Discover the best of Bristol's free attractions for a memorable day out. From historic landmarks to vibrant street art, it’s a city worth exploring on foot, by bike, bus or even boat!
From Blackbeard to Banksy, cathedrals to castles, Bristol really is the jewel of the South West. Fiercely independent with a rebellious spirit, this historic city of pirates and merchants is now a modern and multicultural city. Home to both the BBC Natural History Unit and Aardman Animations, creativity is at the core of everything Bristol stands for.
Whether you’re nipping down for the day, enjoying a long weekend or a proper holiday, must-see sights include the majesty of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and soaking up the atmosphere of the bustling Wapping Wharf.
Here are twenty of our top picks to help you have a ‘gurt lush’ time without breaking the bank. And if that’s your aim, don’t forget there are many discounts available through your Boundless membership to help you save money, including offers at attractions such as Bristol Aquarium through your Kids Pass subscription, special deals at participating restaurants through tastecard including Coffee Club, or by joining a local Ramblers walk. If you’re not already a member, find out more about the benefits of joining Boundless and Boundless Plus.
Art and Culture
Banksy’s Bristol
Photo: © Morgane Bigault
It’s somewhat ironic that Banksy, the world’s premiere street artist, is one of the most famous Bristolians despite nobody knowing who he is. His identity may be secret but the locations of his works are easy to track down. Two essentials are ‘Well-Hung Lover’, viewed from Park Street, and Stokes Croft’s ‘The Mild Mild West’.
Arnolfini
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
Another harbourside favourite, the Arnolfini gallery is Bristol’s home for all things contemporary art. Located in the Grade II listed Bush House, it hosts a diverse program of visual art, performance, dance, film and music. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
M Shed
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
Situated on Prince’s Wharf with fantastic views across the water, M Shed is a favourite museum for locals and tourists alike. Its interactive exhibits provide visitors with the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the people, places and history that combine to make Bristol the thriving and multicultural city it is today. A new display examines the toppling of the statue of slave trader Edward Colston in 2020.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Bristol BS8
Photo: Getty Images
Containing everything from a stunning Romany wagon to taxidermy specimens including Alfred the gorilla, star attraction of Bristol Zoo in the 1930s and 40s, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a treasure trove of discovery. There’s also the ‘Angel Dust’ sculpture left by Banksy after his takeover of the museum back in 2009.
Landmarks and architecture
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bristol BS3
Photo: Getty Images
Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s influence looms large over Bristol, and nowhere more so than the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed by Brunel, construction work started in 1831 and the bridge opened 33 years later. Take a stroll across this iconic structure, enjoy the views, and head to the free Visitor Centre to find out more.
Bristol Cathedral
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
In the heart of Bristol, overlooking College Green, is the magnificent Bristol Cathedral. Founded in 1140, highlights include the rose window, vaulted ceilings, stained glass and its beautiful organ. You can also pay for a guided tour that lasts up to an hour. If you want to immerse yourself further, join the regular Morning Prayer and Choral Evensong.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
Sitting at the centre of the cliff that gives this majestic church its name, St Mary Redcliffe is a masterpiece of gothic architecture with intricate stone carvings. Particularly fun for children is the Mythical Beasties Trail.
We’re not the only ones who are blown away, Queen Elizabeth I once called it, “The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England.”
Cabot Tower
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
Situated on Brandon Hill, one of the oldest public parks in the country, Cabot Tower was built in the late 19th century to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to North America. Those willing and able to climb the tower’s 109 steps will be rewarded with stunning views across the city and West Country.
Historical sites
Christmas Steps
Bristol BS1
Photo: © Maya Davis
Christmas Steps in Bristol’s old town evokes images of witches and wizards exploring the nooks and crannies of Diagon Alley. It’s one of seven alleys and streets that make up the Christmas Steps Art Quarter, comprising a wide variety of interesting shops, galleries, theatres, museums, bars, and restaurants. It’s not just the pretty backdrop that draws visitors back time and time again.
The Nails at Corn Exchange
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
Close to St Nicholas Market, just outside the Corn Exchange, stand four bronze pedestals called ‘The Nails’. Dating from the Elizabethan era to 1631, these convenient tables were used by merchants for deals and to display their samples, their rimmed edges prevented coins from falling onto the pavement. Once a deal was done, the money was paid by placing the money on the nail, giving rise to the term ‘cash on the nail’.
Blaise Castle Estate
Bristol BS10
Photo: Getty Images
Just five miles north of the city centre, this 18th-century mansion and grounds is home to a free museum (check opening days/times) showing how Bristol people have lived through time. Within these 650 acres of parkland you’ll also find a mock medieval castle, dramatic woodland walks, an extensive playground, plant nursery and café.
Shopping and dining
Cabot Circus
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
Window shoppers be warned, with over 120 high street brands including Apple, The Entertainer, and Lego, a trip to Bristol’s ultimate shopping destination might cause you to get your wallet out after all – especially when you throw in the array of restaurants and experiences like Escape Hunt.
Don’t forget as a Boundless member you can save on purchases using discounted gift cards from a range of brands and high street retailers, including Apple, Currys, John Lewis, M&S, Boots and many more. Find out how to use these discount shopping cards in our handy guide.
Wapping Wharf
Bristol BS1
Photo: © Jon Craig Photography
Wapping Wharf has been dedicated to independent businesses since opening in 2016. Nestled by the waterside, this relatively new neighbourhood is packed with shops and places to go for a drink/bite to eat - many found within old shipping containers. This thriving area has become an essential part of any stroll along the harbour.
St Nicholas Market
Bristol BS1
Photo: Visit Bristol
A labyrinth of treasure waits in this vast indoor market that has been trading since 1743 and is divided into three distinct sections: Exchange Hall, Glass Arcade, and Covered Market. Hungry? Whether you’re hankering for Caribbean wraps, Japanese-style dumplings, Portuguese custard tarts, or a good old-fashioned pie, St Nick's has got you covered.
Festivals and events
Bristol Harbour Festival
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
It’s said that during the summer there’s a festival in Bristol every weekend. Celebrating the city’s maritime history and harbour while showcasing the depth and breadth of local talent, Bristol Harbour Festival has been bringing the crowds to Bristol’s floating harbour since 1971. Enjoy music and spectacular displays on the water every July, with no entry charge.
Nature and Green Spaces
Queen Square
Bristol BS1
Photo: Getty Images
When it comes to green spaces, Bristol is a city of abundance. College Green, Eastville Park, Victoria Park, Berkeley Square, and many more are worth a visit. Close to the harbour in the city centre, Queen Square, given its name after a visit by Queen Anne and Prince George in 1702, is the ideal picnic spot.
Clifton Rock Slide
Bristol BS8
You’ve soaked up the architectural splendour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, now let your hair down and treat yourself to a go on a natural rock slide known locally as ‘The Slidey Rock’ or the Clifton Rock Slide. A short walk from both the bridge and Clifton Observatory, it has been shined by thousands of thrill-seeking bottoms over many years.
Ashton Court Estate
Bristol BS41
Photo: Getty Images
Want to escape the bustling city? Then a visit to the Ashton Court Estate is a must. West of the centre in Long Ashton, this 850-acre estate is something of a green oasis and is home to a 600-year-old deer park where you can find both fallow deer and red deer, Britain’s largest land mammals.
Goat Gully
Bristol BS9
Avon Gorge is also home to Bristol’s goat gully – an enclosed area where six goats have been introduced to help control scrub and allow native species of plants to thrive. Only two of the original six Kashmiri goats remain, and were joined in 2021 by a quartet of Bagot goats.
Author's choice: peregrine falcons in Avon Gorge
Bristol BS9
Photo: Getty Images
A trip to Bristol provides the opportunity to view one of nature’s greatest spectacles, a peregrine falcon in full speed as it swoops for prey. The world’s fastest animal, they can reach up to 200mph. Most frequently seen when raising young in February and March, peregrines have been nesting in Avon Gorge since 1990.
I love the hustle and bustle of the city centre as much as the next person, but nothing beats heading to The Downs to experience one of nature’s greatest sights – a peregrine falcon at top speed. With Avon Gorge as their hunting ground, these aerodynamic miracles are best seen in February and March while rearing their young.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.
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