Are you looking for the best way to spend a weekend in Bristol? Check out my itinerary with the best things to do and some day-trip ideas.
Bristol has beautiful docks, famous graffiti, and hosts the largest hot air balloon event, making it one of the best UK city breaks. While not many people would pick Bristol over cities as London, Brighton, or Manchester, I think it’s a fantastic destination that has so much to offer!
That’s why I’ve put an itinerary together for the perfect weekend in Bristol. Let’s dive in!
Weekend in Bristol Map
Things To Do In Bristol
With so many awesome things to do in Bristol, it’s hard to fit it all into one weekend. So, here are my recommendations of what to check out when spending some time in this beautiful harbour town.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
One of the main icons of the city is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It spans 214 meters across the Avon River and dates back to the Victorian era. This impressive construction is actually one of the most popular photo spots in the UK. While driving across the bridge requires you to pay a toll of £1, it’s free for pedestrians. You can also find a visitors centre near the bridge for more information on how it was built.
Avon Gorge Hotel Bar
If you’re looking for the best views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, drop by the Avon Gorge Hotel bar for a quick drink. You’ll find the best panoramic views of the bridge. And what’s better than a drink with a view? You can also stay in the Avon Gorge Hotel if you’re wondering where to stay in Bristol.
Cliftonwood’s Colourful Houses
If you’ve come across any pictures of Bristol, you’ve probably already spotted the rows of colourful houses on the hill. These are Cliftonwood’s Victorian terraced houses painted in bright, beautiful colours. While nobody really knows how it started, it’s a great spot to go for a stroll with your camera.
Harbourside
Sailors and merchants used to sell their goods here, but this area has turned into a vibrant neighbourhood with trendy restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner or a cocktail – or visit on Sunday for the local markets!
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
The Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships on the planet. While it sailed the seas from 1843 till 1933, it now found a home in Bristol’s docks. When it was launched, it was the biggest ships ever built – a very impressive construction! You can now visit the shop and see the museum inside to learn about its history.
Bristol Cathedral
None of my city breaks are complete without a quick visit to the city’s cathedral (if they have one). I simply love seeing them – even if I don’t have enough time to go inside. And Bristol’s cathedral is a very beautiful one. It dates back to 1140 and is one of the best medieval hall churches in the world. Admission is free.
St Nicholas Market
If you’re looking for some great food recommendations, make sure to stop by St. Nicholas Market. Here, you’ll find the best street food in Bristol but also shop for vintage accessories, records, and more. With over 60 independent vendors, you’ll be sure to find something that matches your taste.
Banksy Street Art
One of Bristol’s claims to fame is one of the most famous graffiti artists, Bansky. His work started in the city, and you can still find his art on many walls across Bristol. His work now sells for millions of pounds!
You can take multiple walking tours to find Bansky’s art and learn more about his style, life, and connection to Bristol. Alternatively, you can use one of the self-guided walks.
International Balloon Fiesta
While Bristol is a great city break destination all year round, I recommend visiting in August (if possible). That’s because the annual Balloon Fiesta is held in August – the largest hot air balloon event in the whole of Europe!
More than 100 hot air balloons take to the sky, making for an unforgettable experience visiting Bristol. You really can’t find this anyplace else.
Adding A Day Trip To Your Bristol Itinerary
If you want to add a few more days to your Bristol itinerary, you can choose to dive into the beautiful scenery surrounding the city. There are many walks in Bristol you can choose from.
While you can easily spend a weekend in Bristol without getting bored, you may want to explore the surrounding area. Especially if you don’t live near Bristol, it’s a great idea to tick some more England Bucket List items off your list. Here are some of my recommendations:
Bath
Bath is easily one of the most atmospheric cities in the UK, and it’s perfect for a day trip. Especially since Bath is only 11 miles from Bristol, you can easily combine the two.
The Roman Baths are one of the main highlights around which the city was originally built. While you can’t bathe in them, you can enjoy the geothermally heated water in the Thermae Bath Spa. But there’s much more to do in Bath! Make sure to check out my Bath itinerary for some travel inspiration.
The Cotswolds
It takes about an hour to drive from Bristol to the Cotswolds, but it’s definitely worth it. The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in the UK. With honey-coloured stone houses against a hilly backdrop – it’s simply stunning. It’s the perfect little getaway from the city, especially since there are tons of hiking trails.
Bristol Itinerary – Conclusion
And there you have it, my Bristol itinerary. Even though it’s easy to spend more than a weekend in Bristol, two days give you more than enough time to see all the highlights. I would recommend adding at least one day trip (if possible) because there is so much to see near the city. Let me know if you’ve visited Bristol or if you’re planning to!
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