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Bristol has quickly become one of our favorite cities to visit in the United Kingdom. Travelers planning One Day in Bristol are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see, do and eat. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere, an abundance of attractions and hopping entertainment districts, the city is a fabulous destination for a day trip (or longer!)
Planning 1 Day in Bristol
Deciding how to spend a day in Bristol can be tricky. The city offers a wide range of fun activities – far more than can be squeezed into a 1-Day Bristol itinerary.
Therefore, instead of sharing a single plan, we outline five different themed ways to spend one day in Bristol. The options we feature are: The Best of Bristol, Active and Outdoors, Rainy Day Fun, Off the Beaten Path and Kid Friendly.
Each of our one-day itineraries provide a summary based on specific interests and travel style. For more information about all sights and attractions, also read our ultimate guide to the Best Things To Do in Bristol.
#1 Best of Bristol in One Day
Our Best Bristol One-Day Itinerary covers the highlights in bite-sized pieces. It’s a sweeping overview of the city and ideal for those who prefer to quickly cover as much ground as possible.
Morning: Bristol Harbour
Start your day in the heart of the city and set off on foot. Pass through Queen Square – a stately space designed in the 1700s – on your way to Bristol Harbour.
Many of Bristol’s top attractions are located along the Floating Harbour, as it’s called locally. M Shed is a free museum detailing the history of Bristol – and it’s a great place to start. Wapping Wharf is a hub of entertainment (don’t miss the Cargo container shops or the Matthew of Bristol ship that’s free to visit). Brunell’s SS Great Britain and the Maritime Museum at Underfall Yard are two other prime sights to see.
On the north side of the harbor, make your way to Millennium Square. The area is home to the Bristol Aquarium, We The Curious Science Museum and the Watershed Cinema and cultural arts center. Be sure to see the impressive Bristol Cathedral, too!
Top Itinerary Tip: The ideal way to see these sights is to follow the looping waterfront promenade. After touring the SS Great Britain, find the Girl with a Pierced Eardrum mural (better known as Girl with Pearl Earring) by Bristol-born street artist, Banksy.
Midday: Local Bristol Market and Picnic Lunch
Now make your way to St Nicholas Market. Shop at the independent vendors – then grab lunch from one of the arcade kiosks. Matina (Middle Eastern) and Pieminister (savory British pies) are our two preferred eateries!
Take your food to Castle Park or Temple Gardens for a relaxing picnic. If time allows, stop by the ornate 15th century St Mary Redcliff Church that was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.
Afternoon: Clifton Bridge and Village
After lunch, go and see the landmark sight in Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It can be reached by Uber, bus, bike or on foot. Straddling the Avon River Gorge, the bridge is an engineering feat that was completed in 1864.
Visitors can walk across the bridge and learn about its history at the free Clifton Bridge Visitor Center. Consider getting a unique perspective of the area from Giant’s Cave (accessed via the Clifton Observatory).
Charming Clifton Village is an affluent suburb of Bristol featuring fine Georgian architecture and stylish boutiques. The top things to see in Clifton are the Royal York Crescent, Clifton Arcade, Victoria Square and Birdcage Walk.
Late Afternoon: Bristol City Centre Sights
Next, make your way back toward the city center via Brandon Hill. Cabot Tower, which stands atop the hill, is free to climb and offers impressive panoramic views of Bristol.
Afterwards, tour the free Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. From dinosaur relics to masterpiece paintings, the museum displays a vast array of exhibits.
Continue downhill on Park Street – taking note of Banksy’s Well Hung Lover mural. Then wind your way through Bristol Old Town along Frogmore Street and The Christmas Steps.
Finish your Bristol 1 day tour in Stokes Croft. The Bristol Cultural Quarter is known for its edgy vibe, independent shops and is rife with evocative street art, cool cafes and fun bars. Don’t miss Banksy’s Mild Mild West and Stokes Croft China Shop.
Bristol in the Evening: Food and Drink
If you don’t get lured into staying longer in Stokes Croft, head for King Street. The wide pedestrian lane is absolutely riddled with pubs and packed with picnic tables. Among the many choices, we like Small Bar for craft beer, The Beer Emporium for a wide selection of ales and ciders and The Old Duke for live jazz.
End your One Day Bristol Itinerary at a beloved local joint, Three Brothers Burgers. Partially housed in a moored boat, Three Brothers serves outstanding burgers at fair prices. Plus, they offer veggie and vegan options and an excellent selection of regional brews.
#2 Active Itinerary for One Day in Bristol, UK
The city of Bristol is surrounded by lush, rolling green hills. Travelers who enjoy trekking through nature more than buzzing cities can experience Bristol in a day in the great outdoors.
Morning: Spike Island to Ashton Court
Kickoff your day with a jolt at New Cut Coffee on Wapping Wharf. Walk west along Spike Island to the grand Ashton Court Estate. The grounds are crisscrossed by paths that wind through open lands, past grazing deer and into dense forest.
Continue your walk north into the National Trust Leigh Woods and follow the Nighingale Valley Tow Path along the River Avon. When you’re done trekking, cross the majestic Clifton Suspension Bridge, taking in the marvelous view of the Avon Gorge. On the east side of the river, adventurous travelers can take part in an age-old Bristol tradition and slide down the Ancient Stone Slider.
For lunch in Clifton Village, pick up falafel at Eat a Pitta and enjoy the meal picnic-style in Victoria Square. Next, stroll through Birdcage Walk, then hike up Brandon Hill and climb to the top of Cabot Tower.
Afternoon: A Walk in the Woods
Discover one of the gorgeous green spaces beyond the Bristol City Center via a short bus ride. Snuff Mills and Blaise Castle Estate are top destinations for nature lovers – and two of our favorite places.
Northeast of Bristol, Snuff Mills was once an active watermill on the River Frome, but has been transformed into an idyllic park. The Frome Valley Walkway follows the river for 18 miles from the Cotswolds to Bristol. With only a few hours, we suggest starting your walk by the White Horse Pub in Hambrook and ending at Eastville Park, passing through Frenchy and Snuff Mills along the way.
To the northwest of Bristol, the Blaise Castle Estate offers walkers miles of trails through thick forest and down into pleasant ravines. Many of the paths gradually ascend to a Gothic-style, 18th century castle.
Alternate Afternoon Activity: For those who’d prefer to skip the bus ride, there are active adventures right from central Bristol. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard for a day on the water – or hire a bicycle and pedal along the 13-mile Bristol-and-Bath Railway Path.
Evening: Pizza and a Pint
Wind down the day in the center of Bristol at Castle Park. Cross the curving Castle Bridge to Left Handed Giant Brewpub. Find a spot on the patio that overlooks the waterway, where you can nosh on scrumptious pizzas and sip in-house brewed pints of craft beer.
#3 How To Spend a Rainy Day in Bristol, England
While Bristol is known for its sprawling green spaces and abundant outdoor dining options, it’s still the UK. Which may leave visitors wondering what to do in Bristol for a day when it’s raining. No worries! The city boasts numerous indoor attractions for when the weather is foul.
Morning: Bristol History and Arts
Begin your day at the Arnolfini Arts Center. First, savor a sensational breakfast at the Arnolfini Café, then head upstairs to view the contemporary exhibits. Check out the community rooms on the top floor, where visitors are welcome to create their own art for free!
Next, dash over to the M Shed, which is just across the Prince Street Bridge. Spend a few hours learning about the history of Bristol via engaging stories and interactive displays. Before midday, pop into the Bristol Cathedral. The landmark church has a legacy that stretches back to the year 1140 and visitors are free to roam the historic space.
For lunch, dine at a cozy pub, like The Hatchet Inn. Dating 1606 and claiming to be Bristol’s oldest pub, The Hatchet Inn warmly welcomes guests into its quaint rooms.
Afternoon: Top Bristol Museums
The museums in Bristol are exceptional – and three are clustered together near Park Street, allowing visitors to quickly hop from one to the next. Even better, all three museums are free of charge!
Begin at The Red Lodge, a building that has stood for more than 400 years. Marvel at the Great Oak Room on the ground floor and then step inside a few of the oldest living spaces in the city on the 1st floor.
Next, stop into The Georgian House Museum, a well-preserved home of sugar merchant (and slave owner), John Pinney. Visitors tour the house at their own pace – from the basement where the servants worked to the upper levels where the family lived.
Finally, go to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, where both natural history and fine artworks are on display. Learn about ancient Egyptians on the ground floor, go up one level to see dinosaur fossils and then explore the magnificent art on the top floor.
Tip for Itinerary Planning: Personally, we think it is fun to bounce around the different museums – especially because they are all unique. However, there are other ways to spend the day. See what is playing at the Watershed, where they show both blockbuster movies and independent films or head to Broadmead and the Bristol Shopping Quarter.
Evening: Cozy Spots on Christmas Steps
Ease into the night on The Christmas Steps. The steep staircase dates to Medieval times, but today is a collection of locally-owned businesses and interesting galleries. Step inside one of the vintage shops that offer clothing, musical instruments or DVDs.
Find your way to Chance and Counters, a casual space dedicated to board games, group fun and comfort food (like Pieminister pies!). Spend the rest of the evening enjoying a bit of nostalgia while playing your favorite old games.
#4 One Day in Bristol Off the Beaten Path
Bristol’s top attractions are highly touted, but the city still has quite a few hidden gems. If your style of sightseeing veers more towards the road less traveled, this 1-Day Itinerary for Bristol might be just what you are looking for!
Morning: Offbeat and Obscure Bristol
Start off the day with breakfast at Hart’s Bakery. Tucked into an arch below Temple Meads Station, the small bakery churns out delectable sausage rolls and pastries to in-the-know patrons.
Once satiated, spend the better part of the morning at Wake The Tiger, an immersive and interactive ‘amazement park’. Partake in one of the city’s most surreal experiences as you solve puzzles and journey through the artistic and psychedelic spaces.
Continue exploring the obscure with a wander through Arnos Vale Cemetery. Dating to Victorian times, many of the graves (especially in the southern, elevated section) have been overtaken by nature, with roots curling around tombstones.
Next, walk down Vale Street, which has been dubbed, ‘England’s Steepest Street’. Then climb to the top of Perrett’s Park for sweeping views, keeping an eye out for those famous Bristol Balloons! Join the local dog walkers as you cross through Victoria Park and descend into Bedminster.
Angle for East Street, where there are a handful of unique dining establishments for lunch, like Hippie Flower Café, VX Bristol Vegan Restaurant and The Bristol Loaf.
Afternoon: Hidden Gems of Bristol Harbour
Although the harbor is a hotspot of major tourist attractions, there are a few that fly under the radar. Delve into an underground world at Redcliffe Caves. Originally excavated in the Middle Ages, the caves have served as a storehouse, a prison and a junkyard. Today, the tunnels are open for special exhibitions and (sometimes) tours.
Heading west, walk the harbor promenade to Spike Island Gallery. Home to a community of artist studios, the center displays thought-provoking modern art in the free-to-visit exhibition space. Continue walking west to the Avon Gorge Viewpoint, which offers a unique glimpse of the famous Clifton Bridge.
Evening: Street Art in Southville
As the day spins down, embark on a discovery of bright and colorful street art in vibrant Southville. The neighborhood – along with the adjacent districts of Bedminster and Ashton – boasts more than 150 murals. The public artwork is always changing and it’s fun to simply wander to see what you can find. However, if you want to plot your route, an online map is available at Upfest Gallery.
When you are ready to rest your feet, make your way to the Tobacco Factory. A community space that promotes local businesses, the renovated building is a great place for a bite to eat and a friendly chat. If time allows, consider sliding across the street to end your 1 day in Bristol at the Bristol Beer Factory with a pint of craft brew!
#5 Bristol 1 Day Itinerary for Families with Kids
Those traveling with kids will find that Bristol is a family-friendly city. We are highlighting what to do in Bristol, Great Britain with kids in one-day.
Morning: Animals and Sealife
Spend the morning seeing creatures of all kinds! Get a leisurely start to the day at the Windmill Hill City Farm. First, grab coffee and nourishment at the on-site café, then explore the grounds to see chickens, goats and pigs.
Next, get a look at sea creatures at the Bristol Aquarium. Visitors can gaze at fish in the giant tanks, see a ‘sunken shipwreck’ and walk through an underwater tunnel.
For lunch, rather than queueing with the crowds, assemble some items for a picnic from a local grocery store and head for the park. Brandon Hill has swaths of green lawn that are perfect for picnicking – and a playground, too!
Afternoon: Family Fun at the Harbor
Stop at one of the top-rated Bristol kid-friendly attractions: The SS Great Britain. Both educational and entertaining, a single ticket allows guests to step aboard the restored 1843 vessel and explore the Dockyard Museum. Visitors can easily spend 3 to 4 hours participating in the included activities.
After learning the story of the ship, take a ride around the harbor on a modern ferry boat. The Waterbus Service is an affordable and fun way to get out on the water and a great way to get around the Floating Harbour!
Evening: Casual Dinner in Bristol
Make dinner a relaxed occasion at the Cargo container eateries on Wapping Wharf. Visitors can choose from an array of international fare and British favorites. Dog Town, Gambas, Salt & Malt and The Jolly Hog are all top picks. Dine on-site or order your food for take away and find a place to eat along the waterside!
Tips for Planning a One Day Itinerary Bristol, UK
We have outlined what to see in Bristol in one day in five different ways – but we have some more helpful trip planning advice!
How Many Days in Bristol
While spending one day in Bristol is a fantastic opportunity to get a quick introduction to the city, those staying longer can enjoy so much more!
With 2 days in Bristol, visitors can slow their pace to fully appreciate the attractions. Travelers spending a weekend in Bristol combine our suggested Bristol itineraries to create a multi-day trip plan.
Opening Hours
When planning a 1 Day Itinerary for Bristol, UK, it is essential to check the hours of operation. Many attractions and some restaurants are closed on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday – and a few places are only open seasonally.
How To Get to Bristol, UK
The best way to reach Bristol on a day trip is by train or car. The Bristol Temple Meads Station is the main rail hub in the city. Located east of the city center, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the harbor.
That said, there are non-stop flights to Bristol from regional cities, like Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh. In fact, booking flights in advance on a low-cost carrier can be a cheap way to plan a day trip!
Planning a Bristol Day Trip from London
The quickest way to make a day trip to Bristol from London is by train. From London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads, the ride typically takes about 1.5 hours. Services are fairly frequent – but to get the lowest prices, it’s best to book return tickets in advance.
Where To Stay
Travelers spending 24 hours in Bristol will need to find accommodation! On our first trip to Bristol, we stayed at the Clayton Hotel Bristol City, which we loved. The hotel has clean and comfortable rooms, affordable prices and great staff. Check availability for your stay!
What To Bring
While day trippers don’t need to worry too much about what to take to Bristol, it’s best to be prepared with the essentials.
Comfortable Shoes: On a long day of sightseeing in Bristol, durable shoes are a necessity. Read our reviews for The Best Shoes for Traveling to help you pick a pair.
Travel Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel to snap photos during our trips. Find out more about it and other options in our Guide To Great Cameras for Travel.
Day Pack: We like to wear small backpacks for day trips. They are big enough for our camera, lightweight jacket and travel umbrella. Plus, they have zippered interior pockets where we can protect our valuables from pesky pickpockets.
Trip Planner: Stay organized with our Printable Travel Planner!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More UK Destination Guides
- Best of London in 3 Days
- What To See in Bath
- Visiting Windsor, UK
- One Day in Cardiff, Wales
- What To Do in Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester
- 10 Days in Scotland
- Things to See in Belfast
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