Never Bored in Bristol: Things to Do With Your Family, Friends and Even by Yourself, Too

Situated in the south west of England, Bristol is the county’s sixth most populous city, home to almost half a million Bristolians. Known for its scenic waterways, vibrant port and uneven landscape, Bristol has plenty to offer both residents and tourists.

If you are looking for gourmet restaurants, local pubs, amateur theatre and a thriving nightlife along with plenty of lush, green spaces, then Bristol will certainly not disappoint.

Take a Hike

If you’re a fan of hiking, then Bristol offers miles of stunning nature walks around the vast green spaces known as ‘The Downs’. Adventurous hikers can also follow the paths leading up to Clifton village to check out the spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge that crosses the Avon Gorge.

Bristol is also home to the Bristol Ramblers, one of the largest walking groups in England, who organize regular walks in and around the city.

Photo CC sagesolar

Shop Local

Independent retailers are a dying breed in England, but Bristol hosts one of the largest strips of independent retailers in all of Europe nestled between Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft. Here you can find local delicacies, handmade items and original art pieces all created by local residents.

For those that require some serious retail therapy, Cabot Circus is an expansive shopping centre that offers hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and even a state-of-the-art movie theatre. The centre is also home to a number of apartments for those looking to settle down in the heart of Bristol, or Taylors has the info on properties located in other areas.

Visit A Festival

Festivals are a way of life in Bristol with almost every weekend of the summer bringing a new excuse to head down to a muddy field for a few nights of cider drinking and late night partying.

Glastonbury is one of the most famous music festivals in the UK and is just an hour away by bus. Bristol Harbour festival is a free event held in mid-July that offers a weekend of live music, dance, theatre, maritime events and even circus performers.

Music lovers can head to Love Saves The Day festival held in early spring that hosts a wide range of talented musicians and DJs all over the world. The first week of August is dedicated to the city’s largest annual event known as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta that lights up the night sky with hundreds of hot air balloons. The event attracts thousands of spectators and has been running since 1979.

Photo CC ImageScrump Photos

Enjoy Some Culture

No trip to Bristol is complete without a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. History lovers can check out the extensive collection of fossils, minerals, gemstones and even dinosaur bones along with an ancient collection of Egyptian artefacts.

The Hippodrome and Old Vic theatres host some of the most famous touring shows in the country, or you could check out the more intimate performances held at The Little Back Box and Wardrobe.

Fine Dining

England is well known for its wonderfully diverse cuisine, and Bristol has proudly upheld this tradition. The Glass Arcade houses an eclectic mix of food stalls offering everything from jerk chicken to Kurdish wraps.

For an authentic British experience, visit Pieminister in St Pauls for a hearty steak and ale pie atop a bed of mashed potato smothered in gravy.

Street Art

Bristol is the hometown of internationally renowned graffiti artist Banksy and is home to several pieces of his work. The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery hosted an exhibition that drew large crowds of people interested in the elusive artist’s work, and guided walking tours are available that visit several pieces of street art dotted around the city.

Since 1980, Bristol has been a mecca for street artists who are free to create unique works of art on the city’s walls and concrete structures. The See No Evil street art event was recently held in the city, and graffiti lovers can spot new pieces of art popping up almost daily around the city.

Getting around the city of Bristol is no problem as there are plenty of local buses and trains available at regular intervals. One of the best ways to see the city is by waterbus. Bristol Ferry Boats operate a waterbus service that runs throughout the year and takes passengers from SS Great Britain all the way to Temple Meads. Those wishing to sail up the majestic Avon Gorge can book a guided tour with Bristol Packet Boats.

Naomi Barry is a working Mother who has lived in Bristol for close on 20 years. An estate agent by day, she likes to play tourist at weekends, taking the family out and about around town.