Things to do

The List Of 22 Best Things To Do In Bristol, England

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Bristol is an energetic city located in South West England. The city stands next to the River Avon giving it beautiful views. It boasts historic roots and lovely outdoor views.

The city started its foundation during the Middle Ages. Once a leading port town, the city has grown famous for its art and educational institutions. People recognize Bristol for its many green spaces and festival celebrations.

Moreover, its pleasant social nature attracts both residents and visitors alike. Check out these things to do in Bristol on your next visit.

1. Admire The Clifton Suspension Bridge

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This is one of the free things to do in Bristol. The iconic bridge lies just a short, easy walk from the village, making it a perfect activity if you're in the area. This remarkable engineering structure delivers unparalleled vistas to all visitors.

The bridge goes above the Avon Gorge while sharing an amazing view of the region. Best of all, it's free to visit, which makes it an accessible and worthwhile things to do in Bristol UK.

A guided tour is excellent and it encompasses so much more than just bridge information; explanations of the view, the history of the valley, etc. You learn all sorts about the bridge and area that you wouldn't by simply walking it or looking online.

2. Discover The True Story Behind Brunel's SS Great Britain

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As a pioneer in its period, the ship represented a break from tradition by using iron construction and screw propellers on its large scale. The accurate restoration lets you step back into daily life on board from that era.

The team makes exceptional efforts to foster an energetic yet cozy environment. This Bristol England tourist attractions is exciting with a variety of different methods of engagement.

You can enjoy Brunel's brain video, dress up in photos, and explore the ship's interior while the staff provides informative insights.

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The collection covers multiple fields with displays of art, natural history, archaeology, and more. Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits without paying any admission cost. The ground floor exhibits natural wonders and ancient treasures from both Egypt and Assyria.

The first level of the building demonstrates earth science and animal displays showing important fossils including the Bristol dinosaur. Artists Bellini and Pissarro's works are displayed on the upper level.

The museum organizes various programs throughout its annual calendar. The institution features Lunar New Year traditions alongside photography shows.

4. Enjoy A Rewarding Climb At Cabot Tower

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People built this historic landmark to remember John Cabot's discovery voyage to the North American shores. You can reach the tower by heading straight to Brandon Hill Park first. The 32-meter-high tower provides spectacular views across Bristol.

Visitors must climb through a tight staircase to reach the top of this tower. You need to bring a lighting tool because the area inside lacks sufficient illumination.

There are two viewing areas, one has rests while the other features the main viewing platform. Guests can spend thirty to forty-five minutes at the location. This location welcomes everyone for free.

5. Get Educational Tips At M Shed

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The museum presents the city's past from ancient prehistory until now making it a complete timeline. Visitors learn about Bristol in three distinct parts of the museum: Bristol Through Time, Bristol Places, and Bristol Life.

Each show area contains digital activities and historical finds. You have the chance to operate real trains and cranes during your time at the museum. The location provides educational workshops alongside storytelling activities for families.

The museum regularly replaces its display topics with temporary exhibits. Guided tours help visitors understand the displays better.

6. Know About Bristol’s Graffiti Hotspots

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Bristol is known for its lively graffiti art scene. The art district of Stokes Croft shows off Banksy's Mild Mild West while offering numerous innovative street murals. Nelson Street displays extraordinary works created by See No Evil artists.

Banksy's famous works mix with the artwork of local artists throughout the Easton district. North Street welcomes Upfest to show its ever-changing street art displays.

Leonard Lane serves as an alleyway populated by multiple styles of graffiti art. Visitors can discover different arts across Park Street and Castle Park.

7. Day Out With The Kids At Bristol Aquarium

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It features over 40 displays of marine life. The aquarium displays bright sea creatures including fishes and amazing seahorses while showing sharks. The aquarium has a unique underwater tunnel.

Bristol Aquarium lets you watch as rays and fish move through the water directly above. There is also a giant Botanical House. This is the only one in an aquarium in the UK. It has many tropical plants and trees.

The Urban Jungle area feels like a rainforest. You can hear the sounds of rain and thunder here. Food is available at C-Shed Cafe. They serve pizzas, sandwiches, and sweet treats.

8. Do Some Shopping At Cabot Circus

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The complex offers many choices for shopping and dining across more than a hundred retail spots. A mix of international clothing brands Zara and H and M along with Apple products attract shoppers to this center.

The facility provides both ventilation through its glass dome roof and shield protection against precipitation. The building provides multiple stories for retail and food services.

The mall offers shoppers access to retail stores plus cinema and recreation areas. The rolling streets have been made comfortable for everyone to walk together.

9. Hang Out At Smoke & Mirrors Comedy & Magic Theatre Pub

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House Magicians Comedy and Magic Show provides guests the opportunity to see close-up magics and their funny routines. Visitors can watch the 60-minute show from a warm theater that blends with 1920s style.

Guests can visit the bar to get their drinks and then spend time in the relaxed atmosphere of the space. The venue offers live music on weekends while keeping the pub free and available for guests five days a week.

Due to mature content these shows require audiences to be at least 18 years old. One of the best answers to what to do in Bristol.

10. Tour The Harbor On Bristol Ferry Boats

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A one-hour tour lets you visit Brunel's S.S. Great Britain while you explore several of Bristol tourist attractions. Great Britain. The trips showcase knowledgeable staff who talk about Bristol's seafaring heritage.

You could see kingfishers and peregrine falcons while exploring the local wildlife around. The Bristol Ferry Boats run every day and let you get on and off at several harbor stops.

Guests can select between wildlife observation trips or relax with afternoon tea on a cruise.

11. Grab A Lunch At The Glass Arcade of St Nicholas Market

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It has many stalls and shops. Local independent food vendors are set up at this market. You can find a variety of cuisines here. The Glass Arcade houses multiple lunch destinations including Low and Slow.

This restaurant specializes in smoked meats and has vegetarian meals for all diners. Eat A Pitta restaurant offers tasty falafel wraps. You can enjoy pastry treats at the Portuguese Taste when you need a dessert.

The market operates Mondays through Saturdays with special street food programs held on Tuesdays and Fridays.

12. Ride In A Hot Air Balloon

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During the ride, you will see breathtaking sights from the city skyline to countryside destinations. The rides typically last about an hour. On these rides, you can spot the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain from your aerial view.

Most flights depart from the Ashton Court Estate while the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta represents the main activity there. It is a colorful Briston balloon display event held in early August.

Most balloon rides take place between Easter and October.

13. Learn About The History of Aviation At Aerospace Bristol

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It reveals how aviation developed throughout the 20th century. The main showpiece attraction is Alpha Foxtrot, the final Concorde built and operated by the public.

Aerospace Bristol lets visitors examine aircraft helicopters rockets and satellites through touchable exhibits. The museum displays its collections in two buildings; a restored World War I hangar plus a dedicated Concorde hangar.

Children can participate in physical activities in the displays while enjoying freedom in outdoor games.

14. Roam Around Millennium Square

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This public plaza exists in Leeds England's central district. The location sits close to both the Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall in the central city area. The square welcomes many events every year such as live shows and celebrations.

The Leeds Big Screen delivers live sports and cultural event programming to viewers. Everyone has access to this space and it provides event space to host up to 5904 visitors.

This space began as a millennium celebration venue but evolved into Leeds' most important cultural center.

15. Savor Good Drinks And Chilli-Packed Korean Food At Bokman

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A thrilling Korean restaurant specializing in authentic tastes through its casual dining system. The menu contains different options yet Tongdak shines as the rotisserie-smoked chicken with rice inside.

You can order delicious braised beef short rib and kimchi fried rice from their menu. They provide a serene dining environment using uncomplicated interior design to make your visit more pleasant.

The helpful staff members know the whole menu and will show you options. Soft-serve ice cream serves as your perfect dessert to top off your meal. Customers can enjoy So-Yo as a distinctive beverage made from Soju and Yakult.

16. Attend Bristol Light Festival

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The festival runs from January 31st to February 9th in 2025. The festival showcases different light setups at multiple points across the city. People can take several walk paths beginning at Cabot Circus followed by Park Street.

Each light installation will show night times between 5 PM and 10 PM. You will find interesting exhibits such as Ramandu's Table and Somnius. The festival creates brightness in the winter season through innovative attraction displays.

This event features pieces created by artists in the area alongside external artist contributions. Bristol Light Festival urges participants to use walking and biking to experience the installations properly.

17. Take A Walk Around Gloucester Road

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It forms part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. You can find this road between Kensington Gardens on one end and Old Brompton Road on the other end. Multiple shops and restaurants share space with hotels here.

This place gains popularity through its many cultural activities. The Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum stand within walking distance from each place. Each year these areas attract numerous travelers.

The transport services at Gloucester Road function at a high level. Travelers can access all three lines (Circle District and Piccadilly) through the Gloucester Road station.

18. Offers Prayers At St Mary Redcliffe Church

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This building holds a major role as an Anglican parish location. The church first appeared in 1158 and its present building design was constructed from 1185 to 1872. Its Gothic design stands out as one of the largest buildings in this region.

The noble structure leads many to wrongly identify the building as a cathedral. This church has attractive stained glass and rises to a 274-foot spire. This building stands high above many other Bristol structures at its impressive height.

Queen Elizabeth I recognized St Mary Redcliffe as the most worthy English parish church among all others in the nation.

19. Enjoy A Swim In The Heated Outdoor Pool of Bristol Lido

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You will find the Bristol Lido in Clifton Bristol as a unique outdoor swimming pool that still exists today. The heated swimming pool houses water at a steady temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.

The Lido opened in 1850 but needed complete reconstruction before welcoming visitors again in 2008. You can visit the pool venue which features thermal spa services sauna rooms and a restaurant location.

The swimming sessions last two hours and require a booking in advance. You can experience peaceful relaxation while swimming at the Lido all year round.

20. Explore The Pubs Along King Street

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This street attracts people from its bustling pub district. Multiple famous destinations are available. One such location is Kongs Bristol where guests can enjoy live music sessions with craft beer selections and entertainment elements. Small Bar showcases 31 beers from local breweries across its tap selection.

At King Street Brew House customers can order beers brewed onsite alongside outdoor dining facilities. They produce their beers at this location while streaming live sporting events.

The Old Duke has earned its name through jazz and blues performances. The venue hosts free nightly live entertainment while serving drinks from a large menu.

21. Try Your Hand Making Pottery At Trylla

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The studio welcomes you to work with clay on your terms without needing any instruction. You have the option to work with either white or terracotta clay at the studio. The space provides access to professional tools that assist you in creating your projects.

Alice runs the studio to ensure everyone can enjoy working with pottery. The atmosphere is relaxed and creative. You can burn your finished pottery through the kiln after creating it for a low fee.

You will find a wide selection of colorful handmade items and artistic essentials at Trylla. Students at Trylla have the choice between manual pottery making and using the wheel to start their art studies.

22. Browse Hand-Picked Releases At Specialist Subject Records

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The store focuses on punk rock indie and hardcore music genres. Customers can purchase vinyl records along with CDs and cassette tapes while browsing their selection of books and zines.

The music store operates from the first floor inside the Exchange music venue. Shoppers can view merchandise both in the store location and through their website. They also sell punk culture magazines alongside their product selection.

Specialist Subject Records distributes records by numerous musicians and ensembles. Their vinyl and CD grab bags sell at discounted prices for customers.