Discover Bristol

Discover Bristol – Sights

Clifton Suspension Bridge
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this iconic suspension bridge spans the Avon Gorge. It’s a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

SS Great Britain
Another of Brunel’s creations, this historic ship was the first iron-hulled, steam-powered passenger liner. Now, it serves as a museum and an interactive experience.

Bristol Cathedral
This magnificent Gothic cathedral dates back to the 12th century. Its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens are a must-visit.

Harbourside
Once an industrial port, the Harbourside is now a lively area filled with restaurants, bars, and attractions like We The Curious, a hands-on science museum.

St. Nicholas Market
Details: This bustling market is a haven for foodies and shoppers. It’s known for its diverse range of stalls, selling everything from vintage clothing to global cuisines.

Bristol Zoo Project
A family favourite, this zoo has been home to a wide variety of animals since 1836. Though its main site is now evolving, the Wild Place Project offers a continuation of its legacy. (Transport required)

Ashton Court Estate
This sprawling estate features a historic mansion and acres of parkland, perfect for picnics, walks, and spotting deer.

Street Art and Banksy
Bristol is the birthplace of Banksy, and the city is famous for its street art. Wander through areas like Stokes Croft and Bedminster to admire vibrant murals.

M Shed
A museum dedicated to Bristol’s history, it features exhibits on the city’s industrial, social, and cultural past.

Leigh Woods
A National Trust woodland area just across the Suspension Bridge, offering tranquil trails and panoramic views.

To find out more please click on this link Visit Bristol

Discover Bristol – Travel

By Public Transport
Here’s all the details on Bristol’s extensive public transport network, including bus, train, Park & Ride, e-scooters & e-bikes, and even boat! For door to door journey information by all modes of transport, visit www.travelwest.info.

Bus

It’s easy to get around Bristol by bus, with plenty of fast and convenient services available from all key locations.

You can find out more about Bristol bus routes and timetables including how to get to and from the city centre at https://www.firstbus.co.uk/bristol-bath-and-west

First Bus also provide an online journey planner, which is a useful tool for planning your trips to and around Bristol.

If you’re in Bristol and need more help with finding bus stations and routes, check out the free-to-download First Bus App and website. You can also use the app to track the location of buses in live time.

Bus Tickets

You can purchase tickets using the First Bus App, or on board from the driver. If you’re using Metrobus services, you must buy before you board, or use the Tap On, Tap Off system.

First Bus have a variety of tickets, including: Singles: Only £2.40 for adults.

Day Bundles: Day Ticket bundles will save you money if you don’t need to travel every day. Find out more here.

Metrobus is a modern public transport service serving the greater Bristol area offering faster, more frequent and reliable services with direct routes to key destinations. This new, environmentally-friendly way of getting around the city has a ‘buy before you board service,’ with ticket machines at every stop. You can find out more about Metrobus routes at metrobus – Travelwest.

Find out more about taking the bus in Bristol in our comprehensive guide here.

Park & Ride

If you’re driving to Bristol, why not take advantage of one of the fantastic Park & Ride services? Avoid any of the stress of driving around a new city, save money and do your bit for the environment. Find out more about Bristol Park & Ride services at www.travelwest.info/parkandride. Portway Park & Ride also has a railway station to travel by train into Bristol city centre.

Train

With a GWR Freedom Travel Pass, you can get unlimited travel on all trains and most buses in Bristol. You can buy a daily, weekly or monthly ticket for use any time, any day. Find out more here.

Preferred delegate fares on GWR trains

Great Western Railways has delegate fares to Bristol, delegates can book the preferred fares via the following link https://www.gwr.com/your-tickets/ways-to-save/business-travel/conferences-and-events.

E-Scooter

WESTscoot and WESTbike hire – WEST are a fun way to explore Bristol. Simply use the app to find your nearest available e-scooter or e-bike, hop-on and ride on. Then you can hop-off and safely park at an approved location.

Boat

Number Seven Boats and Bristol Ferry Boats operate regular ferry services to and from waterfront attractions and key points along the harbourside. The Bristol Packet runs guided trips around Bristol and along the river Avon to Bath.

For a journey with a difference, Avon River Cruises run private charter hire trips around Bristol harbour and on the River Avon, with on-board catering if required.

Travel by Car

Since 2022, Bristol has operated a Clean Air Zone in the city centre to tackle air pollution. This means that owners of all higher emission vehicles must pay to drive in the city centre. While over 71% of vehicles travelling in to the city already meet emissions standards, you can check whether you will be charged using the Government’s online compliance checking tool. Find out more about Bristol’s Clean Air Zone here.

Bristol has plenty of city centre car parks. You can find out more about Bristol car parks and travelling by car here.

Special Travel Passes

Visitors to Bristol can expand their visit with a Great West Way Discoverer Pass, offering bus and rail travel to all destinations on the Great West Way touring route between Bristol and London.

Discover Bristol – Trivia

Ten Interesting facts about Bristol

Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard the Pirate was born in Bristol in the late 1600s and called the city his home.
The World’s first bungee jump took place in Bristol on 1 April 1979 and was undertaken by members of the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club. David Kirke, who jumped first, did so wearing a top hat and tails. The best bit? He jumped with a glass of champagne in his hand.
JK Rowling was Born in Yate She later moved to Winterbourne where her neighbours had the surname ‘Potter’. Many of the Harry Potter characters names are inspired by places in the West Country.
Bristol is a pioneer at many things, but did you know the city introduced the UK to the chocolate easter egg? It was during Easter 1873 that Bristol based chocolate producer — Fry’s first concocted the treat, which has been a tradition ever since.
When you think of Wallace and Gromit, you likely imagine the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, cobbled roads and Northern accents. It may be a surprise to you then that Wallace and Gromit is actually produced at Aardman studios in Bristol. The studio is famous for a range of hit films including Chicken Run, Flushed Away and Arthur Christmas.
Bristol’s street art scene is world famous thanks to the work of graffiti artist Banksy. Banksy’s work started to crop up across the city throughout the 1980s, many of which you can still see today. Keep an eye out to see Banksy’s work dotted across Bristol.
Bristol is the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons. It’s no wonder that they have their own balloon fiesta. This is Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 hot air balloons from across the globe!
Darth Vader is a Bristolian, Well the man who physically portrayed him is, at least. David Prowse was an English bodybuilder and actor best known for portraying the physical form of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy.
Ribena Comes from Bristol, Name-checked in a Kanye West song and loved by kids across the UK, Ribena was actually created in Long Ashton in 1933 as an alternative form of vitamin C.
Bristol boasts some amazing aviation achievements including a joint collaboration with France to build and design Concorde. Aerospace Bristol in North Bristol is home to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets ever to fly.