This post will share 12 impressive places to visit in Bristol on a day trip.
For the last lap of my trip to Bath, I decided to stop by Bristol before heading back to Manchester.
I had a few hours to spare before noon, so I had to take advantage of the daylight.
Plus, I have heard so much great stuff about Bristol.
It was also so close by that I had no excuse.
I checked out of my hostel very early to catch a 10am train to Bristol, which cost less than £10.
In less than thirty minutes, I arrived at the busy Bristol Temple Meads Station from Bath Spa Station.
That’s probably the fastest train journey I’ve ever taken.
Bristol, the most populous city in South-West England, is known for its maritime industry.
Situated right on the River Avon, its history dates back to the 17th century during the height of the Bristol slave trade, where 2,000 slave ships transported over 500,000 people from Africa to slavery in America.
As an African, I have mixed feelings about this city, but I try to ignore the past with most of my England day trips and enjoy the present.
Even before I found out about Bristol’s history, I was slightly disappointed with the city.
It turns out that you can only fully enjoy Bristol in the Summer, as it is popular with its festivals and events.
While it is not so busy, visiting in the winter isn’t ideal.
Anyway, I still spent a few hours there, so I’m ready to share my experience.
Getting Around Bristol
I always took a walking tour around the city centre and its neighbourhoods.
In hindsight, I should have taken the Sightseeing tour bus, as I had limited time to explore and skipped some essential parts.
It shows that you cannot wholly explore Bristol in one day, so bear that in mind.
Regardless, here’s the map of the self-guiding walking tour I followed, which I hope you find helpful.
Here Are 12 Must-See Places To Vist In Bristol In 24 Hours.
It is important to note that Bristol is a coastal city, so a few attractions will be around the Bristol Floating Harbour, so you need to plan accordingly.
You can explore all the attractions around the River Avon or just visit the ones on the outskirts.
Regardless of your choice, plan your itinerary accordingly.
In order of closest to furthest from the Bristol Temple Meads Station:
St. Mary Redcliffe Church
A short walk from the train station is Mary Redcliffe Church, an Anglican church dating back to the 12th century.
Completely unmissable on the road, it is known for its stunning Gothic architecture.
Bristol’s wealthy merchants initially built and beautified it, but it has undergone various restoration works over the centuries to preserve the building.
Arnolfini Arts
From St. Mary Redcliffe Church, you’ll walk down through Queen Square, where you’ll behold the stunning Bristol waterfront.
Stop by Arnolfini, an international contemporary art centre and gallery when you’re done soaking in the views.
It has three floors of galleries, a specialist art bookshop, a cinema/performance space for theatre, a reading room, and a cafe bar.
M Shed
A further walk east will bring you to the M Shed, a maritime museum located in a dockside transit shed formerly occupied by the Bristol Industrial Museum.
It displays about 3,000 of Bristol’s artefacts and stories.
You’ll also find historic vessels, including the world’s oldest surviving steam tug.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, you’ll find some information here.
SS Great Britain
One of the iconic places you must visit in Bristol is the SS Great Britain, a former passenger steamship now a museum ship.
Sometime around the 18th century, it was the longest passenger ship globally.
It was designed primarily for the transatlantic service between Bristol and New York City.
After being abandoned for over 33 years, it was restored and relaunched in 2005 on a dry dock as a museum and tourist attraction.
If you’re a nerd for Marines and the marine industry, you’ll find this museum super fascinating.
Llyods Amphitheatre
Just when you think the Chester Roman Amphitheatre is massive, the Llyods one says, ‘Hold my beer’.
This is possibly the largest amphitheatre I’ve ever seen, primarily used for large-scale outdoor events and festivals.
Another reason why Bristol is so much more fun in the Summer.
Here are 7 Things To Do With Children Near Bristol Harbour
Pero’s Bridge
Before going into the Millenium Square, stop by the iconic Pero’s Bridge, a pedestrian footbridge named after Pero Jones, an African slave who lived in Bristol.
Interestingly, there are small padlocks called love locks along the wire mesh of the bridge, which is pretty ironic and insulting because it is a bridge dedicated to those affected by the slave trade.
Millenium Square
When I got to the Lloyds Amphitheatre, I realized it was too cold to walk along the waterfront, so I decided to explore away. I stopped briefly by Millennium Square, where the Christmas markets were ongoing.
I had no interest in them whatsoever, so I quickly walked away.
We The Curious
This is another fascinating science and arts centre that I think kids and adults will find pretty enjoyable.
It offers over 250 interactive exhibits, including the home to the UK’s first 3D planetarium, where you can learn about astronomy.
It reminds me so much of the Life Centre in Newcastle.
Book tickets here.
Bristol Aquarium
The Bristol Aquarium is opposite We The Curious, home to over 40 living displays of sea life, including sharks, lobsters, and seahorses.
As well as topical coral reef fish. If you have kids, an excellent way to spend your day is to split your time between We The Curious and the Bristol Aquarium.
Bristol Cathedral
Moving away from the waterfront was such a good decision because I wouldn’t have been able to explore one of the historical places to visit in Bristol.
This is another cathedral that I found pretty impressive. I’m not easily impressed by cathedrals because they mostly all look the same.
But once in a while, I find one that literally takes my breath away like this one.
It was founded in the 11th century but underwent significant restoration during the 14th and 19th centuries. It is simply stunning.
St Nicholas Market
At this point, it was almost time for me to head back to Manchester.
But I had to find a market to buy souvenirs. I currently have a growing collection of fridge magnets representing all the cities I’ve been to.
St Nicholas is an indoor market.
Like most indoor markets, it is cute and cosy with artisan products.
Thankfully, I was able to find a fridge magnet to buy from a sweet lady.
Castle Park
Then I took a walk down Castle Park, where you’ll find the ruins of 14th-century St. Mary-le-Port Church and St Peter’s Church.
This walk was calmer and more serene, away from the busy waterfront and city centre.
Finally,
I clearly was just able to explore the tip of the iceberg, but I’m definitely looking forward to returning in the Summer to enjoy what the city has to offer properly.
I hope you found this list of exciting places to visit in Bristol helpful.
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