What to do in Bristol

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Bristol

Bristol which includes a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek

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$9, 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 176 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.

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Top places to visit

1. 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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Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

2. 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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Cabot Circus Shopping Centre which includes interior views and shopping

3. 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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Bristol Hippodrome Theatre showing theatre scenes, interior views and performance art

4. 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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Clifton Suspension Bridge showing a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek

5. 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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Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

Recommended things to do in Bristol

Number of things to do	176
Things to do from	NZ$9
Cheapest thing to do	Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour with Optional Tasting
Top 5 things to do	Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol Bristol Scavenger Hunt: A Bridge Through Time St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour Bristol Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour
Half-day tours	Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol Bristol Scavenger Hunt: A Bridge Through Time St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour Bristol Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour
With kids	Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour Bristol: Self-Guided Smartphone Treasure Hunt Immersive Treasure Hunt Walking Tour in Bristol - The Secret City Bristol: Blackbeard to Banksy Guided Walking Tour

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bristol

University of Bristol

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

4/5(25 reviews)

Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

2.5/5(3 reviews)

This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.

Ashton Gate Stadium

5/5(3 reviews)

Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.

Thornbury Castle

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

SS Great Britain

5/5(11 reviews)

Climb aboard this museum ship to learn about its long and eventful life at sea.

Bristol Cathedral

4/5(16 reviews)

This 900-year-old religious monument is revered for its exquisite vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and Romanesque-style Chapter House.

St Nicholas Market

Bristol’s oldest market is still very much alive with merchants and shoppers. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the best days to visit.

Explore areas of Bristol

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol City Centre. Make a stop by St Nicholas Market or Old Vic Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Clifton

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a bay or harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour

4/5(23 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.

Portishead

You'll enjoy the parks and art galleries in Portishead. You might want to make time for a stop at Portishead Lake Grounds or Parish Wharf Swimming Pool.

Filton

Filton is well liked for its shopping. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Bristol area, you might plan a trip to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway or The Wave.