Bristol: best for harbours, festivals and food

Bristol is full of surprises. It’s got fancy galleries and cutting-edge street art. You’ll find everything you want from a big city, but with an idyllic waterfront, quaint, colourful houses and a gorgeous gorge to flock to and watch the sun go down.

The key to Bristol's summer calendar is the Harbourside Festival, which celebrates the city’s maritime history. By day, it’s all family friendly bunting and rigging against the backdrop of the SS Great Britain. In the evening, it’s a party that spreads across the city. Later in the summer, the annual balloon fiesta sees hundreds of hot air balloons take flight from the city. Head to Ashton Court to see them take off, or simply grab an al fresco table across the city to watch them fill the sky.

Outside the festival schedule, there’s loads to see and do. Check out Bristol’s rich countercultural and multicultural history in areas like Stokes Croft, St Pauls and Easton. Head to the hippie neighbourhood of St Werburghs to whittle spoons and pet goats in the inner-city farm.

In the centre of town, glitzy shopping centres like Cabot Circus offer all the big-name brands you could ask for. St Nick’s market meanwhile offers street food and craft stalls aplenty, just a short jaunt from historic pubs, renowned theatres and cobbled streets of the Old City.

As a foodie capital of the country, you’ll find fantastic independents around every corner – from budget-friendly lunch joints like Edna’s Falafel Kitchen and Sandwich Sandwich, fancy Michelin-approved restaurants like Bulrush and Casa, to hip small plate spots like Cor, Cotto and Root.

Book a space now to start exploring some of the amazing things to do in Bristol this summer.

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