Back

The best attractions available in Bristol

Oct 21, 2021
The best attractions available in Bristol

As the South West’s biggest city, Bristol is an exciting, dynamic place packed with a great variety of things to do and see. Gone are the derelict docks of old, replaced by a reputation for alternative culture and a vibrant arts scene which complements the range of historic landmarks and other attractions across the city. Whether you live in the area or you’re visiting from another place in the region such as Exeter or Tiverton, we’ve highlighted five of the top attractions in Bristol to add to your bucket list.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the city centre along Queens Road, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is one of the most popular Bristol attractions going. Free to enter, the experience begins outside this beautiful and historic building, before you step inside to explore a vast array of archaeological, geological and artistic exhibitions. From dinosaur fossils to artwork by revered street artist Banksy, your visit covers a billion years of Earth’s history while zoning in on the local Bristol area.

M Shed

To gain an even deeper insight into local life in this part of the country, head to this fascinating museum housed within a former dockside transit shed. Cast your eye over thousands of local artefacts as you learn some of the stories that have formed this absorbing port city’s heritage. M Shed is also free to enter, and focuses on the lives of local people through film and photographs, while also displaying rare and unusual objects that take you from prehistoric times right up to the present day.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Rated as one of the best tourist attractions in Bristol, this captivating museum tells the story of one of the world’s most important boats. The SS Great Britain was a technologically advanced passenger ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which was in service for more than 40 years between 1845 and 1886. The first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic Ocean, the ship is nearly 100 metres long and has been preserved in all its glory for you to visit. Soak up the sights, smells and sounds that would’ve greeted Victorian passengers on board, and gaze up at this majestic vessel from below courtesy of the clever glass canopy it rests on.

Trinity Centre

The former Holy Trinity Church is now a Grade II listed live music venue known as the birthplace of the Bristol underground scene in the 1980s. It’s been hosting shows since 1976, with stellar names ranging from U2 and the Fall to the Prodigy and Public Enemy performing down the years. The building’s original features can be viewed from outside, while there’s no better way to experience the atmospheric ambience inside than by catching one of your favourite artists on tour. The Trinity Centre also has a packed calendar of other events including theatrical performances, roller discos and dance workshops, and is a real community hub.

Clifton Observatory

Lying at the eastern end of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge on the western outskirts of the city, the Clifton Observatory resides within a former windmill that was built in 1766. You can learn more about the rich history of the building when you visit, before soaking up the epic views back across Bristol one way and the Avon Gorge the other. In addition to a museum offering trips down to the mysterious Giant’s Cave, the observatory is also a cafe with 360º views and a stunning venue for weddings and parties.

There are countless things to see and do in Bristol and its surrounding areas. You can look forward to exploring all of the attractions above and much more when you live in this part of the South West. If you’re in the market for a brand-new home, don’t miss our exciting developments in Bristol such as Ladden Garden Village and Lyde View.


There are countless things to see and do in Bristol and its surrounding areas. You can look forward to exploring all of the attractions above and much more when you live in this part of the South West. If you’re in the market for a new build home, don’t miss our exciting new build developments in Bristol such as Ladden Garden Village and Lyde View.