Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol

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By Jillian Rickly

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Introduction

Plan your dream trip with the top 3 itineraries in Bristol. This guide will walk you through the most exciting itineraries, featuring easy and short day-by-day overviews. Continue reading to discover your perfect Bristol itinerary.

Crafting a memorable trip to Bristol starts with a few easy choices, and we're here to guide the way. To save you time and effort, we have reviewed the largest selection of travel packages in Bristol and handpicked the top 3 itineraries for you.

Every visit to Bristol feels like a new adventure. From savoring a cup of coffee in a quaint café and navigating lively markets to exploring popular attractions or relaxing at one of the best places to stay in Bristol, you’ll find that each moment brings a new layer to your vacation.

So, if you're ready to uncover the perfect trip, simply scroll down and let the best Bristol itinerary find you!

Popular Types of Trips to Bristol

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Bristol.

If you only have a few days, Bristol weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Bristol offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Bristol are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Bristol offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Bristol truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Bristol

If you’re as convinced as we are that Bristol belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Bristol are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Bristol and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Bristol Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Bristol itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Bristol for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Bristol without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Bristol!

3. The Ultimate 11-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Bristol and Beyond

Photo of aerial view of Bristol, U.K.

A scenic 11-day road trip through London, Bath, Woodstock, Oxford, and Exeter is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 11-day itinerary means that Bristol can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Bath, Woodstock, Oxford, and Exeter by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 11 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Newquay

  • Arrival city: Penzance
  • Accommodation: hotel in Penzance, e.g., Holbein House B&B
  • Sightseeing: Escape Rooms Cornwall - Penzance
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Newquay. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Penzance and Trebyan

  • Destinations: Penzance and Trebyan
  • Driving distance: 281.64 km, approx. 3 hours and 33 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Glastonbury, e.g., The Glastonbury Town House
  • Sightseeing: National Trust - Lanhydrock, Morrab Gardens, and Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Set out on a day of discovery and visit National Trust - Lanhydrock, Morrab Gardens, and Penlee House Gallery & Museum. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Penzance and Trebyan, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Glastonbury.

Day 3: Discover Bath and Salisbury

Spend the day exploring Thermae Bath Spa, Stonehenge, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, and The Roman Baths. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Oxford.

Day 4: Experience Woodstock, Oxford, and Eton

Continue your journey through Woodstock, Oxford, and Eton, where you can explore The Covered Market, Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel, Blenheim Palace, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of London.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in London, Leavesden, and Woolwich

Drive through London, Leavesden, and Woolwich, stopping to visit The Regent's Park, The British Museum, ExCeL London, Madame Tussauds London, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of London and Kensington

Spend time discovering Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Science Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Victoria and Albert Museum, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in London, Greenwich, and London Borough of Southwark

Explore The Shard, Greenwich Park, Borough Market, Tate Modern, and London Bridge at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore London

Continue your road trip through London, enjoying the flexibility to explore Big Ben, Tower of London, lastminute.com London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through London and Brentford

Visit The National Gallery, St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Buckingham Palace as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Bristol.

Day 10: Uncover Exeter and Bristol

  • Destinations: Exeter and Bristol
  • Driving distance: 304.08 km, approx. 3 hours and 49 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Penzance, e.g., Holbein House B&B
  • Sightseeing: Millennium Square, Exeter Cathedral, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Bristol Cathedral
Continue your exploration of Millennium Square, Exeter Cathedral, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Bristol Cathedral, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure. End the day by checking into a lovely hotel in Penzance.

Day 11: Bid Farewell to Newquay

  • Departure city: Penzance
  • Driving distance: 55.72 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Jubilee Pool Penzance Pool & Cafe
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Newquay. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1537 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Bristol.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Bristol for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 11-Day Bristol City Itinerary

Photo of  international balloon fiesta is an annual event in Bristol as the balloons come over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Enjoy a 11-day city break in Bristol with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 11-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Bristol without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Bristol

Arrive in Bristol and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Castle Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Bristol's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Bristol by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic National Trust - Leigh Woods, Clifton Observatory, Clifton Down, and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Bristol. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Bristol in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Bristol

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. The Georgian House Museum, Brandon Hill, Wills Memorial Building Tower, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, and Cabot Tower are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Bristol.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Bristol. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of England!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Bristol

No Bristol itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Bristol has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Blaise Castle Estate and Kings Weston House, other popular attractions in Bristol.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Blaise Castle Estate.

Day 9: Slow Down and Soak in Bristol's Scenery

Enjoy a more slow-paced day in Bristol by taking a stroll and visiting Underfall Yard Visitor Centre and Brunel's SS Great Britain.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to some local street food, sampling unique flavors from local vendors.

End the day in Bristol with a sunset view from a scenic overlook or a cozy restaurant.

Day 11: Savor Your Final Moments in Bristol

Spend your last few hours in Bristol soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Bristol in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Bristol, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Bristol travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 5-Day Bristol Weekend Itinerary

Photo of Bristol Cathedral.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Bristol offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Bristol itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Bristol weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Bristol

Arrive in Bristol around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Castle Park, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Bristol’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Bristol with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Brandon Hill early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, stopping by Millennium Square for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Bristol and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Bristol

No itinerary in Bristol is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.
  • Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to M Shed.
  • Afternoon: Explore St Mary Redcliffe Church and Brunel's SS Great Britain, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
  • Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Bristol and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of England.

Day 5 - Depart from Bristol

Make the most of your last few hours in Bristol before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Bristol. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Bristol itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Bristol

As you explore Bristol, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Bristol for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Bristol in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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