Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Bristol? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Bristol? We’ve got you covered. There are many attractions in Bristol. Include numerous galleries, as well as numerous gardens and parks. It’s also a fun city to explore and enjoy, with some of the best walks into Bristol Harbour, with its well-maintained and restored old promenades and piers.
For families, There are Bristol Zoo Gardens and We The Curious, which is an art and science center specially created to stimulate and inspire children’s minds. It’s also worth a trip to Ashton Court Estate, a place that offers an assortment of exciting outdoor activities for families.
There are also day trips to destinations not in town, like the stunning Cheddar Gorge. Between these places of interest and the many places to visit, There are many fun activities to enjoy in Bristol.
Clifton
Clifton is one of the best places to visit in Bristol. One of Bristol’s beautiful regions is Clifton, which begins at the highest point of Park Street and comprises some of Bristol’s most breathtaking Georgian structures like the Bristol Museum.
The most impressive thing in Clifton is the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, initially developed by Brunel. The bridge was built with the help of William Henry Barlow and John Hawkshaw and completed in 1864.
The massive wrought iron structure is a bridge that spans the stunning Avon Gorge and links Clifton to Leigh Woods. Walking across the bridge in the evening or watching the hot-air balloons fly over in thousands during the balloon celebration in July is breathtaking.
Other Clifton attractions include Clifton’s second and most extensive of Bristol’s Cathedrals and the incredible brutalist/modernist SS Peter and Paul, Clifton Village with its quaint arcades and charming independent stores, and lastly, the historical Clifton Lido.
This “cool urban oasis” on Whiteladies Rd includes a spa, fine dining restaurant, and a huge heated outdoor pool. Swimmers should not miss it!!
Bristol Harbour & Bristol City Docks
The former Port of Bristol on the Avon River has been given an imaginative new revitalization by having many warehouses and wharves renovated or converted to modern-day purposes. The port is often referred to as its “Floating Harbour” because a tidal canal was constructed in 1809 to keep the water levels constant.
The harbor is 70 acres and is a delight to walk around on foot. Presently, Bristol Harbour, home to Bristol City Docks, is where you’ll find a variety of art galleries, museums, entertainment, and dining venues appropriate for all ages.
There are also notable attractions such as Bristol Aquarium, the Bristol Aquarium, the We The Curious science center, and Arnolfini Bristol’s world-class musical, visual art, and performing arts center.
Due to the absence of tide, it has been a popular spot for personal pleasure crafts, such as paddleboards, kayaks, and regional rowing groups. You can row an extensive navigable section of the Avon River from this area. Avon.
Travel within the space within Bristol Harbour is made accessible because of Bristol Ferry Boats, which operate a variety of ferry services along the Avon River.
This accessible mode of transportation provides reasonably priced passes that allow you to hop to and from critical places of interest in the harbor area and across different regions within the city.
Stokes Croft/Gloucester Road
Gloucester Road begins at the northern end of the city’s center and runs to the west toward Horfield. It’s the perfect destination for those who love street art and independent retail! The streets are bursting with quirky cafés, shops with vintage and retro-style warehouses, delicious locally produced food, and restaurant stores serving various vegetarian and vegan delights… Take the bags with you and do it!
You must contact Stokes Croft China, an initiative of community artists who create stunning modern vegan chinaware using the original Stokes Croft China factory. I challenge you to leave with at least one wacky pot that is politically explicit!
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
The SS Great Britain was the first passenger ship with an iron hull remaining in the same dry dock where the legendary vessel was constructed and launched in 1843. The work of famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the ship was the first vessel to be equipped with screw propellers.
Famously saved from oblivion after being cut off by the Falkland Islands, the ship is situated at Bristol’s Great Western Dock and exemplifies Brunel’s genius in engineering. You can now walk through the ship’s upper decks or go beneath decks to visit the luxurious First Class cabins and the less luxurious accommodation available to other classes.
The fun here is the opportunity to explore an authentic representation of the original dockyards to the time the vessel was constructed, including goods awaiting loading. A display titled Being Brunel provides fascinating insights into the mind of the great inventor.
The site also houses The Brunel Institute and the David MacGregor Library, An archive of thousands of documents, books, plans, and other objects related to England’s most outstanding engineer and inventor. A café, a gift shop, and a picnic spot are also on site.
The Wave
The Wave is one of the best places to visit in Bristol. Although it’s not technically a coastline city, Bristol offers plenty of water-related sports. Within 10 miles of the city’s center, you’ll discover the Wave, the first surf inland spot of its kind.
Here, water lovers of all abilities can play against the ocean. The 200-meter-long lake employs ground-breaking technology to generate as many as 1,000 waves per hour. Beginners can get a head start in the shallows during instruction for beginners and surfers who are experienced can tackle the more advanced waves.
There are special lessons for children in which they can splash around in the water to build their confidence in the water. If you’d like to remain longer, you could take a stay at one of the large tents that are safari-style at The Camp, just meters away from the lake. Surfs up, dude!
Staycation Ideas for More
If you’re looking for a relaxing adventure, wear a wetsuit and start paddling in Bristol’s central area by joining SUP Bristol. Learn the basics of paddle boarding, including kneeling and standing, before going out onto Bristol’s waters to view the things to see through the waters.
If you prefer to relax, you can book your all-important “me time” with a relaxing time at Bristol Lido. The stylish outdoor pool, hidden behind a residential road in Clifton, is a classic from its heyday in the Victorian period. Take a few laps around the water, enjoy the spa treatments, or feel the sauna’s heat, and then enjoy an impromptu lunch with a view of the pool.
Bristol Cathedral
The church was initially built as a part that was part of Saint Augustine Abbey. Bristol Cathedral required nearly 600 years to reach its current form. Beautifully restored east side with The Decorated Style by Abbot Knowle is dated between 1298 and 1330.
The tower in the central area and the transepts were built during the sixteenth century, as was the towered west nave and façade dating from early in the 19th century. The church was upgraded to the status of a cathedral in 1542. One of the other fascinating features of the church is its chapter house with its late Norman decorations of zigzags, fish scale patterns, and interlacing.
Be sure to look at also the Great Gatehouse. It was constructed in 1170 and was used as the gatehouse for St. Augustine Abbey. St. Augustine Abbey. It also features some of the first examples of arches with pointed ends. Also, it would help if you stopped by the Cathedral Cafe for a delicious dessert to enjoy the serene cathedral garden.
Guided tours can be booked upon booking, and audio guides for people who want to travel on their terms (these are available to be collected at the time of your arrival).
Official site: http://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/
Brooks Guesthouse
If you’re ready to settle in bed, go to the top of the boutique Brooks Guesthouse and keep climbing until you get to the roof Astroturf garden. Here you’ll find tiny metallic rocket caravans huddled on the Bristol rooftops. Old City.
The classic trains serve as Bristol’s version of glamping, equipped having double beds, eco-heating, and LED lights to assist you in unwinding. The views are amazing, and the views are amazing, too. If spending time in the open air isn’t your style, Brooks Guesthouse offers an array of comfortable twin and double rooms to relax in.
Staycation Ideas for More
Wine lovers must make their way to Hotel du Vin, a hotel located in an 18th-century converted sugar factory, where each bedroom is named in honor of the vineyard or wine. The lofty ceilings and modern design make the hotel more sophisticated in its look, and the Egyptian linen rolls-top baths and luxurious toiletries hint elegantly.
Are you looking for a camping spot in Bristol? Then look for no place other than Brook Lodge Camping & Caravan Park, close to Bristol, located under the Mendip Hills. Far from the hustle and bustle of Bristol and surrounded by a wide variety of wildlife, The bell tents at this camping site are the ideal location to take a well-deserved relaxation.
M Shed
M Shed is one of the best places to visit in Bristol. A part of the Bristol Museums group, M Shed, located on Prince’s Wharf, is a must-visit when exploring Bristol Harbour. It is impossible to overlook the museum due to the massive historic cranes that are set on the outside of the building.
The oldest of these cranes that remains in England is the Fairbairn Steam Crane was built in 1878 and used for a long time until the 1950s, after which the shed was constructed. The museum is located in the vast “shed” behind the crane.
M Shed offers visitors an immersive multi-media experience of the city’s rich heritage by combining vibrant displays that can be viewed as both permanent as well as temporary. The main attractions are displays that relate to the lives of ordinary people, set in the context of significant events along with maritime and transportation history.
The “living museum” also includes many fun activities showcasing original equipment used on the docks. One of the highlights for kids is the opportunity to go for rides along the Bristol Harbour Railway. It was built in the 1870s. The attraction is run by the museum and offers enjoyable excursions along the riverside, providing stunning perspectives of Bristol Harbour and the SS Great Britain.
Another exciting experience is the opportunity to run one of the steam cranes that line the docks outside M Shed. This unique experience, however dependent upon the presence of crewmembers. Therefore, make sure to be sure to check in advance to see if they’re working.
Official site: www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/
We The Curious
Have kids who ask abstract, out-of-the-box questions to which you don’t know the answers? We the Curious, are here to help. The museum-turned-laboratory is focused on asking questions and figuring out innovative ways to test the theories.
You can play with exhibits and participate in experiments in this harborside location for kids and parents. Take a trip to the Planetarium, chat about recipes with robots, ride through a storm, and draw your own animation at the Aardman Animations section. Who said that learning has to be boring?
Staycation Ideas for More
Keep an eye out for the animals that live in the Bristol Zoo Gardens, which is the fifth-oldest Zoo around the globe. There are gorillas, meerkats, penguins, mysterious sea creatures, red pandas, and more. Visitors can observe animals from all over the world of Earth.
Engineering enthusiasts will love Aerospace Bristol, packed with supersonic family-friendly adventure, interactive trails, and even larger-than-life aircraft (including the last Concorde to take to the skies), as well as Clifton Observatory – which is a museum and one of three operating camera Obscuras and the Giant’s Cave (home to Bristol’s notorious Giants, Goram Ghyston and Goram Ghyston), is sure to be a favorite with young adventurers.
Bristol Old City
Bristol Old City is one of the best places to visit in Bristol. Bristol Old City is a collection of historical buildings that span an extended period of Bristol’s past. Some of Bristol’s most well-known places to visit are the St. Stephen’s Church on St. Stephen’s Avenue, The parish church of Bristol dating back to 1476.
Visit the inside to see the burial place of Martin Pring, the discoverer of Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts, and also for the vibrant depiction from George Synge. Its medieval St. John on the Wall is nearby and is one of the numerous churches built within the city walls. It is renowned for its cathedral-like crypt and interactive displays, which were added in 2016.
It is located near St. John’s Gate, originally part of the city’s Wall that is famous for its representations that depict Brennus and Belinus as mythical creators of Bristol, as well as Christmas Steps, an ancient avenue that was paved in 1669, and today lined with shops selling antiques and other souvenirs.
At the intersection between Broad Street and Corn, there is the Neoclassical Old Council House which was built in 1827. Over Corn Street, the Palladian-style Exchange (built-in 1743) is renowned for its four tables outside and Brass “nails” upon which Bristol merchants completed their transactions. They also created the term “paying on the nail.”
The enclosed St. Nicholas Market, which has sixty stalls, is located next to the Exchange on St. Nicholas Street. A Farmers Market is held on Corn and Wine Streets on Wednesdays.
Official site: http://bristololdcity.co.uk/
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, The Wave is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Bristol.
I would be very thankful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to your friends or sharing it on Facebook, Medium, Reddit, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram. Thank you!
Related Destinations
You may check these destinations also!
- Best Places to Visit in Brighton
- Best Places to Visit in Bradford
- Best Places to Visit in Birmingham
- Best Places to Visit in Belfast
- Best Places to Visit in Bath