Bristol great ideas
What to do indoors
At-Bristol
Explore-At-Bristol is the first of its kind - a true 21st century science centre combining the best of hands-on activities with the very latest multi-media techniques.
Explore
Bristol Blue Glass Visitor Centre
Bristol Blue Glass has been synonymous with the city of Bristol for the past four centuries. Today, skilled glassmakers continue a time-honoured tradition at this thriving, working factory.
What to do outdoors
Bristol Zoo Gardens
From the smallest and rarest tortoise in the world, to the largest ape, there are over 400 exotic and endangered species to experience.
Bristol Ferry Boat Company
The Bristol Ferry Boat Company offer a whole variety of boating experiences, from public trips including spring and summer cruises along the Avon Gorge, and a performance poetry and prose event called ‘Word Boat’.
Adventurous Activity Company
The Adventurous Activity Company offers an extensive range of exhilarating outdoor pursuits and intriguing corporate activities from our home in Bristol and other exciting locations in the South and West of the UK.
What to do in the daytime
Museums & galleries
Dockyard Museum & ss Great Britain
Built and launched in Bristol in 1843, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s maritime masterpiece was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship and has now been restored to her former glory. The historic vessel is being conserved for future generations under a ‘glass sea’ in the very dockyard where she was built.
British Empire and Commonwealth Museum
A major museum covering the dramatic history of Britain's imperial past and modern day Commonwealth.
City Museum & Art Gallery
Outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history housed in a magnificent Edwardian baroque building.
What to do at nighttime
Entertainment
Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Bristol Old Vic is closed for refurbishment from 1 August 2007-December 2008.
Bristol Hippodrome
The theatre now plays host to many top shows, such as Cats, Les Misérables, Blood Brothers and The Phantom of the Opera.
Jongleurs
One of Bristol’s most popular comedy clubs, which plays host to a regular stream of top comics from around the country.
Eating & drinking
City Café
The award-winning City Café overlooks the magnificent Temple Gardens, creating an alfresco destination restaurant in the heart of Bristol.
Watershed Cafe Bar
Superb quality at very reasonable prices in Watershed's relaxed waterside location, the perfect environment to enjoy a wide selection of freshly prepared food.
The Elbow Room
The Elbow Room is a popular chain of pool bars, with three venues in London, one in Leeds and one in Bristol. Though the bars vary in style and size, they all offer American pool tables in a stylish bar environment where you can expect great drinks and food, attentive service and top tunes.
Events
Bristol Harbour Festival
Set against the backdrop of the city’s landmark harbour, the rapidly-expanding festival features maritime events, displays on water, live music, dance, circus and street theatre across five stages, children’s entertainment, continental food including a French market and local craft stalls.
International Balloon Fiesta & Nightglow
A world centre for ballooning, Bristol has become home to Europe's largest hot air balloon festival, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
The Bristol Shakespeare Festival
The largest open air Shakespeare Festival in the UK. Last year, over 8,000 people attended productions in the heart of historic Bristol. Takes place in 2008 from May to September.
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