Welcome to Bristol, a vibrant city in the South West of England known for its rich history, street art, and scenic views. Bristol is a city that has something for everyone, and there’s no better way to explore its hidden gems than with a guided tour. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, a guided tour can help you discover the city’s most fascinating stories, iconic landmarks, and best-kept secrets. In this post, we’ll introduce you to the 5 best guided tours in Bristol, each with its unique theme and style. So grab your walking shoes, and let’s explore Bristol together!
The 5 Best Guided Tours in Bristol
- Bristol: City Exploration Self-Guided Mystery Outdoor Game
- Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
- Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour with Optional Tasting
- Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)
- Bristol’s Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City
The 5 Best Guided Tours in Bristol
1. Bristol: City Exploration Self-Guided Mystery Outdoor Game
A playful experience to discover the secrets of Bristol, this city exploration game is a mystery walk that is similar to an escape room but conducted outdoors. Your team will receive clues on their phones, and once deciphered, will guide them around a route that showcases secret sights along with top-rated pubs, bars, and cafes offering discounts. The routes are all walking distance, and the clues will motivate you to work together while interacting with the city surroundings to find the answers. No prior knowledge is required. Discover fascinating and amusing facts about Bristol’s past and present as you weave your way through the city. This activity is a mix of outdoor escape room, treasure/scavenger hunt, and walking tour. The difficulty level is perfect for all ages. Join this tour to discover the city of Bristol more profoundly and in a unique way.
2. Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour
Explore Old Market, one of Bristol’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, on a self-guided craft beer tour. This tour will take you to four unique venues where you can sample seven delicious beers brewed by local artisans.
Start your tour at the Moor brewery taproom, where you’ll receive a welcome bag containing a map of Bristol’s craft beer scene, tokens for drinks throughout the tour, and some tasty walking snacks. During your guided tasting of three beers at the taproom, you’ll learn about the brewing process and hear the story behind this beloved local brewery.
After your tasting, it’s up to you to follow the map and explore Old Market’s hidden gems. You’ll visit a traditional pub, a small craft beer bar, a tiny bar, and a sunny beer garden along the way. With an easy five-minute walk between each venue, you’ll have plenty of time to savor each beer and soak up the neighborhood’s historic atmosphere.
This self-guided craft beer tour is perfect for groups of up to five friends who want to experience Bristol’s vibrant beer culture like locals. Don’t miss your chance to explore Old Market’s top craft beer spots on this unique and delicious tour.
3. Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour with Optional Tasting
Discover one of the UK’s best beer scenes on this self-guided craft beer tour in Bristol. With your downloaded audio tour, explore Bristol’s rich brewing history and visit local breweries at your own pace. Start your journey at the historic Bristol Temple Meads train station and hear about the city’s beer scene before heading to your first stop, a little brewpub in a railway arch. Continue to explore the city and visit a traditional English pub with a lovely beer garden where you can enjoy a pint. Along the way, learn about fun local facts and stories related to Bristol’s beer culture. Of course, no beer tour would be complete without a few tastings, and there are plenty of breweries along the route to choose from. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Bristol’s vibrant craft beer scene with this self-guided tour.
4. Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)
This self-guided craft beer tour in Bristol’s Old Market area is perfect for travelers who want to discover the city’s craft beer highlights independently. Visitors will start with several tastings at a popular local brewery before continuing to five other pubs, taprooms, and bars. Beer tokens, snacks, a map, and a booklet are provided for the journey, and visitors can taste a wide range of beers during the tour, including locally brewed options. Snacks are provided while walking between venues, and private notes about favourite beers can be taken down with the provided pen and paper. Seven different Bristol-brewed beers are included in the price, with extra drinks available for purchase. Hot food is also available from two venues along the tour route, although this is not included in the ticket price. Visitors are guaranteed to feel like locals as they enjoy the city’s top craft beer venues at their own pace.
5. Bristol’s Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City
Bristol’s Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City is the perfect tour for visitors who love beer and history. With this tour, you will explore some of the most iconic pubs in Bristol while listening to fascinating stories about the city’s past. This self-guided audio tour is available in English, and it comes with a lifetime access guarantee, offline audio maps and geodata, and the VoiceMap App for Android and iOS.
To start the tour, you need to go to Bella Vista located at 2B Victoria St Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6DT UK, where you will receive your smartphone and headphones. Before your arrival, make sure to install the VoiceMap app on your phone and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket.
The tour begins with detailed starting point instructions that you can follow at your own pace. You can start, pause, or restart the tour as many times as you want, and you can also take breaks whenever you like. Along the way, you will visit some of the best pubs in the city, where you can try different kinds of beers and grab some food if you’re feeling peckish.
The tour ends at 45 King St, Bristol BS1 4ER UK. Here, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the river, and you will also have two fantastic options for a bite to eat.
This unforgettable tour is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Bristol’s history while having a great time. Make sure to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance. Confirmation will be received when you book the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol
Are you planning to visit Bristol or move to this vibrant city? If so, you might have a few questions in mind. To help you make the most of your time in Bristol, we’ve put together the most frequently asked questions and answered them in detail.
1. What is Bristol famous for?
Bristol is famous for many things, including its beautiful Clifton Suspension Bridge, street art, maritime history, and a vibrant music culture. The city is also known for its independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a paradise for foodies and fashion enthusiasts.
2. How do I get to Bristol?
Bristol has excellent transport links, making it easy to get to from virtually anywhere in the UK. You can get to Bristol by train, bus, or car. If you’re traveling by plane, Bristol International Airport is only 8 miles from the city center.
3. What’s the best time to go to Bristol?
Bristol has something to offer all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you’re a fan of music, you might want to plan your visit during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta that takes place every August. If you’re interested in art, the Upfest street art festival in July is a must-see. The weather is generally mild in Bristol, so any time of the year is good for exploring the city.
4. What are the best things to do in Bristol?
Bristol is packed with attractions and things to do, from exploring its maritime heritage to exploring its vibrant street art scene. Some of the must-visit attractions in Bristol include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Cathedral, the Harbourside, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and the Bristol Zoo Gardens. You can also take a hot air balloon ride, go on a food tour, or take a street art walking tour.
5. What are the best places to stay in Bristol?
Bristol has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. The city center is a great place to stay as it puts you in the heart of the action. Some of the best areas to stay in Bristol include Clifton, Harbourside, and Stokes Croft.
6. What are the best restaurants in Bristol?
Bristol has a thriving food scene with many independent cafes, restaurants, and food markets. Some of the best places to eat in Bristol include Michelin-starred Casamia, Wallfish Bistro, The Ox, and Bulrush. For a more informal dining experience, try Wapping Wharf, a vibrant street food market that offers a range of culinary delights.
7. What are the best places to shop in Bristol?
Bristol has a diverse range of shopping options, from high street stores to independent boutiques. Some of the best places to shop in Bristol include Clifton Village, Cabot Circus, Gloucester Road, and the Bristol Farmers’ Market. You’ll find everything from designer clothes and jewelry to vintage furniture and craft beer.
8. Is Bristol a safe city to visit?
Bristol is generally a safe city to visit, but like any city, it’s important to take basic precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep your valuables out of sight. Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone at night, and use taxis or public transport to get around.
9. What are the best day trips from Bristol?
Bristol is surrounded by beautiful countryside and historic towns, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding areas. Some of the best day trips from Bristol include Bath, Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, and Cheddar Gorge. You can easily reach these destinations by car or public transport.
10. How LGBTQ+ friendly is Bristol?
Bristol is known for its vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ scene, making it a popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourists. The city hosts a range of events throughout the year, including Bristol Pride, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are also many LGBTQ+ friendly bars, clubs, and venues in the city, making it a great place to visit for anyone in the community.
Final Thoughts
Bristol is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover in Bristol. We hope this guide answers some of your questions and helps you make the most of your time in this incredible city.
The 5 Best Guided Tours in Bristol: Frequently Asked Questions
Bristol is an enchanting city filled with art, history, and culture. Often described as the cultural heart of the West Country, Bristol is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant music scene, and thriving street art. Exploring the city can be overwhelming as there are so many amazing things to see and do. That’s where guided tours come in. Guided tours help visitors experience Bristol’s beauty and culture in a unique and informative way. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 5 best-guided tours in Bristol.
1. What are the 5 best-guided tours in Bristol?
There are plenty of guided tours to choose from in Bristol, but these five are the best:
- Bristol Ferry Boat Company: Take a water tour of the city, explore the historic harbour and see the SS Great Britain from a different angle.
- Where the Wall: A walking tour that delves into Bristol’s vibrant street art scene. This tour takes you through the city’s stunning graffiti and murals.
- Bristol Insight: This walking tour takes you through the city’s vibrant history, exploring its medieval and Georgian architecture, street art and historical landmarks.
- Bristol Hoppers: A walking tour that visits Bristol’s independent breweries and drinking establishments, with beer tastings at each stop.
- The Bristol Suspicious Death Tour: A walking tour that takes you through the city’s rich and dark history, exploring its ghost stories and suspicious deaths.
2. How long do the tours last?
The length of the tours can vary depending on the tour you choose. Some tours, like the Bristol Ferry Boat Company, can take up to 6 hours, while others like the Bristol Suspicious Death Tour can last only 2 hours.
3. Who are these tours suitable for?
These tours are suitable for everyone. Some tours, like the Bristol Hoppers tour, are only for those who are 18 and over, but the majority of tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
4. How much do the tours cost?
The cost of the tours can vary depending on the tour you choose. Tours like the Bristol Ferry Boat Company can cost up to £20 per person, while walking tours like the Bristol Suspicious Death Tour can cost around £10 per person.
5. How do I book a tour?
Booking a tour is easy. You can book online or by calling the tour operator directly. Some tours, like the Bristol Ferry Boat Company, allow you to buy your ticket at the departure point.
6. What should I wear and bring on the tour?
It is important to always check the tour operator’s website to see their recommended dress code and what you should bring on the tour. Some tours, like the Bristol Ferry Boat Company, recommend bringing a waterproof jacket as it can get windy and cold on the water. For walking tours, it is important to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot.
7. Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes! Taking photos during the tour is encouraged, but it is important to always ask permission before taking photos of people or private property.
8. Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
Some tours are wheelchair accessible, while others are not. It is important to check with the tour company before booking to see if the tour is wheelchair accessible.
9. Will the tour still go ahead if it is raining?
Yes, most tours will still go ahead if it is raining. It is important to always check with the tour operator beforehand to see if they have any rain policies in place.
10. Can I cancel a tour once I have booked it?
Most tour companies have cancellation policies in place. It is important to check with the tour operator before booking to see what their cancellation policy is.
Conclusion
Guided tours are a great way to explore Bristol’s beauty and culture. Whether you’re interested in street art, history, or drinking establishments, there’s a tour for you. Before booking a tour, it is important to do your research and check the tour operator’s website for information on the tour’s length, cost, and dress code. With the help of this guide, you’re ready to book your adventure and start exploring Bristol today!
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