Looking for things to do in Bristol?
Bristol is packed with uniqueness! A city break in Bristol offers appealing countryside, cosmopolitan culture and enough street art to fill a weekend of wandering. Bristol is a performing arts hub and a foodie haven with plenty to offer the history fans as well! Bristol is also a great place to base yourself for a night or two of excitement before heading further into the West Country or Wales.
Ready to start exploring? Discover the coolest sights to see and things to do in Bristol below!
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1. Clifton Suspension Bridge
The Millennium Bridge in London isn’t the only one likely to give you the shakes. Suspension bridges like Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge are actually designed to be flexible. Stop at the halfway point and focus on something in the distance to see how much it moves!
This historic bridge and unmissable Bristol landmark was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at just the age of 23. While construction was not completed until he was 56, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Brunel’s most iconic creations. The bridge bears the inscription SUSPENSA VIX VIA FIT, meaning ‘A suspended way made with difficulty’ – and it was certainly one of the greatest projects of this award-winning engineer’s lifetime.
2. Clifton Village
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Clifton is a lovely suburb located a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Housing Bristol’s university, the Clifton Village is full of independent shops and cafes in chocolate box-style Victorian houses.
Try Foliage Cafe in the heart of the village for locally sourced food, homemade cakes and a perfectly brewed coffee. And if the weather is good (and even if it isn’t), you can work off your lunch with a swim at the Bristol Lido. This heated outdoor pool re-opened in 2008 after a complete makeover, and offers the kind of spa facilities you’d expect in a wellness retreat.
3. Bristol Zoo Project
If you’re looking for a wild day out in Bristol, the Bristol Zoo Project should be high on your list. This wildlife park is set within 136 acres of beautiful countryside. See animal residents like bears, giraffes, lynxes and lemurs, all in spacious, naturalistic enclosures. But this is not just a zoo. It’s a conservation park with a big heart and even bigger ambitions to protect wildlife around the globe.
What makes the Bristol Zoo Project especially appealing is how interactive and educational the experience is. Kids (and grown-ups too) can follow trails through woodlands, climb through adventure play areas, and learn about endangered species in a hands-on, engaging way. The Bristol Zoo Project is evolving into a modern hub for nature lovers of all ages!
4. Bristol art tour
There’s more to Bristol than Brunel – it was also home to Banksy and the site of his earliest work. This graffiti artist, who elevated street art, has inspired a generation of artists with his ability to challenge convention and change opinions with just a spray can. Many of Banksy’s own works are in the centre of Bristol and easy to find. Keep an eye out for Grim Reaper, The Girl With The Pierced Eardrum and Well Hung Lover!
There are also several important large-scale works from the likes of Nick Walker (Butterfly, Rapunzel and Vandal) – a contemporary of Banksy’s and a hugely influential street art figure. Take a guided tour with Where The Wall Experiences to discover the stories behind the walls – and you’ll end up covering the best of Bristol’s art scene!
5. The Harbourside Street Food Market
Tucked away in one of Bristol’s most scenic spots, the Harbourside Street Food Market is a foodie must-visit. Popping up every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12pm until 2.30pm, as well as every weekend from 11.30am until 4pm, this vibrant market brings together some of the best eats the city has to offer.
Whether you’re in the mood for sweet bakes or tasty, hearty grub, there’s something here to tempt every tastebud. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local flavour (literally!). Grab a bite, chat with friendly vendors and enjoy the buzz of a city that truly loves its food.
6. Cabot Tower
For a mix of history and some of the best views in Bristol, Cabot Tower is a must-visit. Tucked away in the peaceful greenery of Brandon Hill Park, this charming landmark is a favourite with locals and visitors.
Built in 1897 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to North America, the tower has a touch of old-world elegance, with its intricate stonework and Italian Gothic style. Climb the spiral staircase to the top (it’s a bit of a workout, but worth it!) and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the city. On a clear day, you can spot the Severn Estuary and even the Welsh mountains in the distance.
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7. Watershed
Watershed is a much-loved harbourside hangout in Bristol where film, food and creativity come together in the best possible way! Whether you’re catching an indie film, joining a workshop or admiring some live music, there’s always something interesting going on.
The café bar is a cosy spot to relax, serving up locally sourced (and organic!) food alongside great coffee. There’s free WiFi too, perfect for getting a bit of work done with a view. Whether you’re a film fan, a curious creative or just after a chilled-out space to soak up Bristol’s cultural vibe, Watershed is well worth a visit.
8. M Shed
If you want to get a real feel for Bristol’s character, M Shed is the perfect place to start. Set in a former dockside transit shed on the harbourside, this free museum tells the story of Bristol. From pirates to punks, engineers to artists, the exhibits bring Bristol’s rich and sometimes rebellious history to life in a way that’s fun, thought-provoking and family-friendly.
It’s not just about looking at things behind glass, either. M Shed often has interactive displays, films and real working exhibits. The views from the terrace over the harbour are lovely too, particularly on a sunny day. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just curious about what makes Bristol tick, M Shed is a brilliant (and free!) way to spend a couple of hours.
9. Windmill Hill City Farm
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