We have put together a selection of places in and around Bristol for participants interested in exploring local culture, history, and the unique atmosphere of southwest England during their free time.
These destinations reflect the diversity and charm of Bristol and the West Country. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or culture seeker, the region offers something for every visitor. For more inspiration or practical travel information, visit: https://visitbristol.co.uk
Let Bristol surprise you.
The Rossio is the popular name of the King Pedro IV Square in the city of Lisbon, in Portugal. It is located in the Pombaline Downtown of Lisbon and has been one of its main squares since the Middle Ages.
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is a museum in Lisbon, Portugal.
São Jorge Castle is a historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, located in the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior. Human occupation of the castle hill dates to at least the 8th century BC.
The Praça do Comércio is a large, harbour-facing plaza in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and is one of the largest in Portugal, with an area of 175 by 175 m, that is, 30,600 m².
The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, often called Lisbon Cathedral or simply the Sé, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Lisbon, Portugal.
Eduardo VII Park is a public park in Lisbon, Portugal. The park occupies an area of 26 hectares to the north of Avenida da Liberdade and Marquis of Pombal Square in Lisbon’s city center.
Bristol is a compact and accessible city. Most key sights, especially in the city centre, Harbourside, and Clifton areas, are within walking distance of each other. For destinations a bit further out or for added convenience, Uber and local taxi services are widely available and reliable. Public buses also serve the city well, but many visitors find that walking is the best way to experience Bristol’s atmosphere and hidden corners.
Spanning the dramatic Avon Gorge, this iconic feat of engineering by Isambard Kingdom Brunel is a symbol of Bristol. Walk across for panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the Visitor Centre for historical context and design insights.
Step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a ground-breaking iron ship and floating museum. Located in the historic Harbourside area, the ship brings maritime history to life with immersive exhibitions. The surrounding area is lined with museums, galleries, and cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Bristol is the hometown of the world-famous street artist Banksy. Throughout the city, you’ll find thought-provoking and often cheeky murals tucked into alleyways, bridges, and walls. Independent walking routes and guided maps are available for those keen to explore Bristol’s dynamic street art scene.
Wander the cobbled streets of the Old City, where medieval churches, hidden courtyards, and historic pubs tell the story of Bristol’s centuries-old trading heritage. St Nicholas Market is a great stop for local bites and handmade goods.
Located on the docks, M Shed explores Bristol’s social, industrial, and political history through interactive exhibits and real-life stories. Admission is free.
A striking Edwardian building housing everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to Pre-Raphaelite paintings and modern art. A must-visit for culture lovers. Admission is free.
Leigh Woods is located to the south west of Bristol, just over the Clifton suspension bridge. On the edge of the vibrant city, the forest is an unexpected sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle. Leigh Woods boasts a unique ecology thanks to its position on the edge of the Avon Gorge and its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The forest is crisscrossed by a network of tracks that guide visitors past a variety of habitats, including high forest, coppice, and even an arboretum that was once part of the Leigh Court Estate.
Ashton Court Estate is a national Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), covering 300 hectares with wildflower-rich grasslands, woodlands, ponds and ancient oak trees. Some trees are over 700 years old. There has been a deer park for over 600 years (one of the oldest in the country), with around 200 red and fallow deer helping manage the land. The estate is home to many other wildlife species, including orchids, lesser horeshoe bats, great crested newts, skylarks and saproxylic beetles (which live on the deadwood of trees).
Just 15 minutes by train from Bristol, Bath enchants visitors with its elegant Georgian architecture and Roman heritage. Wander the Royal Crescent, visit Bath Abbey, and experience the Roman Baths, one of Britain’s best-preserved ancient sites. The city also offers boutique shopping, traditional tea rooms, and literary landmarks like the Jane Austen Centre.
Cheddar Gorge is a striking natural landmark with towering limestone cliffs, dramatic caves, and breathtaking hikes. Located about an hour’s drive from Bristol, it’s also the birthplace of Cheddar cheese—don’t leave without a taste from a local producer.
Glastonbury is a town steeped in myth and legend, associated with King Arthur and early Christian pilgrimage. Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and climb the mystical Glastonbury Tor. Nearby Wells, England’s smallest city, charms visitors with its stunning cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.
For those looking to venture a bit further, Stonehenge—the world-famous prehistoric monument—is within reach from Bristol. Combine this with a drive through the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds, where honey-coloured stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, and historic pubs create a picture-perfect countryside escape.
If your schedule allows for a longer getaway, consider a 3- to 4-day journey through Devon and Cornwall. From windswept coastlines and fishing villages to legendary Tintagel Castle and the artistic haven of St Ives, this route captures some of England’s most scenic and storied landscapes.
