Things To Do in Bristol

Bristol has something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for a great day out with the whole family, a romantic break for two or a solo adventure, the city has plenty to offer from underground gigs for music lovers, beautiful green spaces for relaxation, historic houses and museums, cutting-edge art galleries and independent cinemas and amazing festivals. Here we list the most popular places to visit in Bristol:

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge is a masterpiece of design and engineering and considered to be Brunel’s greatest work, it’s an internationally recognised icon of the city. Climb up to Clifton Village or Cabot Tower for an inspiring view.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Bristol waterways remain one of Bristol’s greatest assets. Waterbus services let you see the city from the water’s edge from Temple Meads to the SS Great Britain. Go below deck or climb the rigging on SS Great Britain, designed and built by Brunel. Sail out of the harbour on The Matthew, a replica of the ship that John Cabot discovered Newfoundland on. M Shed, an old transit shed on the harbour, is a modern museum documenting the history of Bristol.

Blaise Castle House and other museums

An 18th-century Grade II listed mansion house and estate near Henbury is now run as a museum by Bristol City Council. Also check out the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery containing archaeology, geology and art including fossils, a Romany caravan and work by local artist Banksy. Opening in summer 2017 Aerospace Bristol will have Concorde on display. Other specialist museums in Bristol include At-Bristol Science Centre, which boasts the only digital 3D planetarium in the country.

The Arnolfini and other art centres

An international arts centre and gallery, it has a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, artist's performance, music and dance events, poetry and book readings, talks, lectures and cinema. The RWA (Royal West of England Academy) exhibits work from some of the country’s most celebrated artists. There’s also Spike Island, a working artist studio as well as gallery. The city is also famous for its street art.

Bristol Cathedral and other churches

One of Britain's best examples of a 'Hall Church' the cathedral building is one of many sacred buildings in the city. St. Mary Redcliffe is an Anglican parish church and a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads. The Lord Mayor's Chapel is also worth a visit.

Wild Place Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens

A wild life conservation park run by the Bristol Zoological Society, with an emphasis on protecting threatened habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe. Visitors to Wild Place Project can meet lemurs of Madagascar, grey wolves and more. Bristol Zoo Gardens is the city's award-winning zoo.

Clubs and pubs

Cosies in St Pauls hosts some of the city’s best reggae and bass-music DJs. Bristol’s most notorious drinking establishment is the Coronation Tap pub, famous for its ‘Cori Tap’ cider. For craft beer and real ale visit ZERODEGREES on Park Row and Hotwells’ Grain Barge. There’s also The Beer Emporium, the Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, the Small Bar and Kongs

Festivals

From May to September each year, there are festivals in Bristol. Love Saves The Day, Tokyo World, St Pauls Carnival, Harbour Festival, Pride, the Balloon Fiesta and many more.

Bristol Hippodrome

One of the country's top, family-friendly provincial theatres, internationally acclaimed touring shows can be seen at the Hippodrome and at the Old Vic. There are cutting edge theatrics at the Redgrave and Tobacco Factory Theatres and intimate performances at the tiny Wardrobe and Little Black Box theatres.