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. 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 Museum, then potter around the boutiques in Clifton Village.

Visit during the season and you might spot bright balloons flying overhead from Ashton Court. Be sure to attend 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. 

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.