There is a never-ending list of the best things to do in Bristol. Would you know where to start? With everything from balloon festivals to educational trips to museums, there is something for all ages and interests here. PREMIER SUITES offer serviced apartment accommodation in Bristol for all types of travellers. Enjoy a romantic weekend with your other half or a jam-packed summer break with your family enjoying the comfort and facilities of our home from home. Here are our recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Bristol.
Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Every year Bristol is home to one of the largest and most unique festivals in the UK, The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Every year teams from around the UK and the world take part in a mass ascent of over 100 balloons of all shapes and sizes. The fiesta has been happening for more than 40 years and crowds of thousands come to Bristol to see it for themselves. You can look forward to four days of fun and activities including air displays, balloon rides and plenty of family fun. This year it takes place from 10th to 13th August 2023 and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Tickets aren’t needed apart from the car park and the Sky Lounge.
Bristol Aquarium
Bristol is full of adventure and beauty. One of the most fascinating places to visit in the city is the Bristol Aquarium. Explore the wonders of the sea in the colourful aquarium that’s open every day, rain, hail or shine. There are more than 40 naturally themed displays and thousands of amazing aquatic creatures, including rays, seahorses, puffer fish, piranhas, and so many more. There are plenty of native fish and plants as well as more tropical varieties. There is also a giant botanical house with hundreds of exotic plant and tree species from around the world. It’s a great way to teach your little one about the beauty of nature and how to look after it.
Harbour Festival
The highlight of many Bristol event calendars, the Harbour Festival is one of the busiest and most fun days of the year here. The Bristol Harbour Festival is a celebration of dance, music and art and returns to the Harbourside from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July with a jam-packed programme of family activities, circus performances, visiting vessels and mega live music. You don’t need tickets to attend this fun day out and over 120,000 people show up to enjoy 120 hours of entertainment. There are five areas filled with music and entertainment which includes lots of on-water activities. Accommodation is very limited over this exciting festival so book soon to avoid disappointment if you’re planning to attend.
Explore the Maritime History
Bristol is a port city with a rich maritime history. The location of the harbour makes it the ideal place for trade and purchase of tobacco, wine, and cotton among other commodities, Unfortunately, that also meant that Bristol was heavily involved in the slave trade, an important but tragic part of our history. We also have an association with pirates, something many of our younger visitors are fascinated by. Take a visit to some of the maritime-themed sites in Bristol to learn more such as the magnificent SS Great Britain, Underfall Yard or M Shed. The harbour is a thriving area now full of bars, cafés and restaurants to enjoy.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge is arguably Bristol’s most famous landmark. Designed by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge is about 1,532 metres long and connects Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset. The views from either side or on the walk, drive or cycle across are some of the best in Bristol, especially when the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is in full swing. It was also the location of the first modern bungee jump in 1979. It’s a perfect place to take some pictures, have a picnic or pick up a snack in one of the local cafes.
Don’t just read about the fantastic things to do in Bristol, enjoy them for yourself. Book a stay in PREMIER SUITES Bristol and experience these and so many more excellent activities to enjoy here. Our best available rates are exclusively available when you book directly with us.
