Things to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

Wills Memorial Building showing a city, heritage elements and night scenes
Wills Memorial Building showing a city, heritage elements and night scenes
Bristol which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a sunset
Bristol Floating Harbour which includes art and interior views
Bristol which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge
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Top places to visit

1. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
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University of Bristol

2. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.
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Bristol Hippodrome

3. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.
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Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and interior views

4. Thornbury Castle

Set in an estate of lush parkland and glorious Tudor gardens is Thornbury Castle. Spend a day enjoying the regal elegance and sumptuousness of this one-time residence of British monarchs. Treat yourself to a night of romance in the castle’s ornate rooms. Dine on meals inspired by food grown in the castle gardens and indulge in therapeutic massage treatments.
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Thornbury Castle which includes heritage elements, interior views and a house

5. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.
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Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek

What to do in Bristol

Popular places to visit

University of Bristol

University of Bristol

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

University of Bristol
Bristol Hippodrome which includes theatre scenes, interior views and performance art

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and interior views

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre
Thornbury Castle which includes a castle and heritage architecture

Thornbury Castle

Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

Thornbury Castle
Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.

Clifton Suspension Bridge
#Bristol #England #Atyeo

Ashton Gate Stadium

Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Ashton Gate Stadium
The Lakeside walk in the Newton Park campus of Bath Spa University is my favourite place to go between lectures. The natural beauty of this campus is one of the reasons I chose to apply to this university. I still find it crazy how quickly I can feel immersed in the great outdoors, whilst still being close to the university buildings. Filled with swans, ducks, herons and a 15th century tower across the lake, there is plenty to sit back and appreciate. #Trovember Photo Contest

Bath Spa University

Walk around the campus at Bath Spa University during your visit to Newton St. Loe. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Bath Spa University
Bristol Southmead Hospital Direction Sign Brunel Quarter A, Way out, Bristol Brain Centre, Bristol Breast Care Centre, MacMillan Wellbeing Centre, Limes Quarter, Science Quarter

Southmead Hospital

If Southmead Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Bristol.

Southmead Hospital
SS Great Britain which includes signage

SS Great Britain

Climb aboard this museum ship to learn about its long and eventful life at sea.

SS Great Britain

Areas of Bristol

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre which includes street scenes and shopping as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

4/5(90 area reviews)

The beating heart of Bristol is packed with stunning architectural landmarks, shopping districts, centuries-old pubs and live music venues.

Bristol City Centre
Clifton showing street scenes as well as a couple

Clifton

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

This picturesque suburb of Bristol is home to iconic city landmarks, an excellent zoo and boutiques set inside Georgian- and Victoria-era buildings.

Clifton
St. Mary Redcliffe Church which includes a bay or harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour

4/5(657 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.

Bristol Floating Harbour
St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Banksy Graffiti Thekla and Redcliffe Caves while you're in town.

Redcliffe
Arnolfini Gallery

Harbourside

Harbourside is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wills Memorial Building and We The Curious while you're in town.

Harbourside
Castle Park showing wild flowers, a park and heritage architecture

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St Nicholas Market and Baldwin Street while you're in town.

Bristol Old City
Clevedon Pier was opened in 1869 to receive paddle steamer passengers from Devon and Wales. It is a grade 2 listed building. Sir John Betjerman said it was "the most beautiful pier in England"

Clevedon

The Grand Pier showing a sandy beach, views and signage

Weston-super-Mare

Tintern Abbey which includes a ruin, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Chepstow

View of Newport Sands Beach from the golf club. Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales. UK

Newport

Thornbury Castle

Thornbury

Lacock Abbey, Lacock, United Kingdom

Chippenham

The Church was built between 1215 and 1225. As with many Norman churches built at this time it is located on a knoll and has magnificent views over the vale of Sodbury

Chipping Sodbury

Mill Lane Bluebells, Portbury
Photo by BarnabyKirsen (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)

Portbury

Frequently asked questions

Is Bristol worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Bristol is visit Bristol Cathedral. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Bristol?
SS Great Britain and We The Curious are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Bristol while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bristol?
Don't go home without visiting Bristol Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Bristol.
Is three days enough to stay in Bristol?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Bristol Cathedral, We The Curious and Clifton Downs and Observatory with a three-day getaway in Bristol. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Bath.
Is Bristol a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Bristol is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Bristol Cathedral and We The Curious. Then take a stroll through Bristol Floating Harbour, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Redcliffe, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bristol with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Bristol with kids.

What to do in Bristol for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Bristol for adults including Baldwin Street and Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Bristol?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Bristol. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Bristol Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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