Bristol Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Bristol

Bristol featuring a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge

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Top places to visit

1. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.

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Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

2. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.

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Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and interior views

3. Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.

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Bristol Hippodrome showing interior views, performance art and theater scenes

4. Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.

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Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a sunset, a bridge and landscape views

5. Thornbury Castle

Set in an estate of lush parkland and glorious Tudor gardens is Thornbury Castle. Spend a day enjoying the regal elegance and sumptuousness of this one-time residence of British monarchs. Treat yourself to a night of romance in the castle’s ornate rooms. Dine on meals inspired by food grown in the castle gardens and indulge in therapeutic massage treatments.

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Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

Popular places to visit

University of Bristol

4/5(169 reviews)

Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university.

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

4.5/5(491 reviews)

Discover new fashion trends, watch the latest releases from Hollywood and play a round of miniature golf at this modern retail mall.

Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

4.5/5(85 reviews)

This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.

Ashton Gate Stadium

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Catch an event at Ashton Gate Stadium during your trip to Bristol. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

4.5/5(370 reviews)

Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.

Thornbury Castle

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Walk the grounds once traversed by royalty, dine in a dungeon and spend the night in a room fit for a king.

SS Great Britain

4.5/5(107 reviews)

Climb aboard this museum ship to learn about its long and eventful life at sea.

Bristol Cathedral

4.5/5(83 reviews)

This 900-year-old religious monument is revered for its exquisite vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and Romanesque-style Chapter House.

St Nicholas Market

4/5(28 reviews)

Bristol’s oldest market is still very much alive with merchants and shoppers. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the best days to visit.

Areas of Bristol

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

4/5(90 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol City Centre. Make a stop by St Nicholas Market or Old Vic Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Clifton

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

Travellers come to Clifton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Downs and Observatory and The Downs while you're in town.

St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a bay or harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour

4/5(657 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.

Portishead

You'll enjoy the parks and art galleries in Portishead. You might want to make time for a stop at Portishead Lake Grounds or Parish Wharf Swimming Pool.

Filton

3.5/5(88 area reviews)

Filton is well liked for its shopping. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Bristol area, you might plan a trip to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway or The Wave.

Keynsham

Keynsham is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park and Chew Valley.

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Things to do in Bristol

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