7 best places to visit in Bristol

About Bristol

Bristol is an English town and ceremonial county. It is the most populous region in the South West of England, with a population of 463,400. Bristol, one of the most well-known tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, was named one of the top ten cities in the world in 2009 by worldwide travel publisher Dorling Kindersley in their Eyewitness collection of travel publications. Bristol received the European Green Capital Award in 2015 and was the ‘best city in Britain to live in’ by the Sunday Times in 2014 and 2017. Read on to learn about the best places to visit in Bristol.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

It is more than simply a practical route from Clifton Village to Leigh Woods. It is a dizzying vantage point from which to observe breathtaking views. It’s an internationally acknowledged emblem of the city and a source of tremendous pride for anybody who lives in Bristol. The bridge, constructed in 1864, is a monument to its designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who died before its completion. The Clifton Suspension Bridge connects Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset by spanning the Avon Gorge and the River Avon. 

M Shed & Harbourfront

M Shed, one of the most famous museums in Bristol, is on the city’s harbourfront, just a short walk from Prince Street Bridge.

When you visit Bristol, take a stop at this part of town, which is just stunning on a sunny Bristol afternoon. After entering, visit the Bristol People Gallery, which focuses on Bristol’s discoveries and later darker times, such as the city’s role in the Transatlantic slave trade. 

After that, stroll through Whapping Wharf and see some of the independent cafes, bars, and small businesses. For an afternoon quaff of local ale, have Wild Beer. It is worth it!

If you feel hungry, go to the Salt & Malt (a few meters away) and have a bag of freshly cooked fish and chips served with mushy peas and copious amounts of salt and vinegar! 

SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain is stunning even from the outside, but an official visit is worth the entry money. The entrails of this recreated steamer will enchant anyone, regardless of age. The restoration has been done well, and best of all, you can hear the engine room’s commotion and see the big, moving pistons. There are vivid historical acoustics and a scent of freshly baked seafarers’ bread in the kitchens. With storytellers dressed in period costumes, conservation workshops, and even the opportunity to climb the rigging in the warmer months, there is no reason not to explore this extraordinary achievement in historic preservation.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Attempting to enumerate all the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery attractions makes you sound like a funfair performer. You will find artifacts from Egypt and Assyria, diamonds and dinosaurs, and Alfred, the plush gorilla! The balcony gallery and an art collection include works by Pissarro, Old Dutch, and Italian Masters. You get a childish thrill when you walk into the towering atrium and see the Bristol Boxkite dangling above your head in flight. Consider the Natural History Museum, but with Victorian and Edwardian paintings added.

Cabot Tower

The Cabot Tower stands proudly on Brandon Hill, built in the nineteenth century to commemorate John Cabot’s 400-year trip from Bristol to North America.

Explore Bristol’s oldest park and climb to the top of Cabot Tower for stunning views. The best part is that it is completely free to climb. Combining a visit to the nearby Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is simple. 

Bristol Harbour

Bristol’s most valuable asset has been its ports and floating harbor for generations. From pirates and sugar dealers to today’s pleasure-seekers, Bristol’s waterways draw trade and talent worldwide to help shape the city everyone knows and loves. The days of massive galleons mooring in the docks are long gone, but the floating port has survived and now provides a distinctive waterside setting for a very contemporary metropolis. The museums, restaurants, bars, galleries, and cafés that line the city’s Harbourside region are among visitors’ and locals’ most popular attractions. 

Bristol Old City

Bristol’s old city region is well-known for its historic structures that date back to various periods in the city’s rich history. The Saint Stephens Church, which houses Martin Pring’s tomb, is one of the most photographed locations in the area. Another excellent location in this region is the medieval Saint John on the Wall, the last of a unique form of constructing churches into the city walls.

St John’s Gate, which lies nearby, is also part of the medieval city wall and is famous for its popular sculptures of Brennus and Bellinis, Bristol’s mythological founders. Tourists also like visiting the Christmas Steps, converted into antique and souvenir shops. The Saint Nicholas market, which has more than 60 stalls, is another famous shopping area in the old city.

Key takeaways

• There are various art galleries, museums, gorgeous parks, castles, and lush green spaces for travelers to visit in Bristol. The city is mesmerizing, and visitors can roam in numerous areas, such as Bristol Harbour. It has a collection of some of the best restored and maintained old piers and promenades. 
• You will find much of this city’s most excellent (and most beautiful) items outside, from the harbourside to Clifton and the Downs. All the incredible museums, ancient taverns, and other attractions are across the city.
• Attractions like SS Great Britain, Cabot Tower, and M Shed keep you entertained. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, another Bristol landmark, is a short drive from the city center. 

Bristol offers many student attractions that they can enjoy while studying in the city. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in studying abroad and want information on Places to visit in Bristol and international universities.

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FAQs

Q1. Which are the best places for breakfast in Bristol?

Answer- Taste of Napoli, The Crafty Egg, The Crepe and Coffee Cabin, and Rosemarino are some of Bristol’s best breakfast places.

Q2. Is Bristol good for a day trip?

Answer- Bristol is great for a day trip. The historic and attractive city of Bath, the undulating Mendip Hills and especially Cheddar Gorge, and seaside towns like nearby Weston-super-Mare are all excellent day trips from Bristol.

Q3. What is the best time of year to visit Bristol, UK?

Answer- The best season to visit Bristol is late spring and early-to-mid summer. It increases your chances of enjoying steady nice weather.