What to do in Bristol

Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.

Visit Bristol Cathedral to appreciate a true architectural masterpiece. Marvel at its varied design styles and browse memorials to abbots, barons, bishops and noblemen. Get the lowdown on the history of Bristol Cathedral on a guided tour, attend a Mass service and enjoy live music performances.

The SS Great Britain, permanently docked in Bristol Harbour, is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Between 150,000-170,000 people come to look at this great vessel each year. For your visit, allow a couple of hours as there is a lot to see.

Spend a fun day out with the kids at We The Curious, a hands-on science center. Together you can learn about animation, marvel at a real human brain, watch a show in the planetarium and perhaps meet an expert, such as an engineer or neuroscientist.