The Best Travel Guide to Bristol (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Bristol

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Overview

Bristol The guide was updated: 2024-04-16

Bristol, the unofficial 'Capital of the South West', has an independent spirit and a great sense of fun. You’ll find lots to make you smile here, from street art tours and music festivals to night markets and boat bars. And then there are the city’s iconic attractions: engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, plus world-famous events, such as the International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival.

Facts

Population:	463,400
Currency:	1 pound = 100 pence
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance/ Fire/ Police: 999 (or 112) Doctor/NHS 24: 111 Hospital/A&E: Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough St, Bristol
Opening hours:	Generally shops open around 9am and close between 5pm and 6pm.
Tourist information:	Bristol Tourist Information Centre E-Shed 1 Canons Road Bristol +44 906 711 2191 Daily 10am–5pm

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Section in Bristol

You can spend hours just exploring the harbourside of Bristol. The historic dock is now home to Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain, The Matthew, the Arnolfini art gallery and the M Shed museum. Nearby, on Millennium Square, you can also check out Bristol Aquarium, At-Bristol Science Centre and all the many markets, festivals and events that take place here throughout the year. Venture a little further uphill and you’ll discover the stunning Regency architecture of Clifton, with one of Brunel’s most astounding engineering feats, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and one of the oldest zoos in the world – Bristol Zoo Gardens. The best way to see all this and more is via the hop-on-hop-off Bristol Insight open-top tour bus. As an added bonus, Bristol is within easy reach of some stunning English countryside. To see what we’re talking about, head to the historic Berkeley Castle, set in rural Gloucestershire, or to the dramatic Cheddar Caves & Gorge, surrounded by walking trails. You will also find the World Heritage city of Bath just a 15-minute train ride away.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Take a walk over Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge – as striking today as it was on its completion in 1864. There are spectacular views down to the Avon Gorge and River Avon that links Bristol with the sea.

The Red Lodge Museum and Knot Garden

The Red Lodge Museum and Knot Garden

The Red Lodge Museum is located in an impressive building from the 16th century with Bristol’s only surviving Elizabethan domestic oak panelling. You can experience a few of the oldest rooms in Bristol and Knot Garden, a great garden in Tudor style.

We The Curious

We The Curious

We The Curious (formerly At-Bristol) is the place to go to for an interactive adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy over 30 exhibits at this leading UK hands-on science centre and see a presenter-led show below the stars in the Planetarium.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Bristol Zoo Gardens includes a large area with over 400 different animal species. Here you can easily spend a whole day either alone or with your family. Learn about the animals inside the aquarium or about the insects at Bug World, see snakes at the reptile house and say hello to penguins and seals. The butterfly house is also well worth a visit. A restaurant and picnic facilities are on site.

Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery exhibits a wide range of objects, from sea dinosaurs to beautiful art. The museum is in conjunction with the region’s largest gallery and housed in the Edwardian baroque building next to Will’s University.

Bristol Hippodrome

Bristol Hippodrome

Bristol Hippodrome is the city’s very own 'West End' theatre. Since 1912, the Bristol Hippodrome has been the site of several premieres and is currently the scene of all great musicals. Please visit the website for information on current shows and musicals.

St Mary Redcliffe Church

St Mary Redcliffe Church

The St Mary Redcliffe Church is one of Britain’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. The church was built over a period of 200 years and is today more than 800 years old. You will be stunned by its huge archways and gargoyles.

Arnolfini

Arnolfini

Arnolfini is an organization for modern art which is based in a converted warehouse with a fantastic seafront location, not far from Bristol Harbourside. The program includes art exhibitions, film screenings, live dance and art shows. Please visit the website for more information on current shows, theatres and exhibitions.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Travel back in time and board Brunel’s ss Great Britain. Brunel’s engineering masterpiece was the world’s first great ocean going liner and has been lovingly restored to her former Victorian glory. Check the website for upcoming special events, like discovery talks and storytellings.

Bristol Harbourside Tours

Bristol Harbourside Tours

See Bristol’s Harbourside from a nautical perspective by taking a historic harbour tour with the Bristol Ferry Boat Company or the Bristol Packet. Bristol Ferry Boats 44 The Grove +44 117 927 3416 Bristol Packet Boat Trips Wapping Wharf Gas Ferry Road +44 117 926 8157

Old City

Old City

Bristol's Old City includes the grand, dignified buildings surrounding the Corn Exchange and St Nicholas Market, where you’ll find an intriguing mix of stalls – not to mention regular street markets, including the weekly farmer's market and monthly slow food market. Nearby, you can stroll along the cobbled streets of Welsh Back, King Street and Queen Square with its fine Georgian buildings.

Bristol Insight

Bristol Insight

Sit back and relax while the bus tour takes you to the most interesting sites. There are two different tours: The Clifton Loop, featuring Clifton Suspension Bridge, City Museum and more and The Old City Loop, featuring St Mary Redcliffe Church, Castle Park and more.

HorseWorld

HorseWorld

HorseWorld is a rescue centre for horses, ponies and donkeys and is an excellent place for family day-out. This award-winning visitor centre is set in beautiful stone farm-buildings, right south of Bristol. It offers fun and educational experiences, where you can meet some of the rescued animals. There are also lots of activities to take part in every day and play areas for children.

Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium is situated on the famous Bristol harbour and is a must-see attraction if you love the ocean and especially great for children. The aquarium is divided into sections, leading you from a sunken ship, to an urban jungle, the coral seas and an underwater tunnel. Plus, there are special events like meeting a mermaid every month.

Brandon Hill Nature Park

Brandon Hill Nature Park

Take a stroll in the park and admire one of the best views of Bristol. The park is located in the centre of town, around a large hill. It is also here you will find the Cabot Tower, which was completed in July 1898. During spring and summer, the park is perfectly suitable for a picnic.

Windmill Hill City Farm

Windmill Hill City Farm

Set within four and a half acres of lush green space, Windmill Hill City Farm is a voluntary community project committed to addressing the needs of local residents through various social, environmental, and educational initiatives. Here, children have the opportunity to learn by engaging with nature, while encountering cows, pigs, sheep, and ducks. The farm also features an award-winning café and a shop offering locally crafted goods. Whether enjoying a leisurely walk amidst nature or indulging in treats at the café, Windmill Hill City Farm offers a delightful escape for all.

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