
Catch the headliners at local festivals
St Paul’s Carnival or Slapstick Comedy? Pride or the Balloon Fiesta? Dot-to-Dot or Love saves the Day? Everyone in Bristol has a favourite festival – what’s yours?
From Brunel to Banksy and Drum and Bass, Bristol has always been a centre for culture and creativity. Start by wandering its historic heart, browsing the stalls in St Nicholas Market, popping to the shops on Park Street or taking the boat across the harbour. But beyond the standard sight-seeing stops, its people give the city its beating social heart. Why not join the fun in the pubs and bars, at a football match or festival?
St Paul’s Carnival or Slapstick Comedy? Pride or the Balloon Fiesta? Dot-to-Dot or Love saves the Day? Everyone in Bristol has a favourite festival – what’s yours?
Bristol is blessed with spectacular green spaces. Discover the Downs, wander around Leigh Woods or amble past the deer grazing in Ashton Court and feel rejuvenated by nature.
Feel the energy of the city on a big game day. See world rugby’s best playing for the Bears. Cheer on the Flyers as they move up the British Basketball League. Or revel in the old football rivalry between City and Rovers.
Live Music in Montpelier? Theatre in Old Market? Fine Art at the Royal Academy and the Arnolfini, street art in Stokes Croft or cinema at the Watershed? Bristol is renowned as a centre for culture and creativity.
Whether its food, fashion or design, Bristol’s independent stores are amongst the best. Gloucester Road’s boutiques brim with creativity. Find your favourite food truck for lunch, treat yourself to fine dining in the evening, then enjoy a nightcap at a neighbourhood distillery or craft brewery.
Explore the SS Great Britain: the ship that changed the world. Wander the winding alleys of the old city, discover the social history that makes Bristol so vibrant at the MShed, or be amazed at the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge across the ancient Avon Gorge.