Activities to do in Bristol
The endless things to do in Bristol will offer you the most fun vacation of your life. Located on the River Avon, in the Southwest of England, the city of Bristol is a great place for tourists, owing to its rich culture, lively ambience and a variety of things to do and activities to indulge in.
There’s a lot you can do here, from exploring the bricked lanes, cute vintage structures, and shop-lined streets, to pub crawling, gorging on good food, shopping as well as enjoying adventure activities like bungee jumping, ziplining and more.
In addition to visiting the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the serene harbourside, which are some of the must do things in Bristol, you can also shop on Gloucester Road, take a ferry ride and catch sights of animals and birds at the Bristol Zoo.
You can also attend several carnivals and festivals in Bristol, like the International Balloon Fiesta, for a more unique experience. There is a lot that this tranquil city has to offer, and you are sure to get surprised at every turn you take here.
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Which are the best things to do in Bristol?
1. Get lost on the Clifton Downs: One of the best Things to do in Bristol England is to relax and rejuvenate at Clifton Downs. Known as the Lungs of the City, Clifton Downs stretches from the Whiteladies Road to the Suspension Bridge. This open green area is perfect to enjoy some time away from the busy daily lives, by enjoying picnics, sports and more.
You can also enjoy good food and drinks from the restaurants, pub gardens and local pop-ups here from time to time. Clifton Downs also has a Sea Wall area in its southwest corner, from where you can enjoy amazing views of the Avon Gorge and the Suspension Bridge.
Location: Stoke Road, Bristol BS9 1FG, United Kingdom
2. Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge: One of the best places and landmarks to visit in Bristol is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Considered to be a design and engineering masterpiece, this bridge was first opened in 1864 as a Grade I listed structure. As of today, it is one of the main icons of the city, which offers stunning views of the Clifton Village and surrounding landscapes.
Location: Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA, United Kingdom
3. Visit Bristol Harbour: Confused about what to do in Bristol? Pay a visit to the Bristol Harbour, a busy dock area with ships and boats decked on the waterfront, and restaurants, bars, shops and hotels lining the roads. This vibrant area is always full of tourists, and comes alive with the presence of enough markets and activities like yachting, cycling, paddle boarding and more.
4. Take a visit to Bristol Zoo: Amongst the most popular places of attraction in the city, the Bristol Zoo, also known as Bristol Zoo Gardens sprawls across 12 acres of lush greenery. It is home to over 300 different species of animals from all across the world, including numerous endangered species.
From gorillas, sloth, and mouse deer, to different insects in the Bug World, marine species in the Aquarium, Meerkats in Meerkat House as well as reptiles, seals and penguins, you can catch sights of all of these species and more here.
Location: College Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA, United Kingdom
5. Spend some cash on Gloucester Road: One of the must do things in Bristol is to shop at the famous Gloucester Road, which is said to be the largest area of independent sellers and retailers in Europe. The entire strip of road is lined with various shops, brands, delis, pubs, restaurants and more, where you can enjoy some much-needed retail therapy. Some of the notable places here include the pub garden at The Prince of Wales and Bakers + Co.
6. Tour the harbour by ferry: Looking for something relaxing to do in Bristol? Take a ferry ride in the harbour here. The ferry boats here operate throughout the day and offer you a tour of the famous attractions and landmarks of Bristol. The experience basically lets you tour the city by water, while stopping at certain places, including the Spike Island Contemporary Art Gallery, The Cottage Inn and the Underfall Yard’s working boatyard, among other places.
What are the most romantic things to do in Bristol for couples?
1. Enjoy a drink at the Clifton Observatory Rooftop Café: When thinking of what to do in Bristol with your significant other, you can head over to the Clifton Observatory Rooftop Café to enjoy a drink while soaking in views of the city and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Dating back to 1766, the observatory has a café wherein you can enjoy various drinks and snacks, from cakes and pastries to brunch menus and more.
2. Enjoy scenic views of the city from Cabot Tower: One of the most romantic things to do in Bristol is visiting the Cabot Tower to catch sights of the city. Located in Hilly Park, the tower is surrounded by verdant greenery, and is perfect to indulge in nature and city photography while enjoying romantic walks with your partner.
3. Take a romantic stroll through Leigh Woods: Another one of the romantic Things to do in Bristol England is to take a walk through Leigh Woods, which is amongst the most serene places in the city. With thick trees scattered along the flat walking trails of the woods, you and your partner can also catch views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from here.
4. Have lunch at St. Nicholas Markets: Bristol is a foodie’s paradise, and what better to do here than have a unique romantic lunch at St. Nicholas Markets! This market has all kinds of stalls and shops selling a wide array of food for you to indulge in, from Caribbean and Italian delicacies, to hearty Moroccan and British dishes and more.
Which are the best adventure activities to do in Bristol?
1. Bungee Jumping: Bungee Jumping is one of the best adventure Things to do in Bristol England. Simply head over to the Lloyds Amphitheatre and take a plunge off a 160 feet platform that overlooks the Bristol city centre, as you fulfil the adrenaline rush within you.
2. Gorge Climbing: Of all the activities in Bristol, gorge climbing is possibly the most adventurous, wherein you get to climb the 1.5-mile-long Avon Gorge on the Avon River. Running south to north through a limestone ridge towards the west of Bristol’s city centre, you can also choose from over 700 routes to climb the gorge from.
3. Paragliding: Another one of the top adventure activities to enjoy in Bristol is paragliding. Perfect for thrill seekers, this activity offers you panoramic views of the scenic landscapes of Bristol, as you experience the feeling of flying over water.
4. Hot air ballooning: Said to be one of the most adventurous and iconic activities of Bristol, you must definitely indulge in hot air ballooning when you visit the city. Take a scenic hot air balloon ride and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city, with the vibrant colours of the sky acting as backdrop.
What are the best things to do in Bristol at Night?
1. Soak in the vibrant lights at Harbourside: Visiting the Harbourside is one of the must do things in Bristol at night. Located in the city centre, the Bristol Harbourside is the perfect place to enjoy shopping, bar hopping and indulging in memorable dinners at night. You can also enjoy live music, enjoy sunsets, or take a stroll here while sipping a cocktail.
2. Have a fun night out at Stokes Croft: Known for its trendy and hipster vibes, Stokes Croft is a road lined with vibrant clubs, quaint cafes and bars, where you can enjoy a fun-filled night. In addition to visiting pubs and indulging in craft beers, or grooving to live music, you can also head to underground dance clubs or restaurants for a delicious dinner.
3. Enjoy live music at Old City: Another one of the top Things to do in Bristol England at night is to enjoy a myriad of live musical performances at Old City. Filled with historical buildings, narrow lanes and traditional ambience, the Old City is home to some of the best jazz clubs and speakeasies in the city, along with restaurants and street food stalls, where you can enjoy amazing live music while indulging in good food and drinks.
4. Indulge in an evening of entertainment at the different theatres: When it comes to nightlife, Bristol is also known for its theatres, such as the Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic, Colston Hall and others, where you can indulge in an evening of memorable entertainment. From comedy shows, and theatre performances, to jazz, pop and rock shows, there’s a lot that these theatres have to offer.
