Natalie's Guidebook
Sightseeing
THE WORLD’S FIRST GREAT OCEAN LINER. Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843, she was called ‘the greatest experiment since the creation’.
331 locals recommend
Brunel's SS Great Britain
Gas Ferry RoadTHE WORLD’S FIRST GREAT OCEAN LINER. Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843, she was called ‘the greatest experiment since the creation’.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
College RoadA Grade I listed structure, Clifton Suspension Bridge is deemed worthy of the highest quality conservation and record keeping in order to preserve one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Our collections are now online with much archive content to discover, while ongoing research offers new opportunities to understand the bridge and its surrounding environment.
Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A young and innovative engineer, he was 24 when he was appointed for the project which came about through a competition. Brunel described the bridge as ‘my first child, my darling’, and the ingenious bridge, which took 33 years to complete, marked the beginning of a great engineering career.
Traversing the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge has become a highly recognisable structure that is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions. Sir Abraham Elton called it ‘the ornament of Bristol and the wonder of the age’ back in 1831, and while – thanks to technological advances – wonders have moved on, Clifton Suspension Bridge remains the enduring symbol of the city of Bristol here in the UK.
540 locals recommend
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bridge RoadA Grade I listed structure, Clifton Suspension Bridge is deemed worthy of the highest quality conservation and record keeping in order to preserve one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Our collections are now online with much archive content to discover, while ongoing research offers new opportunities to understand the bridge and its surrounding environment.
Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A young and innovative engineer, he was 24 when he was appointed for the project which came about through a competition. Brunel described the bridge as ‘my first child, my darling’, and the ingenious bridge, which took 33 years to complete, marked the beginning of a great engineering career.
Traversing the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge has become a highly recognisable structure that is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions. Sir Abraham Elton called it ‘the ornament of Bristol and the wonder of the age’ back in 1831, and while – thanks to technological advances – wonders have moved on, Clifton Suspension Bridge remains the enduring symbol of the city of Bristol here in the UK.
Once a busy dock where sailors and merchants would trade goods and set sail for voyages of discovery, Bristol's Harbourside is now an attractive, modern development filled with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
The area is alive with the buzz of Sunday markets, waterside restaurants and bars and a whole host of sports and activities including yachting, paddle boarding, cycling and rowing. Stroll around the water’s edge and you will find Millennium Square acting as a fantastic central hub, with its fountains and big screen as well as world-class attractions such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain, We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium, Arnolfini, Spike Island, Watershed and M Shed.
Or you could just let the world pass you by whilst watching the boats head in or the swans swim past whilst dangling your feet over the edge with a cold glass of cider in hand.
103 locals recommend
Harbourside
Once a busy dock where sailors and merchants would trade goods and set sail for voyages of discovery, Bristol's Harbourside is now an attractive, modern development filled with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
The area is alive with the buzz of Sunday markets, waterside restaurants and bars and a whole host of sports and activities including yachting, paddle boarding, cycling and rowing. Stroll around the water’s edge and you will find Millennium Square acting as a fantastic central hub, with its fountains and big screen as well as world-class attractions such as Brunel’s SS Great Britain, We The Curious, Bristol Aquarium, Arnolfini, Spike Island, Watershed and M Shed.
Or you could just let the world pass you by whilst watching the boats head in or the swans swim past whilst dangling your feet over the edge with a cold glass of cider in hand.
Fascinating shopping area dating back to the 1600's, including and above the ancient and beautiful stepped lane Christmas Steps. Nowadays, this is the location of unique shops, art galleries, potteries, makers of dresses, shoes, musical instruments, furniture and much more.
Amid the picturesque surroundings of the medieval Christmas Steps are the seven streets of Christmas Steps Art Quarter. This shopping district appeals to the individualist, with a host of fascinating shops, galleries studio's and creative outlets. With its own theatre, museum, pubs, cafes and restaurants you are sure to have an enjoyable visit.
35 locals recommend
Christmas Steps
2 Christmas StepsFascinating shopping area dating back to the 1600's, including and above the ancient and beautiful stepped lane Christmas Steps. Nowadays, this is the location of unique shops, art galleries, potteries, makers of dresses, shoes, musical instruments, furniture and much more.
Amid the picturesque surroundings of the medieval Christmas Steps are the seven streets of Christmas Steps Art Quarter. This shopping district appeals to the individualist, with a host of fascinating shops, galleries studio's and creative outlets. With its own theatre, museum, pubs, cafes and restaurants you are sure to have an enjoyable visit.
All visits to check out street art should start at The Full Moon pub, near the Bearpit, which is a galactic work of art. Then, of course, you have to take in the two works at either side of Hamilton House.
On the southern end is Banksy’s iconic Mild Mild West, while opposite it is the Breakdancing Jesus, painted in 2013 by Cosmo Sarson, but vandalised earlier this summer (2019).
9 locals recommend
Street Art - Strokes Croft
45 Jamaica StAll visits to check out street art should start at The Full Moon pub, near the Bearpit, which is a galactic work of art. Then, of course, you have to take in the two works at either side of Hamilton House.
On the southern end is Banksy’s iconic Mild Mild West, while opposite it is the Breakdancing Jesus, painted in 2013 by Cosmo Sarson, but vandalised earlier this summer (2019).
The Bristol national Balloon Festival is held annually in England. Teams from the UK and other parts of the world bring their hot air balloons to the site and participate in mass ascents where as many as 100 balloons may launch at a time. The event was first held in 1979 and is now one of the largest in Europe.
18 locals recommend
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
The Bristol national Balloon Festival is held annually in England. Teams from the UK and other parts of the world bring their hot air balloons to the site and participate in mass ascents where as many as 100 balloons may launch at a time. The event was first held in 1979 and is now one of the largest in Europe.
Banksy's Well Hung Lover
1 Unity StreetBanksy's The Mild Mild West
Jamaica StreetDive into the ocean and discover the wonders of the deep in our colourful aquarium, right in the heart of Bristol. Explore more than 40 naturally-themed displays and spot the thousands of amazing aquatic creatures, including tropical sharks, rays, seahorses, puffer fish, piranhas, and so many more. Wander through the Underwater Tunnel to watch the fascinating marine life swim over your head.
They house a mix of tropical fish from around the world, as well as many that are native to the UK’s waters, so you can get a better understanding of the creatures that live on home shores and further afield.
They’re also the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house, known as our Urban Jungle. You can find hundreds of exotic plant and tree species from around the world here, as well as there open-topped Rays display and Amazon pools – just watch you don’t get splashed!
68 locals recommend
Bristol Aquarium
Anchor RoadDive into the ocean and discover the wonders of the deep in our colourful aquarium, right in the heart of Bristol. Explore more than 40 naturally-themed displays and spot the thousands of amazing aquatic creatures, including tropical sharks, rays, seahorses, puffer fish, piranhas, and so many more. Wander through the Underwater Tunnel to watch the fascinating marine life swim over your head.
They house a mix of tropical fish from around the world, as well as many that are native to the UK’s waters, so you can get a better understanding of the creatures that live on home shores and further afield.
They’re also the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house, known as our Urban Jungle. You can find hundreds of exotic plant and tree species from around the world here, as well as there open-topped Rays display and Amazon pools – just watch you don’t get splashed!
Spa and leisure
Lido Spa & Restaurant
Oakfield PlaceWalks
The Ashton Court Estate was once the gracious home of the Smyth family, and is now a historic park just 10 minutes from the centre of Bristol. It covers 850 acres of woods and grasslands in total, designed by Humphry Repton.
Visit the Ashton Court Estate to discover the magnificent old oak trees and see the deer graze in an estate that first became a deer park over 600 years ago.
Sports and adventure
On the estate's higher ground, there are two 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf courses, with stunning views across the city. Orienteering and mountain biking are catered for with special trails, and there is plenty of open space for family games and picnics. There is also a miniature railway, which is open at selected weekends throughout the year. For the more adventurous, Ashton Court is one of the few places you can take off in a hot air balloon or discover the unusual sport of Disc Golf.
Courtyard Café
And once you’ve finished exploring, stop in to one of the two on-site cafés to enjoy scrummy local cakes, freshly prepared sandwiches and a range of drinks and snacks. With seating indoor and out and space for the kids to play, the dog friendly cafés can be enjoyed year-round.
54 locals recommend
Ashton Court
The Ashton Court Estate was once the gracious home of the Smyth family, and is now a historic park just 10 minutes from the centre of Bristol. It covers 850 acres of woods and grasslands in total, designed by Humphry Repton.
Visit the Ashton Court Estate to discover the magnificent old oak trees and see the deer graze in an estate that first became a deer park over 600 years ago.
Sports and adventure
On the estate's higher ground, there are two 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf courses, with stunning views across the city. Orienteering and mountain biking are catered for with special trails, and there is plenty of open space for family games and picnics. There is also a miniature railway, which is open at selected weekends throughout the year. For the more adventurous, Ashton Court is one of the few places you can take off in a hot air balloon or discover the unusual sport of Disc Golf.
Courtyard Café
And once you’ve finished exploring, stop in to one of the two on-site cafés to enjoy scrummy local cakes, freshly prepared sandwiches and a range of drinks and snacks. With seating indoor and out and space for the kids to play, the dog friendly cafés can be enjoyed year-round.
Blaise Castle Estate
Kings Weston RoadLeigh Woods
Discover the heights of Somerset's famous Cheddar Gorge.
Cheddar Gorge is one of England's most iconic and spectacular landscapes. We are really proud to own the north side of this spectacular gorge and we hope that you will enjoy exploring it in a way that suits you.
At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, this is England’s largest gorge, and with its weathered crags and pinnacles, one of our most spectacular natural sights. The gorge would have begun forming about one million years ago during the last Ice Age when water from melting glaciers formed a river, which over time started to carve into the limestone rock creating the steep cliffs you see today. The Cheddar Yeo River gradually made its way underground, creating the famous Cheddar Caves.
Please be aware that the National Trust do not own the caves at Cheddar Gorge or any of the car parking.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cheddar-gorge
497 locals recommend
Cheddar Gorge
Discover the heights of Somerset's famous Cheddar Gorge.
Cheddar Gorge is one of England's most iconic and spectacular landscapes. We are really proud to own the north side of this spectacular gorge and we hope that you will enjoy exploring it in a way that suits you.
At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, this is England’s largest gorge, and with its weathered crags and pinnacles, one of our most spectacular natural sights. The gorge would have begun forming about one million years ago during the last Ice Age when water from melting glaciers formed a river, which over time started to carve into the limestone rock creating the steep cliffs you see today. The Cheddar Yeo River gradually made its way underground, creating the famous Cheddar Caves.
Please be aware that the National Trust do not own the caves at Cheddar Gorge or any of the car parking.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cheddar-gorge
Culture
Arnolfini
16 Narrow QuayBristol Cathedral
College GreenM Shed
Wapping RoadBristol Museum & Art Gallery
Queens RoadBanksy's The Girl With Pearl Earring
Hanover PlaceBristol Hippodrome
Saint Augustine's ParadeBristol Old Vic
King StreetBristol Beacon
Trenchard StreetA historic Elizabethan house, with a stunning walled garden and many original or otherwise completely restored features.
17 locals recommend
The Red Lodge Museum
Park RowA historic Elizabethan house, with a stunning walled garden and many original or otherwise completely restored features.
Enjoy a lively programme of independent film, digital media and events at this fantastic media centre in the heart of the Harbourside
110 locals recommend
Watershed
1 Canon's RdEnjoy a lively programme of independent film, digital media and events at this fantastic media centre in the heart of the Harbourside
Combine the fascinating history of Bristol with the city's best street art on this tour which takes in many of the sights and interesting facts.
11 locals recommend
Blackbeard to Banksy
College GreenCombine the fascinating history of Bristol with the city's best street art on this tour which takes in many of the sights and interesting facts.
Bristol's first art gallery, housing over 1200 works of art from 19th century to the present day, a coffee shop and a small gift shop.
21 locals recommend
Royal West of England Academy of Art
Queens RoadBristol's first art gallery, housing over 1200 works of art from 19th century to the present day, a coffee shop and a small gift shop.
Bath
We The Curious is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for you, your friends and family.
123 locals recommend
We The Curious
One Anchor RdWe The Curious is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for you, your friends and family.
National Trust
An ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive garden and parkland, just a stone's throw from Bristol.
86 locals recommend
Tyntesfield
An ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive garden and parkland, just a stone's throw from Bristol.
A stunning 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden, nestled between Bristol and the North
6 locals recommend
Clevedon Court
A stunning 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden, nestled between Bristol and the North
Food scene
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
42-44 Caledonia PlThe Mint Room
Lower Bristol Roadlittlefrench
2 Westbury ParkBar 44 Bristol
18-20 Regent StreetBosco Pizzeria
96 Whiteladies Rdwilks Restaurant
3 Chandos RdPasta Loco
37A Cotham HillBravas
7 Cotham HillThe Apple
Welsh BackEmperor Court
26 Portland StPrimrose Cafe
1 Boyce's AvePinkmans Bakery
85 Park StWilsons Restaurant
24 Chandos RdBars, Restaurants & Cafes
There's plenty to tempt your taste buds at Wapping Wharf with an eclectic mix of independent bars, restaurants and cafes all in one thriving destination.
http://wappingwharf.co.uk/bars-restaurants-cafes
96 locals recommend
Wapping Wharf
Bars, Restaurants & Cafes
There's plenty to tempt your taste buds at Wapping Wharf with an eclectic mix of independent bars, restaurants and cafes all in one thriving destination.
http://wappingwharf.co.uk/bars-restaurants-cafes
Pinkmans Bakery
85 Park StGreat coffee!
Coffee Under Pressure | speciality coffee & tea
76 Park StIncluded in the “50 best coffee shops in England”.
BOX-E
Tare Restaurant
14 Museum StWoky Ko • Cargo
Gaol Ferry StepsSport
Bristol City Football Club
Ashton RoadBristol Rovers Football Club Ltd
Bristol & Clifton Golf Club
Beggar Bush LaneLong Ashton Golf Club
Clevedon RoadAshton Court Golf Course
Abbots Leigh RoadPerfect surf all year round!
The Wave is an inland surf destination where everyone can surf on consistent, safe waves all year round. They have a fantastic variety of waves to suit all levels of surfer, from beginner to expert.
https://www.thewave.com/about-wavegarden-technology/
78 locals recommend
The Wave
Perfect surf all year round!
The Wave is an inland surf destination where everyone can surf on consistent, safe waves all year round. They have a fantastic variety of waves to suit all levels of surfer, from beginner to expert.
https://www.thewave.com/about-wavegarden-technology/