Things to do in Bristol

This city of boats, bridges and balloons is full of colourful things to see and do.

Much on-the-water action can be found near the city centre, on the Floating Harbour. You can visit Brunel's SS Great Britain, and find out what travel was like for those brave passengers journeying to New York on its maiden voyage in 1845 - then a 14-day trip. You can explore The Matthew onboard a cream tea cruise, a replica of the wooden ship John Cabot sailed to North America in 1497. Or you can take a chilled-out cruise to Beese’s Tea Gardens with Bristol Packet Boat Trips.

You’ll also want to stroll across Clifton Suspension Bridge. One of Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s most striking works, it straddles the dramatic Avon Gorge. Pop into the Visitor Centre, then potter around the boutiques in Clifton Village or spend the rest of the day at Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Visit during the season and you might spot bright balloons flying overhead from Ashton Court. Bailey Balloons and Bristol Balloons both do balloon rides if you want to see the city from up high. Or go to the International Balloon Fiesta in August and watch a dazzling display of shapes and colours take to the sky - with your feet firmly on the ground.

For an alternative experience - it is an alternative city, after all - there’s Arnos Vale, an Arcadian cemetery offering tours, talks and more. Glenside Hospital Museum, a mental health museum in a hospital chapel. And We The Curious, a thought-provoking science centre with a 3D view onto the stars from its planetarium.

You could also blow your own glass bauble at the Bristol Blue Glass shop. Step aboard the last Concorde ever to fly (capable of crossing the Atlantic in 3 hours) at Aerospace Bristol. Or take a tandem ride to see the city’s famous street art with Bristol Tandem Hire.

For more things to see and do in Bristol, see our listings below.

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Bristol Airport
1. 1 Jan 200931 Dec 2009
2. 1 Jan 201031 Dec 2010
Bristol

Welcome to the city of bridges, balloons, boats, bikes, Brunel and Banksy. Regarded as the capital of the South West of England, lively yet laid-back Bristol is creative, cultural and vibrant with a rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re looking for a great day out for all the family, a romantic break or a little adventure, you’ll find it in Bristol.
Aerospace Bristol

With Concorde as its stunning star attraction, Aerospace Bristol takes you on a fantastic flight through history. From the earliest aeroplanes, through two World Wars, the Cold War and the space race - discover incredible feats of aviation and step aboard the last Concorde ever to fly.
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 1753