We are fortunate to have such a variety of different Bristol tourtist attractions to visit. It's easy to find something to do, whatever you might be interested in. Whether you want visit the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge or hang out in the M Shed, there is plenty of choice. In fact there are so many things to mention, we have listed our personal favourites:
We The Curious
We The Curious - One of the UK's largest interactive science centres, with plenty to do for the family. Here you can discover science for yourself with numerous hands on displays, live shows and even a planetarium. Take a virtual reality tour, try some science experiments you wouldn’t try at home and if you are feeling brave, have a go at dissecting animal organs, subject to ‘what’s on’ at the time!
Address At-Bristol, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5DB
Next door to We the Curious you will find the Bristol Aquarium . . . .
Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium - You will find colourful displays of native and tropical marine life and freshwater creatures from all around the globe in their themed habitats.
Address - Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TT
The Matthew of Bristol
If you are visiting Bristol harbourside or M Shed, it is likely you will see the Matthew, one of Bristol tourist attractions oldest heritage stories. The Matthew is a reconstruction of the original Matthew ship which sailed to Newfoundland and back in 1497 by John Cabot. So long as it is moored up, you can come on board and look around for free. You can also book to take a trip with them and you can check their website for details of these.
Address: Prices Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN
Take a 10 minute stroll along the harbourside and you will find the . . .
SS Great Britain
SS Great Britain - Once the largest passenger steamship, designed by Isambard Kindom Brunel, The SS Great Britain has now been converted one of our great Bristol tourist attractions, for you and your family to explore.
Great Western Dockyard Gas Ferry Road Bristol, BS1 6TY
Banksy Street Art Walking Tour
Find out all about the legendary Banksy whose work developed out of the Bristol underground scene. The Banksy Street Art Walking Tour is a great way to find out more about street art and graffiti and is a really cool way to see the city! See works of art such as The Girls with the Pierced Eardrum, Well Hung Lover, Paint-Pot Angel and Mild Mild West!
Number Seven Boat Trips
No 7 offer a ferry service around Bristol Harbour as well as a number of other trips. They are reasonably priced and are a great way to get a different perspective of the city. They are also a fun way to get to and from various Bristol tourist attractions whilst saving your legs!
Bristol Cathedral
Located on College Green, Bristol Cathedral is an impressive building with Gothic twin towers on its western façade. The Cathedral is free (donations welcome) and open to visitors all year round. However we recommend you check their website as some areas may be closed for events such as university graduation ceremonies!
Address: Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ
You will find another Gothic tower just 10 minutes’ walk away . . .
Wills Memorial Building
Considered one of the last great Gothic buildings to be built in Britain the Wills Memorial Building is a must if you are visiting Bristol tourist attractions. The building is home to the University of Bristol, but you can take one of their Tower Tours which take place weekly on Saturdays and on the first Wednesday of each month and is well worth it for the view from the top of the tower. Alternatively you can take a self-guided tour around the university by downloading podcasts and/or maps.
Address: Wills Memorial Building, Bristol BS8 1RL
Bristol Hippodrome
Bristol Hippodrome - One of the best theatres in the country, offering a diverse range of productions, to cater for all tastes; whether you prefer musicals, opera, concerts, stand-up comedy, ballet or children's shows - there is something for everyone.
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine's Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo Gardens - At Bristol Zoo Gardens you can appreciate some interesting animals within 12 acres of beautiful gardens. The Zoo has over 400 different species and with indoor facilities it's a great place to go in Bristol whatever the weather.
Address -Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge - Stretching across the Avon Gorge, the suspension bridge is the face of the city of Bristol and one of the major Bristol tourist attractions to photograph. Built in 1754, the bridge attracts visitors from all over the world, admiring the engineering brilliance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. You can visit the visitors centre there and even take a free tour, or book their hard tour of the Leigh Woods Vaults.
If you are visiting, we recommend you also take the time to stroll around the Clifton itself, one of the oldest and most affluent areas of the city. It has many beautiful buildings, many of which were built from profits from the slave trade, the area is now filled with cute cafes and chic boutique shops.
Bridge Road, Bristol BS8 3PA
Sitting above the Avon Gorge and with fabulous views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge you will find . . .
Camera Obscura / The Clifton Observatory
The Clifton Observatory, Camera Obscura and Caves is in an icon building which was originally built as a windmill and occupies a dominating position overlooking the Avon Gorge. If you want to get a good view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, this is the place to visit! For a small entrance fee, you also get the chance to see the Camera Obscura, a telescope from 1829 and the Giant’s Cave which according to Bristol folklore was once home to two giants, Goram and Ghyston. You can follow the cave down to the opening on the gorge cliff face, although children under 4 are not permitted for safety reasons.
If you have time, take a stroll around Clifton Village and stop off some refreshments at one of the numerous coffee shops or restaurants.