bristol day tour

The Perfect Bristol Day Trip Itinerary: Attractions, Food and Sightseeing

From taking in the views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain, to great food and colourful street art, this is the perfect Bristol day trip itinerary!

When it comes to choosing a day trip from London, there are so many great options. Just hop on a train and within an hour or two you can be exploring the vintage stores in Brighton , wandering the historic Shambles in York , seeing Roman history in Bath or punting in Cambridge. It’s a relaxing way to travel, and if you plan a little in advance then you’ll be able to bag some cheap train tickets too.

For our latest trip we were looking for a destination that had a little bit of everything! We liked the idea of being by the water, especially as the weather forecast promised warm sunny days. We also wanted to find a place with a cool food scene and a few attractions.

So, where came out on top? Bristol! We’ve both always loved Bristol. It’s got such a creative spirit, which comes through not only in the vibrant murals you see splashed around the city, but also in its shops and restaurants. It’s one of those cities that feels full of life!

We set off on a day trip from London to Bristol and spent a couple of days cramming lots of sightseeing and food experiences. We hopped on boats, explored ancient monuments, climbed towers, ate a range of cuisines and even found a few speakeasies… all in the name of research of course!

Whether you’ve only got one day in Bristol, or you want to spread my recommendations out over a weekend, this Bristol itinerary has lots of travel tips to make the most of your visit.

How To Get To Bristol

We travelled from London to Bristol by train. The journey takes just over an hour and a half from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads Station. It’s such an easy way to travel and happens to be a good hour or so faster than driving!

As with many UK cities, once you’re in Bristol you’re unlikely to want a car, so the train is a much better option. It’s also a lot more sustainable, which is something we should all be considering right now.

To make things cheaper, Macca and I have a National Rail Two Together Railcard . This is 100% worth buying if you travel with the same person regularly. It saves up to 1/3 on train travel and only costs £30 for a whole year. There are eight other Railcards available if this doesn’t suit you, including one for friends and family and others if you’re aged 16-25 or 26-30.

As an example, for this journey, our tickets were reduced by over £50 with our Two Together Railcard. It’s quite likely you’ll make your money back on one trip (as we did on our recent weekend break in York ), meaning any future journeys will be filled with savings!

Once you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads Station, it’s a short walk to the city’s main sights and attractions.

The Perfect Bristol Day Trip

Coming up are lots of recommendations for places to visit on your Bristol day trip. If you want to take things at a leisurely pace, I’d just pick a few of your favourites, or stay an extra day so you can tick everything off the list.

Take in the views of Clifton Suspension Bridge

One of Bristol’s most iconic spots, everyone should visit this majestic bridge. It’s one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s most famous designs, and is an impressive feat of engineering.

Brunel was just 24 when he won a competition to head up the project. It took 33 years to complete and today is one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. It connects two sides of the Avon Gorge, over the River Avon.

For the best views of the bridge, I’d recommend visiting the park by Clifton Observatory. There are plenty of benches here where you can look out and admire the bridge.

For a quirkier view of the structure, how about heading down into the Giant’s Cave? This is a natural cave within the limestone of the gorge. Access is via 100+ steps, and once you emerge, you’ll see the bridge from a whole new angle!

One of the prettiest scenes you’ll see of this bridge is during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta which takes place every August. If you can time your Bristol day trip for one of the days it’s on, you’ll see beautiful hot air balloons dotted throughout the skies. It’s a very special time to be in the city!  

Explore Clifton Village

Clifton is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Bristol. With bunting criss-crossing the streets and a range of chic boutiques and brunch spots, it’s a lovely area to mooch around.

Key places to visit are The Mall, Princess Victoria Street and the stunning Royal York Crescent. If you’re a lover of all things colourful, you simply have to visit Sky Bristol on Waterloo Street. With vibrant prints, fun greetings cards and quirky gifts, this is a shop that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Pod is great for homewares and gardening items while Portobella is a fun fashion store with a focus on multicoloured prints.

Clifton Village has a great food scene too. There’s The Mall Deli for tasty meats and cheeses, plus Chandos Deli and Spicer and Cole are ideal for brunching, lunching and caffeine fixes. For a quirky meal, visit The Clifton Sausage, where you can pick from a special menu of homemade sausages. Over 100,000 sausages are consumed every year here, so you know they’ll be good! This guide will point you in the direction of Bristol’s best brunch spots .

Catch the Bristol water taxi or go on a boat trip

Bristol is a city where you’re never far from the water, so it makes sense that some of the best views are from a boat! There are two easy options if you’re visiting for planning a Bristol day trip: catch the Bristol Ferry waterbus or go on a Bristol Packet boat trip .

The waterbus is a really great way to get around the city as it connects places like Castle Park, Wapping Wharf and the SS Great Britain. A short hop will only set you back £2.

Meanwhile, the Bristol Packet boat tours are great if you’re looking for a guided tour. The City Dock Tour takes 45 minutes and has a live commentary.

Visit CARGO in Wapping Wharf

When you see the stack of shipping containers in Wapping Wharf you might wonder what you’re approaching. This is actually a super-cool part of Bristol’s harbourside complex, and inside each container you’ll find something different.

The key reason to visit is for the food! There are so many cuisines with small eateries here including:

• Loki Poké – Poké bowls
• Cargo Cantina – Mexican food
• Bakers & Co – Bread and pastries
• Dog Town – Hot dogs
• Gambas – Tapas
• Pizzarova – Sourdough pizza

If you’re looking for a budget lunch in Bristol, Cargo is a really great option with street food vibes all around. I opted for a poké bowl this time which was delicious and fresh – perfect for a sunny day!

While you’re in the area, I’d recommend squeezing in a bit of shopping too. There are some cool independent stores located in the containers. My favourite was Frankly – a shop filled with pretty jewellery, colourful accessories and ethical gifts.  

Moments away you’ll also find Bookhaus – an independent bookstore where you’ll see notes dotted around the store with recommendations from the staff. This offers a really lovely personal style of shopping experience.

Learn the history of the SS Great Britain

I’ve been to Bristol a few times before but this was my first time checking out one of the city’s main attractions, the SS Great Britain .

This impressive ship (another creation by Brunel) was a leader in her day! She was the largest passenger ship in the world in the 1840s. 750 people could travel on board, across three different classes. The ship was famed for transporting passengers from England to Australia which took a whopping 120 days! How amazing is that?

There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend half a day here. It’s ideal for kids too, as so many of the elements are interactive! You can wander along the edge of the base of the boat in the dry dock, take photos on the deck, learn lots in the museum area and take a look at Brunel’s life at a dedicated museum to the brains behind the ship! If you’re feeling brave, you could even book in for a ‘climb the rigging’ experience!

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Adelina Yard

I’ve suggested Cargo as a great budget lunch option in Bristol, but now it’s time to reach a little deeper into your pockets! If you’re looking for a restaurant in the city centre for a special meal, book a table at Adelina Yard .

This casual restaurant serves gourmet dishes with a modern European theme. The décor is minimalist, with distressed walls, dried flowers and rugged chopped branches as cutlery stands.

We went for the 4-course set lunch at £38 per person. Over a couple of hours, we tucked into dainty plates of tomato and watermelon salad with goat’s curd, a smoky eel dish with beetroot stars and burnt apple, and a tasty Iberico pork dish with a pungent black garlic ketchup.

The food was presented in a smart manner, and there was a relaxed but professional approach to the service too. All in all, a lovely place for a memorable meal in Bristol.

Stop for ice cream at Swoon Gelato or a doughnut at Pinkmans Bakery

Whenever I’ve asked for recommendations of places to visit in Bristol, these two spots have cropped up over and over! If you have a sweet tooth, definitely add these to your Bristol day trip itinerary!

Swoon Gelato specialises in artisan gelato. They offer 11 standard flavours including salted caramel, mango, pistachio and chocolate, plus a few specials. As it was so warm, I ordered a scoop of the raspberry sorbetti which was refreshing, tart and utterly delicious – as if someone had smashed a load of fresh raspberries up and frozen them!

Meanwhile, a short stroll up Park Street is Pinkmans Bakery, which specialises in sourdough doughnuts. They’re light and fluffy, and very well-filled. Again, you’ll find some standard flavours along with specials such as lemon meringue and pineapple and coconut.

Check out Bristol’s street art scene

Bristol is a really creative city and one of the biggest expressions of that is through the street art. It’s a city to walk around with your eyes wide open. Scan the sides of buildings and look for colourful motifs – they’re everywhere!

The most famous of all the graffiti artists is of course Banksy. You might spot a few works as you wander around on foot, but to gain a bit more insight I’d recommend booking a Where The Wall self-guided street art tour. The tour and map load on your phone and take you on a 3-mile walking tour to see Banksy’s most famous works, alongside some other notable artworks. At each one there’s a short video presentation with information about the piece.

If street art is a big reason for your day trip to Bristol, you simply have to visit Stokes Croft. This neighbourhood is grittier and edgier than many parts of the city, but it’s also covered heat-to-toe in murals. I loved walking the streets around here, taking photos as I went. If you’re a fan of vintage shopping, you’ll love this neighbourhood too!

Alternatively, pop by the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery where there’s always lots of interesting artworks to admire. When I visited there were two works by Banksy inside. This museum is free to enter too! 

Take in the views of Bristol from the top of Cabot Tower

If you’re looking for one of the best viewpoints over Bristol, you’re going to need to use your legs a little! Cabot Tower is a short walk from Park Street. The building itself is 32 metres tall, but as it’s perched on top of Brandon Hill it offers really incredible panoramas of Bristol.

From the top you’ll see all the famous sights including Clifton Suspension Bridge, the colourful houses in Clifton Village, the River Avon, Bristol Harbour and the SS Great Britain. This is another attraction that won’t cost you a penny. It’s definitely one of the best free things to do in Bristol too.

Brandon Hill Park is a really serene and peaceful park, so I’d recommend having a little meander through the gardens before you leave.

Go for cocktails at a speakeasy bar

Are you a cocktail connoisseur? You’ll be happy to hear Bristol has an exciting bar scene! As a Londoner I’ve been to several ‘speakeasy’ style bars, but I didn’t know that this scene was thriving in Bristol too.

The Milk Thistle is one of the coolest and comes with quite the accolade – being named one of the UK’s Top 50 Bars! It’s the kind of place you could walk by without realising that inside is a very cool cocktail bar split across four storeys, with its own hidden vault!

The main bar on the ground floor is filled with unique and unusual items, rather like an old-fashioned house of curiosities. The expert mixologists are happy to work off the fun cocktail menu of intriguing drinks, or they can shake up your favourite classic.

The Scarlet Lantern is another secret bar in Bristol. Located just around the corner from Banksy’s famous ‘Well Hung Lover’, this bar is only identifiable from the red lantern that hangs above the door. Follow the steps down to an underground lair with 4-poster beds, a well-stocked bar and no doubt plenty of debauchery!

Feast on Sri Lankan cuisine The Coconut Tree

We went on our honeymoon to Sri Lanka so I was already a huge fan of Sri Lankan food. I adore the delicate balance of spices, chilli and coconut you find in this part of the world. Crispy hoppers, spicy coconut sambal, fragrant curries, moreish kotthu and rotis – I mean, what’s not to love?!

When I heard there was a top-rated Sri Lankan restaurant called The Coconut Tree in Bristol, I couldn’t wait to try it. With pumping tunes and cocktails served in novelty elephants, I wasn’t sure it was going to be the most authentic meal… but I was wrong!

Over two hours we feasted on crispy hoppers topped with hot sambals, an indulgent salmon curry that was rich with coconut milk, a pork curry that had a smoky sauce, and delightfully moreish spiced potatoes.

I liked that all the dishes were designed for sharing (with dishes priced between £4 and £9), so we could try lots of different things. There are a few branches of this restaurant across the south west of England, including in Bath and Cheltenham. I’d definitely recommend trying one if you’d like to find out why everyone raves about Sri Lankan food!  

Where To Stay In Bristol

If a day trip to Bristol feels a little rushed, you could book a hotel in the centre. I’d recommend staying at The Clayton Hotel which is in an ideal location, walking distance from many of the key sights and moments from St Nicholas Market (where you’ll also find plenty of great street food!)

We stayed in a comfortable superior room on the 8 th floor, which was large with several windows. The lobby area was smart with cool lighting and a vibrant mural by the main entrance. There’s a large selection of items available at the breakfast buffet here too, from fried savoury items to gooey chocolate croissants. It was perfect for a short break in the city centre.

I hope you’ve found my Bristol day trip itinerary helpful. Have a great time in the city – it’s easily one of my favourites in Britain!

A big thanks to National Rail for inviting me to share my thoughts on visiting the city. Don’t forget to buy a Railcard before you travel. It could save you up to 1/3 on train travel.

If you’re looking for more great ideas for days out, check out my guide to the best UK weekend breaks .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

1 thought on “The Perfect Bristol Day Trip Itinerary: Attractions, Food and Sightseeing”

Thank you this was super helpful ! I love my two together railcard as well, just trying to decide between Bath or Bristol for the day…

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One Day in Bristol Itinerary: A Day Trip from London

Last Updated on January 25, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a one day in Bristol itinerary is a great way to explore one of England’s most dynamic and interesting cities in a short period of time.

So many visitors to the UK capital concentrate only on the city itself or on the more conventional day trips to places like Cambridge , Oxford , Seven Sisters , York , Stonehenge and more. However, cool and edgy Bristol has a lot to offer travellers and it’s well worth visiting.

You can even organise a Bristol day trip from London to get a great feel for the city and to get to know one of England’s most underrated tourist destinations. From a fantastic street art scene to a fascinating maritime history, Bristol has so much to explore and lots to see and do!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Bristol from London

Before I jump into the ideal 1-day Bristol itinerary, we need to discuss how to get to Bristol from London. Being a major metropolitan area in England, Bristol is very well connected to the capital and there are numerous options to get to this Western English city.

The easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to get from London to Bristol is by train. There are numerous trains to Bristol per day and it is one of the easiest ways to get to the city.

Trains to Bristol leave from Paddington Station in Northwest London and, as I mentioned earlier, there are numerous departures per day.

The train to Bristol takes about 2-3 hours depending on the type of train you take. Keep in mind that the central station in Bristol is called Bristol Temple Meads and not Bristol Parkway — the names can be confusing for visitors!

Another thing to consider is that it is almost always far more affordable to take the train if you book your tickets as far in advance as possible. Fares tend to get more expensive the closer to your date of travel.

A far more affordable but less comfortable way to get to Bristol from London is by bus. Like the train, there are lots of buses that leave daily from the capital to Bristol and it is quite a convenient way to get to the city.

Coaches leave from Victoria Sation frequently and can be far more affordable than the train, especially if you book in advance.

Like the train, the coach is much more affordable if booked in advance of travel, but even if you don’t, you’re still going to find that it’s generally cheaper than the train. Click here to view the latest timetables.

Finally, if you would rather drive than take a coach or train, it is fairly straightforward to reach Bristol from London by car. The drive from London to Bristol takes about two and a half hours along the M4 motorway if you don’t make any stops, however, if you do have your own vehicle, it can be a great opportunity to do some sightseeing along the way.

If you go to Bristol from London by car, it’s only a slight detour from the road to visit some of West England’s most famous attractions, including Stonehenge, Salisbury and the beautiful, historic spa town of Bath (though the latter really deserves more time than just a couple of hours to be dedicated to exploring it).

If you need to hire a car for your Bristol day trip or just for your trip to England in general, we recommend browsing Rentalcars.com to find great prices on a rental car across many major companies. If you want to know more about this platform, make sure to check out our RentalCars.com review .

One Day in Bristol Itinerary

If you want to learn more about the history of the city, then consider taking a walking tour with a guide to explore some of these attractions.

Bristol Cathedral

Begin your time in Bristol at one of the city centre’s top attractions, the Bristol Cathedral. This beautiful Gothic Cathedral is one of the most stunning in the entirety of England and is filled with interesting history. Originally constructed in the 13th century, it has been reconstructed and added to many times in its lifetime, the last being in 1877.

Not only does the cathedral boast beautiful Norman, Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, but the interior is also donned with gorgeous vaulted ceilings and lovely stained glass windows.

There is no admission fee to the Bristol Cathedral, making it also a great tourist site to see if you’re trying to visit Bristol on a tight budget. There is no denying, even if you’re visiting Bristol for more than just a day, you cannot miss this beautiful building.

Cabot Tower

About a 10-minute walk from the Bristol Cathedral and located in the middle of the lovely Brandon Hill park lies Cabot Tower, a major Bristol landmark and an unmissable sight in the city.

The tower, built in the late 19th century, was erected to commemorate the 400th anniversary first sailing of John Cabot from Bristol to what was later to be known as Canada. Due to its location at the top of Brandon Hill, the Cabot Tower can provide fantastic views of the city.

Entry into the tower is free and it is open daily. It is very much worth taking the time to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the incredible views over Bristol.

Next to Cabot Tower, you’ll also find the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery which is free to enter and a great way to learn more about the history of the city.

SS Great Britain

One of the top attractions in the city, no visit would be complete without exploring the incredible SS Great Britain in Bristol Harbour.

This historic passenger steamship designed by the famed Isambard Kingdom Brunel (who also built the Great Western Railway — which is the railway you would have taken to Bristol if you travelled by train), and had her maiden voyage in 1845.

At the time of launch, the SS Great Britain was the largest passenger ship in the world, was the first iron steamship to cross the Atlantic, and spent the majority of her career sailing from England to Melbourne, Australia during the Australian Gold Rush of the mid 19th century.

At the end of the 19th Century, the ship was abandoned in the Falkland Islands before she was recovered and brought back to Britain in 1970.

After much restoration, the ship now resides in Bristol Dry Dock, where she was originally built, and operates as a museum where you can learn all about the SS Great Britain herself, along with Bristol’s vast maritime history.

Ticket prices for the SS Great Britain are £22 for adult passengers, with discounts available for students, children and seniors.

Discover Bristol’s Street Art

If you’re visiting Bristol because of its hip arts and culture scene rather than for its historic sites (or you’re just interested in both), you would be remiss if you didn’t spend a good portion of your Bristol day trip checking out the city’s incredible street art scene.

As the hometown of the legendary and elusive artist, Banksy, few cities in the world boast a better street art scene than Bristol.

You can’t walk anywhere in the city without being confronted with countless beautiful murals and smaller pieces of artwork, but if you want to learn more about street art in Bristol, including its history and the culture, then it is worth going on a street art tour . These are run by local artists who take you to some of the most interesting pieces of art and explain the historical context.

If you would rather take your time and explore the street art scene on your own, this map is a great way to check out some of the top murals and pieces of art in the city.

St Nicholas Market

You’ve likely worked up quite the appetite with all that sightseeing and now would be a great time to find a bite to eat for lunch. One of the best places to do this in Bristol would be at St Nicholas Market.

Located about a 20-minute walk from, this market has countless food stalls and fantastic cuisine from all over the world, making it the perfect place for an affordable bite to eat.

It’s also a great place to really appreciate how wonderfully multicultural the city of Bristol is.

Wapping Wharf

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the SS Great Britain Museum to find a place to eat and you want to experience some the trendy nature that Bristol oozes, then make sure to head to Wapping Wharf.

This area, located about ten minutes from the ship museum, is a relatively new area of renovated shipping containers that is home to countless hip and trendy restaurants and cool shops and artists’ spaces.

There are lots of restaurant opportunities here and you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. It is worth mentioning that Wapping Wharf is a better choice for lunch if you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant and St Nicholas Market is a better choice if you’re looking for cheap, street food eats. You really can’t go wrong with either one and if you choose to spend 2 days in Bristol, you can visit both!

After you’ve filled yourself up at lunch, it’s time to head to another museum and learn more about Bristol as a city. And there is no better place to do this than at the M Shed, one of the best museums in the city. Located adjacent to Wapping Wharf, this museum is situated in a refurbished dockside shed.

M Shed is probably the best museum to visit if you want to have a holistic view of life in Bristol, both historically and in the present day.

Across several floors, there are numerous exhibits that compile countless artefacts and personal items from Bristolians throughout time and it gives visitors incredible insight into the history of this city and also what makes it so special.

M Shed is also a free museum, meaning that there is no entry fee. You should plan to spend at least a couple of hours here as there really is a lot to see and learn.

Enjoy Bristol’s Craft Beer Scene

After enjoying all there is at the M Shed, it’s likely that you could use a pint to take the edge off such a busy day. Luckily for you, Bristol has a hopping (mind the pun) craft beer scene that is sure to impress.

There are countless brewpubs and craft breweries scattered throughout the city and close to the M Shed with fantastic and delicious experimental beers and a lot of seasonal favourites.

Wander Around Stokes Croft

If you’re interested in experiencing a cool, hip neighbourhood that is away from the typical tourist trail in Bristol, then consider heading up north to the edgy Stokes Croft neighbourhood of the city.

This area is known to be a haven for local artists and creative types, has a lot of cool street art to explore and a number of hip cafes and bars to enjoy a beverage at.

Stokes Croft is perhaps most famous for being home to one of Banky’s first and most famous murals, the “Mild Mild West,” which features a bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at riot police and is indicative of the political art that the artist later became so famous for.

Stokes Croft has a lot more to offer than just that one mural, however, and it’s worth wandering up in this area if you like exploring some “alternative” neighbourhoods when you travel.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

If you’re only spending 1 day in Bristol, then you may have to choose between visiting the Stokes Croft neighbourhood or heading to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge as they are both located quite far from each other. However, both are also worth visiting so it just depends on your preferences.

One of the best ways to end your one day in Bristol is by watching the sunset behind the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is arguably the landmark that jumps to most people’s minds when they imagine this western city.

This massive bridge that spans the Avon Gorge over the river Avon was opened in 1864 and is based off a design from Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Considered to be the symbol of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is the perfect place to end your active and exciting day.

Where to Stay in Bristol

The Bristol Hotel — If you’re searching for a luxury stay in Bristol, you can’t go wrong with this centrally-located hotel. Situated within easy walking distance of almost all of the city’s top attractions. They have countless plush rooms available and a great restaurant and bar on site.

Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village — If you’re looking for a tranquil, sedate stay in Bristol, then consider this boutique hotel. Located in the lovely Clifton neighbourhood of the city, it is within easy reach of all of Bristol’s attractions, they have comfortable rooms available and a great breakfast included in the room rate.

YHA Bristol — If you’re travelling solo or on a budget (or just want the social atmosphere that hostels provide!) then this is a great choice for you! Centrally located, they have a range of both dorm and private rooms available, great common areas, and lots of opportunities for meeting other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bristol hotels!

Planning the perfect day trip is not hard to do, in fact, the hardest part is trying to pack all the best things to do in Bristol into just one day! Bristol has so much to offer travellers that it’s always worth visiting, no matter how long you have to spend.

Are you thinking of visiting Bristol from London? Have you visited the city before? Let us know in the comments!

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The Ultimate 10-Day England Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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THE 10 BEST Bristol Tours & Excursions

• Bristol Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour

2. Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol

3. Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Full-day Tour from Bristol

4. Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour

5. Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

6. 4 Day Tour in Cornwall, Devon and Stonehenge from Bristol

7. The House Magicians' Comedy Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol (Sat 7pm)

8. Fully guided Bristol Ghost Tours

9. Oxford and Cotswold Small-Group Tour from Bristol

10. Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Bristol with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

11. Food & drink Tour: Bristol Hotspots & Hidden Treasures

12. Guided Walking Tour Suspension Bridge Clifton Splendour & City.

13. Brunel’s Bristol: A Self-Guided Tour from SS Great Britain to Clifton Bridge

14. Banksy Street Art Graffiti Outdoor Escape Game in Bristol

15. West Country Games - the most popular group activity in the South West!

16. Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

17. Craft Cider Tasting at Urban Cider Tap Room in Bristol

18. The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Friday 8pm

19. Bristol Waterfront Outdoor Escape Game

20. Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)

21. 3-Day Mountains & Coasts of South Wales from Bristol

22. (9pm) The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show - Smoke & Mirrors

23. Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour

24. (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco

25. Sip and Paint Parties

26. Life Drawing Classes

27. Bristol Cheese Crawl with Cider!

28. Bristol Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt

29. Brunel Guided Tour in Bristol

30. Afternoon Bath City Tour - Private tour from Bristol with a local guide

What travelers are saying.

• Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol
• Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Full-day Tour from Bristol
• St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour
• Banksy Street Art Graffiti Outdoor Escape Game in Bristol
• Fully guided Bristol Ghost Tours
• Avon Valley Railway (AVR)
• Clifton Rocks Railway
• Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour
• Let Me Show You Bristol
• Bristol Street Art Tours
• Bristol A Pie
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One Day in Bristol Itinerary – Top things to do in Bristol, United Kingdom

Bristol sits astride the River Avon, which cuts through the imposing Avon Gorge and is the biggest city in the South West of England. It is, however, a lot less hectic than London and, being only an hour and a half’s train ride away, is a popular tourist destination. Historically famous for its ships, pirates and ill-gotten gains from the slave trade, today it is known for its street art, music, animation (home of Wallace and Gromit) and it’s green credentials. Greta Thunberg recently adopted a local two-storey mural portrait as her social media profile picture. But that’s not all, so read what else there is to do during your one day in Bristol.

GUEST POST BY HELEN BLOG: Holidays from Hels

What’s the best time to visit Bristol?

Harbour festival.

The best time to visit Bristol is summer . During the annual Harbour Festival in July the city’s docks fill up with ships from around the world, accompanied by live music, food tents and a general party atmosphere for the whole weekend.

Balloon Fiesta

Another incredibly popular annual event is the not to be missed is the balloon fiesta in August , when hundreds of hot air balloons gather in Ashton Court and launch en mass in an blaze of colour at dawn and dusk. Don’t be surprised to find a 30 foot magnum of champagne or Leonado Da Vinci’s head floating by. The grounds of the Estate are transformed by the arrival of a funfair, open air bars and market stalls.

Upfest – Southville

For those who like street art, welcome to the home of Banksy and the July Upfest Festival in Southville. Artists descend on this Bristol suburb from across the world to turn walls, shop fronts and houses into urban art.

A few facts about Bristol

The name Bristol derives from “Brigstow” meaning “place by the bridge”. A thousand years on, and Bristol still plays second fiddle to its upgraded replacement, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of Bristol’s most famous residents.

In his quest to link London and New York, he also built Paddington Station in London, the entire railroad to Bristol and the city’s grand Temple Meads Station. He finished the job spectacularly with the magnificent SS Great Britain, for the final leg across the Atlantic. This remains one of the City’s foremost tourist attractions. Busy man.

Bristol’s proximity to the sea has had an enormous impact on its history and notoriety. The infamous Bristolian pirate Blackbeard would place lit fuses in his beard so that it would literally smoke and thus strike terror into the hearts of his foes.

The grand buildings in Clifton and Queens Square were built on proceeds from the Slave Trade, a part of local history that remains controversial today and is explored in the city’s museums.

The phrase “Ship shape and Bristol fashion” comes from the strength of the hulls required to withstand life in the Bristol channel.

A non-nautical fact, is that Bristol is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the world, which comes with dazzling landscaped gardens, perfect for summertime wandering and picnics.

One Day in Bristol Itinerary

Visit ss great britain.

Start your day at the impressive SS Great Britain , which has been restored both inside and out to its former glory. Step into the shoes of an authentic first class passenger in the dining salon below deck before taking a promenade outside under the towering masts. The braver of you may choose to have a go at climbing the scarily high rigging.

On holiday weekends, a steam train runs from in front of the SS Great Britain to your next destination, the M Shed. It is great to sit downwind of the plumes of steam billowing overhead. If it is not running, never fear as you only have a 10 minute walk to your next stop.

Explore the M Shed

Walking along the docks, stop for a cuppa or some chips in the Brunel Buttery, an al fresco café popular with the locals, before popping into one of the former shipping warehouses, and current Bristol Museum , the M Shed. Learn all about Bristol’s past, including its wartime experience, when heavy bombing destroyed much of the city. You can also board a vintage double decker bus, which is fun.

Sit down in the Cargo Area

For lunch you are spoiled for choice in the Cargo Area, next to the M Shed, which has recently been regenerated and plays host to a number of the city’s top eateries , housed in old shipping containers. Urban chic, Wild Beer and tapas abound.

Relax at Arnolfini

After lunch, continuing round the docks and over the old Princes’ Bridge you might want to check out the Arnolfini, a contemporary art centre with a lovely dockside café. This is often the site of food stalls and live music on weekends, when crowds dangle their feet over the edge of the docks whilst drinking a summer beer.

Head through the lovely Queens Square , where homes of former merchants are set around a grassed area with cobbled streets and set about with olde world-y lamp posts. You may want to check out King Street which, not surprisingly, sits right next to Queens Square and is home to some of the oldest and most characterful pubs in town.

Explore St Nicholas market

You are now in the centre of town, and it is worth taking a look in the historic St Nicholas market , established in 1743. It is a maze of independent stalls, spread through the old Exchange Building , with its ornate ceiling (don’t forget to look up) and into the Glass Arcade behind. You can buy a whole range of goodies – anything from ethnic clothes to carved wooden bowls, leather bags, enormous ammonites, old records or second-hand books.

In front of the huge wooden doors of St Nick’s Market on Corn Street, stand the iron nails on which traders struck their deals, giving rise to the phrase “on the nail”.

Walk along Park Street

Moving up Park Street , you will pass a Banksy on your right before having a chance to check out a few shops on your way up the hill. Take a detour behind the shops to your left to climb up to Cabot Tower where you will be treated to a 360 degree view of the city.

Built in 1897, the tower stands more than 100 feet tall, and commemorates John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to North America four hundred years ago.

At the top of Park Street you will find another Bristol landmark, the Wills Memorial . The building, commissioned by the tobacco manufacturer Henry Wills in 1925 (although it looks much older). Next door is the Natural History Museum with collections of gemstones, dinosaur skeletons, Victorian stuffed animals, Egyptian mummies and an amazing gypsy caravan.

Head out to Clifton Village

From the Museum it is a short walk to Clifton Village , the prettiest and most affluent area of Bristol.

Don’t miss the beautiful Victorian Clifton Arcade , which houses a handful of unique shops selling vintage clothes, antique glass and jewelry.

Wandering around the village itself, you might want to take afternoon tea at the very glamorous Ivy, with its black and white tiled floors and flower festooned doorway.

Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge

On the far side of the village is the Suspension Bridge with incredible views over the rugged Avon Gorge. From the adjacent hilltop in the park, you can enter an observatory and descend into the rock, emerging out of the sheer cliff face on to a small platform balanced over the gorge. You may come face to face with one of its many climbers.

Soak in Avon Gorge views

After all this walking, the best place for rest is the terrace of the White Lion pub , which has unrivaled views over the Gorge and bridge.

When it is time for dinner, stroll down to the Lido, where you can dine overlooking an open air pool, with retro poolside changing rooms.

Where to stay in Bristol?

YHA Bristol

14 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA

For groups or budget individual travel, the funky YHA Bristol  is right on the docks in a former warehouse.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4LD

For more luxury accommodation, try the fabulous Clifton Hotel Du Vin , overlooking the Avon Gorge and the Suspension Bridge. Hotels in the chain are always chic and  provide tasteful, quality décor and great restaurants.

Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre

Bond Street, Bristol, BS1 3LQ

Something in between would be Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre . It’s close to SS Great Britain, and the rooms are modern, comfortable and well equipped, which provides a great stay.

Day trips from Bristol

If you are looking for day trips from Bristol, then the beautiful Roman town of Bath, with its Royal Crescent, Roman Baths and magnificent Georgian terraces, is only a 12 minute train ride away.

Or why not try Tyntesfield, a manor house and grounds run by the National Trust, 15 minutes by car from Bristol.

For a traditional seaside town, Weston Super Mare with its pier and donkey rides on the beach is another popular day trip from Bristol and only 30 minutes by train.

Beeseys tea rooms is a popular place for a boating day trip from the centre, with lunch at the famous riverside cafe.

Extra tips for visiting Bristol

A lovely way to get around is on one of the harbor ferries. You can catch these from just outside Temple Meads station, and they take you all the way to the town centre, or beyond. You can hop on and off at various points around the harbour.

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Bristol Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Helen spent 2 and a half years pottering around the world. She is now all grown up and works in a school, which allows her plenty of time, if not money, to keep exploring with her children and sharing the mishaps, surprises, stories and lessons learned in her new family adventures travel blog.

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One Day in Bristol: How to Plan a Great Bristol Itinerary

How to spend one day in Bristol? Whether you’re having a day trip to Bristol from London or plan to visit the city together with Bath and the Cotswolds, find out the best things to do in Bristol in a day.

I only spent 24 hours in Bristol, and I wish I had more time to further explore this vibrant city. Actually, Bristol was an unexpected surprise, and there’s so much to see and do that one day is way too short. Like neighboring Bath , it’s worth spending two days in Bristol, although many people only come on a day trip from London.

Anyway, even if you have limited time, don’t give up, as you can still enjoy some of the Bristol landmarks.  Here are my suggestions to help you build your Bristol itinerary.

Read also:  HOW TO PLAN AN UNFORGETTABLE ROMANTIC WEEKEND IN BATH

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1. Discover the best of Bristol Street Art

Should you have time for only one thing, let it be Street Art. Some consider Bristol the European Street Art Capital , and while I maybe wouldn’t go that far (there are other cities like Berlin , London, or Brighton , just to name a few, boasting amazing wall paintings), street art certainly is one of the main highlights – if not THE one – of the city. Indeed, chasing the best street pieces is one of the cool things to do in Bristol.

Read also:  Bristol Street Art: Uncovering the City’s Vibrant Urban Art Scene  

Banksy may well be the most famous street artist in Bristol and likely the most celebrated worldwide (you might have read about his most recent stunt, with the  self-destruction of his canvas of Girl With Balloon right after a £1m sale auction), but there’s a vast number of beautiful wall paintings across the city. 

You’ll easily spot some of the large-scale paintings in Central Bristol, but if you want to learn a little more about the artists and their techniques, I strongly recommend you take a Street Art Tour. It’s a fantastic experience, and you won’t regret it.

2. Stroll in the heart of Bristol Old Town

Walk along Corn Street and Small Street , and have a look at the elegant buildings. They made me think of my city, Milan , and the beautiful constructions around the Duomo, most of which were built and owned by banks and insurance companies. 

If you happen to be in Bristol on a Saturday, have a look at St Nicholas Market and the stalls selling quirky local handicrafts and food under the pretty glass arcade. 

Before heading to the docks, have a stroll in Castle Park, where you can see the ruins of St. Peter’s Church (Bristol experienced massive bombings during WWII), and don’t miss the magnificent Queens Square. Looking at the beautiful Georgian homes lining the square, it’s hard to think that this area was once a marshland where locals dumped rubbish. The square, named after Queen Anne, started to shape in 1699, with the construction of the first house. However, many of the buildings were set on fire and destroyed during the 1831 riots and subsequently rebuilt.

3. Bristol Docks and the M Shed

From the 12th century, Bristol became one of the most important ports in England, allowing the city to develop as an important center of trade. 

Its privileged geographical position made Bristol the starting place for important explorations to the New World . Everyone knows about Columbus, but only a few might remember another important Italian explorer. I’m talking about John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), who left out of Bristol in 1497 and landed in North America on the mainland. 

By the 16th century, Bristol had become the second-largest port in England. Sadly, the trade was not limited to plantations and manufacturing goods. Bristol was an important center for the slave trade, and between the 17th and 18th centuries, slave ships carried about half a million people from Africa to the Americas. 

The Docks Area (also called Floating Harbor) underwent a significant redevelopment at the end of the 20th century. It’s the place to go for cool cafes and restaurants, see the iconic old cranes and enjoy a walk on the riverside. 

Pop in at the M-Shed , the free museum where you’ll discover a lot about Bristol’s history. Don’t miss visiting the terrace, where you have beautiful views of the docks. 

Tip: If you only have one day in Bristol, a good option to maximize your time is to take a guided tour to discover the most important Bristol landmarks , including the old town and the Docks area.

4. SS Great Britain Steamship: An engineering masterpiece and unusual Museum

Back in 1843, the SS Great Britain was one of the largest ships ever built . What made it unique, though, is the exceptional work of engineering by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed the most technologically advanced ship of his time. 

Measuring 98m from stern to tip, the SS Great Britain operated as a passenger line. The ship was able to cross the Atlantic from Bristol to New York in only 14 days. However, the glorious history of the ship came to a halt due to enormous running costs. The SS Great Britain was sold and used to transport emigrants and coal, and even as a quarantine ship until she got sunk in the Falklands in the 1930s. 

Brought back to Bristol in 1970, a 30-year careful restoration brought the SS Great Britain back to her glory. The iconic ship is now an exciting attraction for adults and children. And during the visit, you’ll go through the story of an exceptionally innovative boat and get a taste of life on board.

5. Clifton Bridge and Clifton Village: beautiful Bristol Georgian architecture

Approaching Clifton, only minutes away from Bristol’s docks, the sudden change of scenery came to me as a surprise: wide patches of greenery, steep hills, and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge towering above the deep Avon gorge. The bridge, whose construction started in 1836, is an architectural masterpiece designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer of the SS Great Britain. 

A little further, you reach Clifton Village and its beautiful Georgian architecture. Bristol’s poshest neighborhood also speaks of the city’s history: an important harbor and center of trade. Wealthy merchants built grand Georgian mansions during the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming the hilltop suburb into an exclusive area of Bristol. Clifton Village’s name perfectly reflects the atmosphere. You’ll be indeed surprised by the fancy shops, trendy cafes, and restaurants. And you’ll get the impression of a town far from the hustle-bustle of the city. To learn more about this lovely neighborhood, you could join a guided walking tour of Clifton , the famous suspension bridge, and the old town.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time for a proper visit to Clifton Village. This is one of the reasons I’d like to return to Bristol and spend at least a couple of days in this fascinating city. 

6. Discover the secrets of Cider

Like wine and beer, cider’s roots date back millennia . This alcoholic beverage stands in Great Britain like wine in France and Italy. 

Did you know? With more than 500 producers, the United Kingdom is the largest Cider market in Europe and the world.

While strolling in the Docks area, you’ll easily find the Bristol Cider Shop , selling a wide selection of ciders from 100% fresh-pressed juice lovingly made by local producers within 50 miles of the shop. 

On Friday nights, you can experience Cider tasting.   You’ll discover the secrets of this unique beverage while savoring different tastes. Book in advance since cider-tasting nights are very popular.  

And if you’re spending a weekend in Bristol…

Are you envisaging a weekend break in Bristol? Having more than one day in Bristol gives you a chance to experience fun activities.

Unusual things to do in Bristol

• If you’re planning a family trip and are looking for things to do in Bristol with kids, have a look at the Family Comedy & Magic Show . Kids will love the magician’s performance.
• Visit filming locations of the acclaimed TV show Only Fools and Horses on this half-day Bristol tour.
• How about unusual things to do in Bristol at night? If you’re spending a weekend in Bristol, check out The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show for a great night out. There’s nothing like a good laugh to end a great day!
• One of the fun things to do in Bristol is a pirate-themed treasure hunt , where you’ll also discover some of the city’s hidden gems.

One day in Bristol: Planning your visit

How to get to Bristol

Bristol airport has direct flights from/to several cities in the UK and Europe.

Bristol is 171 km (106 miles) west of London, 124 km (77 miles) south-southwest of Birmingham, and 42 km (26 miles) east of the Welsh Capital, Cardiff. There are good bus and train connections from these cities. That’s why a day trip to Bristol from these cities is easy to arrange on your own.

Where to stay in Bristol

I stayed at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel , which is set in a historical building. Although I am not usually a big fan of large hotel chains, the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel is ideally located to walk into Central Bristol.

When I go back to Bristol – because I will – I’d likely choose to stay at one of these cozier hotels:

Hotel du Vin Bristol is a boutique hotel not far from Clifton Village, featuring a pretty courtyard and a stylish bistro-style restaurant serving French cuisine.

If you prefer to stay in an apartment, you’ll love the stylish Beech House . It’s very well located to visit Clifton Village and Bristol Center, and only a 20-min drive from the airport.

Berkeley Square House is a lovely guest house near the main Bristol attractions. The rooms are contemporary and cozy, with a touch of originality.

N. 38 Clifton is a beautiful boutique hotel within walking distance of the most interesting Bristol sites. Set in an elegant Georgian house, the Hotel has modern and stylish rooms with all comforts.

3 Berkeley Square is a charming Bed & Breakfast close to Bristol Cathedral and well-located to explore the city. The rooms are all different and tastefully decorated.

Where to eat in Bristol

One day in Bristol is too short to discover the city’s food scene. Still, I  enjoyed having lunch at The Canteen in the colorful and hipster neighborhood of Stokes Croft . Two amazing pieces of street art surround this favorite cafè: Banksy’s “Mild, Mild West” on the right and “Jesus Breakdance” by Cosmo Sarson on the opposite wall.

If you love Street Art, like me, have a look at these other articles .

I was invited by Visit Britain , Visit Bath , and Visit Bristol to discover the beauty of Bath and Bristol. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Note: This post contains affiliate links to carefully selected products and services. Therefore, if you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Content Creation. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

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Things to do in Bristol: A Bristol Itinerary and Planning Guide

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 10 Comments

I almost went to university in Bristol, which would have been a great choice, as it’s a fantastically beautiful city. As life turned out though, I ended up at Nottingham, home to the oldest pubs in Britain. Which wasn’t a deciding factor, honestly.

Still, Jess and I have explored Bristol thoroughly as part of our mission to explore as many corners of the UK as possible. We visited when we were living in Edinburgh, and then we moved to Bath which is just a short drive away.

As a result of our time spent in Bristol over the years, we’ve put together our suggestions of some of our favourite things to do in Bristol.

This covers some of our favourite sights in Bristol as well as places to eat and a few photography locations you’ll want to visit.

We’ve laid this guide to things to do in Bristol out in the form of an itinerary for 2 days in Bristol to help you plan, but this list can be used for any length trip to Bristol of course.

Following this, you’ll find some advice on when to visit Bristol and other planning advice for putting together the perfect trip. Let’s get started!

Things to Do in Bristol

Things to do in Bristol: Day 1

1. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

We’re starting off our two days in Bristol with a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery , which covers a wide range of subjects, from natural history through to Egyptology.

There are also exhibitions with a more regional focus, including work by local artists, information on the history of interesting fossil finds in the Bristol area, and a gallery which showcases how Bristol has changed over the centuries. For a more Bristol focused museum though, you’ll want to head to M-Shed, which is on the itinerary for the second day.

We particularly enjoyed seeing the Banksy statue “Paint pot Angel” and the dinosaur fossils, although there is a lot to see here with something for everyone. A good way to start off your Bristol adventure! Entry to the museum is free with a suggested donation. Special exhibits are separately priced.

2. Climb Cabot Tower

One thing I always like to do when visiting an unfamiliar city is to get to a place where I can get a good view of it, to help me get my bearings. In Bristol, the place to do that is at Cabot Tower.

This is a 19th century tower which commemorates the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to what later became Canada, in the year 1497. It’s found near the top of Brandon Hill, just a short walk from the Bristol Museum, and the 32 metre tower offers an excellent view of much of Bristol and surrounds, including the river area.

Climbing the tower is free, and you can see opening times here.

3. Georgian House Museum

We’re going to head towards the old city centre of Bristol now, but on the way you have the opportunity to stop in at the Georgian House Museum , which is on the way down the hill from Cabot Tower on Great George Street.

This house was built in 1790 for a man named John Pinney, who owned a number of sugar plantations in the Caribbean, as well as the slave labour that allowed these plantations to be so profitable. When Jess and I visited the deep south of the USA, we visited a number of plantations along the river road , where we learned a lot about the lives of plantation owners and slaves.

The Georgian House offers a small insight into slavery in England. Bristol profited heavily from the slave trade and slave-run plantations. Slave ships were operated out of Bristol, running the infamous “slave triangle”, taking goods to Africa from the UK, slaves from Africa to the USA, and then the plantation products from the USA back to the UK. Ships were also built in Bristol, which further added to the city’s wealth.

The Georgian house shows what that wealth would have looked like to a man like John Pinney who profited from the slave trade. Eleven rooms spread across four floors reveal the luxuries available in the late 18th century, as well as the stark difference between life “above stairs” and “below stairs”. Entry is free, and is definitely worth some of your time.

4. Christmas Steps

Next on our list is going to be a photo stop, before we swoop into lunch. Christmas Steps is a small and narrow stepped lane in Bristol’s city centre, dating from the mid 17th century, and lined with beautiful old buildings.

It’s the centrepiece of the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter, eight streets filled with independent shops, bars, cafes and art galleries, many of which don’t seem to have changed too much over the centuries. It’s worth exploring and an excellent photo opportunity.

5. Lunch at St. Nicholas Market

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Bristol, but one of our favourites was definitely the Glass Arcade at the St. Nicholas Indoor Market , which you’ll find on Corn Street. Winner of the award for Britain’s best large indoor market in 2016, and in operation since 1743, this is Bristol’s oldest market, with over 60 stall holders.

But we’re here for lunch, so head to the Glass Arcade – a large open glass-covered area with seating that offers plenty of food stalls to pick from, cuisines that vary from local to worldly. Take a look at some of the stalls available here , to get yourself excited. I went with Moroccan from the Moorish Cafe , whilst Jess had a healthy salad option from the Olive Works . But whatever food you’re into, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

6. Explore the Old City

Since our itinerary has brought you down into the old city, our suggestion for your post-lunch activity would be to wander Bristol’s old city for a little while.

The crossroads of Corn Street and High Street was the centre of the medieval city, and as you explore this small area you’ll be able to see traces of the old city boundaries, including the walls and gateways that used to mark the edges of the city. Of course, today Bristol has expanded far beyond these old walls, but it’s fun to walk around and imagine what the city might have been like in the past.

Naturally, you can explore the old city on your own, but there are also other options. For example, this self-guided tour you can download to your smartphone is a cost-effective way to learn about what you are seeing in the city.

7. Take a Street Art Tour

Bristol is famous for its street art, not least because it was where legendary street artist Banksy first came into the public eye. It is also believed to be the childhood home of Banksy although there is still speculation about his identity. So we think it’s appropriate to spend some time exploring the street art of Bristol!

You can either do this by yourself, or you can take a specific tour like this .

If you choose to do it by yourself, we highly recommend dropping into a tourist office and picking up a copy of the Bristol Street Art Map by Where the Wall, which has detailed information about where to find all the most famous pieces of street art in Bristol, as well as popular areas to find new street art.

That was what I did, and I documented my adventures in my post on Bristol’s Street Art .

Alternatively, you might consider this interactive street art exploration game .

If you’d rather take a tour, then we suggest the Where the Wall street art walking tour company, who operate the longest running street art tour in the UK. Timings for their tours are up on their website, but based on our itinerary, we’d suggest going for their Banksy tour , which start at 2pm. They also do another tour , which starts at midday, so you’d have to re-arrange this schedule a little to accommodate that.

Whichever tour you choose, we suggest booking in advance and always checking tour times and information on the official website.

8. Watch Sunset at the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Depending on the time of your visit, sunset will be at varying times. But whenever it is, either before you eat or after, we highly recommend that you take the time to go up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy the sunset from there.

This iconic bridge is the symbol of Bristol, with a design based on drawings by one of Britain’s greatest Victorian engineers: Isambard Kingdom Brunel . Whilst it is today accepted that the final version of the bridge differs from Brunel’s original vision, it is certainly the bridge that most associate with Brunel, and when built, had the longest span of any bridge in the world.

Today the bridge is still very much in use, and you can both drive and walk across it. We’d suggest that you head up to the park on the east side of the bridge though, where you’ll find the Clifton observatory, and lovely views of both the bridge, and the sunset. On warm summer days this is a very popular location with locals and visitors alike, who come up here to enjoy the evening warmth and views. A lovely way to end your first day exploring in Bristol!

Things to do in Bristol: Day 2

9. Bristol Cathedral

Our second day in Bristol has you starting off at Bristol Cathedral , seat of the Church of England in the city. This was founded as an Augustine abbey in 1140, although the version you see today largely dates from work undertaken in the 14th –16th centuries.Some parts of the original do survive though, including the Chapter House (dating from 1160!) and the Abbey Gatehouse.

In its present form the Cathedral is a stunning building both inside and out, with beautiful vaulting, medieval stonework and 14th century stained glass, to name but some of the features. It’s also one of the few churches in Britain to be designed as a “hall church”, where the nave, choir and aisles are all the same height. There’s an on-site cafe too, where you can grab a coffee to fortify you for the rest of your days explorations!

10. Bristol Aquarium

Down in the harbourside area just a short walk from the cathedral there are a number of excellent museums and attractions. Which of these you decide to visit will of course depend on your interests and who you’re travelling with, but we’re including a few highlights to give you ideas, ordered in a logical fashion.

First on that list is the Bristol Aquarium . This is home to over forty marine life displays, with everything from local specimens through to tropical environments on show. Unusually for an aquarium, there’s also a giant botanical house on site, that you walk through as part of the tour. The aquarium is open year round, and is an excellent attraction for families especially. Check out their official website for opening times, prices, and special events.

11. We the Curious (Bristol Science Centre)

Right next door to the Aquarium is We the Curious (formerly known as the At-Bristol Science Centre), which focuses on highly interactive science themed exhibits. There’s a lot of really hands on stuff here, and we had a lot of fun playing with the various displays.

There’s also a whole part of the attraction dedicated to animation. Bristol is home to Aardman Animations , the animation studio responsible for Wallace & Gromit as well as UK TV character Morph . This attraction was put together by Aardman, and lets you become an animator for the day – even creating your own TV show.

This is definitely a museum for people who like a more hands-on, interactive attraction, and you could easily spend a whole day here. Again, check the official website for opening times and ticket prices .

If you want to get deeper under the skin of what make Bristol tick, then a visit to M-Shed is an absolute must. This free museum, housed in a former transit shed, has exhibits that focus exclusively on telling the story of the city, from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

We don’t like to play favourites, but M Shed was definitely a highlight of the various museums and attractions that we visited. We loved how it explored the history of the city, with everything from the people to the geography to Bristol’s experiences in the war on show. There are even working exhibits on show, including the giant cranes outside the museum, and the museum even has its own Banksy on show. Not to be missed.

13. Visit the SS Great Britain

No visit to Bristol would be complete without a visit to the SS Great Britain – Bristol’s top visitor attraction. Designed by Brunel, the SS Great Britain was built in Bristol and launched in 1845. She was the first ship with both an iron hull and a screw propeller, and was also the longest passenger ship in the world.

Initially built as a transatlantic passenger ship, the cost of building and tweaking such a radical design combined with the cost of rescuing her after she ran aground ended up bankrupting her owners.

As a result she has a varied service history, including 30 years spent taking immigrants to Australia from Liverpool in the UK and coal-hauling. Finally, in 1937, she was scuttled and abandoned in the Falkland Islands.

Of course, the story doesn’t end there, as otherwise there wouldn’t be much to visit! In 1970, a great rescue operation took place, and what remained of her hull was floated onto a pontoon and returned to her place of construction in Bristol.

Following an extensive restoration process, she re-opened to the public, and today you can visit and tour her in a form that resembles her glory days as a transatlantic ship. Tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

14. Take a picture of the colourful houses

One thing that will catch your eye when you visit Bristol is the variety and colour of many of the homes and buildings in the city. This is one of Bristol’s signature features, and you definitely need to get a photo of these homes.

We actually visited Bristol during the Bristol Balloon Fiesta , and were lucky enough to go up in a balloon, and see all these houses from above.

But don’t worry if a balloon ride isn’t on the cards. If you walk a little further west along the south side of the river from the SS Great Britain, you’ll come to a lovely harbour area where many boats are moored. On the opposite side of the river, you’ll see a lovely selection of colourful houses for you to get a picture of.

15. Underfall yard

The last stop on our two day Bristol itinerary continues the marine theme. Underfall Yard is a historic Victorian-era boatyard in Bristol. The name “underfall” comes from the design solution that Brunel developed to resolve the issue of silt filling up Bristol’s floating harbour, which used a series of sluices to suck away the mud – a system that is still in use today.

Much of the original yard has been preserved, and is home today to a boat building cooperative, as well as various exhibits on the history of the floating harbour and the sluicing technology. I certainly learnt a few things that I didn’t know before, and I’m sure you will too!

With that, we’ve finished our ideas for how to spend two days in Bristol! Let’s take a look now at some practicalities for your visit.

Getting to Bristol

Bristol is a well connected city. There’s a fast train connection to London, which takes less than two hours, and of course it’s connected to a number of other cities in the UK as well.

Bristol also has an airport, with connections to a number of UK and European cities.

Finally, Bristol is easy to drive to, although in the city centre, we’d advise leaving the car safely parked somewhere else, as parking can be tricky to come by and fees can add up.

How to Get Around Bristol

Bristol is an easy city to get around, although it does have a few hills. The itinerary we’ve put together can be easily done on foot though, and it’s largely set up to have you travelling downhill for the most part.

Of course, there’s an excellent public transport network, as well as a ferry boat service that will take you to various points along the harbour.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol has lots of accommodation options, pretty much something to suit every budget, from hostels through to boutique hotels and five star luxury.

There’s also a wide range of apartment rentals, and we opted for an apartment rental on our most recent visit as it gave us the flexibility to dine in as well as some working space and laundry facilities.

Check out all the Booking.com listings for Bristol, we find they usually come up with the best deal on a wide range of properties.

We also recommend Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment rental. Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their  listings for Bristol here .

For more vacation rental options in the UK, see our guide to our favourite holiday rentals websites in the UK .

When to Visit Bristol

Bristol is a pleasant city to visit year round, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained should the weather turn against you.

Probably the busiest time of year to visit is during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta , which takes place in early August. Whilst this is a fantastic time to visit the city and see the skies filled with beautifully coloured balloons, it’s also definitely going to be a very busy time to visit as well.

We visited during the Fiesta, and had a wonderful time, but do be aware that accommodation, traffic and visitor levels are certainly higher at this time of year.

Otherwise, for the best weather we’d recommend visiting from May through to September. Also, do check out the official Visit Bristol website for all the events taking place throughout the year, to get an idea of what’s on.

Day Trips from Bristol

If you’re in Bristol for a little while and wondering if there are any good nearby spots for a day trip, then you’re in luck. Bristol makes a great base for exploring a number of nearby attractions, including the following.

• Bath. This beautiful Roman-era spa town is filled with beautiful Georgian architecture. It’s also just a 13-minute train ride from Bristol, so very easy to reach.
• The Cotswolds. This beautiful part of England is filled with postcard perfect villages and lovely countryside. Explore with your own vehicle or take a tour like this .
• Stonehenge . An incredible ancient monument, the origins of which are still debated to this day. Can be visited by car or public transport from Bristol, or as part of a tour like this .
• Cardiff. The capital city of Wales is easy to reach by train from Bristol, and offers museums, castles and plenty more to fill a day.
• Glastonbury & Somerset. Glastonbury is famous for its Tor and links to St. Arthur. A day out from Bristol can easily cover other highlights of Somerset as well, including Cheddar Gorge and the incredible cathedral at Wells. You can drive yourself, or take a tour like this .

Further Reading for your Bristol Visit

That sums up our suggested things to do in Bristol for two days! As you can see, there’s plenty to see and do in Bristol, and you’ll easily be able to fill two days – or extend your trip for a few more days!

We’re got more content coming up on Bristol, so do subscribe to stay updated. In the meantime, here’s a series of resources to help you plan your trip to both Bristol and the wider UK!

• The official Visit Bristol tourism page , which has loads of ideas on what to do, where to stay, transport information as well as event information.
• Our detailed guide to attending the Bristol Balloon Fiesta
• The official Bristol International Balloon Fiesta website
• The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol and Somerset , which is available in both digital and physical book formats
• My guide to the best locations to find Street Art in Bristol
• Our detailed one week itinerary of the UK , as well as a two week version
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• We also have number of other guides to UK cities, including things to do in Cambridge , things to do in Edinburgh  and  things to do in Belfast , amongst others.
• For London, we have some detailed itineraries to help you plan your visit. These include a 1 Day London Itinerary , a Two Day London itinerary and a six day London itinerary
• The top Harry Potter sites in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• A guide to Visiting Oxford on a Day Trip
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• A guide to things to do in Portsmouth
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• If you’re interested in getting better photos when you travel, take a look at my online photography course , where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting better photos – whatever camera you have!

And that’s it for our suggestions for the best things to do in Bristol over 2 days! Have you ever visited Bristol? Do you have anything you’d add to the above? Just let us know in the comments below!

So you know: For some of the attractions we visited in Bristol, Visit Bristol provided us with complimentary entry. We covered our own accommodation, transport, meals, and other expenses.

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28th January 2023 at 2:29 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful itinerary! I’ll be traveling with my husband to Bristol from the US in about a month. It’ll be my first time in the UK. He’s going for his work so the first 4 days of our 10 day trip I’m on my own to explore. I may need to spread this out for 3-4 days vs. 2 but it looks like plenty to keep me busy seeing all the sights :)…Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:05 am

It’s my pleasure! I think you will easily be able to spread this out over a few days. However, as you have 4 days I can highly recommend jumping on the train and riding for 11 minutes or so from Bristol to the historic town of Bath which is a world heritage site and well worth a half day or full day of your time. It’s very different from Bristol, all Georgian architecture and lovely streets. Well worth it!

Safe travels!

Macarena says

13th January 2023 at 12:45 am

Thanks you so much for this guide! My husband and I are visiting UK for the first time from Argentina, and I was not very sure about including Bristol in our itinerary, but reading your blogue has convinced me! best wishes!! Macarena

14th January 2023 at 10:08 am

Thanks Macarena, have an awesome time in Bristol and the UK 🙂

17th December 2022 at 1:39 pm

This is a lifesaver! My girlfriend is coming to Bristol for the first time over Christmas, and I had no clue where to take her until reading your blog. Thanks again. Any to-do lists for Bath? 🙂

18th December 2022 at 11:45 am

It’s my pleasure! So we lived just outside Bath for three years, but haven’t really written much about it! However that’s not to say we don’t have recommendations. Obviously the town centre is pretty to walk around, and sights like the Royal Crescent, Circus and Bath Abbey are a must to see. There is an excellent free walking tour that meets most days in front of the Abbey that is worth doing. If you like walks, the Bath Skyline walk is really lovely. The Roman Baths are also of course worth a visit, and there also the thermal spa if you prefer a more relaxing experience. That should get you started hopefully!

Have a lovely Christmas 🙂

Mahmud says

1st January 2022 at 8:53 am

thank you so much Laurence and Jessica. We are on our way now. It was a fantastic blog really helpfull.

Thanks Mahmud & Şendül

1st January 2022 at 12:31 pm

Hey Mahmud & Şendül! Thanks so much guys 🙂 Have an awesome time in Bristol, what a great way to start 2022 🙂

All the best,

Dory Merriman says

8th May 2021 at 7:56 am

Thank you so much Laurence and Jessica for taking the time to put together this fantastic guide. It has helped me greatly for my forthcoming short visit to Bristol. Best wishes Dory

8th May 2021 at 11:18 am

Thank you so much Dory – have a wonderful trip to Bristol!

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Top Tours in Bristol, England

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1. St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour

2. Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol

3. Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Full-day Tour from Bristol

4. Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour

5. Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

6. 4 Day Tour in Cornwall, Devon and Stonehenge from Bristol

7. The House Magicians' Comedy Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol (Sat 7pm)

8. Fully guided Bristol Ghost Tours

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10. 2 Hours Private Walking to Bristol Cider Tour with Cheese

11. Food & drink Tour: Bristol Hotspots & Hidden Treasures

12. Guided Walking Tour Suspension Bridge Clifton Splendour & City.

13. Brunel’s Bristol: A Self-Guided Tour from SS Great Britain to Clifton Bridge

14. Banksy Street Art Graffiti Outdoor Escape Game in Bristol

15. West Country Games - the most popular group activity in the South West!

16. Bristol Life Drawing Private Class for a Special Occasion

17. Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

18. The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Friday 8pm

19. Bristol Waterfront Outdoor Escape Game

20. Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)

21. 3-Day Mountains & Coasts of South Wales from Bristol

22. (9pm) The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show - Smoke & Mirrors

23. Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour

24. (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco

25. Sip and Paint Parties

26. Life Drawing Classes

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28. Bristol Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt

29. Brunel Guided Tour in Bristol

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13 Incredible Day Trips from Bristol, England

Are you looking for the best day trips from bristol from tours to stonehenge to hiking cheddar gorge, this is what to do near bristol..

Bristol is a place nestled in a glorious countryside of rolling hills, dramatic gorges and coastal villages. If you can drag yourself away from the city, there is so much natural beauty to enjoy.

From ancient monuments, old-fashioned towns with historic pubs, to grand landscapes, safari parks and underground adventures, you’re sure to find day trips from Bristol that suit all budgets and interests.

What’s even better is Bristol has great public transport connections, and there are plenty of tours from Bristol too. That means you’ll be able to get to many of these places listed here even if you don’t have your own car.

Bristol embodies the beauty of the west country, and there are so many unique activities nearby. From feeding a giraffe at Longleat Safari to exploring Glastonbury, you’re in for an amazing time whatever you choose to do.

So, if you’re headed this way and you’re looking for what to do near Bristol, here is my list of recommendations. Pick one of these things and I guarantee nothing but good times ahead.

We’ve got lots of other tips for trips to Bristol, so don’t miss our guide to the best brunches in Bristol , best walks near Bristol and Chloe’s Bristol day trip itinerary .

Day trips from Bristol

Stonehenge tours from bristol.

Ahhh, the mysterious beauty of Stonehenge. For the last 4000-5000 years, the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge has delighted people from all over the world. As one of the most iconic monuments in the United Kingdom , a trip to Stonehenge is always one of the most popular day trips from Bristol.

Let someone else take over the driving and take advantage of the Stonehenge tours from Bristol. Both private and group tours can be arranged and prices include entry, transport and audio guides. Some tours even include a trip to Lacock and Avebury, or to Salisbury. You can check out these tours either with Greenman Tours or Mad Max Tours .

Alternatively, you can pick up a ticket to Stonehenge that includes a queue jump here. This is great for those of you who are short on time and like planning ahead.

Bristol boat trip with afternoon tea

How does learning about the fascinating maritime history of Bristol while taking in the sights from the water and indulging in a scone and a nice cup of tea sound to you? If you answered “Great!”, then the Bristol boat trip with afternoon tea is for you.

The afternoon tea cruise sails for 2 hours and is known for its humorous and informative commentary.  You’ll understand what we mean by that once you’ve taken the tour.

Tours from Bristol’s Wapping Wharf normally run on Wednesdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Be sure to book in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

Koalas, hippos, lions, cheetahs, monkeys, zebras and Anne the rescued circus elephant are all waiting to greet you at the Longleat Safari and Adventure Park .

Just 30 miles away, this safari will provide one of the most unique day trips from Bristol for the whole family. You can purchase a ticket for the on-site bus tour, or feel like you’re on a real adventure and drive your own vehicle through.

Aside from an abundance of animals, the park provides mazes, boat cruises, Longleat house and gardens, and a kid’s adventure playground. You can even hand feed birds and giraffes too. It goes without saying, but this really is one of the best activities for kids around. There are so many learning opportunities for them, so it’s fun and educational.

Loneleat has a very good ethical and ecology record too. They are a very sustainable organisation and their animal welfare is top notch.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Located in the Cotswolds, the Westonbirt Arboretum boasts an amazing collection of trees from all over the world. Spend your day exploring some of the many nature trails, identifying flora and fauna using the Westonbirt Arboretum’s Plant and Flower Spotter’s Guide, or snap drool-worthy photos along the Picture Perfect trail.

While this is an amazing place to cool down in summer, there are also fun activities for all seasons, including a Christmas light show, a tree top walkway and Gruffalo trail for the kids. The site also features an on-site shop, restaurant and outdoor play areas. Basically, there really is something for everyone here which is why we love it!

Cheddar Gorge

Cheese and nature lovers unite and make your way to Cheddar Gorge! At 137m (449ft) deep and 4.8km (2.98 miles) long, Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in England. This is also the place where Cheddar Man, the oldest complete human skeleton in Britain was found. Two records in one!

Surrounded by natural beauty, the best way to enjoy this gorge is by taking a circular 4-mile walk. The national trust recommended route takes you past the pinnacles and caves, and provides stunning views.

After some good fresh air, make your way to a cheese making tour and learn the history of the iconic cheese named after the area. Don’t forget to try a few samples too.

Glastonbury Tor Walk

Free day trips from Bristol can provide breathtaking views and a full day’s entertainment without splashing any cash. The Glastonbury Tor Walk, for example, is one of the best hikes in Somerset, and that’s saying something! This popular walk takes you from the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey to the summit of Glastonbury Tor.

The circular walk is around 2 miles and there is a fairly moderate climb to the top of the hill. At the top you’ll find St Michael’s Tower, an old 15th century church tower with some of the best views of England.

One of the best bits about this walk is you’ll end up in Glastonbury itself. That means you can finish off your walk with a pub lunch or afternoon tea.

With its gorgeous 18 th century Georgian architecture, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City, in fact the only one in the UK. Located just 13 miles away, Bath is very easy to get to from Bristol. What makes this day trip even better is that there are great public transport connections between the two cities and it is very easy exploring Bath on foot, so you don’t need a car for this one.

The Roman Baths are of course a key place to visit, however Bath offers so much more. While you’re here, take a stroll through Queens Square, enjoy the architecture of the houses in Circus and Royal Crescent areas, visit the Bath Abbey and enjoy the views at Pulteney Weir.

One of the best ways of experience Bath is on a walking tour of the city . On a tour like this you’ll see all the top sites – this tour also includes entry into the Roman Baths afterwards too which is a bonus.

Have you been picturing yourself tiptoeing down cobbled streets, surrounded by quaint stone houses with thatched roofs? Or perhaps taking cream teas by the river? Then the Cotswolds are the villages near Bristol to visit for you.

Located 55 miles north-east of Bristol, the Cotswolds are made up of many villages and towns, each seemingly more gorgeous that the last! But where to start?

With a small river running through the centre, boutique shopping and cream teas a plenty, Burton-On-Water is a great pick. For quintessential cobbled streets, stone houses, thatched roofs, and English pubs, make your way to Castle Comb. Go to Stow-on-the-Wold for tea rooms, manors and museums, or Tetbury for a round of antiquing. You can discover the best villages in the Cotswolds in our blog post here.

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Llanddwyn Island isn’t quite an island – it’s just about attached to the mainland – but it does offer some of the best views of the stunning North Wales coastline.

One of the highlights here is the Tŵr Mawr lighthouse (that’s ‘Great Tower lighthouse’ in English). This is an old lighthouse that dates back to 1845 and it’s become one of the most photogenic spots in Wales.

It’s also the perfect place to spot some wildlife. Seals are often seen relaxing in the sun on the rocks below. Also, if you’re lucky, you can see dolphins and occasionally minke whales in the area too. This is genuinely one of my favourite spots in Wales. If you get here on a hot and sunny day it definitely does not feel like you’re in the UK at all!

Weston-Super-Mare

Just 18 miles south-west of Bristol, and conveniently connected by public transport, sits the Victorian seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare. Providing long stretches of beach, ice cream stands and donkey rides, a day trip here should be on your list of what to do near Bristol. Especially during the summer when it is a real holiday hotspot.

The town itself also offers plenty to keep you entertained. For example, visiting The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens which is complete with moat and drawbridge. Or visiting The Grand Pier, an indoor amusement park set over the water, great for families on rainy days.

Wookey Hole

Looking for fun day trips from Bristol for families? Then come and explore the world from underground at Wookey Hole . Wookey Hole’s main attraction is a system of underground caves. In fact, they are the largest show caves in England!

Now lit up and equipped with walking paths, this system of caves was once home to cavemen thousands of years ago. More than just caves, admission includes access to mini golf, mirror mazes and a fairy garden. You can also walk through the valley of dinosaurs, play on vintage penny arcade machines and enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas. As I said, this is such a great place for families – all you big kids will love it too.

The city of Salisbury, on the south eastern side of Wiltshire is steeped with history. In fact, the Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of the original Magna Cartas! The medieval cathedral itself is the place of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands each year, and it has the tallest spire in Britain.

Be sure to take some time wandering the streets and admiring the buildings that have stood here for hundreds of years. Including a stroll through the High Street Gate, built in the early 1300s and was once used to lock up convicted criminals. Then head over to 700-year-old The Haunch of Venison for a spot of lunch that will delight your taste buds.

Tintern Abbey

Just over the border in Wales on the banks of the River Wye sits the Tintern Abbey. This majestic ruin was founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow for Cistercian monks.

In 1537 the abbey was dissolved and has since been left to nature’s forces. Though roofless, the walls are standing and you can still spot many distinctive features of this Early English to Decorated Gothic style structure.

Take a guided history tour, wander through the surrounding countryside and enjoy refreshments at the on-site cafe.

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2 thoughts on “13 Incredible Day Trips from Bristol, England”

Great public transport – what are you on about. Lived in Bristol all of my life and spent about half of it waiting for buses that never came

We’ve always found a lot of the public transport options to the places listed okay. Agree, getting around the city itself can be frustrating at times. Fingers crossed it improves in the future!

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What to Do in Bristol | 2-Day Bristol Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Bristol, England soon? You’re going to want to make sure that you read this post on the thing to do in Bristol .

I had the opportunity to visit Bristol recently and spend a few days exploring the city. The city is a treasure trove of places to see and things to do.

I am kicking myself as I wondered why I hadn’t visited this gorgeous city before.

So, if you’ve never been to Bristol, it’s a good thing you’re finally planning your trip there now. Once you arrive, you too will wonder what took you so long to visit.

To help you make the most of your time in the city, this guide to the perfect 2 days in Bristol itinerary gives you all the information you need. It’s all here from, getting there and travelling around the city to where to stay, eat, and visit.

Facts About Bristol

Let me drop some facts on why Bristol should be on your list of must-visit cities in the UK!

Bristol was named the ‘Best City in Europe’ by the Academy of Urbanism in 2017. The city also won the 2015 ‘European Green Capital’ title and was also awarded European City of the Year in 2008.

This English city is also known as one of the friendliest cities in England (they are way friendlier than Londoners), and the local accent is recognisable miles away.

With a deep and fascinating history, Bristol offers plenty for visitors to learn about and immerse themselves in.

This is a popular place, which makes it a worthwhile spot to travel to at least once.

Where Is Bristol, UK?

Bristol is a city in southwest England, south of Birmingham and west of London and the River Avon runs through the city centre.

Bristol’s Old City has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique combination of Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Is Bristol Worth visiting?

Bristol offers a lot in terms of architecture, history, nightlife, and food. The city is a hub of creativity, with plenty of artists and musicians among the population.

This is all apparent in the eclectic mix of bars, clubs, restaurants, and music venues that are dotted around the city centre.

Bristol also has two universities and youthful energy to it, thanks to the students. So, you can expect a wide range of clubs and music events to take place throughout the year.

Away from the friendly energy of people and celebrations, though, is a quieter side that offers stunning photography locations. If this sounds like the kind of place that tickles your travel fancy, then it’s safe to say it’s worth the visit.

For more inspiration read my guide on the best places to visit near Bristol UK

What Is Bristol Most Famous For?

Bristol has a fascinating history involving pirates and service in the British navy. Today, the city is known for its creative character and charming architecture.

The universities also put Bristol on the map, as do the Bristol Balloon Fiesta and, of course, the famous landmarks like the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Is Bristol a Good City Break?

Bristol’s unique mix of Victorian, Georgian, and modern architecture makes it a delight to explore by foot.

There are plenty of great boutiques, cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants to be found too. Add in some interesting art galleries and museums plus the city’s maritime history points of interest, and its clear why Bristol can be considered as a viable alternative city break .

How Many Days Do You Need to See Bristol?

Whether you want to spend just a day in Bristol or two, there are enough interesting things to do and see here that any length of stay is worthwhile.

Thankfully, the best and most exciting attractions in Bristol are all located relatively close together, and you can do a day trip to Bristol from London.

However, I think 2 days in Bristol would be better and should be enough time for anyone looking to get the most out of the city.

And if you’re tempted to stay longer, an extended trip to Bristol gives you time to further explore and visit some of the surrounding areas, such as Bath and Wells in Somerset.

The Best Time to Visit Bristol

Bristol is a city that experiences all four seasons. The highest population of students is here during the fall and spring terms, so these are the most popular months to travel if you’re hoping for something lively.

Winter can be quite bleak; however, it’s ideal if you want to avoid crowds and experience some quieter times in Bristol. Most activities in Bristol can be done year-round, and the varying seasons only change the city’s vibe.

If you’re looking for a vibrant feel, go during the summer months. But if you want something a little quieter and more mellow, come in the spring or when it’s colder.

How to Get to Bristol

Getting to Bristol is easy, no matter where you start from. The quickest way to get to Bristol from London is by train – it’ll take you just over 90 minutes from London to Bristol by train.

Trains leave from London Paddington Station and arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station every half an hour during peak times.

You can also take the bus from London Victoria coach station to Bristol bus station in the city centre. You can bag these coach tickets for as cheap as £3.90, and the journey takes around 2 and a half hours.

If you’re coming from South Wales or Southwest England, then you’ll be able to arrive by train too. It takes over an hour for services to depart Swansea and Cardiff Central stations and get you into Bristol Temple Meads station.

Alternatively, it’s around a three-hour drive from London (if there’s no traffic) and around two hours from South Wales.

Routes to Bristol

The M5 runs between Bristol and Birmingham, with the M4 running in tandem further west for most of its route through South Wales.

At junction 17 you can take the A38 north toward Bath, while at J18 you can take the A37 south toward Yeovil via Glastonbury.

North of Bristol, you can take the A38 south to Exeter via Glastonbury, Wells, and Burnham-on-Sea. If you’re arriving by ferry or on foot then your route will be into Prince Street (Bristol’s old town).

Getting Around – To and From ​​Bristol Tourist Attractions

Bristol is a small city that’s perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Most buildings are close together and it doesn’t take long to get from one side of Bristol to another.

There are plenty of options for buses and taxis. Bristol also has an extensive ferry network (the Bristol Ferry Boat Company) which is great for exploring the River Avon.

If you want to make the most of your time in Bristol, using your contactless debit/credit card is recommended. You can get preloaded cards that will cover both bus and ferry services – remember that it’s not valid on trains.

Parking in Bristol

If you’re driving yourself to Bristol, you can also easily drive in and around the city. Parking your car overnight in a car park or at your accommodation is safe and often free.

For parking, while you are sightseeing in Bristol, it may be easiest to find the nearest free parking spot and then walk between your stops. 

How to Spend Two Days in Bristol – Weekend in Bristol Itinerary

Bristol has plenty to offer for anyone who wants to visit. From the museums and old-time architecture to the nightlife that attracts both students and older, fun-loving tourists.

Trying to fit in all the great places to see in Bristol in just 48 hours is a near-impossible task. But you can hit all of the best parts of the city if you plan well enough.

Here is a detailed 2-day itinerary to help you get a better idea of how to spend your time while visiting Bristol.

Bristol Day 1 – Top Things to Do in Bristol

What to see in Bristol in one day? On your first day in Bristol, there is an excellent mix of history, art, and plain old good fun on offer.

Put on your walking shoes, get your camera out, and make a date with a different kind of first-rate attraction around every corner.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Your first stop is the SS Great Britain Museum which is on the dockside. This ship was launched in 1843, carrying passengers to Australia and New Zealand.

It was the first iron-hulled transatlantic steamship, and its success led to more large ocean liners like it. These massive ships changed travel forever.

Visitors can board the ship itself, which is now a museum covering both sides of the ship; you can see the cargo holds and how the crew lived.

In addition to this you can go up onto the deck and see how sailors used to work aloft – just bear in mind that this part of the ship is not accessible to those with walking difficulties.

M Shed Museum

Just a few minutes walk from SS Great Britain. You’ll find the M Shed, a museum that provides an overview of Bristol’s heritage and culture through the years.

There is a fantastic mix of history and culture on display here, including the world’s first hovercraft.

Visitors can learn about the city’s role in the slave trade and even discover what life was like for children during WWII.

You can also see exhibits that look into Bristol’s modern-day culture, such as their contribution to music and digital technology.

I saw a fantastic street art exhibition while visiting the M Shed and it is where you will also find the Banksy piece, the ‘Grim Reaper’.

We the Curious Museum

Next up on the way to Bristol’s Old City is We The Curious Museum . This museum is designed to be interactive and encourage more play within the science spheres.

There are various exhibits here, including ones surrounding the science of food and interactive displays on light and sound.

This museum is great fun for all ages, but it might be worth bearing in mind that things get busy here during school holidays.

There are multiple activities and shows that happen throughout the year, so check the program out online before you go so you know what to expect.

The museum also includes a planetarium with multiple shows each day and stargazing at night, but you will need to book your tickets in advance.

Bristol’s Old City and Harbourside

Just on the other side of We The Curious, on Anchor Road, is Bristol’s Old City. This area fuses together impressive architecture with significant landmarks and highlights here include the Christmas Steps and Kings Weston Roman Villa.

Spend some time here, strolling through the streets and discovering the more magical side of Bristol.

You can stop in at one of the pubs for a drink, take a few photos, or do some shopping.

Finally, your last stop for the day should be Bristol’s Harbourside area which is a lovely place for a walk or to get something to eat after a busy day of sightseeing.

In addition to many restaurants here, there are also some great views across the harbour.

The Beer Emporium

Before you head back to your accommodation, make a stop at The Beer Emporium. This is a unique bar that offers an eclectic range of beers from all over the world to suit both novices and experts.

They have over 400 bottles of beer to choose from in their fridges, so you truly are spoilt for choice.

Pick your favourite or discover a new brew and enjoy a cold beer with the friendly locals who frequent the bar.

These are just a few of the things you can see with the Bristol 1 day itinerary, up as you have more sightseeing tomorrow.

Bristol Day 2 – What to See in Bristol

Once you have finished exploring Bristol’s Old City and Harbourside on day one, it is time to move onto its modern heart.

Head to the other side of Bristol and discover some more of the top attractions and landmarks across the city.

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral was founded in 1140 and consecrated in 1148. The site was originally St Augustine’s Abbey, however but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, in 1542 it became the seat of the newly created Bishop of Bristol and the cathedral of the new Diocese of Bristol.

Bristol Cathedral is a Grade I listed building which includes fabric from the 12th century, with the Elder Lady Chapel added in the early 13th century.

Cabot Tower

Start the day with a climb up Cabot Tower for some splendid views across Bristol. The tower is open daily, and it’s free to climb the steps.

But be warned, they are steep and winding steps – the view from the top makes it worth it, though.

The tower is situated on Brandon Hill in the Clifton area of the city, not far from Clifton Suspension Bridge. It was built in 1897 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland .

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

After you have enjoyed the views, your next stop should be Bristol Art Gallery. This is a beautiful art gallery with some wonderful paintings displayed inside. Look out for pieces by both local artists such as Banksy as well as pieces by international stars.

The gallery houses a variety of artworks from British and European, French, and Victorian artists. As well as a collection of Eastern, modern and contemporary art.

There are also some great sculptures to see here too, including ceramics and pottery creations.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

This is one of Bristol’s most recognisable landmarks, and you will probably recognise it even if you haven’t visited Bristol before. Built-in 1864, this suspension bridge spans nearly 400 metres over the Avon Gorge.

Visiting the Clifton suspension bridge as the green spaces on either side of the bridge is peaceful. I recommend visiting at the sunset and walking up to the Clifton Observatory to watch sunset over the bridge.

The bridge is still open to pedestrians and cyclists, so you can take your time crossing this landmark to see some fantastic views across the city. Take photos of the incredible engineering, but make sure to be careful on your way back down.

Once you have finished exploring here, take a stroll through Clifton Village and visit some of the independent shops and restaurants around here too.

And if you have time, book a boat trip along the Avon River for a look at the surrounding city from a different viewpoint.

Where The Walls Art Tour

All along the streets of Bristol, you will find numerous spots that have been adorned by street art. The colourful wall art is a part of the city’s history and holds much of the culture within the artistic designs.

The Where the Walls Art Tour is a fantastic way to explore this artwork further and find some of Bristol’s best spots for street art as well as learn about its history. You will visit many famous landmarks across the city, including Stokes Croft and Park Street.

You can find dates and times for available tours online and join a guide who will be able to give you in-depth details and explanations around the art.

You can also download an audio self-guided tour and go at your own pace.

However, I did this Bristol street art tour, and I think that you will miss out on the wealth of knowledge that the tour guide has.

My guide has been in the Bristol Street art scene for more that 20 years and knew some of the biggest Bristol Street artists and was able to detail accounts of different artists and how their work has evolved over time.

If you’re a photographer who enjoys street art walking tours, this is ideal. You’ll go home with new insights on the fascinating art in Bristol and some amazing photographs as well.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Next up is an experience that will be enjoyed by young and old alike with a trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens.

This zoo has been around since Victorian times, but it continues to be at the forefront of animal preservation and conservation.

This zoo includes some impressive exhibits that are home to creatures from far-flung locations across the world, including monkeys, lemurs, African penguins, and orangutans. There is also a fun space with farm animals so those travelling with children will be well catered for.

Along with the activities and educational opportunities, this is a great spot to stop before leaving Bristol.

Visitors to the zoo can enjoy both outdoor and indoor exhibits with a choice of events, including feeding demonstrations, talks, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Bristol Trip Planning

Along with finding all the best things to do in Bristol, here are some more important things to keep in mind when visiting the city.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Finding accommodation for your Bristol weekend won’t be hard. There are plenty of options for every budget. Here are some great accommodation options in Bristol:

Self-Catering

If you want to go it alone and self-cater, then you’ll need somewhere to stay that offers cooking facilities as well as a place to rest your head. Luckily, there are many apartments available for rent short term.

You’ll find a number of places listed on yourapartment.com which offers homelike spaces close to all of the top Bristol tourist attractions. This allows you independence and freedom but still offers a feeling of luxury and being on vacation.

During my stay in Bristol, one of my accommodations was a one-bedroom apartment complimentary of yourapartment.com in the Clifton area. The apartment was cosy and equipped cooker, dishwasher, fridge and anything you could ever need when away from home.

The apartment was also only 20 minute’s walk from the Clifton suspension bridge and Clifton Observatory.

Book Into a Hotel

There is no shortage of hotels in Bristol, from complete luxury options to more budget-friendly choices. Take a look at a few below:

Leonardo Hotel Bristol Glassfields is located close to the Bristol docks area. It has excellent family rooms with panoramic views of the marina and city, so you’ll never get bored of your view.

If you want the best luxury experience possible, then book a room at The Marriott Hotel – conveniently located by Cabot Circus shopping mall.

The hotel offers wonderful spa facilities, and you can even book a table in one of the many restaurants.

Select a Bed and Breakfast in Clifton

Staying at a bed and breakfast in Clifton instead. This area is the most beautiful part of the city thanks to its gorgeous views over the Avon Gorge.

Many also offer fantastic dining facilities so you can eat like a local and enjoy some delicious food!

Or Find a Cozy Hostel

If you want the best budget experience possible, then book a room at The Rutland Backpackers – very centrally located and within walking distance of all major attractions. Rooms and facilities are basic but clean and tidy.

Where to Eat in Bristol

A great way to explore an area or city is through its food, sampling local delicacies and enjoying some traditional fare while learning about what makes each place special.

If you’re in the mood to splurge on delectable food, then try Casamia which serves up English cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant is exclusive, with space for only 35 diners and offering a 14-course tasting menu.

The Pump House

This charming restaurant is set in a former Victorian pumping station at the waterside. This is a stunning building inside and out.

The food is all made from locally sourced ingredients and there is absolutely no shortage of flavour in these meals.

Number 7 Kitchen

Number 7 Kitchen provides a more casual space to enjoy a lunchtime meal or just a quick coffee and cake in between your sightseeing.

There is indoor and outdoor seating, and if you’re around on a Friday evening, be sure to pop in for some live music.

The Burger Joint

As far as budget options are concerned, you can’t go wrong with The Burger Joint. It uses only locally sourced beef to make all its burgers fresh every day.

They do the standard meat burgers along with some more unusual flavours like Moroccan chicken.

The Royal Oak is a no-fuss place to go if you want some delicious British cuisine made with local ingredients. Enjoy a burger, a wood-fired pizza, or a homemade pie and pair it with a drink as you enjoy it in the garden or on the terrace.

Where to Go out in Bristol – Nightlife

There are some great places to go out drinking or clubbing when visiting Bristol. Whether you’re after a cosy pub to throw back a beer before bedtime or a nightclub to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone.

The Butcher’s Arms

This family-run pub is relaxed but still plenty of fun. Stop here after a long day for some unwinding with your favourite beer, wine, or cider.

The Green Man

If you’re looking for somewhere more traditional, then try The Green Man which is found right in the centre of Bristol. It’s an 18th-century building that serves up hearty English food as well as micro-brewery ales and stouts.

If it’s DJs and dance floors that you’re after, Thekla offers a unique kind of clubbing experience. The venue is set inside a moored cargo ship and covers two floors.

There’s more than enough space to dance, an endless supply of drinks, and you’ll often find live bands here. 

Things to See in Bristol – Photo Stops

For hobbyists, amateurs, and even professional photographers, there are a few Bristol must-see locations. Some you’ll find along the way as you go through the above itinerary, others you may need to make the time to seek out.

Wills Memorial Building Tower

When visiting the University of Bristol, be sure to get a photo at its impressive Wills Memorial Building. This structure towers over the campus and is worth seeing up close.

Christmas Steps

This is an urban flight of steps that lead up to St Michael’s Hill and are most beautiful when they are decorated with festive lights. But regardless of the time of year you visit, this alleyway makes for some beautiful photos.

This elegant and simple structure has stood for centuries, and you can go inside it to admire the architecture and historical features. Photos of the outside of the building are simply mesmerising.

If you seek some greenery during your trip to Bristol, then take a trip down to The Downs – this is a large parkland area that is popular with walkers and dog-walkers. This is great for some people watching and landscape snaps.

University of Bristol Botanic Garden

This garden has an impressive collection of plants from all around the world. There are also numerous rare plants to photograph here.

Where to Day Trip from Bristol

Once your time is over in Bristol, there is still so much of the English countryside to explore. Why not continue on your trip and head to one of these close-by destinations?

The next city from Bristol is Bath which is just 24 miles away. Spend some time exploring Bath and the fantastic history of the city.

Start off by visiting the Roman Baths. This was a temple to the god Sulis Minerva, and you can still see the hot water bath that people used here thousands of years ago.

Next up is The Royal Crescent which dates back to 1767 and offers a glimpse into how wealthy people used to live.

The Circus is the last thing that you should visit here, and this is where you’ll find three curving terraces that date back to 1760.

From Bath, you’re just under an hour away from Stonehenge which is one of Britain’s most famous historical sites.

You could also travel further afield and go to London – this will take around 2 hours by train from Bristol Temple Meads Station. You’ll find so much to do and see here including all of the major sites of this iconic world city.

In London, you can go see one of the most famous landmarks in the world – The Tower of London. This is where you’ll find the Crown Jewels as well as a number of other historical exhibits.

If that wasn’t enough, then check out Shakespeare’s Globe and Westminster Abbey which are both must-see attractions if you’re visiting London.

Also close by is Windsor Castle which is one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II. If you get time, also try to go see Hampton Court Palace  – this is another royal property not far from London.

You can also travel from Bristol to Oxford – this will take around 45 minutes by train. This is a beautiful place that deserves some attention too as it’s steeped in history and has some impressive buildings.

Oxford has many great attractions that visitors to this city enjoy. For example, you can check out the impressive Bodleian Library which holds over 12 million books and other items that date back to 1602 (when it first opened).

The city is also home to another library called The Taylor Institution. If you’re a fan of art then Oxford has many great galleries for you to experience too. The Ashmolean Museum is one of the most famous museums.

You’ll see items going back thousands of years including Egyptian artefacts and more.

If history is your thing, then check out Christ Church Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful churches in Oxford.

You can read my guide of things to do in Oxford .

Visiting Bristol for the Weekend

With so many things to see and do in Bristo l, two days doesn’t seem nearly enough time to really get a good feel for this unique city. But there is no rule saying that you can’t come back to the city as soon as you are able.

For your first trip, though, it’s important to choose a plan in order to get the most out of your visit without overwhelming yourself.

Hopefully, this has given you some ideas on how to spend 2 days in Bristol and what there is to do during your stay here.

Let me know how your first time in Bristol goes! Did you find any other gems that you feel should be included in this guide?

If you liked this guide and want real-time London/UK travel information, make sure you follow me on Instagram @huesofdelahaye and subscribe to my Youtube channel for weekly travel videos.

This post was in partnership with VisitBristol.co.uk . Although all thoughts and experiences are entirely my own.

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3 Day Itinerary for Bristol and Bath – 2 Cities 1 Trip

Bristol is known for its edgy street murals and vibrant fine art scene whereas Bath is a city of tradition, stunning architecture, cultural centres and heritage museums.

With our curated itinerary for a 3 days explorations of both cities, you will get the best of both worlds!

From modern artworks by Yoko Ono, through ruins of ancient Roman SPA complexes, all the way to Jane Austen’s favourite park grounds – this trip takes you all the way!

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Bristol Day 1

From Bristol Airport jump on the Airport Flyer Bus and let it take you directly to the city. You can hop off at Bristol Temple Meads Train Station or Bristol Bus Station, and a single one-way adult ticket is 7 GBP.

Drop off your luggage at your Bristol hotel Berkeley Suites and start exploring the city! Airbnb is also a great option for short or long stays.

Bristol Cathedral

Founded in 1140 as St Augustine’s Abbey, Bristol Cathedral has been a place of daily prayer and Christian community events since the middle of the 12th century.

The look that the cathedral has today is due to reconstructions that found place in the 15th and the 16th centuries, and the remarkable Western Twin Towers were completed in 1888.

The Cathedral is architecturally stunning, and its conception as a Gothic “Hall Church” (which means that the side aisles are the same height as the main choir) is very unusual for Britain. 

Bristol Cathedral is open daily (8 AM until 5 PM from Monday to Friday and 8 AM until 3:15 PM on weekends), and the admission is free. On-site you will find a gift-shop and a café too!

Yoko Ono’s exhibition at Georgian House

Until December 31, 2019, The Georgian House Museum (part of The Bristol Museum group) is hosting an art exhibition by the legendary conceptual artist, also known for her relationship with John Lennon, Yoko Ono.

The show is titled “ YOKO ONO: INTERVENTIONS/2 ” and refers to an earlier exhibition of Ono’s videos and performance artworks in the Viennese Ernst Fuchs Museum. 

The Bristol show gives a broader look into Ono’s artistic practice and includes the popular “Wish Trees”; an artistic installation where real trees are planted.

Visitors can wander around Yoko Ono’s garden and they are invited to pick up one of the pieces of paper provided, write down a little wish or a prayer and hang these on the trees. This practice follows a Japanese tradition practiced in Shinto shrines.

Be mindful of the opening hours of the museum! You can visit from Saturday through Tuesday, between 11 AM – 4 PM. Entrance to the museum is free of charge, however, you can place a donation if you wish. 

Climb Cabot Tower

In 1497, John Cabot embarked on a cruise from Bristol, hoping to find a route to Asia. Less than 2 months after his departure from Great Britain, he reached the Cape Breton Island (Canada).

The 32-metres high Cabot Tower, with a total of 109 narrow steps, set in the beautiful parkland of Brandon Hill (Bristol’s oldest park) is a memorial of Cabot’s quest.

The tower was built in 1897, exactly 400 years after Cabot’s cruise, and between 2007 – 2011 it was shut down for renovation.

The site reopened and is now welcoming tourists who want to enjoy the scenic views of Bristol and the city’s Harbourside. Open Monday to Sunday: 8:15am to 6:15pm, entry is free.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

The variety of displays features at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery will amaze you! On the ground floor, you will find a historical display with Egyptian mummies, but also the Exhibition Gallery and a Wildlife exposition.

The first floor is dedicated to further exploration of wildlife with displays about dinosaurs and geology, and on the second floor, you will find the art galleries with paintings, pottery, glass artifacts and many more.

The Museums welcomes visitors every day but on Mondays (you can check online for special Monday-openings) between 10 AM – 5 PM, and the admission is free, however, a donation is welcome.

Lunch in Bristol

After your tour around the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, you’ll be ready for lunch. Head to Pinkmans for a quick and tasty bite! It is a bakery that focuses on building a community.

Your lunch (vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available) will refill your belly and let you connect with a fun local crowd within the Clifton Triangle. 

Another recommended lunch option is Friska that has “feel great” as their motto! You will find Friska cafés around Bristol offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options.

Ready, set, head to Clifton! It is a popular inner suburb of Bristol, one of the oldest parts of the city. The area is full of many idyllic alleys (filled with small shops and charming cafés) and parks perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Clifton Village and Suspension Bridge

The most popular landmark of the area and a distinctive symbol of Bristol itself is the Clifton Suspension Bridge that has been open to the public since 1864.

At the Leigh Woods end of the bridge, there is a visitors’ centre with information about the bridge and a little shop. You can visit the bridge daily between 10 am – 5 pm.

Clifton Observatory  

In its early days, Clifton Observatory was simply a windmill on Clifton Down. Almost 200 years ago, in 1828 the mill was converted into an observatory, which was initiated by the British oil painter William West. Nowadays the site is also known for “Giant’s Cave” underneath the gorge.

West discovered it in 1835 and two years later the cave was opened to public. The Giant’s Cave offers stunning views with a unique perspective of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Admission to the cave is £2.50 for adults, and only children above 4 years of age are allowed to visit the cave, it can be a little tight and can make some people feel a little claustrophobic at times!

The Camera Obscura is an optical instrument can be rotated 360 degrees to see live views of the bridge and surrounding areas.

Admission to the Camera Obscura is £2.50 or you can get a full access pass that covers the Camera Obscura and the Cave. The site is open every day throughout the year, with longer opening hours in the summer season.

Dinner in Bristol  

Stay around Clifton Village for dinner! Check out Bar 44 that serves signature tapas dishes and is your way into modern Spanish culture and cuisine in the UK.

Catering to vegetarians, vegans and omnivores, Bar 44 serves both small nibbles and solid dinner portions!

Bristol Day 2

Relaxed morning in bristol.

Your first day in Bristol had a fairly intense itinerary! Take your time in the morning, relax and continue your Bristol explorations starting in the late morning.

Blackbeard to Banksy walking tour

Thursday through Sunday, starting at 11.30 AM, you can join a guided tour along the Saxon town walls to get closer to both the well-known historical sites of the city as well as highlights of Bristol’s street art.

Prepare to see stunning buildings and incredible works of graffiti street art including world-famous pieces by Banksy!

It is a 2-hour long walking tour that leaves from outside the main entrance of the Cathedral. You can buy single-tickets (£8 adults and £4 children) or a combined family ticket for £20.

After the walking tour, refuel with a bite at St Nicholas Market. It is the oldest and most popular market in the city, and it is famous for its many different food stalls.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, there are even more pop-up street food traders, and every Monday is a special Vegan and Wellness market day! 

Tyntesfield – National Trust’s magnificent Victorian-Gothic House

The unique look of the Tyntesfield house that we know today is the result of William Gibbs’ remodelling of the exterior of a simple regency house that he moved into in the late 19th century.

The Gothic exterior takes the visitors’ breath away, but the house is a true treasure chest inside too; abundantly decorated and tastefully furnished but the most prominent craftsmen. 

At Tyntesfield you are invited to explore more than the house itself. Have a stroll through the vast gardens, learn more about the park grounds and the area surrounding the Gothic House.

To explore the house, have a look around the gardens and visit the themed exhibitions that will tell you the full story about the house and the Gibbs family.

We recommend you allow around three to four hours for this visit, including travel time. Tyntesfield is 8 miles from Bristol, and you can get there by car or public transportation from The Centre in Bristol.

OR Afternoon in Bristol: Brunel’s SS Great Britain 

If the weather does not support an out-of-town trip, and going to Tyntesfield becomes too much of an excursion, there are still plenty of things you can do in Bristol. 

Head to the Great Western Dockyard to experience SS Great Britain , famous ship of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the engineering giants of the 19th century. SS Great Britain launched in 1843; she was the largest ship in the world at the time and was proudly referred to as ‘the greatest experiment since the creation’.

Brunel combined innovative technological approach with impressive size and created a ship that truly changed the course of history. With her pioneering features like a screw propeller and iron hull, SS Great Britain became the archetype for modern ship designs.

Alongside SS Great Britain you will also find “Being Brunel”, a newly opened museum dedicated to I. K. Brunel and his groundbreaking professional legacy. Your admission ticket to SS Great Britain covers the museum entry too!

Insight bus tour

If you rather feel like staying in Bristol and getting to know the inner city better, we recommend getting on the hop-on-hop-off bus!

The Bristol Insight Bus Tour is fully guided, and by showing your ticket at designated partner spots around town will give you discounts and sweet deals!

Sit back and enjoy; stunning works of architecture, the historic Harbourside and loads of shopping opportunities (remember, you can hop-off as much as you want) ahead of you!

M Shed Museum

The M Shed is a museum dedicated entirely to the city of Bristol! Through film, photography, storytelling and object displays it tells the story of Bristol and its development throughout times.

On top of the permanent and temporary expositions, M Shed Museum has a vivid special events’ calendar. Maybe your visiting times align with a tour, a walk or a lecture?

Entrance to the museum is free of charge, and the institution is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM.

St Nicholas Market

If you did not try it out for lunch, stop by St Nicholas market (or St Nick’s market, as locals call it). Maybe grab a post-lunch snack at one of the food stalls or shop souvenirs, nicknacks and handcrafts from the local sellers.

On Fridays and Saturdays, there is “Indies Market” that gathers independent traders presenting a great range of gifts.

You will find everything from original artworks and photography, to handcrafts, hand-made jewellery and vintage clothing.

Spike Island

Spike Island is a cool, interactive space that allows people to connect with art, learn something new, and experience the unexpected.

The venue provides a home to a vibrant community of more than 70 artists, designers, arts organizations and creative individuals and businesses.

During your visit, check out the main gallery with exhibition tours, artist talks, and creative workshops. And before you go, visit Spike island’s cosy café! The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday between noon and 5 PM, and the café is open daily!

For the most unique dinner experience in Bristol, head to the city’s vibrant Harbourside to check out Cargo Wapping Wharf .

The site consists entirely of shipping containers that have been transformed to house eateries, shops and many more! You can choose one spot for your dinner or simply nibble your way around different restaurants and food stalls.

You are in for an all-round food tour with everything from pork delights at “ Pigsty “, to a vegetarian feast at “ Root ” (upon request, meat can be served on the side).

Grab your breakfast, fuel up on coffee, and try arriving at the Temple Meads Train Station in Bristol at 9 am to embark on a journey from Bristol to Bath .

The cities are less than 12 miles apart, and the train journey takes only 11 minutes! Drop off your bags at your accommodation ( Z Hotel Bath ) and let your Bath explorations begin, starting with some of the most popular tourist spots in the city.

Roman Baths

The Roman Baths were an ancient, impressively decorated SPA complex with basins and saunas, and the complex even included a temple of Minerva Sulis, ruins of which (with well-preserved Roman pavements) visitors can still see today. On-site you will find a small museum showing a variety of ancient Roman artifacts.

The Roman Bath Complex is open every day, but keep in mind that ticket fares vary with the season and day of the week, so double-check the prices on the official website before you go.

Since the year 757, three different churches have occupied the site of today’s Bath Abbey. The church we see today is the work of Sir George Gilbert Scott.

He was the one to transform the inside of the Abbey following his vision of Victorian Gothic architecture between 1864 – 1874.

The Abbey has been through architectural and religious reforms, it survived two World Wars, and it still stands proudly and every day it welcomes both worshippers and visitors.

The visits are free, however, there is a suggested donation of £4 for adults and £2 for children and students visiting.

Pulteney Weir

An element of Bath’s practical urban engineering has now become one of its main tourist attractions! In 1603 a weir was built on the River Avon to prevent the river from flooding the town.

Contemporary visitors will not be able to see the architectural wonder from the middle ages though; the Weir was completely rebuilt in the early 1970s.

This restoration has given the Weir a more effective (and now iconic) V-shape design. The Weir is located down from the Pulteney Bridge, a great place for a relaxed stroll with some sightseeing.

Holburne Museum

Let a stunning collection of fine art in the Holburne Museum take your breath away. Highlights from the permanent art collection include embroidery, sculptures and paintings by Flemish masters.

The temporary exhibitions showcase both contemporary artworks and classical pieces borrowed from other collections around the world.

The museum is open daily and has a vivid events’ calendar, so check the website before your visit. Maybe your dates align with an interesting creative workshop!

Sydney Gardens

Right behind the Holburne Museum, you will find the Sydney Gardens, the oldest park in Bath! It used to be frequently visited by the famous author Jane Austen who lived directly opposite the park grounds.

The park contains gardens, lawns, playground areas and open-air event spaces for performances and summer cinema. It is a perfect place for a relaxed stroll before lunch!

Lunch in Bath

Working with local suppliers and serving a beautiful selection of vegan cakes, Good Day Café is a great place for a quick bite.

If you want a taste of the local culture too, check out Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House . It is a world-famous eatery situated in a historic building; one of the oldest houses in town! 

In the mood for a wood-fire pizza? Head to Bath Pizza Co at Green Park Station ; they offer special lunch deals and discounts! Some of the most famous lunch-sets in Bath (available Tuesday through Saturday) are served in Noya’s Kitchen !

The menu changes regularly, but the unique Vietnamese twist and beautiful presentation are always guaranteed!

The Jane Austen Centre

Head to the Jane Austen Centre to discover more about Austen’s experience and her life in the city from 1801 – 1806.

The centre features a permanent exhibition, but also a unique, charmingly decorated gift shop where you can purchase local souvenirs as well as novels, CDs and DVDs associated with Jane Austen.

Originally referred to as “King’s Circus”, the Circus is an incredible masterpiece of Georgian architecture. Its construction began in 1754, and the design was completed in 1768.

During your visit, try standing in the middle of The Circus. The view will impress you but it is also likely that you will find a spot where anything you say echos!

No.1 Royal Crescent

No. 1 Royal Crescent is a museum that houses permanent and temporary exhibitions but also hosts events and workshops for different age groups. The museum is furnished and decorated just as it might have been in the years 1776-1796.

You will see historic furniture as well as art and daily objects from Bath’s fashionable 18th-century residents. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and entry tickets for adults ate 10.60 GBP.

There are room guides in almost all of the rooms in the house that will explain what the room was used for, the room guides are all volunteers and aren’t paid at all, they just have a great passion for history.

I think it’s really great to have room guides, rather than paper guides for each room (which they also have), it makes it more interactive and they point out things that you might not otherwise notice.

Fashion Museum Bath

Previously known as “The Museum of Costume”, Bath’s Fashion Museum presents a world-class collection of contemporary and historical garments.

The institution was founded by Doris Langley Moore. Moore was a designer, collector, scholar and a writer, who generously gifted her famous costume collection to the city of Bath.

Today the museum presents historical exhibitions, offers interactive tours and even hosts workshops! The Fashion Museum is open every day from 10.30 AM, and it is recommended you allow between 1.5 – 2 hours for your visit.

Check the museum website for detailed ticket prices and packages ; if you book online in advance, you will receive a discount!

Dinner in Bath 

Let your dinner be the cherry on top of your Bristol and Bath explorations. If you are craving for fish and chips or grilled seafood, check out The Scallop Shell . Green Park Brasserie is a lively bar and restaurant with live music performances from Wednesday through Saturday night. They offer a special discounted dinner menu for early birds!

If you want a fully plant-based dining experience, make your way to Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen with a la carte and specially curated set-menu options.

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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The Ultimate Day Trip from London to Bristol

Guest author.

• October 29, 2018

Day trips are great because you get to pack a full adventure into just one day! For this post, we dive into a day trip from London to Bristol. Fun fact: I was supposed to get a master’s degree in Bristol, but they canceled the program I was entered, so I didn’t go. And I still haven’t been! Shame on me!

So, for this post, I’m excited to introduce you to Danny from What’s Danny Doing? , who has lived in Bristol and is excited to give you this huge, epic, and ultimate look into Bristol and to help you find your way. Give him some love in the comments!

Londoners love Bristol. And they’re flocking there at an impressive rate.

It’s no surprise. Bristol was recently named as the trendiest city in Europe by National Geographic. Clearly, despite all the awesome things to do in London, Bristol is well worth a visit!

If you’re a Londoner yet to see what the hype’s all about, or simply someone in the UK capital looking for a change of scenery, then perhaps it’s time for a day trip from London to Bristol. For those with a longer stay in London, be sure to make the most of your time and take advantage of these London itineraries to get you to all the right places.

Keep on reading to find out how to spend a day in this scintillating southwestern city.

How to Get from London to Bristol

But first, how to get there. Bristol is one of the UK’s most popular cities, which means it’s super easy to access from London. Car, coach, and train are probably the easiest ways into the city.

Thankfully, driving to Bristol from London is straightforward. Take the M25 onto the M4 (which takes you most of the way), before exiting onto the M32 to Bristol.

You can also reach the M4 by driving through central London. If you’d rather avoid the notoriously busy M25, and don’t mind the stresses of Central London driving, you might prefer this route!

The trip usually takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and how fast you drive!

Coach is my favourite way of getting from London to Bristol. It’s cheap, easy and comfortable. Plus, you get to ride on a double-decker coach, which is just downright awesome…right?!

The coach (National Express or Megabus) leaves regularly from Victoria Coach Station and weaves through central London (past the Thames, which is quite nice) before hitting the motorway. After 2.5 hours or so it’ll drop you at Bristol Bus and Coach Station, right in the heart of town.

If you buy early enough you can find some mega-cheap tickets too. A return ticket can cost as little as £15 but expect between £25-35 as standard.

Taking the train to Bristol is just as easy as the coach. The train leaves every 5-15 minutes from London Paddington (and London Waterloo, too) and can take you directly to either Bristol Parkway or Bristol Temple Meads Station.

In the interest of seeing Bristol though, definitely head to Temple Meads station. It’s well placed in Bristol’s city centre (Parkway station is far further away), meaning you’re closer to the city’s main attractions.

This is also the quickest way to get to Bristol, which is an obvious bonus with only a day to spend here. Depending on the train, it should take between 1.5-2 hours.

Expect to pay around £40 for a well-priced return ticket (cheaper tickets are possible though). However, be sure to buy in advance! As always, prices increase rapidly if you leave it to the last minute.

What to See in Bristol

When taking a day trip to Bristol, you will want to make the most of it. Bristol is full of fun and fascinating things to see and do. Here’s a selection of some of the best bits to highlight some of what you might want to do.

The Arnolfini

The Arnolfini is one of Bristol’s most famous buildings. It’s an amazingly located art gallery/hub, just on the banks of the River Avon in the city centre.

Unfortunately, a lack of funding means it is currently functioning only as a bar-café/reading space. Thanks to its prime location, chilled out vibes and awesome food/drinks, it’s still well worth a visit though.

The M Shed is another awesome (and free) waterfront attraction. It’s a museum of Bristol’s history and is situated less than a 5-minute walk from the Arnolfini. It’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in Bristol and how it’s changed over the years.

SS Great Britain

Keep walking along the river away from the M Shed and you’ll get to the famous SS Great Britain- a well-known relic of Bristol and Britain’s boating past. This giant ship is a sight to behold and has a long and impressive history. You can pay for the privilege of exploring it.

Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft is cool. It’s sort of like Bristol’s answer to London’s Shoreditch and Dalston, except with less of the pretension and more of the raw and authentic.

Cafes, bars, and restaurants abound here. As does a general artsy, subcultural and anti-system atmosphere. It’s a buzzing, interesting community that’s polar opposites to other parts of Bristol. I thoroughly recommend wandering around and experiencing it for yourself.

Hamilton House (The Canteen)

Located in the heart of Stokes Croft is Hamilton House. This somewhat garish building is a valued community hub that hosts events, workshops and all manner of other things. On the ground floor is The Canteen, a popular bar/restaurant too (more on this below).

To the dismay of the local community, there’s a plan to demolish Hamilton House. You’ll see ‘Save Hamilton House’ posters in windows all over the city. Hopefully, the many campaigns to keep it will prevail. But you should head there now while it’s still there, just in case they don’t.

Gloucester Road

For more cafes, bars, restaurants, and music venues head up the hill from Stokes Croft to reach Gloucester Road. A similar atmosphere reigns here and it’s a popular destination for a night out.

However, with limited time in the city, you might consider leaving it for a future date, when you have more time (and opportunity for a night out!).

Bristol Cathedral

Whether you’re religious or not, Bristol Cathedral is an impressive building to see. It’s just up the road from the Arnolfini, so if you haven’t yet satiated your cultural interests, you could head here too!

Christmas Steps

A trip to Bristol isn’t complete without a stop at The Christmas Steps. This famous staircase and building in the heart of the city seem frozen in time and provide a flash of insight into what Bristol may have looked like in years gone by.

There’s a lot of history held in this tiny stretch of the city. Surrounded by the modern buildings of our time, the fantastically crooked and warped buildings of the Christmas Steps are in stark contrast. You’ll find a great pub and a board game café here, as well as numerous independent shops and galleries to enjoy.

Cabot Tower (Brandon Hill)

To escape the busy streets and buildings of Bristol, head to Brandon Hill for a flash of green and open space. It’s a little park that’s tucked away up the hill, close to the Cathedral and the Will’s memorial building (part of Bristol University and an impressive building to see in its own right).

At the centre of Brandon Hill is Cabot Tower, a tall building that provides incredible panoramic views over the city and into the distance. The tower is a great vantage point from which to see the city; the park below is a cool place to escape it.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Onto what’s arguably Bristol’s best known and impressive landmarks and attractions. The suspension bridge connects the cliffs high above the River Avon. Walk across, feel the abyss below, and revel in the views around you.

It’s a genuinely impressive architectural feat that anyone visiting Bristol should witness. There’s also an observatory just next to the bridge, which is another cool little stopping point.

Clifton itself is also a nice place to wander around. It’s traditionally the upmarket part of town. Built off the back of the slave trade, the monstrously sized buildings are something of a bleak reminder of the city’s murky past. That aside, there are masses of trendy shops, bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods

Ashton Court Estate and Leigh Woods are two places on the other side of the suspension bridge that offer a well-deserved break from the hub of the city centre.

Follow the road from the suspension bridge to reach Ashton Court Estate. The Estate is a wide expanse of grass and woodland that offers great walks and views over the city. There’s also a golf course there if you fancy a spot of golf.

Leigh Woods is to your right as you cross the bridge. It offers more lovely little walks.

Where to Eat & Drink

You’re in for a treat if you’re thirsty or a foodie in Bristol. There are a huge number of bars, restaurants, and cafes to choose from. It’d be impossible to list them all, but here are a few of my favourites.

The Canteen

Located on the bottom floor of Hamilton House in Stokes Croft, The Canteen is a cool, laid-back bar/restaurant that offers amazingly tasty food of the highest quality.

During the evening time, it transforms into a lively music venue too, with a different act every night. Whether you’re into jazz, hip-hop, world music or more, you’ll be sure to have a great night out in the Canteen.

Poco Tapas Bar

At the foot of Stokes Croft, on Jamaica Street, is this awesome little Tapas Bar. There’s an emphasis on local and sustainable produce and every dish is of a real, top notch standard. The general vibe is very cool too!

The Stables

If you fancy pizza, pie and/or cider on the waterfront of the city centre, head to The Stables. There’s a giant range of ciders to choose from in this popular place, as well as a large number of delicious pizzas and pies.

There’s often live music playing in the evening too, which adds to the lively atmosphere.

Café Kino (non-profit/vegan/famous in Bristol)

This award-winning vegan café is another well-loved hub in Stokes Croft. With great food, coffee and atmosphere, it’s a great spot for lunch. Many events are held here too. Be sure to drop by to see what’s on.

King Street

If you’re looking for a pub, then you’ll want to go to King Street. It’s lined with pubs, bars, and restaurants. The Apple and the Old Duke are two favourites.

The Apple is technically just off King Street. It’s actually a boat on the river, which is cool (seating on land is also available). Cider is the order of the day here, with all manner of ciders from near and afar on offer.

The Old Duke

This well-loved, old-school pub always has an amazing atmosphere. It’s a cool, folky, music hub, with live acts every night of the week. If you fancy a pint and a dance, then definitely head to the Old Duke.

St. Nicholas’ Market

St. Nick’s market is, without a doubt, one of the best spots to grab your lunch in Bristol’s city centre. Just up from the river (from the direction of Temple Meads Station) and with an indoor and outdoor area, you can enjoy reasonably priced, delicious food from all over the world.

Suggested One Day Bristol Itinerary

I’ve included all of the above so that you can decide for yourself how you’d like to spend your day in Bristol. However, here’s a suggested one-day itinerary to help you on your way. It’s all doable by foot!

First stop: Christmas Steps

Begin at the Christmas Steps for your insight into the Bristol buildings of old. Peruse the local shops if you wish.

Second stop: The Waterfront

A 5-minute walk from the Christmas Steps takes you to the waterfront and all that’s on offer here. Grab your morning coffee at the Arnolfini.

Third Stop: M Shed

Having enjoyed your coffee on the waterfront, continue onto the M Shed to learn (for free!) more about Bristol’s past. Head further along the river to the SS Great Britain if you fancy seeing the famous ship.

Fourth stop: Lunch at St. Nicholas’ Market, then Brandon Hill

Head back the way you came, away from the waterfront and to St. Nick’s for lunch. Take it away with you to eat at Brandon Hill. Eat your lunch in the Brandon Hill Park, then head up the tower to enjoy the view.

Fifth Stop: Clifton and the Suspension Bridge

Continue up the hill from the park, heading in the direction of the suspension bridge (there are signs). It’s about a 30-minute walk.

Optional: If you want some more greenery, continue onto Ashton Court Estate or Leigh Woods. If not, then head back the way you came.

Sixth Stop: Stokes Croft

Head from Clifton to Stokes Croft. It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s worth it to see the contrast that’s on offer in Bristol.

Grab your dinner at one of the many restaurants here. Poco Tapas Bar would be a good bet!

Last Stop: Kings Street

After a long day’s sightseeing, you’re bound to be tired. Before heading back to London, grab a drink on King Street, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from Stokes Croft. You’ve deserved it!

Time to Wrap Up

There you have it: what to do on a day trip from London to Bristol. Whatever you end up doing in Bristol you’re sure to have an amazing time. It’s truly an awesome city. But hopefully, the ideas and information here have provided some inspiration for what to see and do!

What did you think? Drop a comment below with where you’d head first!

Ready to take the trip?

Here’s your toolkit full of links so you don’t have to go searching!

• Get more info on your destination through guidebooks .
• Find the right hotel for you on Booking.com through the incredible amount of filters available.
• Discover the perfect experience through GetYourGuide . From transit tickets to food tours, it’s all right here.
• Need a flight? Gotcha covered with Skyscanner (USA people, THIS link is for you ).
• Already in Europe and just need a bus or train. We always use Omio because it’s so easy!

Now, go and have an AMAZING time! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram ( @awanderlustforlife ) so we can see you memorable experiences.

About the author:

Danny Newman is a travel enthusiast with a passion for writing and inspiring others to live fully. He runs a travel blog called What’s Danny Doing? , which is dedicated to helping aspiring travellers travel for the first time. For Danny, the essence of travel is found in the feeling it elicits. He wants to inspire and support as many people as possible to experience this ‘travel feeling’.

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel .

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Tours from Bristol

Tours from bristol - explore the west country and wales.

So many people never make it past London when touring England , and that’s a real shame. The West Country and the South of Wales are home to many treasures, incredible history, and more than enough photo opportunities.  Explore the West Country and Wales in all their glory when you book a tour from Bristol. The unique, vibrant flare this city has to offer is available for everyone and is only about a 30-minute drive from Bath and Somerset. 

Whether you like the arts and museums, or walking in the stunning countryside, our tours from Bristol have something for you to capture and take home to cherish. Experience the culture, lesser-known marvels, and the classic highlights for yourself when you join a small-group tour of England and Wales from Bristol.

Planning Your Tour from Bristol

On a trip from Bristol, learn about King Arthur and his links to the cliff top ruins of Tintagel Castle. Gaze upon the best nature has to offer in Dartmoor National Park. Tuck yourself away in one of the many bookstores in the world’s first book town, Hay-on-Wye in Wales. With so much to see, jump on one of our mini-coaches and visit the south starting in Bristol.

Travel Responsibly from Bristol

In 2015, Bristol was the first British city to be named as a European Green Capital for all the sustainable work they continue to achieve. As an award-winning tour operator providing trips from Bristol, we want to help towards this, which is why we make it our mission to travel responsibly on our small mini-coaches.

Did You Know?

- The very first bungee jump took place from the Suspension Bridge in Bristol. - Bristol is home to the world’s largest hot air balloon manufacturer. - Easter eggs were invented here. Who do we send our thanks to?

Don’t Miss Out

- Visit the historic King Street; a hub of vibrant bars, delicious restaurants, and the heart of the theatrical district. - You can’t go wrong with an iconic shot of the Clifton Suspension Bridge . - Cabot Tower was built in the 1890s to celebrate Italian explorer John Cabot’s voyages from Bristol.