What Are the Most Popular Attractions in Bristol?

Bristol, in the south-west of England, is a bustling city full of attractions. In addition to being a vibrant hub of culture, the city has a thriving food scene and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or hitting up some of its more popular attractions, there’s something for everyone in Bristol.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic and popular attractions in Bristol. Spanning the Avon Gorge and linking the suburbs of Clifton and Leigh Woods, the bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1829 and opened in 1864. It has become one of Bristol’s most recognisable landmarks and continues to attract visitors from all over the world. One of the great things about the Clifton Suspension Bridge is that it offers stunning views of the Avon Gorge and surrounding areas. On a good day, you can spot the Cathedral, the SS Great Britain and the harbourside quays from different points along the bridge. There’s also an authorised story trail which is great for families, detailing the bridge’s history and design. The view from the bridge has been captured in paintings by famous artists such as JMW Turner, Gainsborough and Monet. There’s no entry fee to walk across the bridge, but visitors can take one of the authorised guided tours which provide an insightful look into its history and construction.

Bristol Zoo Gardens

The Bristol Zoo Gardens is another prominent attraction in Bristol. Established in 1836, it is one of the oldest zoos in the UK and holds over 400 different species of animals, including leopards, giraffes, hippos, monkeys and more.The zoo strives to provide a stimulating environment for its many inhabitants and has designed a range of interactive exhibits and shows that educate visitors on different species, their habitats and conservation efforts. Visitors can learn more about some of the more exotic animals at special feeding sessions while also attending live shows such as “Animal Encounters’ or “Crocodile Encounters’. The zoo also has a unique underwater walkway where visitors can view fish, turtles and other aquatic creatures from below. In addition to this, it has cafes and restaurants, picnic areas, shops and a range of activities for all ages.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Built in 1843 under the instruction on Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is another popular attraction in Bristol. The iconic steamship is credited as being the first ever passenger ship that was made from metal instead of wood.Today, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is open to visitors who can explore its three permanent galleries – Explorers, Emigrants and Survivors. Each gallery is designed to tell the story of maritime explorers and technological pioneers like Brunel himself. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, revealing some of the ship’s hidden secrets as well as learn about how its design helped revolutionise modern shipping. The SS Great Britain sits in Bristol’s Floating Harbour Marvexciting range of activities, such as a tour around the ship with an experienced actor who will share stories from some of the ship’s passengers – a truly immersive experience!

City Sightseeing Bus Tour

When it comes to taking in the sights of Bristol, there’s no better way than with a City Sightseeing Bus Tour. As one of Bristol’s most popular tourist attractions, it offers a great way to see all the city’s most important attractions without breaking your bank account!The tour starts at The Mall Promenade and takes passengers on a journey through some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, including Clifton Suspension Bridge, St Mary Redcliffe Church, Cabot Tower and Queen Square. You’ll be able to get off at any of these stops to take in the sights before hopping back on again. The tours are run on red open-top buses which are perfect for getting great photographs or simply taking in the views as you go along. You can buy an all-day ticket which allows you to hop off and back on whenever you want to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. The buses also provide commentary during your journey to help you learn more about each destination.

Conclusion

Bristol is full of exciting attractions – from iconic landmarks to zoos and museums – that are sure to keep visitors entertained no matter what their schedule. Of course, a trip to Bristol wouldn’t be complete without seeing some of its most popular attractions – Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and City Sightseeing Bus Tour! All of these attractions are easily accessible by public transport or by taking a City Sightseeing Bus tour around town – so there’s no excuse not to check them out!