A Bristol City Guide
Bristol, a thriving city located in the southwest of the United Kingdom, is nestled between Somerset and Gloucestershire along the banks of the River Avon. It is England's sixth most populous city and is roughly 120 miles west of London, making it a significant cultural, economic, and educational hub. Bristol boasts a rich maritime history, with roots tracing back to the Saxon era, and its historic city center is a testament to a captivating blend of the past and the present.
Music in Bristol
Music within 10 miles of Bristol.
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Space
Bloody & Bubblegum LP Tour
PorkPie Live plus Support TBC at The Fleece, Bristol
PorkPie Live plus Support TBC at The Fleece, Bristol on Saturday 31st May 2025
4th Annual New Rock City Festival: South
The New Rock City Music Festival's South location will be a two day fest at Exchange in Bristol, England. It will feature 16 bands from 3 countries
Nerf Herder
Geeky Pop-Punk from SoCal.
Indie Discoteque (Bristol)
We bet that you look good on the dance floor and we invite you to dance to Indie anthems at the The Lanes, Bristol
Ray Keith (3hr set) + support | Attic Bar
Ray Keith spans his skills & music knowledge for a special 3hr set inside the Attic Bar
Templates x 3seven6 Pres. Big Ang & Mattik
UKG heavyweights are hitting up the Attic Bar on the 17th May
Lost horizon presents Hejira play Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell performed by a 7-piece band
A Big Blue Bash
Stop what you're doing, it's time to get funky The Blue Lounge has come together with Loose Sound to bring you A BIG BLUE BASH.
Rave Revival Bristol
Transporting You Back To The Early 90's
Tristan Butler y Timba Británica UK Tour 2025: TIMBA REVOLUTION
15 piece Cuban Salsa Orchestra, Tristan Butler y Timba Britanica will play a selection of Cuba's biggest hits from the 1990's
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Featured things in Bristol
Wake The Tiger – The world's first Amazement Park – Bristol, UK
Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set, all with a surreal and beautiful twist, Wake The Tiger is set to offer an immersive adventure for all ages.
Watershed | Cultural cinema, talent development and creative technology in Bristol
Watershed is an independent cinema and creative technology centre on Bristol’s historic harbourside. Find out what’s on at Watershed, including cinema and event listings, café & bar, venue hire, talent development programmes, opportunities and catch up with our latest feature articles, podcasts and news.
SS Great Britain
Discover the ship that changed the world at Brunel's SS Great Britain. Bristol's number one attraction. Book your tickets now!
The Arts in Bristol
The arts within 10 miles of Bristol.
View more The Arts in Bristol
Wake The Tiger – The world's first Amazement Park – Bristol, UK
Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set, all with a surreal and beautiful twist, Wake The Tiger is set to offer an immersive adventure for all ages.
That Art Gallery
That Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Bristol City Centre - at the heart of the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter.
M Shed
Blaise Hamlet
Explore Blaise Hamlet, a charming collection of 19th-century rustic cottages around a green, near Bristol.
Scribble and Sketch
All the family are welcome at Scribble and Sketch in communities across the city! Join us for free creative activities with an artist, try something new and have fun together.
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Key sight seeing attractions include:
Clifton Suspension Bridge
This world-famous bridge, designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, spans the beautiful Avon Gorge and provides stunning views of the city.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Located in a stunning Edwardian Baroque building, the museum houses a wide variety of collections from natural history to local archaeology and world cultures.
SS Great Britain
Another of Brunel's masterpieces, the SS Great Britain is a museum ship that provides insight into Victorian naval history. It was the largest passenger ship in the world when launched in 1843.
Bristol Cathedral
An example of a 'Hall Church' design, Bristol Cathedral is one of the finest examples of its kind in England. The cathedral, with its unique architecture and stunning stained glass, is located on College Green.
Cabot Tower
Located in the beautiful Brandon Hill park, Cabot Tower offers panoramic views of the city. It was built to commemorate John Cabot's famous voyage from Bristol to North America in 1497.
Banksy Street Art
Bristol is the birthplace of the infamous street artist Banksy, and his provocative works can be found scattered throughout the city. There are various Banksy walking tours available.
St Nicholas Market
Located in the historic heart of the city, this vibrant market offers a wide range of independent retailers, food stalls, and the Bristol Farmers' Market.
Bristol Harbourside
Once a busy dock where sailors and merchants would trade goods and set sail for voyages of discovery, Bristol's Harbourside has been redeveloped to a modern attraction filled with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
M Shed
Located on the harbourside, this museum tells the fascinating story of Bristol's history, including its links to the slave trade, with artifacts, personal stories and multimedia exhibits.
Food and Drink in Bristol
Food and drink within 10 miles of Bristol.
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Coffee #1 | Fishponds
Coffee#1 Fishponds is well-known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere – as well as tasty coffee! Right next to the Old Post Office building, you’ll find comfy seats that you can sink into and while away the hours poring over a good book. No wonder it’s a popular stop off for locals!
Bristol Beacon | Share in the joy of live music
A music charity, renowned venue and award-winning music education hub. Buy tickets to live music, learn to play an instrument, join a music ensemble, group or choir, take part in free music-making activities.
Bristol - Zerodegrees
Four years later our next Zerodegrees was born. Our restaurant in Bristol is occupying a prime location on the corner of Colston Street and Park Row.
Penfold's Kitchen
A Proudly Independent Coffee House
Watershed | Cultural cinema, talent development and creative technology in Bristol
Watershed is an independent cinema and creative technology centre on Bristol’s historic harbourside. Find out what’s on at Watershed, including cinema and event listings, café & bar, venue hire, talent development programmes, opportunities and catch up with our latest feature articles, podcasts and news.
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The Arts
Bristol is famous for its vibrant cultural scene. It is the birthplace of the internationally recognized street artist Banksy, whose provocative works are scattered throughout the city. In addition, Bristol is well known for its contributions to music, particularly the trip hop genre, with globally known bands such as Massive Attack and Portishead originating in the area (Portishead is a nearby seaside town, pictured, famous also for being a home to Frasier's Kelsey Grammer since 2023).
The city is also home to the Bristol Old Vic, a theatre company with origins dating back to the 18th century, making it the longest continuously running theatre in the English-speaking world. Bristol's distinctive, richly layered history and vibrant, forward-thinking spirit make it a must-visit destination in the UK.
Sport in Bristol
Sport within 10 miles of Bristol.
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Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf
Pick up your putters and let’s play!
The Lanes
Ashton Gate Stadium
Roxy Lanes
Roxy Lanes Union Street is the ultimate games bar in Bristol. With ten pin bowling, karaoke, shuffleboard, great booze and great music, it's the place to be.
The Bristol School of Dancing
The Bristol School of Dancing is the leading dance school in Bristol offering RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern, BBO(British Ballet Organisation), Tap, Musical Theatre and Silver Swans dance classes.
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Science Museum
Bristol's science museum - We The Curious - reopened in 2024 after a fire caused extensive damage and meant the museum had to close for 2 years. The fire occured in April 2022, after a solar panel was damaged by birds and caused an electrical fault. Everyone was evacuated immediately, but it took thousands of litres of water to put out the fire, and from the sounds of their update on their blog, it was water damage which has taken a long time to correct on the Grade 2 listed building.
Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo - the 5th oldest zoo in the World, having opened in 1835 - closed it's doors for a final time in September 2022. The zoo had apparently become economically unviable, and the site has been sold to housing developers. However, Bristol, Clifton & West of England Zoological Society Ltd - the organisation behind the zoo - also run The Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire, a 12 minute drive from the old zoo site in central Clifton.
Educational in Bristol
Educational within 10 miles of Bristol.
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Bristol Aquarium
Located in the heart of the city, Bristol Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals from across the World, plus a huge Urban Jungle!
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Planes, trains: travelling to Bristol by public transport
Bristol is well-connected and easily accessible by various modes of transport. Bristol Airport, located around 8 miles southwest of the city center, is the major international gateway to the city. It offers both domestic and international flights, serving many destinations across Europe and a few further afield.
The city's primary train station is Bristol Temple Meads, a major rail hub in the West of England. Direct services connect Bristol with other major UK cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff. The train journey from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on the fastest services.
Bristol is also served by a second station, Bristol Parkway, which is conveniently located for connections to the North and Midlands. Direct trains from Cardiff to Bristol Parkway take around an hour.
And automobiles: getting to Bristol by car
By road, Bristol can be reached via the M4 and M5 motorways. The M4 offers a direct route from London, while the M5 connects Bristol with Birmingham to the north and Exeter to the south. National Express operates coach services between Bristol and other major UK cities.
If you're coming from London, the fastest and most convenient way to reach Bristol is by train. From Birmingham or the north, you may find it more convenient to drive or take a coach, depending on your exact location and schedule. From Cardiff, train travel is again a highly viable option due to the short travel time and regular services.
The Great Outdoors in Bristol
The great outdoors within 10 miles of Bristol.
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Brandon Hill Nature Reserve | Avon Wildlife Trust
Enjoy stunning views from the top of Brandon Hill - a haven for people and wildlife in the heart of Bristol.
Bennett’s Patch and White’s Paddock | Avon Wildlife Trust
Wildflower meadows, native woodland and wildlife ponds house bats, badgers, hedgehogs, and abundant plant, bird and butterfly species.
Grow Wilder | Avon Wildlife Trust
Grow Wilder is our inspiring six-acre wildlife gardening hub, where people and wildlife thrive in a productive setting. Explore our wildflower nursery, enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife thriving in an urban setting and see the demonstrations of wildlife-friendly planting and food growing. You can buy plants, hire a room, volunteer, or join one of our courses or seasonal celebrations.
Pill Paddock | Avon Wildlife Trust
An old allotment transformed into a reserve by the local community, now an excellent spot for birds and butterflies.
Willsbridge Valley | Avon Wildlife Trust
Former mill, quarry and coal dramway, now an oasis of wildlife, with woodlands, ponds and a wildlife garden.
Prior's Wood | Avon Wildlife Trust
A beautiful wildlife-rich ancient woodland with streams, plantations and a wonderful bluebell display in spring.
Folly Farm | Avon Wildlife Trust
A peaceful unspoilt landscape, with rare wildflower meadows and clear views across the Mendip Hills.
Clapton Moor | Avon Wildlife Trust
Important moor for its breeding waders, wintering wildfowl, and dragonflies, set in Gordano Valley.
Tickenham Hill | Avon Wildlife Trust
Woodland and grassland rich in limestone flowers, with views across Nailsea Moor to the coast.
Weston Big Wood | Avon Wildlife Trust
One of the most wildlife-rich woodlands in Avon. Great for woodland birds, bluebells and wildflowers.
Burledge Hill | Avon Wildlife Trust
A flower-rich grassland on the north-eastern fringes of the Mendip Hills, overlooking Chew Valley Lake.
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Bristol's green credentials
For travelling within Bristol, there's a comprehensive public transport network comprising buses and a ferry service. The city also has an extensive network of cycle lanes (more on that below), making cycling a popular choice for getting around. Bristol has a growing reputation as a green city and it was even awarded European Green Capital in 2015*.
Vital to know: In November 2022 Bristol launched their Clean Air Zone (CAZ), as part of efforts to improve air quality in the city center. The scheme restricts the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone, with charges imposed on those that do not meet the emission standards. In other words, you may need to pay a daily charge to drive your car in the centre of Bristol if your vehicle doesn't meet the emissions standards, or you have another exepmption (such as certain hospital appointments). You can check if your car will be charged here.
History and Heritage in Bristol
History and heritage within 10 miles of Bristol.
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Stanton Drew Circles and Cove | English Heritage
Though the 3rd largest collection of prehistoric standing stones in England, the three circles and three-stone cove are surprisingly little-known. Originally part of a much more elaborate ritual site.
Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument | English Heritage
Erected to commemorate the heroism of a Royalist commander and his Cornish pikemen at the Battle of Lansdown, 1643, this monument marks the spot where he fell.
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Cycling in Bristol
Sustrans is a UK charity that's known for promoting sustainable transport, including walking and cycling. The organisation's headquarters are in Bristol, UK, and it has significantly contributed to making the city more cycle-friendly. Sustrans is perhaps best known for its work on the National Cycle Network, a series of safe and attractive cycling and walking routes spanning the entire UK.
In Bristol, Sustrans has been instrumental in developing local cycling infrastructure. This includes the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, a 13-mile off-road route between Bristol and Bath that was one of the first routes established in the National Cycle Network. Other projects have included local cycle routes and maps, school initiatives to promote cycling among children, and collaboration with local authorities to improve cycling facilities.
Sustrans has also worked extensively on the Bristol Cycling Campaign, which aims to make Bristol the UK's leading city for cycling. Through this initiative, the organisation advocates for better cycling routes and infrastructure, promotes the benefits of cycling, and encourages more people to take up cycling as a mode of transport.
Wildlife in Bristol
Wildlife within 10 miles of Bristol.
View more Wildlife in Bristol
Goblin Combe | Avon Wildlife Trust
Airy grasslands above the Combe contrast dark woodlands below. A great spot for butterflies with magical views across Mendip.
Cleeve Heronry | Avon Wildlife Trust
A large heronry set in woodlands, where herons can be seen flying in and out to their fledglings.
Weston Moor | Avon Wildlife Trust
A moor with three fields on the limestone ridge in Gordano Valley. Important for its breeding waders and rare plants.
Chew Valley Lake | Avon Wildlife Trust
A great place to spot wildfowl including migrating birds feeding in the reed beds around the lake.
Stephen's Vale | Avon Wildlife Trust
Wooded valley with a beautiful waterfall. Perfect spot for bluebells in Spring, diverse plant species, birds and butterflies.
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Things to do for sports fans in Bristol
Bristol is home to several professional sports teams and boasts a number of notable stadiums:
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Football: Bristol has two main football clubs - Bristol City FC and Bristol Rovers FC. Bristol City plays in the Championship, the second tier of English football, and their home ground is Ashton Gate Stadium. Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, play in the English Football League (EFL) and their home matches are held at the Memorial Stadium.
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Rugby: Rugby is another popular sport in Bristol. Bristol Bears, a team that competes in the top-tier Rugby Union's Premiership, also play their home games at Ashton Gate Stadium.
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Cricket: The Gloucestershire County Cricket Club is based in Bristol and plays home matches at the Bristol County Ground (also known as the Nevil Road cricket ground). The club competes in the County Championship, the top level of domestic English cricket. The ground also hosts international cricket matches.
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Basketball: The Bristol Flyers are a professional basketball team in the British Basketball League (BBL) and play their home games at the WISE Campus.
In terms of events, the city hosts several sporting events throughout the year. One notable event is the Bristol Half Marathon. Bristol also has a thriving local sports scene, with numerous amateur leagues and sports clubs.
For motorsports fans, while not directly in Bristol, the Castle Combe Circuit, a notable motorsport venue, is located in Chippenham, just a short drive away from Bristol.
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Architecture
One of Bristol's most charming features is its colourful houses. This is a distinctive characteristic of the city's residential architecture, especially noticeable in neighbourhoods like Totterdown, Cliftonwood, and Hotwells. These homes, often painted in bright, cheerful colours, are perched on the city's hilly terrain, creating a vibrant and picturesque cityscape that's become a symbol of Bristol's creative and unconventional spirit.
The tradition of painting houses in various colours doesn't have a single specific origin. Some suggest that the brightly coloured houses may have been influenced by Bristol's maritime history, with sailors painting their homes in unique colours to make them stand out as landmarks when they returned from sea. Others think the trend became popular more recently, during the 1960s and 70s, when Bristol developed a thriving counterculture.
In any case, this custom of painting homes in a spectrum of hues has added a unique touch to Bristol's architectural charm. The rows of coloured houses set against the city's hilly backdrop create a delightful and photogenic view, especially when seen from vantage points like the Clifton Suspension Bridge or Cabot Tower.
For visitors, a leisurely walk around neighbourhoods like Totterdown, Cliftonwood, or Hotwells offers the chance to appreciate this quirky and joyful aspect of Bristol's built environment.
The rest of Bristol's architecture is a blend of various styles reflecting the city's rich and diverse history.
The city's medieval past is visible in buildings such as the Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church, the latter being one of the tallest buildings in Bristol and considered an architectural masterpiece.
In the 18th century, Bristol experienced a period of prosperity leading to the construction of many Georgian-style buildings. Much of Clifton, an affluent suburb, is built in the Georgian style with symmetrical layouts, sash windows, and often made from Bath stone. The grand terraces around Victoria Square are particularly fine examples.
Next, the industrial revolution brought a wave of Victorian architecture, with the Bristol Byzantine style becoming popular for industrial buildings. This is characterized by rounded arches, polychrome brickwork, and often topped with a dome or tower.
Meanwhile The University of Bristol's Wills Memorial Building is a prominent example of Gothic Revival architecture in the city. Designed by Sir George Oatley and opened in 1925, it is considered one of the last great Gothic buildings to be built in England.
Bristol's role as a significant port city has resulted in a range of historic warehouses and other industrial buildings, particularly around the docks and the Floating Harbour. Many of these have been repurposed into residential, cultural, or commercial spaces. Bristol also has its share of modern and contemporary architecture. The Lloyds Bank building, with its reflective glass exterior, is one example. Millennium Square and the surrounding area also feature contemporary architecture with sustainable design features.
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Bristol: facing a difficult history
The city's history spans over a millennium, with traces of its past etched into its stunning landscape.
Founded around the 10th century, Bristol quickly became an important port city, noted for its trading of wool cloth and later, during the height of the British Empire, its role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
In the 19th century, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the iconic engineer, built iconic infrastructures here, like the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, both of which still stand as symbols of Bristol's industrial prowess.
Addressing Bristol's historical ties to the Transatlantic Slave Trade has been an ongoing process, and it is recognised as a significant part of the city's history.
One high-profile symbol of Bristol's ties to the slave trade was the statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, which stood in the city center. In June 2020, during a Black Lives Matter protest, the statue was pulled down by demonstrators and thrown into the harbor. This act sparked a widespread debate about how the city should confront its historical ties to the slave trade. Following this, in 2021, the statue was retrieved and temporarily exhibited at the M Shed museum in Bristol, as part of a display exploring the events surrounding its toppling.
Bristol's museums have made efforts to accurately portray the city's role in the slave trade. The M Shed museum hosts an exhibition on Bristol's role in the slave trade, and the Georgian House Museum—once owned by a slave trader—also interprets this period of history.
Additionally, local institutions like the University of Bristol have begun initiatives to research and address the city's links to the slave trade. The university launched a research project to investigate its historical links to slavery and committed to a programme of reparative justice.
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TV and film location Bristol walking tour
If you're a fan of the silver screen or small screen, make sure you check out our self-guided - and therefore free - walking tour of Bristol. It covers historic and beautiful sites from the city centre whilst taking you to lots of places you might recognise from film and tv shows.
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Latest news about things to do in Bristol
Our team of roving busy bees have been reviewing the latest and greatest things to do in Bristol.
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Lunar New Year 2025 celebrations across the UK
6th Feb 2025
We've had a look around to find some of the best Chinese New Year Spring Festival activities going on across the UK...Read article -
February half term fun on the Grand Pier
3rd Feb 2025
From Saturday 15th February until Sunday 23rd February, there's even more fun to be had than usual with our mascot, Dani the Donkey making regular appearances, as well as free face painting being on offer.Read article -
The best kids' burger around - available across the UK
1st Feb 2025
If your kids are bored with small rolls, dry patties and no salad in their burgers, then you need to visit one of these restaurants to get a 10/10 burger for a good price.Read article
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