Bristol is a quietly beautiful city just outside London that is tucked away in the heart of Southwest England. The little city effortlessly weaves together a legendary maritime past with beautiful modern art traditions and communal culture, paired together with its natural surroundings to create a residential area that everyone wants to live in.
The city is a beautiful blend of both the old and the new, a feature that the United Kingdom is famous for. Bristol is a place where centuries-old engineering wonders stand alongside creative street art, where ancient caves hide beneath bustling streets, and museums rub shoulders with iconic landmarks.
Bristol is perfect for travellers who want to see the sights just outside London. There is something for everyone, including history buffs, art lovers, or those simply in search of a memorable escape from the bustle of London. If you are confused about where to visit, here are 5 must-visit tourist sites in Bristol.
Tourist Attractions in Bristol
1. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
2. Brunel SS Great Britain
3. Clifton Suspension Bridge
4. The Clifton Observatory and Caves
5. Cabot Tower
5 Best Tourist Attractions In Bristol
1. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
One of the best places to visit if you are in Bristol is definitely the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The museum introduces visitors to the fascinating world of history, art, and nature housed inside a stunning Edwardian building.
Made up of a collection of 19 galleries and three floors, each gallery tells the incredible stories of human history, culture, and invention from the beginning of time till today. Highlights from the museum include Egyptian mummies, a famous Banksy artwork (Paint Pot Angel), the Scelidosaurus, one of Britain’s best-preserved dinosaurs, and an impressive collection of Chinese glass and ceramics.
The museum’s world-class collections span art, archaeology, geology, and natural history. While the ground floor is specifically dedicated to old world cultures like Egypt and Assyria, the ground floor is the center of geology, fossils, and minerals.
Meanwhile, the second floor is dedicated to art and artworks from old masters, French impressionists like Renoir and Pissarro, and modern British artists, as well as contemporary pieces from Bristol’s own creative scene. However, the Eastern art gallery is the real standout, showcasing one of the best collections of Chinese glass outside Asia alongside beautiful carvings and ceramics from China and Japan.
The museum is very accommodating of families and little kids, creating activity areas with games and fun tasks that they can do together.
Location: Queen Road, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: Free
2. Brunel SS Great Britain
Designed by the brilliant Isambard Kingdom Brunel, SS Great Britain is the world’s first great ocean liner. As one of Bristol’s top-rated visitor attractions, the dry docked ship is a must-see for anyone fascinated with engineering and even history. The SS Brunel revolutionized what it meant to travel in luxury ocean liners across the Atlantic.
Once aboard the ship, guests are transported into what life was like for Victorian passengers. They can explore restored cabins, from the luxurious first-class rooms to the cramped steerage quarters, and imagine the journeys that were made across the world. Sometimes offers allow visitors aboard to enjoy a Sunday roast aboard the ship or even an opera session. (Note: This is subject to change)
Two interactive museums tell the full story of the ship from her groundbreaking voyages to her dramatic rescue and return to Bristol. But for something truly unique, though, head down to the Dry Dock and walk ‘underwater,’ thanks to a glass sea that lets you see the ship’s huge iron hull and propeller up close. A truly remarkable sight.
A remarkable perk of visiting the SS Great Britain is that your ticket gives you unlimited access for a year after buying. As a tourist, that’s what we call a steal.
Location: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £19.80 – £22 (Adult)
£13.05 – £14.50 (Children)
3. Clifton Suspension Bridge
A trip to Bristol is incomplete without seeing the remarkable Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol’s most famous landmark. The Bridge is without a doubt an ageless masterpiece of engineering designed by legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Stretching dramatically across the Avon Gorge, it links Bristol and Leigh Woods, while offering breathtaking views along the way.
The construction of the bridge began in 1831 but was halted for years due to political and financial troubles. While Brunel sadly did not see his vision come to life, the bridge was finally completed in 1864, and remarkably still carries 11,000–12,000 vehicles every day. That’s how brilliant the design is. Walking across the bridge is a must-do when in Bristol. You will enjoy stunning views of the Avon Gorge below, the elegant streets of Clifton, and the city beyond. It’s also a perfect spot for photos, a peaceful stroll, or just taking in one of England’s most beautiful vistas.
If you aren’t in a hurry, take the time to explore nearby Clifton Village, a charming neighbourhood. It’s pretty Georgian and Victorian streets are lined with boutique shops, cosy cafés, and restaurants. You can spend hours here browsing independent stores, enjoying a coffee in a hidden courtyard, or sitting down to a delicious meal, or visit the Bridge Museum at the other side of the gorge in Leigh Woods.
Location: Avon Gorge, Bridge Road, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: £1 (For Vehicles)
Free (Pedestrian and Cyclist)
4. The Clifton Observatory and Caves
The Clifton Observatory is a historic site situated high on Clifton Down, right above the Avon Gorge. The building itself dates back to 1766, when it was originally built as a snuff mill on the site of an ancient Iron Age fort. By the 1820s, local artist and inventor William West transformed the mill into the Observatory. In a feat of fascinating engineering, he installed telescopes, astronomical instruments, and most famously, the Camera Obscura, which remains one of the few working examples open to the public in the UK.
The Camera Obscura is located inside a darkened room at the top of the tower. There, you can watch a live, 360-degree panoramic image of the surrounding area like the Avon Gorge or Suspension Bridge projected onto a table. The camera is often called “Victorian CCTV,” and is a clever piece of 19th-century engineering that still amazes visitors today.
Another great highlight of the Observatory is the Giant’s Cave. West dug out a secret tunnel through the cliffs, originally only reachable by climbing the sheer cliff face. However, you can now descend 130 steps through the rock to the cave, where incredible views and local legends are spun.
The Observatory is also particularly great for families, with seasonal activities like the Giants’ Easter Hunt, Halloween Trail, and Christmas Elf Hunt open for attendance. If you are not a big fan of exploring, you can relax at the observatory’s 360 glass café, which serves locally-sourced food and drinks. Or you could visit the rooftop terrace, which offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Bristol. Perfect for reflecting and soaking up the city.
Location: Litfield Place, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: £3
5. Tourist Attractions in Bristol: Cabot Tower
If you love history and don’t mind a bit of a climb, head over to Brandon Hill for the Cabot Tower view. The striking 105-foot tower is in the lovely parkland of Brandon Hill and was built in 1897 to mark the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s historic voyage from Bristol to North America. The tower is a proud symbol of the city’s maritime past, designed by local architect William Venn Gough and funded entirely by public donations.
When open, visitors can climb the 109 steep, spiral steps to the top. It is a bit of a workout, but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking view. From the viewing platform, you can see the whole of Bristol spread out below, including the Harbourside, the hills beyond, and the city center.
Brandon Hill itself is an added incentive to visit. As Bristol’s oldest park, it’s a lovely spot to relax. You can stroll along winding paths and the peaceful nature conservation area and watch children play in the popular play area. It is also ideal for a picnic or just a simple reflective break, enjoying some green space away from the bustle of the city center.
Location: Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
Price Range: Free
Conclusion
Bristol might not be as city savvy and bustling as London; rather, it invites you to pause and take it all in. Whether you’re marvelling at the engineering brilliance of the Suspension Bridge, wandering through Brandon Hill’s tranquil parkland, or soaking up the city’s rich maritime history at the SS Great Britain, each experience reveals a tranquil layer of Bristol’s remarkable character.
