The Best Bristol Attractions & Activities

Recommended places to visit and things to do in or near Bristol

Pre-book Bristol Attractions, Tours & Experiences


 

Arnolfini

Bristol

  • art gallery
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • art

Arnolfini in Bristol is a leading centre for contemporary art, hosting exhibitions, performances and film screenings. Set on the harbourside, it’s a vibrant hub for modern culture and creativity.

  • landmark
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • transport

The Clifton Suspension Bridge & Museum in Bristol celebrate Brunel’s engineering triumph. The bridge offers breathtaking Avon Gorge views, while the museum explores its design, construction and lasting legacy.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • maritime heritage
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  • transport
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  • boats

SS Great Britain in Bristol is a groundbreaking Victorian steamship designed by Brunel. Now a museum, it lets visitors explore the ship’s cabins, engine room, and dockyard, bringing maritime history vividly to life.

Tyntesfield

Wraxall

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • National Trust
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

built as a family home, the garden and estate balance faded beauty and function with an abundance of nature; celebrated in ornate Gothic carvings

Blaise Museum

Henbury

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • ceramics
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Blaise Museum in Bristol, housed in a Georgian mansion, showcases social history, costume and art collections. Surrounded by beautiful parkland, it offers a fascinating glimpse into life from past centuries.

Bristol Zoo

Clifton

  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

Bristol Zoo, now based at the Wild Place Project, offers immersive animal habitats and conservation exhibits. Visitors can see giraffes, lemurs and bears while learning about global wildlife protection.

  • museum
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history

The Georgian House Museum in Bristol is an 18th-century townhouse preserved to show life above and below stairs. Its elegant rooms and servant quarters reveal the contrasts of Georgian society.

We The Curious

Bristol

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • science
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  • technology

We The Curious in Bristol is an interactive science and arts centre with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium. It encourages creativity and curiosity, making science accessible and fun for all ages.

  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • wildlife

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park near Bristol combines farm animals, outdoor play and family activities. With tractor rides, adventure zones and seasonal events, it’s a lively day out for children and nature lovers.

  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • film
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  • transport
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  • trains
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  • TV

The Avon Valley Railway near Bristol offers nostalgic steam and diesel journeys through scenic countryside. With restored stations, vintage carriages and a café, it’s a charming heritage experience for all ages.

Bath Racecourse

Lansdown

  • leisure facility
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • music
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  • nature

Bath Racecourse, set on Lansdown Hill, is one of Britain’s highest flat racing venues. It hosts thrilling race days, events and concerts, with sweeping views over Bath and the surrounding countryside.