A stunning coastal city in the southwest of England, Bristol is an amazing places to visit. It is known as a cultural hub, which perfectly blends modern lifestyle with historic cultural significance.
When it comes to English tourism, it’s not just London that is significant. Bristol is equally as interesting and attracts a large footfall, of both local and international visitors, throughout the year.
As well as architectural beauty to admire, there are various museums and art centres to suit people of all ages and tastes.
Read on for our ultimate Bristol one-day itinerary, for a fun-filled and memorable time in the city. We’ve also included some other crucial visitor information as well.
No time to read now? No problem, save a pin to your Pinterest board for later!
Best Time to Visit Bristol
As is the case in England, Bristol sees unpredictable weather. A clear sunny day in summer, which begins in June and ends in August, could change to wind or rain at any time.
The being said, summer is a great time for many tourists to plan a day trip to Bristol. The season is perfect for outdoor exploration as the days are longer. However, the weather is considerably warm during these months.
For slightly cooler but still pleasant weather, spring is considered the ideal time to visit Bristol. Starting in March, the city will be in full bloom with lush greenery and vibrant flowers everywhere. This makes the city’s parks and gardens the most spectacular attractions to visit. The spring season ends in May.
Bristol One-Day Itinerary
SS Great Britain
There can’t be a better way to start your Bristol one-day trip than visiting Brunel’s SS Great Britain. A former passenger steam ship, this interesting vessel is now a museum.
The ship was rescued from wreckage and rust in 1970 and gives you the chance to delve in to the history here of the ‘ship that changed the world’.
You can choose to experience high-end dining or even go climbing up the scarily high rigging! Go under the glass sea for an amazing experience and get a view of the SS Great Britain from below in the original dry dock, dating from the 1830’s.
Bristol Art Museum and Gallery
Bristol is full of art galleries and museums, one of which is the famous Bristol Art Museum and Gallery. It is part of an association of six museums located in the city.
It sprawls over three floors that display Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs fossils, wildlife, oriental arts, glass, and pottery. In addition, the museum exhibits a rich collection of European Old Master paintings.
There is also an entire section which is dedicated to Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his many technical achievements. The gallery is a perfect place to see how Bristol has changed over the years.
M-Shed
Even though you are in Bristol for one day, a visit to M-Shed is a must. This is another free museum in the city, visited by tourists every day.
M-Shed is located within a former transit warehouse and focuses on the story of Bristol from prehistoric times all the way up to the present. This is definitely the key highlight of any Bristol itinerary.
From geography to people, the museum covers each and every aspect of Bristol. It even houses a few working exhibits on display; one of them is a giant crane located just outside the museum.
Enjoy a Lunch at Cargo Area
Bristol is also known for its amazing food scene and so for lunch, you should definitely head to Cargo Area. It’s a mini village of converted shipping containers on the harbour-side.
It’s a unique spot and as such, a popular hangout amongst both locals and tourists. Cargo hosts a number of food hotspots, including first-class restaurants.
Box-E, Bordeaux, and Squeezed and Root are some popular names when it comes to places to eat in Cargo, Bristol. There is something to suit all food tastes and preferences.
Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Cathedral is another top attraction and also one of the best free places to visit in Bristol. This Gothic Cathedral is one of the most beautiful constructions in the city.
Bristol Cathedral has gone through numerous reconstructions, the last being in 1877. It boasts a beautiful mix of Neo-Gothic, Gothic, and Normal architecture.
The interior includes beautiful stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. The cathedral was originally an Augustinian Abbey, founded around 880 years ago.
Mooch Round Clifton
Mooch Round Clifton is one of the prettiest places to visit in Bristol. With vibrant houses, verdant spaces, crooked streets, and exquisite views – it oozes sublime charm.
Cycling is a great way to explore Mooch Round Clifton, admiring the amazing Street art as you go. You can also indulge in a boat ride to explore the harbour-side or even go for a hot air balloon ride!
Mooch Round Clifton is a popular area, dotted with plenty of coffee bars and restaurants. To really immerse yourself in the culture here, frequent one of the local eateries as opposed to the big chain ones. It’s also possible to grab a brew at nearby Bristol Cathedral or City Hall.
Cabot Tower
Located in the middle of beautiful Brandon Hill park, Cabot Tower is a major landmark in Bristol. Such is its charm, you can’t afford to miss it from your Bristol one day itinerary.
Dating back to the 19th century, Cabot Tower was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s first sailing. Since it is located on a hilltop, you can expect to see stunning sights of the city from here.
The best thing about visiting Cabot Tower is it is free, there is no entrance fee!
There is a climb to the top of the tower but it is worth the effort as it offers amazing views over Bristol. The tower can also be visited on a free walking tour of Bristol.
A free walking tour of Bristol is a great way to save money and still enjoy the sights around Bristol.
Nicholas Market
The last stop on this Bristol one day itinerary is Nicholas Market. This is one of the oldest markets in the country with its history dating back to 1743. Exploring this market, you’ll see a lesser-known aspect of England tourism.
Nicholas Market is a maze of independent stalls that sprawl through the iconic Exchange Building. But the most interesting thing here is the ornate ceiling and Glass Arcade.
On your Bristol tour, this is the perfect spot to indulge in the ultimate shopping experience. Here at Nicholas Market, you can shop for a whole range of goodies ranging from carved wooden bowls to ethnic clothes to old records and books to leather bags.
Famous Bristol Festivals
When travelling, it’s never a bad thing to have options, right? Therefore, we’ve also included a list of must-see festivals in Bristol. Depending on when you visit the city, you might also be there for one of these festivals.
Upfest (May)
Upfest is the largest street art and graffiti festival in Europe. Bristol is known to showcase the best murals and street art in the world after all.
The city has also been home to some of the best artists, including Banksy. This popular event happens in May every year and runs for a few days. Upfest is known for bringing street art and fresh talent together.
Foodies Festival (May)
It’s not just London’s food culture that is famous amongst tourists, Bristol is equally as well known when it comes to food. Another popular festival hosted in Bristol in May is Foodies Festival.
It is the UK’s biggest food festival that brings food lovers from all across the globe to one place, including renowned chefs. The icing on the cake is the music that completes vibe of the festival.
Harbour Festival (July)
If you are planning to visit Bristol in July, try and tie it in with the amazing Harbour Festival. It’s fair to say this festival is the soul of the summer season.
Every year, the Harbour Festival witnesses a footfall of more than 250,000 people and usually gets large media coverage.
It’s a celebration of Bristol, showcasing the diverse community whilst celebrating the city’s amazing heritage.
Balloon Fiesta (August)
Balloon Fiesta is one of the most unique festivals to see in Bristol. It is an annual event, held in August, that shouldn’t be missed.
The festival brings like-minded balloonists together to celebrate what it is called a Balloon Fiesta. In Aston Court, hundreds of hot air balloons in all different colours and prints gather and are launched together. It is really quite incredible to see.
This vibrant festival is also a treat for shutterbugs to capture stunning photos of hot air balloons flying together.
Bristol Open Doors (September)
The Bristol Open Doors festival takes place in September. The experience is as unique as the name suggests.
For a weekend, the Bristol Open Doors festival gives you the keys to the city, allowing people to explore forgotten places and heritage spaces.
There are guided tours in the city’s buildings, letting people explore the fascinating buildings and stunning architecture.
Oktoberfest (October)
Bavaria is not the only place you can go to one of the iconic Oktoberfests. There is one held right here in Bristol too.
The festival gives you a chance to explore the downtown city while sampling and savouring German-style food and beer. Attendees wear their favourite Oktoberfest outfit to be in with a chance of winning the award for “Best Dressed” at the festival.
Before You Leave for Bristol
Before you set off on your way to Bristol, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Bristol
Bristol is well-connected to the rest of the UK and international destinations, making it easily accessible for travelers. If you are flying in, Bristol Airport is the most convenient option, with numerous domestic and international flights.
From there, you can take a short taxi or bus ride to the city center. If you prefer traveling by train, Bristol Temple Meads is the main railway station, serving various destinations across the country. Many national bus services also operate routes to Bristol, providing an economical and scenic option for travelers.
With our insightful tips and detailed instructions, you’ll have no trouble getting to Bristol and embarking on an unforgettable journey in this vibrant city.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Bristol
When packing for your trip to Bristol, consider the unpredictable weather and diverse activities the city has to offer. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, sweaters, and versatile clothing suitable for both outdoor exploration and city sightseeing. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as Bristol has various hills and cobbled streets.
Don’t forget essentials like a power adapter, a travel-friendly toiletry bag, and any necessary medications. If you plan on visiting the vibrant nightlife or attending cultural events, pack some dressier attire as well.
Lastly, bring a camera to capture the city’s stunning architecture and picturesque scenery. With these essentials in your suitcase, you’ll be well-prepared for your exciting trip to Bristol.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see here, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for The United Kingdom
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your Complete Bristol One-day Itinerary. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning road trip.
If you are planning a trip soon then check out our other England content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- 8 Ideas for Fun Days Out in Birmingham This Spring – The Best Things to do in Birmingham
- Two Days in Warwick Itinerary – The Perfect Weekend Break from London
- London Itinerary 4 days – The Perfect Itinerary for Your Trip to London
This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. For more information read our Affiliate page.
Pin it for later!
No time to read now? No problem, save a pin to your Pinterest board for later!
