If you’re new to Bristol, or haven’t visited yet, here’s a selection of our favourite things you can do, see, eat, drink and visit when you’re here! We hope you love Bristol as much as we do.
1) On yer bike!
If you fancy a bike ride with stunning scenery, then Bristol has some fantastic cycle paths to offer. You don’t even need to be a cycling pro to give them a go!
The Bristol Docks Loop is a pretty flat three miles. It’ll take you past Bristol Cathedral, the SS Great Britain and then alongside the River Avon. If you’re looking for City Centre meets romantic riverside views, then this is the one for you.
If you’re feeling a bit more energetic, there’s an excellent cycle route between Bristol and Portishead. Follow the River Avon right under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and 11 miles later you’ll reach Portishead with unrestricted views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Finally, one of the most popular cycle routes is the Bristol to Bath Railway Path. Converted from a railroad to a cycle path in the late 1970s, this traffic-free ride through the countryside is a perfect 13 miles of local adventure.
2) Street food strolls
One thing you won’t be short of in Bristol is the food offering! There are a number of well-loved street food markets offering takeaways.
What better way to spend a Sunday than strolling around the Tobacco Factory Market? With different stalls each week you’re bound to find something you love – handmade preserves, pie and mash or even sushi made right in front of you.
Why not take a trip down the gorgeous Georgian arcade of St Nick’s Market. There’s food and drinks from all around the world to get your taste buds going. Perfect for a day out with friends.
3) Is it a bird, is it a plane…no, it’s a balloon!
Commonly known as the hot air ballooning capital of the UK, you’ll see some incredible sights of balloons in Bristol.
August each year is a ballooning spectacular with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Starting in 1979, the festival is an event not to be missed! With hundreds of hot air balloons in all shapes, sizes and colours floating across the city skyline, it’s the perfect time to grab your friends and look up at the sky.
You might even spot a University of Bristol balloon…
4) Be a culture vulture
There are so many museums and art galleries in Bristol you’ll be spoiled for choice! If modern (and secret) art spotting takes your fancy why not give Bristol’s Banksy Tour a go. The world-famous Bristolian artist has left his mark across the city and you can see them all in a day’s walk.
If you’re looking for more of Bristol’s historic past, then head to the docks to explore the SS Great Britain. Walk beneath the glass sea and smell the true past of the 1843 vessel that changed history.
You could also add your own stamp to Bristol’s history in the interactive displays at the M Shed museum. A truly Bristolian experience – discover the city’s past, present and future through artwork, photographs, quirky objects and personal stories.
5) Hidden gems
You might be able to find some great spots to grab a drink in anywhere in the UK, but there’s certain places that you can only visit in Bristol.
Have you ever been on a floating cider boat? If the answer is no (which it probably is), take a trip to The Apple. As one of Bristol’s top floating bars it offers some of the finest West Country cider you can buy.
If affordable, fancy afternoon tea (with added gin) tickles your taste buds, then just a short walk from Bristol Uni is No. 4 Clifton Village. It’s a popular spot so booking first would be a good idea!
And finally, what better way to see the remarkable Clifton Suspension Bridge and views across the River than at the top of the Observatory Tower. Found a short walk upwards in the heart of Clifton Village you’ll find a tower with 360 views, access to a cave walk and a restaurant perfect for a relaxing evening.
When you can, visit Bristol and experience it all for yourself!