The harbourside city of Bristol is well known for its student lifestyle. If you didn't go to university there, we bet you know someone that did. Beyond the student nights out and the cheap-and-cheerful eateries, this south west city has a burgeoning cuisine scene, fun days out for the family and a whole host of amazing hotels. Keep reading to find out what's on in Bristol at the moment…
Why you should trust me
I was born and raised in Bristol, and have lived here all my life (aside from three years living it up in the big smoke). So from the iconic balloon fiesta through to the best foodie spots, I know a thing or two about this harbourside city. I'd say it's at its best in the summertime – visit for beers by the water and bag yourselves some dreamy snaps of the landmark suspension bridge, but even if you visit on a drab and dreary day, there's plenty to do…
The Bristol Hotel, Harbourside
© Sim Canetty-ClarkeWe embarked on a city staycation and there was no better place than The Bristol, situated overlooking the iconic harbourside. The beautiful scent of the lobby is the first warm welcome ahead of arriving at the reception where it’s all smiles and a swift check-in.
A room with a view it was not as we faced the central courtyard, however, we were too busy admiring the lovely decor to notice much about the vista. The bathroom was teeny tiny but the room itself was vast - with even enough room for an ample living area. The hotel bed of dreams helped with a restful night but that was not before sampling the fare downstairs in The River Grille. Save enough room for three courses because as well as a tempting main, you’ll want to sample the bread selection (Guinness bread is a newfound fave of mine) and don’t leave without tasting the chocolate tart.
Breakfast was delightfully pleasing in more ways than one. The buffet was plentiful, and the bustling restaurant was full of cheer from staff and guests alike. Homemade Bircher musli followed by scrambled eggs went down a treat and it was a smooth operation all around with our tea arriving promptly and the hot food in the self-service area being replenished frequently.
Even if you don't stop over, I'd highly recommend sampling the cocktails and brunch offerings at Rick's bar which is part of the hotel.
Hotel restaurants can sometimes get a rep for being a bit basic and dare we say naff but it’s the total opposite here. The space is an Instagrammable haven with classic cocktails and delicious dishes to boot. Brunch is served with a side of live music and the shaded terrace is ideal for when the Bristol sun is blazing. Top tip, the brunch menu dishes are small but tasty - order two and you won’t regret it. The Florentine and pancakes were our faves!
To book, visit doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bristol-hotel
The Wave, Easter Compton
© Global ShotsSurf’s up all year round with Bristol’s unique attraction, The Wave. We booked in for a beginner's class and with the initial warm up of squeezing into a wetsuit complete, we were shown the ropes on land before heading out to 'catch a wave'. Being out on the water and getting to grips with 'popping up' to standing on the board suddenly it all made sense - this is why surfers are so ripped - it's such a workout! So, it's not for the faint hearted but we laughed our way through the wipe outs and had the best time learning a new skill. Top tip, book a summer session and make the most of their rooftop viewing deck where you can enjoy a well earned beverage after your class. With kids classes, a playground, skate boarding park and camping also available it's a family affair.
For more information, visitbristol.co.uk/listing/the-wave and to book, visit thewave.com
Bristol Cocktail Weekend
Bristol Cocktail Weekend is returning in 2025, and this year we were lucky enough to sample a selection of the exclusive tipples. Be prepared to be amazed, surprised and delighted by the concoctions. How does it work? Collect your wristband (and complimentary drink) from Bambalan, take your pick from the 35 venues taking part and secure £6 cocktails across the entire weekend. Our highlights from this year were the delicious hotdog and drink combo at Filthy Xiii and the vibes at Golden Crane.
To book, visit bristolcocktailweekend.co.uk
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
© Yony PhotographyThis autumn Avon Valley has had a jam-packed schedule of events and if you missed their Fear nights or pumpkin picking at Halloween, don't worry because the lead up to Christmas has a range of magic in store! Their beautiful light trail illuminates at night and the all-singing, all-dancing Santa show will be a hit with the kiddos. Strap on some ice skates for the rink, step inside Santa's post room to write your letter to the big man or take a ride on the mini polar express!
For more information, go to visitbristol.co.uk.
Valley Fest, Chew Valley
© Ania ShrimptonOn the outskirts of Bristol, Chew Valley Lake gets taken over for a festival extravaganza. The 2024 set-up saw an impressive line-up of Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Tinie Tempah - and not forgetting the legendary Arcadia with an array of DJs.
It's a family-friendly affair with everything from music workshops through to aerial skills lessons for the little ones. We managed to experience it in the daytime with our little one and partied without them into the night! Going sans kids? Relax with a massage, take a wine-tasting class or simply wander the fields and come across comedy, music and live food demos. They are taking a break for 2025, with a fallow year scheduled to recoup the ground, but we know they'll be back with a bang in 2026. See you there!
To book, visit valleyfest.co.uk
BANK restaurant, Wells Road
While in the city, why not visit one of the country's top 100 restaurants as awarded by The Good Food Guide? Sundays see woodfired roasts served up with a rotating menu of delicious vegetables and weekdays are for seasonal sharing plates. The tasty chicken roast came with a giant Yorkshire pudding and the best roast potatoes EVER (not pictured, simply eaten).
To book, visit bankbristol.com
Casa, The General, Redcliffe
Bristol may be famed for Jason Donnervan (yes, a kebab van named after the singing legend) but Bristolians devour an eclectic mix of food in the city, including high-end delights. It would take you a while to get through all of the critically-acclaimed eateries, and new kid on the block is Casa. From the same family as Casamia, expect mouth-watering small plates that pack big flavours. Ravioli with mushroom ragu will fool you into thinking it is meat and the braised beef cheek cuts like butter and tastes like heaven. Perfect for an extra special night out in the city.
To book, visit casabristol.co.uk
Wake the Tiger, St Phillip’s Causeway
© ANDRE PATTENDENAn amusement park ideal for days where Bristol drizzle hits and the park is off the cards. Take the kids along and explore a whole world of sensory adventure. There’s theatrics, lights and puzzles to master as you make your way through the exhibit. Well worth stopping at the cafe at the end - the brownies are the best.
To book, visit wakethetiger.com
Mollie’s Motel & Diner, Cribbs Causeway
Extend your Bristol stay with a slice of the US-of-A. Expect cool interiors, hearty grub and the friendliest folk in the West Country. Rooms come with Dyson dryers, GHDs and the hotel’s very own blend of Cowshed products. Don’t miss the cream-topped milkshakes in the diner and stay for brunch to really get the full foodie experience. Plus, Cribbs Causeway shopping centre is a stone's throw away for all of your shopping needs.
To book, visit mollies.com
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Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court
© Sami TaylorI’ve attended this festival twice now and both times it did not disappoint. The organisers manage to secure big-time names as headliner acts and this year Rudimental and The Streets will be entertaining the crowds along with hundreds of other acts. Insider tip: take a brolly or a pac-a-mac as one year there was biblical rain and not much in the way of shelter.
To book, visit lovesavestheday.org
International Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court
© PaulBoxBristol is synonymous with hot air balloons and the best place to see them is the annual fiesta. There’s a chance to see the balloons take off at sunrise and sunset but what’s not to miss is the unique night glow where the balloons are lit up beautifully to music. Trust us, it may sound strange but it’s utterly enthralling. Definitely one for the kids to come along, as the daytime funfair will be a big hit with little ones.
To book, visit bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
Bristol Sounds, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Harbourside
© PaulboxEvenings by Bristol’s glittering harbourside are magical come summertime and they are made even better by the Bristol Sounds open-air concerts. This year, Bristol Sounds will take over two weekends on the harbour, with the first weekend seeing dub-royalty, Gentleman’s Dub Club, 90’s grunge icons The Breeders, the mixologist of metal and reggae, Skindred, Brit-billion certified James Arthur, the iconic Busted and alt-rock band Placebo.
To book, visit gigantic.com/bristol-sounds-tickets
MORE: 11 of the best things to do in Brighton
MOHIITIO Fitness, Clifton
Bristolians may like to eat and party, but they love a high octane fitness class too. Many specialised gyms are popping up all over the city and one of our favourites is MOHIITIO. Two female founders, four amazing classes and the chance to take your usual workout to another level. We tried Barre Burn and it certainly did what it said on the tin. No pain, no gain, right? Conveniently located in Clifton for a post-workout refuel somewhere nice.
To book, visit mohiito.com
Bristol Harbour Festival
© Paul BoxIf it's a sunny one, you can expect a busy turnout for the legendary Bristol Harbour Festival. It’s free and has everything from music, entertainment, culture and food and drink.
To discover, visit bristolharbourfestival.co.uk
Bristol Beacon, Centre
© Elliot Hingston, Soul MediaThe mammoth project to refurb this music venue has been worth the wait. It's rather spectacular inside (and even bigger than it looks from the front entrance). The city's largest concert hall has a stellar comedy line this summer with a highlight being Sarah Millican in July.
To book, visit bristolbeacon.org
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