Near the River Avon, there is one of the South of England’s most incredible treasures. Bristol is a city you will love from the moment you arrive, not least for its looming towers and ancient buildings, which you can visit for free. During your visit you will also see the history of the UK and how it has changed over time.
In Bristol, you will find both traditional and modern buildings, as well as a beautiful coastal setting, where you can admire the immensity of the sea and the ships that surround it, such as the famous SS Great Britain. Don’t wait any longer to get to know the oldest city in the UK with the Passporter app. Here we will tell you the best places to see in Bristol based on the number of days you are staying.
Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.
Things to see in Bristol
Go on the SS Great Britain
During your visit to Bristol, you can’t miss England’s most famous ocean liner, which was considered one of the largest and most advanced ships in the world, being one of the first to implement what is now known as the “propeller drive”. Even so, the beauty of this majestic ship lies not only in its past, but in its grandeur, and above all, in the details.
The SS Great Britain is more than just a ship, as it represents the evolution and progress that England has maintained throughout its history. In addition, inside you can see one of the most elaborate museums in Bristol and see the cabins, control centre and even the engines. Do you need any more reasons to go?
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Built in 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, besides being one of the oldest and most important structures to see in England, also plays a fundamental role in linking the two most populated neighbourhoods of Bristol, which are Clifton and Leigh Wood.
At 450 metres long and 82 metres high, this bridge is your best option if you want to walk around the city. And if you are curious, you can find more information about its history and technical features in its small visitor’s centre.
Go to Bristol Cathedral
If you are interested in seeing Bristol’s oldest and most important religious building, the Cathedral is surely the best choice. It was built over 900 years ago, making it the oldest cathedral in England.
Located in the old part of the city and with a very distinctive Gothic style, Bristol Cathedral has large and interesting areas inside that you don’t want to miss. The Lady Chapel stands out from the rest due to its elaborate details. It also has one of the best choirs in the city and a cloister that you will love. Visiting hours are from 11am to 5pm, so don’t wait any longer to see it!
Tyntesfield
With its large green spaces, ideal for relaxing and playing outdoors, Tyntesfield is one of the best places to see in Bristol, especially if you are with children or a friend.
As well as being able to relax and have a bite to eat in the many restaurants around, here you can see everything from bats to deer and various types of reptiles. If you are interested in spending a quiet and comfortable afternoon, don’t hesitate to come to Tyntesfield.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
With more than 500 years of history, St Mary Redcliffe Church has a beautiful and detailed design inside, with tombstones, ornaments and stained glass windows in a Gothic style. All travellers who enter this ancient and interesting church are captivated by its features.
Queen Square
With a history dating back to 1622, Queen Square is one of the oldest and most symbolic places to see during your trip to Bristol. Here you will be able to relax in the green spaces, as the square reminds you of the great gardens that the richest nobles used to own.
In addition, around the square you will find several plaques explaining its origins and the most important events that took place here, the most famous of which, and to which it owes its name, was the visit of Queen Anne. Since then, the rich merchants of the city settled in this strategic place, building beautiful houses that today are historical monuments.
Things to do in Bristol
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Apart from the SS Great Britain, the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is one of the best museums you can see during your stay in this city. Here you will learn about multiple fields, such as geology, archaeology and above all, you can admire many works of art that will leave you fascinated.
The opening hours are from 10am to 5pm. The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will welcome you with open doors, free of charge!
Visit Brandon Hill
Located in the university area of Bristol, Brandon Hill is the oldest park in the city, and here you’ll find great attractions just as old or even older, such as the Cabot tower, a tower that you can enter for free and appreciate the wonderful views it offers.
For many travellers, Brandon Hill is the best thing about Bristol. What are you waiting for?
Wander through St Nicholas Market
One of the most popular squares in the UK, it is characterised by its large size and its nicely ordered 600 stalls, among which you can find fresh produce, crafts and street food, all at an affordable price. St Nicholas Market has flexible opening hours, as you can go from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. Don’t forget to take home a souvenir from Bristol!
See Blaise Castle Estate
The Blaise Castle estate is surrounded by extensive greenery, with a well-marked path leading up to the castle. You can enter for free and climb to the top for an incredible panoramic view of Bristol, making it ideal for taking the best photos.
Also, during your visit to the Blaise Castle Estate, you can visit different places nearby, such as the Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate, a place that stands out for its impressive room of paintings.
Walk around Bristol Harbour
Without a doubt one of the best things to do in Bristol is to stroll around its marvellous harbour, where you can admire an incredible sea view, as well as find incredible attractions such as the famous SS Great Britain.
And if that’s not enough, you can also visit the Harbourside, where you’ll spend an unforgettable day full of fun on its many rides and games. If you want something a little more historical and artistic, you can visit the famous M Shed Museum, where you’ll find Bansky’s best works. Nothing left to say… What are you waiting for to visit the best area of Bristol?
Itinerary for your trip to Bristol
What to do in Bristol in one day?
If you are only going to Bristol for 1 day, don’t worry, you can visit the most popular places and enjoy every second in this lovely English city.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- SS Great Britain
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- Bristol Harbour
- Tyntesfield
What to do in Bristol in two days?
Make the most of your 2-day trip and visit the following places in Bristol.
- Bristol Cathedral
- Queen Square
- St Nicholas Market
- Brandon Hill
- Blaise Castle Estate
- St Mary Redcliffe Church
How to plan your itinerary of places to see in Bristol?
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organised way, according to the number of days and places you want to see in the Bristol.
With the app you can:
- Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences.
- Save important information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other point that you choose.
- Know the best travel option for each location.
- Save and post your own photos and experiences as you go, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip to Bristol?”, you can say “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter.”
If you are interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bristol
It is located in the South West of England, United Kingdom, bordering the counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset and the Bristol Channel.
It is only 190 km from London, so you can get to Bristol by a number of different options, such as by bus, which takes just 2.5 hours and costs between 5 and 15 Euros.
You can also go by train which takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, and costs approximately 15 euros one way, but you can buy a return package for 35 euros.
For an unforgettable dining experience, visit the following restaurants, Mugshot, BOX-E, and Paco Tapas, which are recommended by most travellers and locals in Bristol, and where you will find local dishes and international food at a great price.
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