Commonly regarded as the capital of the South West of England, the lively city of Bristol is diverse, vibrant, and creative. Bristol was voted the best city to live in, in the United Kingdom by ‘The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide’ in 2017 due to its low crime rate, great job opportunities, and cultural diversity.
The city straddles the River Avon and is known for its maritime history, with its former port now existing as a cultural hub, and its former harbor warehouses now home to restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions. Bristol is known for its array of pastel-colored houses and Victorian architecture. It is a truly beautiful city! If you’re looking for some great things to do during your stay in Bristol city, here are this author’s top ten.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s most recognizable structures, spanning both the Avon Gorge and the River Avon. Since its opening in 1864, the structure has operated as a toll bridge, providing a safe crossing for vehicles and pedestrians alike. The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was somewhat revolutionary.
The structure marks a turning point within the history of engineering, now existing as a symbol of independent and original thinkers. Even if you’re not planning on physically crossing the Clifton Suspension Bridge, you must have a look at this fantastic piece of architecture! The bridge itself is open three-hundred and sixty-five days a year, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!
Location: Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PA
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
As mentioned above, Bristol is known for its impressive maritime history! Brunel’s SS Great Britain resides within the city harbor and is one of the most important historic ships in the entire world. Launched in 1843, the ship was described as ‘the greatest experiment since its creation’. The design was innovative, making use of a screw propellor rather than conventional paddle wheels, making Brunel’s SS Great Britain home to the newest invention in maritime machinery.
Nowadays, the ship sits comfortably in Bristol’s harbor, allowing residents and tourists alike to visit the famous ocean liner. Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a must-see, having been named the no.1 tourist attraction in Bristol and one of the top ten tourist attractions in the United Kingdom. So why not take a trip back in time and tour one of the most significant and famous historic attractions in the country?
Location: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, BS1 6TY
The M Shed
What if you could learn all about the city you are standing in, in one place? The Bristol M Shed is a learning experience like no other! Previously existing as a 1950s transit shed, the venue now functions as a fantastic museum. Learn all about the history of Bristol: ‘its places, its people, and their stories. Colorful exhibits showcase photographs and videos of Bristol’s past, and the experiences of the city’s citizens.
Tour through the interactive displays, detailing the city’s history from prehistoric times up until the present day. The collections boast rich archives of objects, art, and even steamboats, trains, and cranes. Learn about Bristol’s music, art, industrial heritage, engineering history, and war-time experiences. There is so much to discover and see! What’s more, admission to The M Shed Museum won’t cost you a penny. Top tip! Why not stop by the museum cafe for a quick bite to eat or a brew to make the very most out of your visit?
Location: Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol, BS1 4RN
The Bristol Ferry Boats
The Bristol Ferry Boat Company is the very best way to travel through Bristol by boat! With trips running every day and a variety of routes to choose from, there is surely a water-filled adventure for anyone to enjoy. The Bristol Ferry Boat company has been running since 1977, allowing residents and visitors alike to explore the city by water.
There are an array of trips and events available! For instance, why not take part in an educational trip? A waterbus hire? Or, rent out one of the Bristol Ferry Boats for a party? A city known for its maritime history needs to be explored by water, so make sure to check out the available Bristol Ferry Boat trips during your visit!
Location: 44 The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Explore over one billion years of the Earth’s history at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery! Tour through the numerous collections based around art, nature, and history, spread over three floors. Explore the natural wonders and natural beauty of the South West of England and explore the lives of the past and present Bristol residents.
Discover the wildlife of the South West, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, pottery, paintings, and much much more! The collections are so diverse, that you could spend hour upon hour exploring them! There are also regularly scheduled exhibitions, family events, workshops, and tours so make sure to check the website before your visit to see what’s on! Best of all, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery offer free admission to the public and therefore this fabulous learning experience won’t cost you a penny!
Location: Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RL
The Cabot Tower
Sitting beautifully in the public park of Brandon Hill lies Cabot Tower. Cabot Tower was built in the 1890s to commemorate the four-hundredth anniversary of John Cabot’s journey from Bristol to Canada. The building itself is considered a grade two building and boasts some of the best views in Bristol, being the highest point in the city.
I’m talking breathtaking, panoramic views of the city of Bristol! The hike is, admittedly, rather steep – but oh are the views from the top worth it. Plus, it’s completely free! Brandon Hill, the park in which the tower resides, is gorgeous in itself and boasts a long history. In fact, Brandon Hill is the oldest park in all of Bristol. So, even if you’re not wanting to complete the hike up the tower, the surrounding park is an adventure in itself with so much to discover.
Location: Brandon Hill Park, Park St, Bristol, BS1 5RR
We The Curious
With over two hundred and fifty exhibits spread over two extensive floors, We the Curious exists as one of the most exciting and interactive science and art centers, and educational charities, in all the countries. Explore your curious and creative side, test out ideas, and express yourself in this safe, interactive space where you can feel free to ask any question your heart desires! There are exhibits and activities for people of all ages, making this tourist attraction a great one for all of the family. Spend hours touring through the exciting exhibitions, learning about the world around you as you go, and opening your mind up to new possibilities.
Why not take a look at the venue’s on-site planetarium and enjoy one of the many shows that take place there? With so much to discover, make sure We The Curious is on your to-do list during your time in Bristol! Before your trip, however, make sure you book online as tickets are not available to buy at the door of the venue!
Location: 1 Millennium Square, Anchor Rd, Bristol, BS1 5DB
The Bristol City Docks
A thousand years of history waiting to be discovered! The Bristol City Docks, or as the area is commonly referred to, ‘Harbourside’ covers over seventy harbors of land and is often described as the heart of the city. Though often bustling with people and almost always relatively busy, the area remains a relaxing and peaceful one.
There is so much to see and do. From restaurants to bookstores, to quaint shops, you could spend hours exploring this area of the city. The area makes Bristol what it is! Oftentimes, in the Summer, the Bristol City Docks host a funfair that all the family can enjoy. There always seems to be something going on. For a city with such an incredible maritime history, the Bristol City Docks are a must-see.
Location: Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SP
The Bristol Hippodrome
Often considered Bristol’s ‘West End’ theatre, the Bristol Hippodrome is one of the largest theatres in the United Kingdom and has provided a venue for many major musical productions since its establishment in 1912. For instance, ‘Disney’s The Lion King’, ‘We Will Rock You’, and ‘Chicago’. With three levels of seating, the venue can hold just under two thousand people! In tribute to the maritime history of Bristol, the architectural theme is, you guessed it, maritime. There can be found stained glass windows of lighthouses, boats, and ports, in addition to a multitude of porthole-shaped windows. If you’re a fan of the theatre, make sure you have a look at the available shows being performed at the Bristol Hippodrome for your chance to experience a unique and quirky theatre whilst enjoying some incredible musical talent!
Location: St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ
The Bristol Aquarium
Sitting comfortably in the heart of the city lies the Bristol Aquarium. Home to thousands of aquatic creatures including sharks, tropical fish, and seahorses, this attraction is one of the most popular amongst visitors. In fact, the Bristol Aquarium is the only one in the country to feature a huge botanical house and an urban jungle.
In its urban jungle, there are even bananas growing – a true tropical haven! There are over forty exhibits, including a virtual reality experience. The Bristol Aquarium is the ultimate destination to discover the ocean and open your mind to the adventures of the deep. Plus, your entrance ticket allows unlimited access all day! So, you can spend as long as you want, touring through the exhibits and embracing your inner water baby.
Location: Anchor Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TT
