38 things to do in Bristol

Bristol is considered to be one of the most fun and vibrant cities in the South West, topping the list as one of the best places to live in Britain. It’s full of quirky restaurants, street art and some of the best sightseeing spots in the country.

Everywhere you turn there is something spectacular to see and do in Bristol. Not to be missed is the most famous of Brunel’s masterpieces, the Clifton Suspension Bridge which spans the picturesque Avon Gorge. 

Start your journey in Bristol’s Old City, a historic part of town that boasts some of the city’s oldest buildings and narrow streets. Here, you will find the St. Nicholas Market, an indoor market with over 60 stalls offering a variety of foods, crafts, and other goods. Be sure to stop by Bristol’s oldest pub, The Llandoger Trow, which dates back to the 17th century.

If you’re a fan of street art, Bristol has an impressive collection of murals and graffiti around the city. Take a walk through Stokes Croft, the city’s art district, and keep your eyes peeled for the famous works of local artist Banksy.

Bristol also has a strong music scene, with many live music venues and events throughout the year. Check out the O2 Academy or Colston Hall for concerts and shows.

For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the city for stunning views of Bristol and the surrounding countryside.

Finally, no trip to Bristol is complete without trying some of the local food. Sample a traditional West Country pasty or indulge in some fresh seafood from the city’s famous fish markets.

Whether you are here for a short visit or a longer stay, Bristol is a city that will leave a lasting impression on you.

Bristol bound: here are some fun things to do!

Bristol is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of unique experiences to be had here. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge: this iconic bridge spans the River Avon and offers stunning views of the city. Take a walk across the bridge or admire it from the Clifton Observatory.
  • Explore the street art: Bristol is known for its street art scene, with works by famous artists like Banksy and many others. Take a street art tour or explore on your own to discover some of the city’s hidden gems.
  • Step back in time at the SS Great Britain: this historic ship has been restored to its former glory and is now a museum where you can learn about its fascinating history and the people who sailed on it.
  • Attend a festival: Bristol has a lively festival scene, with events like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, the Harbour Festival, and the Bristol Comedy Garden taking place throughout the year.
  • Go on a foodie adventure: Bristol has a thriving food scene, with everything from street food to fine dining on offer. Take a food tour or explore on your own to discover some of the city’s best eats.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride: Bristol is one of the best places in the UK to go hot air ballooning, with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: this museum has a wide range of exhibits, from natural history to art, and is a great place to learn about Bristol’s history and culture.
  • Experience the nightlife: Bristol has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Check out the Stokes Croft area for some of the best nightlife in the city.
  • Take a boat tour: explore Bristol’s waterways on a boat tour, whether you want to take a leisurely canal cruise or a high-speed RIB ride.
  • Go on a nature walk: Bristol is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has plenty of parks and nature reserves within the city limits. Take a walk through Ashton Court Estate or explore the Blaise Castle Estate for a taste of nature in the city.

Action sports activities in Bristol

Bristol is a city that truly has something for everyone, including action sports enthusiasts looking for a thrill. From mountain biking and skateboarding to parkour and zip-lining, there are plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping in Bristol. With its unique mix of urban and natural environments, the city offers a variety of action sports experiences that cater to all levels of ability and interest. In this article, we will explore some of the top action sports activities available in Bristol, so get ready to gear up and get your heart racing!

  • Skateboarding: Bristol is home to several skate parks, including the renowned Campus Pool, which has been skated by some of the biggest names in the sport.
  • Mountain biking: Ashton Court Estate has some excellent mountain biking trails, with different routes to suit all levels of experience.
  • BMX: the Lloyds Amphitheatre in Bristol city centre is a popular spot for BMX riders, with plenty of ledges, rails and banks to ride.
  • Parkour: Bristol is known for its parkour scene, with several dedicated training facilities and outdoor spaces for free running and urban exploration.
  • Climbing: the Climbing Academy in Bristol is one of the UK’s largest indoor climbing centres, with a variety of climbing walls and courses for all ages and abilities.
  • Watersports: the River Avon and nearby Chew Valley Lake offer opportunities for watersports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and paddleboarding.
  • Skateboarding on water: the Floaty McFloatface event takes place annually in Bristol’s harbour, where participants ride specially-designed skateboards on the water.
  • Skydiving: Skydive Netheravon is a popular skydiving centre just outside Bristol, offering tandem jumps and courses for those looking to become certified skydivers.
  • Bouldering: the Climbing Academy also has a dedicated bouldering centre, with a range of walls and routes for climbers to test their skills.
  • Zip-lining: the Avon Gorge Hotel offers a zip-line experience across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, with stunning views of the city and the river below.

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