Things To Do In Bristol

There are plenty of things to do in Bristol. A city in South west England on the river Avon. Bristol is the largest city in the South west, sitting between the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Famous for its harbour and well known for the Clifton Suspension bridge and annual balloon festival happening in the City.

SS Great Britain

One of the most historic ships in the World, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the ship that was the most powerful and advanced ship on the sea at her launch in 1843. SS Great Britain went on to change history.

SS Great Britain is now a museum ship, one I would love to visit at some point. To be able to go on board the actual ship to get a feeling of history and learn about the iconic happenings at sea would be amazing.

Bristol Zoo

Bristol Zoo has a lot to offer visitors from animal experiences, to twilight experiences. You can visit the aquarium, penguins, lemurs, Meerkats, red pandas and gorillas.

Bristol Zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in the world, opening in 1836. The zoo has helped save over 175 species from extinction and are working on conservation projects around the world.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge connects Bristol and North Somerset over the Avon Gorge. For many years the bridge has attracted plenty of visitors from people wishing to learn about the history. There is a visitor centre on site that is free to access, with free tours happening every weekend at 3pm between Easter and October.

Bristol Aquarium

We love visiting aquariums, like the Oceanarium in Bournemouth, but each one never seems to be the same as the last which is lovely.

Bristol Aquarium has more than 40 naturally themed displays featuring tropical sharks, seahorses, rays, puffer fish and so many more.  It’s the only aquarium in the UK to also house a botanical house called the Urban Jungle. Home to hundreds of exotic plant species from around the world.

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

There appears to be plenty on offer at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife park from outdoor adventures, indoor play, wildlife, animal handling, park rides and a riverside trail. Don’t forget to visit Dinosaur Valley, the perfect dinosaur themed day out for a dino fan.

This looks to be a full day out regardless of the weather so it’s a great option for a rainy day out in Bristol.

Bristol Insight

Bristol Insight is a fully guided tour on an open top bus stopping along the way at attractions such as SS Great Britain, Bristol Zoo and the Clifton Suspension bridge. This tour looks to be a great way to take advantage of things to do in Bristol without having to worry about driving to all the different attractions.

Your bus ticket allows you to hop on and hop off along the route for your convenience.

Wild Place Project

Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP

There’s over 50 acres of outdoor space to explore at the Wild Place Project. There’s also a 50 foot high leap of faith for those willing to give it a go! For children, there’s plenty of play areas when you’ve finished spotting all the animals.

Around the wildlife park. you can see the brown bears, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras and red river hogs. Theres also the chance to see the lemurs running around the Madagascar area.

Aerospace Bristol

Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ

If you’re interested in aviation, then a visit to Aerospace Bristol is a mist. Telling the history of Bristol’s aviation achievements, as well as the chance to go on board the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot.

This Bristol museum has ample free parking, and is a great family day out.

We The Curious

Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB

Once known as the Bristol Science Centre, We The Curious has over 300 exhibits, suitable for the whole family. You can create your own TV show, or immerse yourself in a bubble. Perhaps you’d like to walk through a tornado?

Also on offer is the UK’s first 3D planetarium with surround sound and amazing sights from around the universe.

Sherlock: The Official Outdoor Game

If you like escape rooms, then check out this escape type game in Bristol with a difference. Your mission is to help Sherlock uncover clues around Bristol in this outdoor detective game.

The game works via an app, which after purchase provides you with animated videos, voicemail and text messaging. There’s also a pre-recorded video briefing and a debrief scorecard email after the event.

More information

Avon Valley Railway

Bitton Railway Station, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD

This steam railway in Bristol opened in 1869 as part of the route between Birmingham and the South coast. Today the steam railway runs via a varied timetable through the year, with amazing sights of the Victorian station. Dogs are also welcome on board.