Bristol’s long history is evident as you wander past historical buildings and world-class museums. But the city is by no means stuck in the past. Bristol has venues offering everything from cutting-edge experimental theater to touring productions of smash hit West End musicals. The real jewel, however, is the city’s internationally acclaimed repertory theater.
In addition, Bristol boasts one of the most vibrant independent cinema scenes outside London. Quirky venues and a host of festivals and events showcase the best in non-mainstream film and shine a spotlight on up-and-coming talent. Head to the Old City to marvel at the handsome Palladian Corn Exchange and 17th-century Llandoger Trow pub, or swing by the West End to visit this hidden gem.
  • 1

    Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

    Eclectic treasures inside an Edwardian building

    Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
    • History
    Bristol’s museums present everything from naval aircraft to mental health issues and every first-time visitor should set aside a few hours for Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Housed in an Edwardian Baroque building, this eclectic museum is crammed with an array of Italian and Dutch Old Master paintings and one of the best collections of Far Eastern glass, ceramics, and carvings you’ll find outside of Asia.
    There’s an equally strong showing for natural history, with one of Britain’s best-preserved dinosaur skeletons and a fascinating display of taxidermy animals, including Alfred the gorilla, a former resident of Bristol Zoo who became a famous mascot for Bristol.

    Location: Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RL, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed Monday)

    Phone: +44 (0)117 922 3571

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    photo by Nilfanion (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 2

    Bristol Old Vic

    One of Britain's finest theater companies

    Bristol Old Vic
    • Nightlife
    Conceived as an off-shoot of the world-famous London Old Vic, Bristol’s major repertory theater company is today firmly established in its own right as one of Britain’s finest. Their home is the Theatre Royal, England’s oldest continually operating theater, which dates back to the mid-18th century.
    The company produces an incredible year-round program of plays, encompassing everything from Shakespeare classics to ground-breaking contemporary drama and crowd-pleasing family shows. They also have exhibitions and archives covering the history of the theater, everything from staging a play including an African elephant, to the centuries-old graffiti still visible in the older parts.

    Location: King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED, UK

    Open: Show times vary

    Phone: +44 (0)117 987 7877

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    photo by NotFromUtrecht (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

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  • 3

    Watershed

    For fans of arthouse movie theater

    Watershed
    Billing itself as a "cultural cinema and digital creativity center," Watershed is a sheer paradise for arthouse film aficionados. Housed in beautifully re-purposed harborside warehouses, it boasts 3 state-of-the-art screens, a lovely bar and cafe, and a cutting-edge media studio.
    Its diverse program encompasses world cinema, reissues of classics from the archives, panel discussions, regular themed festivals, and much more besides. There’s also a cafe and bar overlooking the harbor and serving up generous portions of good food at a good price.

    Location: 1 Canon's Road, Harborside, Bristol BS1 5TX, UK

    Open: Monday from noon, Tuesday–Friday from 9.30 am, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am. Closes 15 minutes after last screening starts

    Phone: +44 (0)117 927 5100

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    photo by Stinglehammer (CC0 1.0) modified

  • 4

    The Georgian House Museum

    A look at life in Bristol back in the day

    The Georgian House Museum
    • History
    Experience a taste of 18th century Bristol life by visiting this stunningly preserved family home, which was built in 1790 for a local sugar merchant and plantation owner. The interior is presented as it might have looked at the time, and is packed with antique furniture and art.
    The Georgian House Museum does not just illustrate the lives of the rich. In stark contrast, the cramped housekeeper’s quarters convey the sense that life could be much more of a struggle for those further down the social ladder.

    Location: 7 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR, UK

    Open: Saturday–Tuesday from 11 am to 4 pm (Closed Wednesday–Friday)

    Phone: +44 (0)117 921 1362

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    photo by Heather Cowper (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Blaise Castle

    Stunning 18th-century mansion with its own storybook castle

    Blaise Castle
    • History
    • Photo
    Blaise Castle looks the part, although the name is a bit of a misnomer. The grand building with its towers and crenelations is actually a folly built in the grounds of Blaise Castle House. Described by none other than Jane Austen as "the finest place in England," this handsome 18th-century mansion rests on sprawling acres of parkland and landscaped gardens. The castle is just one part, albeit an impressive one.
    Within the manor’s walls you’ll discover sumptuous oil paintings, antique toy collections, a recreated Victorian schoolroom, and more than 10,000 items of clothing dating back to the 1730s. Outside there’s a play area for the kids and 650 acres of parkland and gardens to roam.

    Location: King Weston Road, Bristol BS10 7QS, UK

    Open: April to December: Thursday–Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (Closed Mondays–Wednesday and throughout January–March)

    Phone: +44 (0)117 903 9818

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This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in Bristol

Indoor pool, sun loungers
Apex City of Bath Hotel
9.2 out of 10, (2239)
The price is $277
per night
$333 total
includes taxes & fees
Apex City of Bath Hotel
Couples treatment rooms, hot springs, Swedish massages, massages
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9.4 out of 10, (1002)
The price is $366
per night
$439 total
includes taxes & fees
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
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Hampton by Hilton Bath City
9.2 out of 10, (1727)
The price is $254
per night
$305 total
includes taxes & fees
Hampton by Hilton Bath City
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The Z Hotel Bath
9.0 out of 10, (39)
The price is $223
per night
$267 total
includes taxes & fees
The Z Hotel Bath
Property amenity
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
9.2 out of 10, (1068)
The price is $217
per night
$260 total
includes taxes & fees
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Signature Suite, 1 Double Bed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, in-room safe, desk
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
8.8 out of 10, (263)
The price is $144
per night
$173 total
includes taxes & fees
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
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Moxy Bristol
9.0 out of 10, (765)
The price is $139
per night
$166 total
includes taxes & fees
Moxy Bristol
Exterior
Clayton Hotel Bristol City
9.2 out of 10, (947)
The price is $243
per night
$292 total
includes taxes & fees
Clayton Hotel Bristol City
Premium Room, 1 King Bed (Underground Vaulted) | Hypo-allergenic bedding, minibar, individually decorated
Hotel Indigo Bath by IHG
9.4 out of 10, (758)
The price is $264
per night
$317 total
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Indigo Bath by IHG
Exterior
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North
7.8 out of 10, (1003)
The price is $123
per night
$148 total
includes taxes & fees
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North

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