With its quirky architecture, abundant waterways and knack for the creative, Bristol is a city that stands apart from its UK counterparts. The de-facto capital of the South West, this lively hub might not have the sheer scale of London or age-old streets of Edinburgh, but it more than makes up for it in so many ways. A superb spot for citybreakers and residents alike, Bristol offers plenty of ways to mix up your time.
If you’re spending some time in the city soon and are drawing up your itinerary, here are just a few of our favourite tours, activities and events to get you started.
Where? Starts from Bristol Temple Meads Station
How much? Free!
Few names are more strongly associated with the city of Bristol than Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and you can learn about the legendary civil engineer’s stamp on the city with a Brunel Mile & City Docks Audio Tour. Taking in many of his most famous creations, this audio tour takes you on a two hour stroll passing some of the city’s biggest draws along the way, including Millennium Square, The Dockside, Brunel’s own SS Great Britain and the Cumberland Basin. Simply plug in your headphones and hit the trail.
Where? Durdham Downs
When? May each year
How much? From £19.00 per adult, £5.00 per child, under 12s free
Combining fabulous food and delicious drinks with a host of household-name live acts and tribute bands, Foodies Festival is a staple of Bristol’s annual events calendar. Set across charming green space at Durdham Downs, the weekend festival is a treat for all the senses, but particularly your tastebuds. Expect phenomenal street food and pop-up restaurants galore, alongside live cookery classes.
Where? Through southern suburbs
How much? Free!
Combining wonderful green spaces, fascinating landmarks and unrivalled skyline views, the Bristol South Skyline Walk is the perfect way to spend a few hours in the city. With a shorter route taking around 90 minutes and a longer route that takes up to four hours, those tackling the South Skuline Walk will be treated to a taste of what makes Bristol so great – both natural and manmade.
Where? Starts from Bristol Temple Meads Station
How much? From £30.00 per person
Almost everyone is familiar with the BBC’s timeless sitcom, but perhaps only the biggest fans of Only Fools and Horses will know it’s filming took place not in the often-referenced London suburb of Peckham, but in the city of Bristol. With filming locations scattered across town, there’s plenty of recognisable sites to pack in on an Only Fools and Horses Tour. With fascinating insights from your tour guide – who’s as big a fan of the show as they come – you’ll see the real-life backdrops to this much-loved TV institution.
Where? Durdham Downs
When? July each year
How much? Free to attend (but charitable donations welcome!)
Taking place over a weekend in July each year, Bristol Pride is a vibrant and colourful celebration of the city’s LGBT+ community. While various events are held around the city over a two week period, the festivities culminate in an annual parade which runs from Castle Park right through to the Ampitheatre on the Harbourside. This is followed up by talks and performances from local LGBT+ figures and organisations, as well as drag artists. Rain or shine (but hopefully the latter), Bristol Pride brings a wonderfully welcoming, inclusive and lively atompshere to the city’s streets.
Where? Starts from St Peter’s Church at Castle Park
How much? From £19.98 per per group
Build your own adventure with the exhilarating Treasure Hunt Bristol. Working from a Messenger-style application that can be downloaded to any smartphone, Treasure Hunt Bristol will show you around the sights and sounds of the city with an added element of fun. Making use of clues and maps, you’ll be able to explore Bristol at your own pace while you hunt for pirate treasure!
Where? Starts from outside the main entrance of the Cathedral
How much? From £8.00 per adult and £4.00 per child
To get straight to the very best Bristol has to offer, you can’t go wrong with a Blackbeard to Banksy Ultimate Walking Tour. Designed to capture Bristol both old and new, local artists and historians bring this experience to life, taking in everything from Saxon town walls and pirate hangouts to Bristol’s modern architectural icons and world famous street art scene.
Where? Ashton Court
When? August each year
It may come as a surprise to hear that Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons takes place just outside the city. Known as the International Balloon Fiesta, the event sees more than 100 hot air balloons take off each day of the event, both at dawn and dusk, all set to an incredible soundtrack that only adds to the sense of spectacle. Though for a scene truly out of this world, hold out of for tickets for one of the Nightglow events. Taking place in full darkness, the flames beneath each balloon illuminate the night sky to create an extra special experience.
Where? Lakewood Road in Southmead
How much? Free!
Escape the city and enjoy a brush with nature when you call in at Badock’s Wood. Set among a lush green valley to the north of the city, this wonderful reserve is charcterised by tall pines and the gentle lapping of the River Trym. With plenty of routes and paths to follow, it’s an ideal spot for all members of the family to play and explore.
Where? All across the city
When? July each year
One of the UK’s largest annual public festivals that’s free to attend, Bristol Harbour Festival sees the city’s spaces come to life. Featuring dance, music, family activities, food markets and so much more, the festival’s packed out schedule should certainly keep you busy and offers something for all ages.
If you’re planning a trip to Bristol and need somewhere suitably stylish and comfortable to call base, our newly built Leonardo Hotel Bristol Glassfields should tick all the right boxes. From our contemporary rooms to ideal city centre location and even an on-site restaurant and bar, we’re here to help make your visit to the city a memorable one.
