What to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

A city street at night with a historic building in the background.
A river with a bridge and buildings along the riverbank.
A museum interior with a large mural, red railings, and various labeled exhibits.
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
A row of bicycles parked outside a building with the sign "SLAND".

Places to Visit in Bristol

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Bristol, England while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Bristol attractions from NZ$2, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Bristol tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 213 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Bristol. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour with Pub Lunch in Lacock

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath with Lunch in a 14th-Century Pub

NZ$206
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath with Lunch in a 14th-Century Pub
Windsor Castle,Roman Bath & Stonehenge Tour

Windsor Castle, Roman Baths & Stonehenge Full Day Tour

NZ$193
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Windsor Castle, Roman Baths & Stonehenge Full Day Tour
Bath: Roman Baths Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Bath: Roman Baths Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

NZ$75
per adult
Bath: Roman Baths Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath

NZ$51
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

NZ$14
per adult
St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour
Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours

NZ$41
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours
Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour

NZ$56
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Best of Bath Walking Tours - Georgian Tour
Bath: Private 2-Hour Bridgerton Experience Walking Tour

Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for upto 20 people

NZ$585
per traveller
Bath: Private Bridgerton Walking Tour for upto 20 people
Bath: Luggage Storage

Bath: Luggage Storage

NZ$17
per adult
Bath: Luggage Storage
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Top places to visit

1. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.
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A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

2. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.
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A suspension bridge with two towers, a river below, and a cityscape in the background.

3. Thornbury Castle

Set in an estate of lush parkland and glorious Tudor gardens is Thornbury Castle. Spend a day enjoying the regal elegance and sumptuousness of this one-time residence of British monarchs. Treat yourself to a night of romance in the castle’s ornate rooms. Dine on meals inspired by food grown in the castle gardens and indulge in therapeutic massage treatments.
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A luxurious bedroom with a four-poster bed, a stone fireplace, and a chandelier.

4. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
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A city street with a historic cathedral in the background.

5. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.
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A street with various shops, including a cinema and a pub.

6. SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain, permanently docked in Bristol Harbour, is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Between 150,000-170,000 people come to look at this great vessel each year. For your visit, allow a couple of hours as there is a lot to see.
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A large industrial structure with a rusty exterior, surrounded by metal railings and walkways.

Recommended things to do in Bristol

Number of things to do
213
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover Bath and Somerset: A Self-Guided Tour: NZ$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bristol

Stay near popular Bristol attractions

A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

8.8/10 (1,383 reviews)
Cabot Circus dazzles with its striking glass roof sheltering over 120 shops. Browse fashion boutiques, dine at diverse restaurants, or catch a film at the cinema for a complete shopping experience.
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Our guide on where to stay in Bristol

Find the best Bristol areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bristol
Learn more about Bristol
A suspension bridge over a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy sky.
Photo by Nic Trott
Open Photo by Nic Trott

Clifton

Travellers come to Clifton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Observatory and All Saints Clifton while you're in town.

A river with boats, a cityscape, and hot air balloons in the sky.

Harbourside

Harbourside is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wills Memorial Building and We The Curious while you're in town.

A narrow indoor shopping corridor with glass-fronted shops on both sides.

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St Nicholas Market and Baldwin Street while you're in town.

A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, including pointed arches and a tall spire.

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Banksy Graffiti Thekla and Redcliffe Caves while you're in town.

A wall with colorful graffiti art.

Stokes Croft

When in Stokes Croft, you can plan a visit to Cabot Circus Shopping Centre and St Nicholas Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Bristol worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Bristol is visit Bristol Cathedral. Check this leading sight off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's nature and dining.
How do I spend a day in Bristol?
SS Great Britain and We The Curious are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Bristol while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bristol?
Don't go home without visiting Bristol Cathedral, rated the top tourist attraction in Bristol.
Is three days enough to stay in Bristol?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Bristol Cathedral, We The Curious and Clifton Downs and Observatory with a three-day getaway in Bristol. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Bath.
Is Bristol a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Bristol is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Bristol Cathedral and We The Curious. Then take a stroll through Bristol Floating Harbour, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Redcliffe, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bristol with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Bristol with kids.

What to do in Bristol for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Bristol for adults including Baldwin Street and Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Are there free things to do in Bristol?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Bristol. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Bristol Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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