew Valley reservoir and Three Priddy Droves , a delightful hike. The pretty English village of Blagdon is only half an hour’s drive from South Bristol and is home to two reservoirs.

Cheddar Gorge is on the edge of the Mendip Hills, but I’ve separated them for this post as there’s quite a lot to do in both locations! 

Car is the best way, but the 41 bus goes to Lower Langford (via Bristol Airport) or the hills can be accessed from Weston-Super-Mare. As the region is so close to Bristol taxi is also an option.

Nestled in South West Somerset , close to the Devon border, you’ll find the mesmerising Quantock Hills , which were made England’s first AONB back in 1956.

Despite them being the oldest AONB in the UK , they’re not very well known – but this means that they’re usually fairly quiet! 

Walking is the best way to enjoy the Quantocks, which gently slope down to the North Somerset coastline . 

My favourite walk is the Staple Plain route which offers incredible views over Somerset’s coastline, and I also love walking along the coastline itself at Kilve Beach .

There are also charming villages to explore, including Crowcombe and its Grade I listed Church of the Holy Ghost and Holford which is on the 51 mile Coleridge Way Walking Route .

Check out my full guide to the Quantocks by clicking here.

It’s best to get to and travel around the Quantocks by car, as it is about a 90 mile trip from Bristol and the towns around the region are quite small, without long-distance buses.

Exmoor National Park

Sitting just the other side of the Quantock Hills (it’s possible to do both on a weekend trip!),  you’ll find the sprawling Exmoor National Park . 

Moor is the main highlight here, but Exmoor is also bordered by the sea , and there are plenty of places to enjoy nature in the moorland, which spans across West Somerset and over the border into Devon.

Minehead is the closest town to Exmoor, but there are plenty of villages dotted over the moor, including the charming village of Lynmouth which is home to the UK’s only water-powered railway.

Minehead’s also the beginning of the South West coastal trail , which extends from Somerset all the way around North Devon and Cornwall and down to Studland Bay in Dorset! 

Of course, you won’t be doing the whole path in a weekend, but you could enjoy a day hike along the Exmoor coastline ; I’ve done the Minehead to Porlock and Porlock to Lynmouth hikes, which are both incredible but very tough! 

For an easier hike, tackle Dunkery Beacon which is the highest peak in the area. 

Again, car is by far the easiest option from Bristol – any other transport would take too long.

The charming town of Glastonbury and Wells, one of the UK’s smallest cities , are doable on a day trip from Bristol; you can visit one first to enjoy all of the attractions and then head to the other! 

Both are located around a 90-minute drive from Bristol, and they are about 10 minutes from each other.

Wells is the smallest city in England , and is home to Vicar’s Close which is thought by some to be the oldest street in the UK, next to its beautiful cathedral. 

It has the buzzing atmosphere of a Somerset town with artisanal markets, food stalls, and plenty of quaint old buildings.

Glastonbury, on the other hand, is a wonderful place to visit for fans of the weird and wonderful .

There are lots of independent shops in the city, where you can buy everything from tarot cards to one-off fashion pieces.

Take a climb up Glastonbury Tor and enjoy the view of the county from the top, and try some of the refreshing Glastonbury water that is said to have healing properties.

Check out my full list of things to do in Glastonbury.

Driving from Bristol takes just under an hour to reach either, and it’s about 15 minutes between towns.

The 376 Mendip Xplorer direct bus goes to both Wells and Glastonbury. To Wells, it takes 1 hour, and to Glastonbury, it takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bristol to Glastonbury day trip

Another alternative is taking a day trip from Bristol to Glastonbury and Wells.

This tour includes stops in Wells and Glastonbury and finishes at a Somerset cider farm, where you can try some of the local favourite beverages – which is fantastic as you won’t be driving!

The tour finishes in Cheddar, where you can sample the rich local cheese.

Situated on the side of the A303 on Wiltshire’s Salisbury Plain is Stonehenge , a sight of great Pagan significance. 

Nobody’s exactly sure how the stones got there , as they aren’t native to the area, and their purpose has been hotly debated throughout the centuries.

What we do know is that the circle is from the Neolithic Age and is between 3500-5000 years old . Pretty impressive…

At Stonehenge, you can see the circle and the historic area , as well as learn about the significance of the site at the visitor’s centre. 

It’s not the cheapest Bristol day trip, at £19 for adult tickets and £11.40 for kids, but it’s a bucket list item for many people!

You can visit Stonehenge for free if you have an English Heritage or National Trust membership (the ruins are run by the English Heritage but the land’s owned by the National Trust).

Take a look at my English Heritage vs National Trust blog post by clicking here.

You won’t spend all day seeing Stonehenge, so I’d also recommend a trip into Salisbury , home to the majestic Salisbury Cathedral .

Or, you could visit other, less-touristy neolithic sites in the area, such as Woodhenge or the nearby Avebury Stone Circle . 

Here’s my full guide to Stonehenge.

Driving is by far the best option; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car along the A36.

There is a public transport option, although it will take a lot longer; trains leave from Bristol to Salisbury and buses from there to Stonehenge Visitors centre. 

The website Connecting Wiltshire has great up to date information about public transport in the county.

Day trip from Bristol to Stonehenge and Cotswolds

From Bristol, you can embark on a day trip to see the ancient wonder of Stonehenge and the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds.

This tour visits the quaint Castle Combe and stunning Lacock, which has Harry Potter connections.

It’s a wonderful way to see the highlights of the county of Wiltshire in an easy Bristol day trip!

Tyntesfield is one of the closest National Trust properties to Bristol. 

It’s a Victorian Gothic Revival manor house with a rich history, that has been repurposed to show an accurate historical representation of life in the era.

There are also beautiful gardens , including woodland and a walled herb and vegetable garden, that are perfect for an afternoon stroll out of the city.

National Trust -owned Tyntesfield is so close that it can be a half-day trip from Bristol, or it can be combined with a drive around the Mendip Hills.

The X6 bus leaves Bristol City for Tyntesfield and takes around 25 minutes. It’s also possible to walk there using an OS map, or cycle via The Festival Way. 

Visitors arriving by bike, on foot or on public transport get a 20% off voucher in the cafe and shop.

Otherwise, it’s an easy drive from Bristol centre – parking costs £3.00 or is free for national trust members.

Weston Super Mare

Weston-super-Mare is a traditional British seaside town and one of the best summer day trips from Bristol. It’s famous for its long pier and vast beach and has lots of family-friendly activities like parks, the biggest climbing wall in the southwest and amusement arcades.

This part of the Bristol Channel has the second-largest tidal difference in the world (second largest to only Canada), which makes it not ideal for swimming.

However, if you’re looking for a coastal town to visit for the day and want to enjoy some classic British seaside culture , Weston-super-Mare is only 30 minutes drive from the city – in fact, it’s one of the easiest beaches to reach from Bristol .

Either take a train, drive or take a bus from Bristol to Weston-super-Mare.

With Roman, Medieval, Georgian and WW2 history, Exeter’s one of the most historically dynamic cities in the UK. 

Its history is relatively unknown; cities like Bath and Oxford often overshadow Exeter, but step into the culture and you’ll be entranced at its tales. 

Exeter was the centre of the woolen cloth trade in the Medieval period, which meant that it grew and prospered as an industrial town . 

This was when the cathedral was created, which remains one of the most impressive in the country and has the longest uninterrupted gothic vaulting in the world. 

Exeter Quay is also a delightful area, with watersports opportunities and restaurants lined along the canal front.

The city was tragically bombed heavily in WW2, so nowadays you’ll see Medieval buildings in between quickly-built houses from the 1960s.

Do a Red Coat Walking Tour to learn about Exeter’s fascinating history, or pop into the RAMM Museum ! 

You can check out the best things to do in Exeter here ; I live close by in Exmouth so I visit the city all the time! 

 It’s an easy train journey from Bristol to Exeter, taking just over an hour. It should take you around an hour and a half to drive. 

With a two-mile-long golden beach stretching from the town to the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Exmouth is a watersports hub .

Grab a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from Sideshore, the beachfront watersports rental centre and take to the water – it’s one of the best days out near Bristol in the summertime! 

Once you’ve had your fill of the water, head up to the cliffs.

Exmouth is the start of England’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast .

The cliffs here are actually Triassic, dating back 250 million years. 

On a clear day, you can see much of the South Devon coastline from here, along with the beach and estuary that makes up Exmouth. 

I’ve started doing guided walking tours of Exmouth , where I take small groups of tourists through the beach and town centre, detailing fascinating stories about the town along the way. Click here to read more about these !

There are plenty of other things to do in Exmouth , too – walk along the Exe Estuary (it’s a popular spot for birdwatchers), check out the rolling Woodbury Common ( another fantastic walk in Exmouth !) or visit the many indoor attractions like Exmouth Museum and Excape Escape Rooms . 

I live in Exmouth (I moved here from Bristol a few years ago) and it’s a wonderful place to spend a day – or longer! 

Exmouth is around an hour and a half drive from Bristol to Exmouth, or you can take a train to Exeter St Davids and hop on the branch line to Exmouth – I’ve taken this route reguarly, in the past from Bristol to Exmouth and now from Exmouth to Bristol! 

Head over the Welsh border on this day trip, where you’ll enjoy the charming town of Chepstow (home to a wonderful castle that sits right on the English/ Welsh border) and head to the majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey , dating back to 1131 and looking out over the River Wye . 

There are a few walks that you can do on the Wye Valley , taking in the gorgeous vistas over the river; some of this is part of Offa’s Dyke , a national hiking trail that follows the English/ Welsh border.

This was the setting for the popular Netflix show Sex Education – you can even take trails to see some of the houses! 

Or, head to the town of Monmouth , which is also home to a wonderful castle – there are so many epic castles in Wales!

Symonds Yat Rock is also worth visiting. This was featured in Harry Potter and offers a mesmerising vista over the rural area of the River Wye . 

Chepstow is one of the easiest day trips from Bristol – it’s just a half-hour drive away! Public transport is a little more complicated, as you’ll need to change trains in Newport.

Monmouth sits a half-hour drive from Chepstow (or a one-hour bus ride), and other Wye Valley attractions are in between. If you want to visit Tintern Abbey and other attractions, you’ll probably need a car. 

Hay on Wye 

Another Welsh gem is the book town of Hay on Wye . 

Situated on the Welsh side of the Wye River , this is a tiny village with a big history – it’s brimming with bookstores (it’s one of the best places in the country to pick up novels!) and had an eccentric “king”, Richard Booth , who declared the village to be independent! 

There’s a castle to check out, along with charming cobbled streets and beautiful views over the Brecon Beacons .

You can add this to a Brecon Beacon road trip !

It’s an hour and a half drive from Bristol to Hay on Wye; unfortunately, public transport isn’t feasible. 

A little further into Wales, past the charming town of Swansea, is the Gower Peninsula . 

There are a few coastal trails to explore here, but one of the most charming areas is Port Enyon . 

This is a holiday resort area and small village; there’s a sweeping beach here along with an epic part of the Welsh coastal path . 

I visited this part of Wales for a friend’s birthday and loved relaxing on the beach and hiking to the cliffs – there’s even a smuggler’s hideaway at one part! 

You can easily take a train from Bristol to Swansea, but then public transport becomes a bit more challenging (when I went, I asked a friend to pick me up in Swansea!). Driving is the best way to reach The Gower! 

Around 25 miles north of Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons mountain range , one of Wales’ three national parks, starts to rise before its pinnacle at Pen y Fan , which is the highest mountain in South Wales. 

You can hike Pen y Fan mountain , which takes around 4-6 hours to walk the circular route; definitely doable on a day trip from Bristol in the summer.

Alternatively, hikes like the four waterfalls walk are flatter and less challenging! 

Driving’s the only feasible way; it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol. 

Basking in the shadows of an 11th-century cathedral is the pretty city of Gloucester, which sits to the north of Bristol. 

While the cathedral’s the main landmark, there’s also the bustling Gloucester Docks , home to a range of restaurants and shops sitting on the waterfront. It’s also home to the National Waterway Museum , which boasts an impressive array of exhibitions about British waterway history. 

There’s also the enigmatic Blackfriar’s Priory , which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most intact Dominican black friaries in England.

Tie it all together with a trip to the Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery , with exhibitions on the city’s past and present. 

Gloucester’s one of the best day trips from Bristol by train; the rail line takes just 50 minutes to connect the cities, or it’s also around a 50 minute drive. 

Straddling the border between Devon and Somerset, the Blackdown Hills AONB is a West Country hidden gem – many visit the much more touristy national parks, but these hills are equally as stunning. 

I always drive through the Blackdown Hills when I travel from Exmouth to London, and they’re so enchanting and alluring – the perfect entry to or exit from Devon! 

There are a variety of excellent walks that you can enjoy in the Blackdown Hills; head to Chard , one of the main towns in the area, and enjoy a variety of these circular walks from the town .

It’s a one hour 10 minute drive from Bristol to Chard. Unfortunately, there are no feasible public transport links.

Sitting in the middle of Devon, Dartmoor National Park is England’s largest and one of the UK’s most impressive. 

This rolling moorland is famous for its tors , which are large rock outcrops with stones on top – many with historic spiritual significance. 

Dartmoor also has plenty of reservoirs and even some temperate rainforests – I love Wistman’s Wood , although at the moment it’s closed due to the moss and fern needing to regrow. 

You could also check out Lydford Gorge .

Dartmoor’s also home to a few indoor attractions, including the Dartmoor Prison Museum in Princetown, Castle Drogo which was the last castle to be built in England and The Highwayman Inn , which is known as Britain’s quirkiest pub ! 

How to get there 

Driving’s the best way to see all of Dartmoor’s attractions (as they’re quite spread out).

However, if you don’t have a vehicle, there’s a new train that runs from Exeter to Okehampton, which sits on the edge of Dartmoor.

You’ll need to take a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St David’s first, and then you can connect! 

Spanning 95 miles along the East Devon and Dorset coastlines, the epic Jurassic Coastline starts in Exmouth and ends in Studland Bay . 

It’s England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site , awarded so because it’s the only place where you can walk through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods; these eras make up the Mesozoic era , and it’s the world’s complete collection of this period. 

You’ll see the red sandstone cliffs of East Devon first, then the Cretaceous sandstone and chalk cliff near Studland Bay ! 

Highlights include Durdle Door, the Isle of Purbeck, Corfe Castle (which is just north of the coastline) and east Devon villages like Beer and Branscombe . 

To do a Jurassic Coast road trip, you’ll need a car (obviously!).

I’d recommend driving to Exmouth and seeing how far you can get from there, or you can drive down to Weymouth (just a two-hour drive south of Bristol) and explore around there – or take a train to Weymouth and explore the coastline here! 

Tewkesbury and the Malvern Hills

The gorgeous town of Tewkesbury sits about an hour’s north of Bristol. 

On the edge of the Cotswolds, this Medieval market town is brimming with historic architecture and is notably home to Tewkesbury Abbey . 

This religious building has an enchanting history spanning back 900 years ; the buildings were nearly lost after the dissolution of the monasteries, but they were ultimately saved by the townspeople rallying together! 

From Tewkesbury, you can pop to the nearby Malvern Hills , a selection of gently sloping hills that cross the border from Worcestershire to Herefordshire .

It’s a rural area, known for its wonderful walks and charming towns. 

If you don’t have a car, you can take a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury; from here, it’s a 50 minute walk to the town or an 8 minute taxi ride.

If you want to explore the Malvern Hills, you’ll need your own set of wheels! 

A day trip I cobbled together when I was living in Bristol was Somerton and Shepton Mallet for the Shepton Mallet prison . 

Somerton is a lesser-visited town in rural Somerset; while it’s quite small and not touristy at all, it’s a remarkably historic place . 

The town gave Somerset its name ; it was here where a meeting took place in 949 of the Witan , who was an Anglo-Saxon parliament. 

It grew as an industrial town , but during the industrial revolution when many other spots around the country’s industry grew, Somerton’s faded away. 

You can learn all about its extensive history with a self-guided walking tour of the town (click here for instructions). I did this when I visited and it was fascinating! 

After soaking in the history of Somerton, head to Shepton Mallet.

This market town is most famous for its prison, and it’s here that you’ll be visiting! 

Dating back to 1610, the prison was the oldest one in the country when it closed its doors in 2009. 

Tours offer a look into prison culture in the UK from 17th century onwards, with a focus on the Victorian age when some prisons began to get more humane (I also learned about this in Bodmin Jail in Cornwall). 

You’ll also walk through some more recent cells and learn about some of the prison’s most notorious inmates such as the Krank Twins . 

Taking a car is the only real possibility for this day trip, as there’s not much public transport around Somerton. 

Hereford’s often overlooked as a UK city break destination, but it boasts one of the country’s best cathedrals and is part of the wider Welsh Marches region , which is full of fascinating history. 

The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is home to the Mappa Mundi, which is a famous Medieval map of the world. 

For more history, visit Old House , which is a 17th century building with rooms restored to how they looked during this era. 

There’s also the Hereford Museum and Gallery , which is located in a Victorian building. 

The city is lined along the River Wye and there are some beautiful strolls to enjoy that are walkable from the city centre.

The Welsh Marches region boasts lots of delicious products, including cider (I know it may be void saying this to Bristol day trippers, but it’s worth trying to see the difference!) and lots of local cheese. 

Train is possible, but you’ll need to change at Newport and it takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Otherwise, it’s an hour and a half by car – we easily found car parking just outside of the city centre. 

Longleat House and Safari Park 

One of the best family day trips from Bristol, Longleat Safari Park was the first safari park outside of Africa when it opened in 1966, and offers children and adults alike the chance to see animals like lions and zebras up close. 

I’m always in two minds about safari parks, but I do like that they give people the chance to get an education about these creatures – and they certainly give animals a lot more space than zoos. 

Once you’ve driven around the safari park, enjoy the stately homes and gardens , which span over 900 acres.

The house dates back to the 16th century – a priory originally stood there but it was demolished during the dissolution of the monasteries – and it was the first stately home in Britain to be opened to tourists! 

It’s about an hour and 10 minutes to reach Longleat, which is located in Wiltshire, close to the Somerset border.

Public transport is possible, but you’ll need to take a train to Westbury, then Frome, and from here take a bus (total journey time is around two hours). 

North Devon 

Head to North Devon , some two hours 20 minutes from Bristol, to enjoy some of the UK’s best beaches, a laid-back surf culture and a real holiday atmosphere. 

The best places to visit on a North Devon road trip include Croyde, Woolacombe , Westward Ho! , Clovelly and of course, Exmoor National Park (although most visit this as a standalone day trip). 

Croyde and Woolacombe are two of the best beach destinations in Devon (in fact, Woolacombe was voted the best in the country and one of the best in Europe!).

Westward Ho! Is great for surfing and Clovelly is a charming fishing village . There are a few things to do in Barnstaple too, and I love the village of Appledore near Westward Ho! 

Driving is the only real feasible way; you could technically take a train to Exeter St David’s, connect to Barnstaple and then take some regional buses, but this would take quite a long time and wouldn’t really be feasible for a day trip. 

Around a two-hour drive from Bristol, you’ll find Torbay .

This is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the UK – and while nowadays it feels a little dated (I’m biased, but I think that Exmouth Beach is much nicer!), the area shines when it comes to family-friendly attractions and a diverse array of things to do. 

For starters, visit Splashdown Quaywest Water Park , which sits in Paignton and is the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark (do bear in mind that it’s really not that big – it gets the title because the UK doesn’t have that many outdoor waterparks!).

I visited last summer and had a few thoughts on it – you can read my full review here – but for a family who wants to find somewhere to cool off in the summer heat, it’s a worthwhile attraction. 

Other places to visit in Torbay include the fascinating Kents Cavern Caves , the 900-year-old Torre Abbey , the heritage family attraction Bygones , the fun-packed Paignton Pier , the Babbacombe Cliff Railway which descends down to Oddicombe Beach and the Babbacombe Model Village . 

Of course, there are some beautiful beaches on the English Riviera ; if you want to avoid the crowds, I’d steer clear of Paignton and Torquay beaches, but Oddicombe and Meadfoot are beautiful and usually quieter.

If you fancy a hike, the South West Coast Path spans all of Torbay . 

Pick your favourite attractions and have a fun family day out in Torbay! 

Check out the best things to do in Torquay by clicking here.

Driving’s the easiest way – it takes around two hours to reach Torbay from Bristol. Alternatively, take a train to Exeter or Newton Abbot and change lines. 

Largely considered to be one of the prettiest villages in Wiltshire , Lacock is a must for Harry Potter fans , as some Hogwarts scenes were filmed in the Abbey and other scenes were filmed around the town. 

The Abbey dates back to the 13th century and has a chequered history of being used for a monastery, school and home. There’s also the sprawling Lacock Estate and a 14th-century Tithe Barn in town. 

It’s a 40 minute drive from Bristol to Lacock; you can also take a train from Bristol to Chippenham and then hop on the X34 bus.

If you’re seeking the easiest day trips from Bristol, I bring you Portishead , which sits just 10 miles from the town.

Looking out over the Severn Estuary , Portishead is technically a beach town, although the tidal difference stops many from swimming in the sea here. 

However, there is an outdoor swimming pool and beautiful marine, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

You’ll also find a Victorian Pier here, although, unlike its counterpart in Weston-super-Mare, it’s not open for visitors and is merely used by fishermen for angling.

There have been campaigns to reopen it in recent years, however!

Driving takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, or you can take the X1 excel bus. 

One of the UK’s most popular and historically significant cities, Oxford sits on the other side of the Cotswolds – but it’s still feasible to visit on a day trip. 

Most famous for Oxford University which dates back to 1096, the city’s grown as an educational and literacy hub over the years. 

Tours are available around various campuses or kick back in some of its historic pubs.

The Bear Inn has a history back to the 13th century (although today’s building dates back to the 17th century) and the Eagle and Child was a popular spot for meetings between JR Tolkien and CS Lewis!

The train is a possibility, although there’s no direct line; you’ll need to change at Reading. Otherwise, it’s an hour and a half drive. 

Can I visit Cornwall on a day trip from Bristol? 

I make no secret of the fact that I absolutely love Cornwall – you can see all my Cornwall travel guides here. However, I wouldn’t recommend visiting on a day trip from Bristol. 

You could technically drive there – the east of Cornwall is about 2.5 hours away from Bristol and west Cornwall is 4.5 hours – but it’s a long drive and there’s so much to see and do in Cornwall – it’s probably best to visit on a day trip! 

Can I visit London on a day trip from Bristol? 

It’s possible to visit London on a day trip from Bristol – the train is less than two hours (check out my GWR first-class review if you’re interested in travelling in style!).

This means that it’s easy to enjoy London attractions like Westminster Abbey, St Pauls Cathedral and the London Eye – you can even head north to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour (advance booking for this is essential – one of my best tips for Harry Potter World London is to book as early as possible!).

However, I try to keep my recommendations local to the west of England and Wales, presuming that most people looking for day trips have already visited London! 

Other Bristol blog posts

As I lived in Bristol for years, I’ve covered the city extensively on this blog. 

You can check out my list of the best things to do in Bristol (featuring street art, food, the Clifton Suspension Bridge , the SS Great Britain and much more!), my local’s guide to where to stay in Bristol , tips for how to get to Bristol and my full Bristol travel guide.

Amazing Bristol Day Trips…

With jaw-droppingly beautiful nature at every turn, it’s well worth getting out of Bristol and exploring its neighbouring counties: Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Devon.

One of the beauties of Bristol is that you really don’t need to go far to find some nature , as you can see in most of these Bristol day trips.

However, there are plenty of villages, breweries, farms, and even a few small cities to check out too!

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21 Best places to visit near Bath and Bristol

• David Angel
• England , United Kingdom

Welcome to my guide to over 20 of the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol.

The two West Country cities are both great destinations for exploring this beautiful corner of England, and we show you places from the beaches of the Bristol Channel coast to the stunning villages of the Cotswolds, less than an hour away to the north.

I also explore further east, heading into Wiltshire to explore its ancient sites and the lovely cathedral city of Salisbury, and south into Somerset.

I finish our journey across the Severn in South Wales, where we follow in the footsteps of Britain’s first modern tourists in the Wye Valley and venture as far west as the Gower Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the UK.

Enjoy!   

Table of Contents

Places To Visit Near Bath And Bristol

1. cheddar gorge.

Cheddar Gorge is one of the great landmarks in England ,  a soaring narrow limestone gorge with a superb circular hike and one of the most famous caves in the UK. It’s also the gateway to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , a wild upland plateau area in North Somerset.

 My favourite thing to do in Cheddar is the circular Gorge Walk. If you climb the 200-plus steps of Jacob’s Ladder you’ll have to pay, whereas if you start on the opposite side of the Gorge you can descend for free.

Either way, Jacob’s Ladder is included in the Cheddar Gorge Day Ticket, which includes the two main caves. The whole circuit of the Gorge takes around two hours and will do wonders for your calf muscles.

Gough’s Cave is wondrous, the rock formations all beautifully lit, while Cox’s Cave hosts a multimedia experience, Dreamhunters – The Adventures of Early Man. While visiting the caves, you’ll see cheese maturing all around you – a reminder that Cheddar gives its name and is home to one of the most famous cheeses in the world.

2, Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield , a few miles south-west of Bristol in North Somerset, is one of the finest country houses in England.  The estate was in the ownership of the Tynte family who built a hunting lodge there in the 16 th century.

The estate was acquired by William Gibbs, who made a vast fortune from guano – bird  poo – imported from Peru and Bolivia and turned into fertiliser.  Gibbs built the neo-Gothic mansion in the 1840s, expanding it 20 years later.

One of the most striking features is the chapel, which is said to be modelled on the magnificent Sainte Chapelle in Paris .   

3, Clevedon

Clevedon is a seaside town on the Bristol Channel coast, just a 13-mile drive or bus ride from Bristol, with Portishead to the north and Weston-super-Mare to the south.

The town grew during the Victorian era when it became a popular seaside resort. The pebbly and rocky beach is one for curious explorer kids like Our Little Fellow, and it commands superb views across the Channel to South Wales.

However, the best thing to see in Clevedon is its stunning Victorian pier, surely the most elegant in the UK, and located in a perfect sunset spot for the longer days during the summer months.

The Glass Box restaurant at the town end of the Pier serves fish and chips and other seafood specials, while the Pagoda Café at the end of the Pier is a great place topo enjoy coffee and cake.

4. Gloucester

The city of Gloucester, a 30-mile trip up the M5 from Bristol, is best-known for its stunning Cathedral. It’s one of the finest in England, with elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Perpendicular, including the cloisters which were used as the location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series of films.

There’s plenty more to see in the rest of the city and nearby, with the evocative Infirmary Arches and St Oswald’s Priory both making evocative foregrounds for your Cathedral photos.

We also recommend the Tailor of Gloucester’s House on narrow College Court, which leads to the Cathedral.  It’s a small Beatrix Potter Museum and gift shop, well worth half an hour if you have kids with you.

Gloucester Docks is a short walk away from the historic centre, and is home to the National Waterways Museum. It’s the largest of its kind in the world, delving into the history of Britain’s rivers and canals. They have a collection of over 50 boats, and during the warmer months you can go on a boat trip around the Docks.

While in the area, don’t miss the unique Rococo Garden in Painswick, a few miles south of Gloucester and just north of Stroud.

5. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are just half an hour to the north of Bristol and Bath, an area to dip in and out of rather than try to see all at once. For many visitors, the Cotswolds are the epitome of rural England, with gentle hilly countryside and medieval villages built from the local honey-coloured stone. 

The area stretches across eastern Gloucestershire into Oxfordshire, and includes some of the most beautiful villages in England. These include honeypots such as Bibury (pictured) and Lower Slaughter, and my personal favourite, Snowshill.

The Cotswolds grew wealthy from the wool trade in the Middle Ages, and this is reflected in the fine buildings in its towns, especially the churches at Chipping Campden and Tetbury.

6. Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury

The National Arboretum at Westonbirt is one of the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol, and somewhere we rate on a similar level to Kew Gardens in London. The collection of over 15,000 trees dates back to the early Victorian period, and there are over 2,000 species from all over the world, including numerous endangered species.

It’s an amazing introduction to the world of trees, and a fascinating place to observe the changes between the seasons. We’ve only visited in springtime, when the woodlands are ablaze with colour. But the most popular time to visit is in late October and early November, when the autumn foliage is at its best.  

7. Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare is a great seaside town on the Bristol Channel coast with two enormous beaches and a third just beyond Brean Down, the highest point in the area.

When I was a kid our local beach was Barry Island, just across the water in South Wales, and from there you could see Weston on a reasonably clear day. We made our way over to Weston a few times, and I also used to pop down to the beach from time to time when I lived in Bristol.

The main Weston-super-Mare beach is dominated by the Grand Pier , which is so long there is a land train on it. It has all the classic British seaside ingredients – fish and chips, amusement arcades and the smallest rollercoaster in the UK.

I can also recommend Sand Bay Beach, which is just around the headland to the north of the main beach, which is less frequented than its neighbour.

8. Bradford-on-Avon

Bradford-on-Avon is one of our favourite places to visit near Bristol and Bath, a gorgeous Wiltshire town that charmed us greatly on a birthday day trip a few years ago.  

It’s only 25 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads by train, and ten from Bath Spa, and the station is only a short walk from the compact, easily walkable town centre, so no need for a car for this one.

One of the first things you see is the medieval stone bridge over the river Avon, and the structure built into its corner was originally a chapel and later used as a lock-up.  

Before crossing the river, we were tempted by afternoon tea at The Bridge Tea Rooms , one of the best we’ve had anywhere. The exterior of the building is charming wonky late-medieval, and the staff wear Victorian dress uniforms.   

The riverside is dominated by the surviving woollen mills, relics from the town’s heyday as one of the country’s leading wool producers, which continued until the 19 th century.

Don’t miss the rare and remarkable Saxon church of St Laurence on the north side of the river, a simple structure believed to date from the 10 th or 11 th century – but definitely pre-dating the Norman Conquest of 1066.

See Also : One Day In Bath – 24 hours in the stunning Georgian city

9. Longleat

Longleat is a brilliant family day out, with a safari park set in the extensive grounds of one of the finest Elizabethan (second half of the 16 th century) houses in the country, the home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Bath.

Longleat is around 20 miles south of Bath, close to the Somerset town of Frome and Wiltshire town of Warminster. The drive through safari was the highlight of our visit, passing a pride of lions,  watching Asian elephants up close and having macaques clambering over the car in search of food.

There is also a walking safari, where you encounter the likes of koalas (a rarity in Europe), and a boat safari where you can see creatures as diverse as lowland gorillas, hippos and sea lions.

You need a car to enjoy the best of it, and at £40 per adult, I’d look to make the most of it. Take the train or bus somewhere else another day.

Wells, an hour south of Bristol and Bath, is the smallest cities in England and one of the most underrated cities in Europe . I’ve always been amazed at how it has remained off the beaten track, as it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in England.

The city is best known for its Cathedral, especially the staggering west front. The twin-towered façade is one of the masterpieces of the Middle Ages, with hundreds of stone statues carved into its niches. Its interior is also remarkable, particularly the rare scissor arches which hold up the central tower.

Wells has the most complete preserved Cathedral precincts in the UK, with the neighbouring Bishops Palace and the medieval stone cottages of the Vicars Close surviving the centuries almost unscathed.

The rest of the small city is beautiful too, with most of the buildings in the centre either medieval or Georgian.  

11. Glastonbury

Glastonbury is known the world over for its festival, held a few miles from the town every June, and it’s one of the most fascinating small towns in England, shrouded in millennia-old legends.

One of these is that Joseph of Arimathea visited Glastonbury, bringing with him the Holy Grail,  a wooden cup said to have been used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. 

It is also believed to be the final resting place of legendary British King Arthur – this is marked by a sign in the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.

Believed to be Arthur’s Avalon, the Glastonbury landscape certainly has mystical qualities, especially Glastonbury Tor. This modest 523-foot hill rises high above the surrounding lowlands of the Somerset Levels, and the church tower of St Michael on its summit is perhaps the most famous landmark in the region.

It’s an amazing sight, especially at sunrise and sunset, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the mists swirling around it.

Glastonbury town is also well worth the day trip. The Abbey, largely ruined except for the magnificent Abbot’s Kitchen, is a must-see, with the Galilee Chapel and pillars of the central tower the most prominent sights.

In the town centre, there are some exceptional medieval buildings, most notably the George Hotel and Pilgrims Inn which dates from 1439.

12. Somerset Churches

In the Middle Ages Somerset was extraordinarily rich thanks to its prosperous wool trade, and this led to the creation of a remarkable, but rarely explored, record of this period – the incredible wealth of Somerset church towers, which I would say is the largest concentration in the UK. They are mostly in the English Perpendicular style, the unique British variant on late Gothic.

There are too many to list here, but you don’t have to travel far to see at least one of them.  Dundry church tower is a skyscraper in medieval terms – and it’s visible on the hill from the southern suburbs of Bristol.

If you drive from Bristol to Wells, you can’t miss the tower at Chewton Mendip, and in Wells itself I’ve heard people mistake the impressive St Cuthbert’s church tower for the nearby Cathedral.

The best-known Somerset church tower is that of St Mary Magdalene church in Taunton, the county town.  However, the most beautiful one I’ve seen is that of St Mary’s Church in Huish Episcopi, a graceful golden-stoned beauty in the Somerset Levels a few miles south of Glastonbury.

13. Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury, a few miles up the River Severn from Gloucester at the confluence with the river Avon, is one of the most beautiful towns in England.  I visited it several times from South Wales, and couldn’t believe how few people seemed to have discovered it.

It’s best known for Tewkesbury Abbey, an outstanding Norman church with an amazing tower and some beautiful later Gothic additions.

It’s also rich in other medieval architecture with many half-timbered houses around the town, one of which houses the excellent Tewkesbury Museum.

There are also several along the River Avon, where you can enjoy a wonderful view with the Abbey looming behind.  

14. Hereford

Hereford is one of the smallest cities in England, a large country town on the River Wye with one of the loveliest cathedrals in England and some gorgeous countryside on its doorstep.

There are more than enough things to do in Hereford to make a full day of it, even more if you factor in the surrounding countryside. Hereford Cathedral is the highlight, a gorgeous Gothic church with the famous 13 th century Mappa Mundi (Map of the World) and Chained Library.

We also recommend the Black and White House Museum, a ten-minute walk away at the other end of the city centre, and the Cider Museum.

Herefordshire is one of the most beautiful counties in England, totally off the beaten track and full of black and white half-timbered villages, ancient churches and castles and endless orchards. I’m privileged to have explored it many times from across the border – it’s a wonderful part of the world to explore.

15. Avebury

The World Heritage village of Avebury is one of the most intriguing places to visit near Bath and Bristol,  and one of the most amazing villages in England.

Avebury is unique because part of it is located within an ancient circular henge, which in turn  contains two extraordinary stone circles. They date from the Neolithic period, most likely between 4200 and 4800 years old.

Visiting the village and stone circles is free, as is the walk along the superb West Kennet Avenue of standing stones.  You can also reach Silbury Hill, a mysterious ancient artificial mound, from the village.

16. Stonehenge

One of the most iconic places to visit in England, Stonehenge is one of the best places to visit near Bath and Bristol, as little as an hour away by car, or an hour and a half if you’re using public transport.

The site has been greatly improved over the years as the road that ran very close to it has been re-routed, leaving it in the glorious isolation in which our ancestors would have appreciated it. You now walk across the fields of Salisbury Plain towards the great ancient stone circle, one of the wonders of Neolithic Britain.

17. Salisbury

The cathedral city of Salisbury is only an hour away from Bath by train (and 75 minutes from Bristol).  The spire of the Cathedral, at 404 feet in height, is the tallest in the UK, and is the most famous feature of an Early English Gothic masterpiece.

Salisbury’s vast Cathedral Close gives the Cathedral room to ‘breathe’, and for visitors to appreciate it from a distance. For al the Gothic wonder inside, I still find its most recent addition, the Prisoners of Conscience stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel the most striking thing to see inside.

The rest of the city is a beauty, from the Doom painting above the chancel arch in St Thomas’s Church (which pre-dates the Cathedral) to the Mompesson House, one of very few Queen Anne townhouses open for visits in the UK.

I also recommend setting aside an hour to visit Old Sarum, the original Salisbury settlement on a hill above the present one.  The Norman motte and foundations of the cathedral remain, and although it has been abandoned for 800 years, it’s still a very evocative place.

Places To Visit Near Bath And Bristol – Across The Severn To Wales

South Wales is only a short drive, train or bus ride from Bristol and Bath, and nowadays motorists don’t have to pay a toll to cross the Prince of Wales Bridge (as it’s now known).  This region is my back yard, and here are just a few highlights.

1. Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey

The river Wye is perhaps the birthplace of modern British tourism. It began with pilgrimages in the Middle Ages, but in the 18 th century people began visiting the Wye Valley simply to appreciate its natural beauty, and the Wye Tour, a two-day journey from Ross-on-Wye to Chepstow, was the first package tour in Britain.

If you’re visiting the Wye Valley from Bath and Bristol, you’ll at least pass Chepstow, a town with an awesome Norman Castle overlooking the Wye. One of the best views of the River Wye is just two miles to the north – the Eagles Nest is above the village of St Arvans.

The Gothic ruin of Tintern Abbey is one of the most famous landmarks in Wales, a magnificent sight at any time but especially when morning mists circle the church on an autumn morning.

It was one of the main stops for the early Wye tourists, who would stop to paint the romantic ruin.

Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is an easy day trip from Bath and Bristol, just an hour away from Bath Spa on the train, and not much longer by car.

Our former home city, Cardiff comes as a perfectly-sized package. Many visitors start at Cardiff Castle, which started out 1700 years ago as a Roman fort and its 19th century remodelling is one of the most extravagant works of Victorian Gothic architecture ever undertaken.

The Castle is in the heart of the city centre – many come for the massive malls like St Davids 2 but we prefer to direct you to the elegant Edwardian arcades which run off the streets close to the Castle.

The National Museum and Gallery, a 5-minute walk from the Castle, is a great introduction to the history and culture of Wales, and it also has one of the most substantial collections of Impressionist paintings outside France.

See Also: 20 Famous Landmarks in Cardiff and 33 Great Day Trips from Cardiff

3. Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle is one of the best castles in South Wales , and the second largest in the UK. It’s a 15-minute train ride north of Cardiff, and makes for a great few hours out.

The Castle dates from the 13 th century, and is renowned for its leaning tower, which outleans the more famous one in Pisa.

If you’re driving, you could do a Welsh castles double-header and combine it with Castell Coch , which is just over Caerphilly Mountain via minor roads through the woods.

Castell Coch is essentially a 19 th century folly, built by master Victorian architect William Burges for his patron, the Third Marquess of Bute. It’s very different to Caerphilly, a fairytale fantasy castle that is one of the most popular landmarks in Wales .

4. Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula, to the west of Swansea, has some of the best beaches in Europe, and is easy to reach from Bath and Bristol.

You have to pass through Swansea in order to reach Gower, and have a choice of several city beaches (Mumbles, Bracelet Bay, Langland and Caswell Bay) or the more rural Gower beaches further west.

Three Cliffs Bay is breathtaking, a hidden Arcadia only accessible on foot (count on a mile-long walk from car park or bus stop) and Rhossili Bay , at the western end of the peninsula, is stunning, a three-mile sweep of golden sand with some of the best coastal scenery and walks you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Direct trains run from Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads to Swansea, then it’s a short bus journey or walk (15 minutes) across town to Swansea bus station, from which buses depart to the various Gower beaches.

The M4 takes you to the outskirts of Swansea, and you eventually join the A4118 road across the peninsula. Side roads from this take you to the best of the beaches.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

• The Best Small Towns in Tennessee for a Weekend Retreat

Tennessee is a gorgeous state with so much to offer all types of travelers. For starters, it is home to America's most visited park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . But that’s not all. Tennessee is also home to the Tennessee and Mississippi River s, lots of whiskey distilleries, rolling hills, amazing country music, and so much more. All this and more can be enjoyed in the small towns spread across the state.

While a weekend is never enough to explore everything, these towns have many ways to make the limited time worthwhile for every traveler. From Lynchburg and its magnificent caverns to Savannah and its aquatic splendor, here are the best small towns in Tennessee for a weekend getaway.

Rogersville

Rogersville is a great town for history buffs looking to spend a weekend retreat in one of the state’s oldest towns. This historic town was founded in 1775 and presents plenty of historic attractions for visitors. First off, check in at Comfort Inn & Suites or Hale Springs Inn, or any other top-rated accommodations in town. Hale Spring Inn is a prime historic attraction worth visiting in Rogersville as it is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in Tennessee that has hosted the likes of President Andrew Johnson .

Then start your adventure by visiting the Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum, the birthplace of journalism in the state, where copies of ancient newspapers and exhibits of printing equipment are abundant. Next, go to the Hawkins County Courthouse, built in 1836 and representing the second oldest courthouse in the state still functioning. After hopping its historic attractions, relax at the Rogersville City Park, featuring picnic shelters, a public swimming pool, a fishing pond, a walk/jogging trail, and spectacular greenery.

Paris is an idyllic destination in the Volunteer State to spend a weekend, especially as it is home to top-rated accommodations like - Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris and Home Sweet Home Bed and Breakfast. The town was named after the capital city of France - Paris, and gives off that unique city of love vibes, especially at the town’s Eiffel Tower. This 60-foot steel tower is within the Eiffel Tower Park, a family-friendly recreational center that houses a pool, picnic pavilion, and walking trails.

Visitors to Paris can also enjoy the great outdoors further at the Paris Landing State Park, where the elegant Kentucky Lake offers boating, fishing, waterskiing, and kayaking experiences.

Loudon is a gorgeous town by the banks of the Tennessee River, where visitors can kick back for a weekend boating, fishing, and picnics beside the water. The town also invites visitors to its downtown to patronize antique shops, appreciate lake-view dining at the Blue Heron restaurant, and watch weekend movies or sporting events from a car at the LoCo Drive-in Theater.

Don't forget to head to the town's numerous parks, notably the Liberty, Legion, and Loudon Municipal Parks, to hike nature trails, enjoy picnics with family and friends, and admire the scenery. Riverside Park deserves a separate mention for its fishing pier, boat launch, BBQ grill, and dock to explore the Tennessee River. Rest afterward at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Loudon or Windy Hill Farm and Preserve.

Experience a weekend vacation in Lynchburg, a small town with a global reputation for hosting the world-famous Jack Daniel’s distillery that produces a spectacular kind of whiskey. For lovers of whiskey, visit this distillery to taste from the source and stop by the visitor's center to see whiskey-related memorabilia. For a different experience, visit the Cave Spring Hollow, the most famed natural resource in Lynchburg as it is where the town gets its water supply. This magnificent cave is worth exploring, as it features a spring where its water is purified by limestone and used to make the whiskey.

For history buffs, step back in time at the Moore County Old Jail Museum, built in 1893 and served as a jail until 1990. Top accommodation options in and around Lynchburg include the Lynchburg Country Inn Motel.

Erwin is a naturally majestic town surrounded by three mountains, Buffalo Mountain to the north, Rich Mountain to the west, and Unaka Mountain to the south and east. In addition, the Nolichucky River runs through the town via a gorge and sets the stage for whitewater rafting, boating, and canoeing under mountain shadows. Also, the Appalachian Trail runs through the town, offering hikers great satisfaction. Meanwhile, Erwin is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest, where visitors can explore the Rock Creek Recreation Area, featuring a creek-fed swimming hole, towering trees, and views of Unaka Mountain.

For history, visitors can head to the Unicoi County Heritage Museum to explore historic exhibits and pottery. After all the exploration, enjoy rest at the top accommodations in town, which include Mountain Inn and Suites and Super 8 by Wyndham Erwin.

Savannah is a beautiful town in Hardin County, by the Tennessee River, where it offers visitors scintillating sights and amazing adventures on a weekend retreat. Once here, weekend vacationers can get down to business at the nearby Pickwick Landing State Park featuring a charming lake and river for fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking experiences. The park also has around 1,400 acres of forested hills for hiking. If a historic immersion sounds like fun, the nearby Shiloh National Military Park preserves the battlefields of one of the deadliest battles in the Civil War.

In addition, the Tennessee River Museum is worth visiting to learn about the river and its influences on the people, including the history of Hardin County. Spice the experience with excitement, awe, and laughter at the Savannah Theater, which presents regular live performances, plays, and events. Top accommodations in this town to spend the weekend include Days Inn by Wyndham Savannah and Quality Inn Savannah.

Pikeville is one of the most unforgettable small towns in Tennessee, featuring gorgeous natural scenery and so much to see and do. Once here, stay at the town’s top-rated accommodations like Hannah Inn or Colonial Bed and Breakfast. Then, head to the historic downtown, to walk through its quaint, laid-back streets and behold the grandeur of historic structures like the John Bridgman House (built around 1815). Next, head to the nearby Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to Fall Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Tennessee. Hike the scenic trail to this waterfall or head to the 345-acre lake on the south end of the park for swimming, fishing, and boating.

For more adventures, visit Deer Creek Ranch to ride a horse through charming wooded trails and top it off with stand-up paddleboarding or rafting at the Ocoee River.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is an inviting small town that punches beyond its weight in touristy allure. First off, this town is just five miles from the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a base camp to explore the fascinating park, where adventures are endless. Inside the town, visitors will get to see attractions like the award-winning Dollywood Amusement Themed Park, home to over 40 attractions and rides, including a water park, a museum, and a resort, among others.

For bird lovers, Parrot Mountain and Gardens is a delightful place to see hundreds of beautiful and colorful tropical birds, such as magpies, lory parrots, and macaws. Elsewhere, fans of Titanic can feel at home at the Titanic Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, featuring over 400 real Titanic artifacts. These incredible experiences can be made even better by staying at the town’s top accommodations like Margaritaville Island Inn and Best Western Plaza Inn.

Bristol is an alluring town in Sullivan County, remarkable for its rich musical heritage and as the birthplace of Country Music. For visitors with a particular interest in music, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is an ideal first port of call, as it highlights the essence and history of Bristol’s music heritage.

Beyond the music, Bristol is a perfect destination for weekend adventures, especially at Steele Creek Park, which features playgrounds, miles of walking and biking trails, a nature center, and a scenic lake for water adventures. For more thrilling adventures, head to the Bristol Caverns to explore its well-lit and paved walkways and an underground river best seen on guided tours. The best accommodation options here include Hampton Inn Bristol and Fairfield Inn & Suites Bristol.

There is more to Tennessee than Memphis and Nashville. And those who care to look beyond these large cities will be met with charming small towns rich with cultural, natural, and historic endowments. These towns fit the prospects for unforgettable weekend getaways as visitors are promised exciting recreation without the crowds, intimacy with nature, and warm hospitality. All these and more will make you want to linger in these towns even when the weekend’s over.

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