Top things to do in a day in Bristol, UK

Bristol is a small city in the South West of the UK. It’s a great place to spend a day out, with lots of interesting activities for all ages. Here are my top things to do in a day in Bristol.

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Bristol is a great city to visit at any time of the year. It’s less than 2 hours from London by train, and close to Bath and Cardiff. A lot of the city has recently been renovated, and it’s got a really cool, young vibe to it. There’s so much going on, you’ll never be stuck for something to do in Bristol. It’s a great family day trip as well, with lots of museums for children. Here are my top things to do in a day in Bristol. And if you’re looking for a guide to take with you on your trip, I’d recommend this great Lonely Planet guide (affiliate).

1. SS Great Britain

Step back in time into Brunel’s Bristol and explore the SS Great Britain. This fascinating ship is definitely one of my top things to do in a day in Bristol. Stand on the deck of the ship, and explore below deck as well. I loved learning about all the people who sailed on this ship in the 1800s. There’s also a chance to walk underneath the hull of the ship, where you can really appreciate it’s size. Check out the opening times here.

2. Take a ferry along the river

On a warm, sunny day in spring, I love spending time on the river in Bristol. Taking a boat trip along the river is a great way to appreciate the city. There are sightseeing tours, and also a ferry service that you can hop on like a bus. Enjoy the views of the city and the breeze in your face.

3. Shopping at Cabot Circus

Bristol has a great selection of shops. Cabot Circus, in the centre of Bristol, has a great variety of shops, and also plenty of restaurants and cafes when you need to take a break. If you’re looking for a day of shopping, Bristol is definitely a top destination for you.

4. Eat pie from Pieminister at St Nicholas Market

Another of the top things to do in a day in Bristol is to visit a great pie shop called Pieminister. The small take-away pie shop is in St Nicholas Market, where there’s also a great selection of other trendy food stalls. Choose from a variety of pies, with some great vegetarian options as well. The mash and gravy is a great addition to your lunch as well.

5. Stand in awe looking over the Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is another iconic sight in Bristol. For one of the best views of the bridge, head across the Clifton Downs to Clifton Observatory. From here, you can look down over the bridge. It’s a great spot for some photos, especially in the early evening light.

6. Do an Escape Room

Escape Rooms are great fun, for couples as well as families and groups of friends. Bristol has a great variety of themed Escape Rooms across the city. The idea is that you are locked in a room, and have to solve a series of puzzles and clues to find the way to escape. Some Escape Rooms are more difficult than others, but there’s always the option to ask for a clue if you get stuck. It’s a great feeling when you finally solve a clue and escape within the hour!

7. Relax with a drink along the waterfront

The waterfront is one of my favourite parts of Bristol. So another of my top things to do in a day in Bristol is to take some time to relax with a drink along the waterfront. There are loads of bars and restaurants next to the river. Take a seat and enjoy watching the world go by before you get back to your busy day in Bristol.

8. M Shed museum

The M Shed museum is another great place to visit in Bristol. It’s free entry, so you don’t need to feel pressured to stay too long. There are interesting exhibits on the history of Bristol, and the people who have lived here over the years.

9. Look at the historic ships

The rive dominates so many views of Bristol. Not far from the M Shed museum, there are some beautiful historic ships on the water. I loved looking at all the boats on the river, but these historic ones were my favourite. The Lord Nelson was hugely impressive, and another reminder of Bristol’s great maritime history.

10. Relax at Castle Park in the spring sunshine

Castle Park is in the centre of Bristol, and a lovely place to visit in the spring. The blossom trees a stunning, and it’s a perfect place to relax in the morning with a book. It’s also a great place to bring a picnic for lunch as well.

11. Watch a show at the Bristol Hippodrome

The last of my top things to do in a day in Bristol is to watch a show at the Bristol Hippodrome. Bristol has a great variety of evening entertainment, with plenty of live music shows and small theatres. But the Bristol Hippodrome is my favourite place to spend an evening. It’s one of the biggest theatre stages in Britain, with stunning red and gold décor. Check out the website here to find out what is on during your stay in Bristol and book your tickets. I saw the musical ‘We Will Rock You’ and it was just amazing.

12. Take day trips to nearby beaches and caves

There’s plenty to do in Bristol for a day. But there are also some beautiful places nearby that you can visit as a day trip from Bristol. There are lovely beaches at Weston-Super-Mare and Brean Beach, where you can have a classic British day at the seaside. Relax on the beach, enjoy eating fish and chips, and play arcade games on the Weston-Super-Mare pier. Read more about these places here. Or Cheddar Gorge is another great option for a day trip. There’s great scenery, with views over the Gorge and the Mendip Hills, plus fascinating caves as well. Read more about visiting Cheddar Gorge here.

Enjoy the top things to do in a day in Bristol! Remember to check out this great travel guide for your trip (affiliate), as well as my blogs on great day trips you can do from Bristol, including Weston-Super-Mare and Cheddar Gorge. If you’re looking for more things to do in the UK, I’d recommend visiting North Devon or the Dorset coast.

Looking for a book to read on your trip? I was reading this book by Mhairi McFarlane (affiliate) and it was a really fun book to read. I’d definitely recommend it!