If ever there was a city with a story to tell, it’s Bristol.

Enveloped in the hills of South West England, Bristol has developed an inimitable identity and fiercely independent spirit, crafted by its passionate locals.

Stylish hotel, city centre apartment, country cottage or campsite... the choice is yours! Let us…

A luxury bedroom at Hotel Du Vin Avon Gorge with a large window and freestanding baths - Credit Amy Murrell

Accommodation

There aren’t just a few things to see and do in Bristol, there are lots and lots. Start poking…

The 'Galaxy' area of Wake The Tiger Bristol - credit Andre Pattenden

Things to Do

What's on in Bristol? A better question would be what’s not on in Bristol!…

An aerial view of the crowd and stage at Bristol Sounds - Credit Crosstown Concerts

What's On

Looking for places to eat in Bristol? Come get your fill! We’re a real foodie city, just as…

A selection of the dishes available at The Crown Inn in Tolldown near Bristol - credit Butcombe

Food & Drink

Bristol is a city full of unique experiences. Discover the perfect one for you!

A group of people in a balloon basket flying near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in West Bristol - credit Paul Box

Experiences

From vintage and retro, to the latest in high-street trends, we’ve got it all in both the…

A woman browsing inside the 'Something Elsie' clothing shop in Wapping Wharf on Bristol's Harbourside - credit Hey What

Shopping

When it comes to attractions, Bristol has plenty to offer! Click here to browse the huge range of…

Exterior of the SS Great Britain at the Great Western Dockyard in Bristol - credit Brunel's SS Great Britain

Attractions

Looking for things to do with children in Bristol? Bristol is a great destination for a family trip…

A family exploring the exterior of the SS Great Britain in the Great Western Dockyard, Bristol - credit Brunel's SS Great Britain

Families

Bristol nightlife is legendary and you're sure to leave having had the best nights of your life…

Audience inside Bristol's Lakota nightclub with confetti raining down - credit Lakota Bristol

Nightlife

Bristol is a festival city and there is a diverse and eclectic mix throughout the calendar year…

An audience member dancing at the Love Saves The Day festival in Bristol - credit Plaster

Festivals

There’s no better way to experience the varied sights and districts around Bristol than with a…

A group of people on the Cider Box walking tour of Bristol outside the M Shed local history museum on Bristol's Harbourside - credit Yuup

Tours & Sightseeing

Come and see you favourite music acts in Bristol. Find out what live music, concerts and gigs are on…

A view of the crowd in front of a stage at Bristol Harbour Festival - credit Paul Box

Live Music & Concerts

Find Bristol street art by famous graffiti artist Banksy and many other artists who have painted the…

Street Art

Are you ready for your close up? Not only is Bristol a recognised featured location in its own…

A view of Clare Street in Bristol's Old City, with a hand holding a photograph of actor David Tennant filming one of the 2023 Doctor Who specials in the same spot - credit Logan Walker

Film & TV

Find a lush local pub in Bristol. Take your pick from historic coaching inns, cosy harbourside…

A view down King Street in central Bristol

Pubs & Gastro Pubs

From spectator sports to fun outdoor activities, Bristol has it all! Enjoy a round of golf or…

A group of people stand-up paddleboarding in Bristol Harbour - credit Paul Box

Sports & Active

From world-famous musicals to West End shows and cutting-edge plays, Bristol's theatre…

Audience in theatre at Tobacco Factory Theatres

Theatre & Performance

Go history hunting and find some culture in Bristol's world-class museums and galleries.

Exterior of the M Shed local history museum on Bristol Harbourside - credit Credit Quintin Lake

Museums & Galleries

Bristol has a rich history and there are many of historic and heritage things to do where you…

A view of The Matthew replica ship passing through Bristol's Cumberland Basin with the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the background - credit Nick Greville

Historic & Heritage

Take a deep breath, re-charge and relax in our spas with holistic therapies and massages, or treat…

A couple enjoying a spa treatment at Clifton Lido - credit Clifton Lido

Spas & Wellbeing

Bring your faithful friend on a break to Bristol with you and find pooch-perfect things to do and…

A dog on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in West Bristol

Have an animal encounter at Bristol Zoo Project

Meet amazing animals from across the world, including giraffes, cheetahs, meerkats and more. Explore the winding treetop walkway of Bear Wood, where bears, wolves, lynxes and wolverines live.

Giraffes at Bristol Zoo Project - credit Bristol Zoo Project

Gaze at the stars at We The Curious

Take a trip to the outer reaches of the universe in a show that will have you seeing stars!

Audience sitting inside the Planetarium at We The Curious Bristol - credit Lee Pullen

Games & activity bars

Challenge your friends or colleagues to a night of games and drinks for an extra fun experience in the city.

Person playing darts at Flight Club Bristol - credit Flight Club

Christmas

24 Festive things to do in Bristol

15 min read

Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, enchanting light trails, festive events and experiences, not…

#MerryBristmas

Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas. Browse our festive events calendar, winter walks, gift ideas and more.

Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas - credit Visit West

Bristol Christmas Market

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024

This year, the Bristol Christmas Market will be better than ever with the exciting new addition of…

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 23, 2024

Christmas at We The Curious

We The Curious
Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Take some time out this holiday for a day of play and discovery, colour and creativity at…

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024

Get ready for a brand-new festive experience at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum this Christmas…

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024

Festive Woodland at Bristol Zoo Project

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Discover the magical woodland filled with lights, explore over 50 acres of outdoor space and spot…

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Retro-Mega-Mas at Wake The Tiger

Wake The Tiger
Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

RETRO-MEGA-MAS, a celebration that blends nostalgic Christmas memories with surreal, creative…

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

The Elf on the Shelf ®

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024

Brunelf, Bristol’s own 15-ft version of The Elf on the Shelf® is back and ready to spread…

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024

Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience at The Friary Building

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024

This winter, Cabot Circus is hosting a brand-new immersive adventure for families, friends, and…

Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience at The Friary Building

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 24, 2024

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Dec 21, 2024 - Apr 27, 2025

Returning to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery! 100 stunning photographs showcasing Earth's…

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Dec 21, 2024 - Apr 27, 2025

New Year, New Adventures at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Brunel's SS Great Britain
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Blow off some post-Christmas steam at Brunel's SS Great Britain and embark on a voyage of…

New Year, New Adventures at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025

Bristol Light Festival

Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 9, 2025

Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks to…

Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 9, 2025

Slapstick Festival

Bristol Cathedral
Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025

Slapstick Festival, a celebration of silent and classic screen comedy, returns from 14-16…

Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025

England A vs Ireland A at Ashton Gate

Ashton Gate Stadium

Ashton Gate Stadium will host England men’s A side against Ireland A in 2025. Tickets for the…

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Let us choose

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Let us choose

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Let us choose

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Let us choose

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Let us choose

From late availability to money-off discounts, we have a special offer to suit you. Find a saving on your next Bristol break. Whether you're in need of a last-minute getaway or you're simply looking for a saving for your next trip, we have an offer for you. From last-minute trips to early bird…

A group of balloons lifting off in a mass ascent at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta - credit Paul Box

Christmas

Twixmas holiday activities in Bristol

8 min read

Don't just sit around eating turkey sandwiches – banish the lull between Christmas and…

Family

9 ways to have a cracking Wallace and Gromit themed festive break in Bristol

5 min read

It’s a Cracking Christmas, Gromit! As the latest film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most…

9 ways to have a cracking Wallace and Gromit themed festive break in Bristol

Itineraries

Itinerary: Explore Cary Grant's Bristol

5 min read

Did you know that Hollywood legend Cary Grant started his life as Archibald Leach in Bristol? Find…

Events

Review: Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome

1 min read

Ian from Visit West reviews Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome, which runs until 5…

Review: Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome

Accommodation

Independent places to stay in Bristol

8 min read

Bristol is an independent city and fiercely proud of it too, so where better to stay than in an…

Christmas

Christmas carols, concerts and services in Bristol

2 min read

If you’d like to add a touch of the spiritual to your Christmas celebrations, we’ve…

Christmas

Take some time out for play and discovery this Christmas

3 min read

The silly season has arrived but before you get swept away by the festive frenzy, why not plan in a…

Christmas

What's on at Bristol Christmas Market 2024

2 min read

Get into the holiday spirit at Bristol's much-loved Christmas Market. Open from early November…

Christmas

Where to see Santa in Bristol this Christmas

8 min read

He's making a list, he's checking it twice; he's gonna find out who's naughty or…

Christmas

24 Festive things to do in Bristol

15 min read

Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, enchanting light trails, festive events and experiences, not…

Christmas

The ultimate Bristol Christmas gift guide

20 min read

Frantic for ideas on what to get your loved ones for Christmas? Worry no more! Visit…

Christmas

Experience the reimagining of A Christmas Carol

2 min read

There won’t be a single “Bah, Humbug!” in the city when Celestial and…

Experience the reimagining of A Christmas Carol

Want to know what makes Bristol so special? It's more than just boats, bridges and…

About Bristol

Banksy's 'Well Hung Lover' on Park Street, central Bristol

The city of Bristol is made up of a series of districts and areas, each with its own…

Areas of Bristol

A balloon flying over Bristol Harbourside during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta - credit Paul Box

Make the most of your time in Bristol while keeping your trip as sustainable as…

Sustainable Bristol

A canopy of trees in the grounds of Ashton Court Estate near Bristol, credit Paul Box

Before you arrive

So you’re planning a trip to Bristol? Or maybe you
are already here?

Either way, we want to make your visit to our city as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this section you’ll find all the important information that you might need when visiting.

Perhaps you want to know more about the different areas of Bristol? Take a look at a map of Bristol? Or how to get here and get around? Browse the articles and pages here to help you plan your visit.

As a visitor to Bristol, you are in the right place to find out about the best things to see and do in the city and its surrounding area. Let us help you with anything you’re unsure about and make your break the best it can be!

If ever there was a city with a story to tell, it’s Bristol.

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

#VisitBristol

Before you arrive