Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol

1 / 14
Photo of aerial view of Bristol, U.K.
Photo of  international balloon fiesta is an annual event in Bristol as the balloons come over the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol
Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol
Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol
Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol
Top 3 Itineraries in Bristol
Author profile picture

By Jillian Rickly

Verified United Kingdom expert

Experts in travel to Europe
We have years of experience and local knowledge
24/7 customer support
Reach us any time of the day in just a few seconds

Introduction

Discover the ultimate Bristol itinerary with our top 3 picks. From attractions that capture the essence of Bristol to in-depth experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots, there’s an itinerary here for everyone. Keep reading to start planning your trip to Bristol.

A well-crafted Bristol itinerary seamlessly combines iconic attractions with authentic local experiences, ensuring every moment feels special. With so much to see and do, creating the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

To make planning effortless, we’ve handpicked the top 3 itineraries from the biggest selection of travel packages in Bristol. With these curated plans, you can enjoy the city’s best sights and hidden gems without worrying about missing out.

Choosing the perfect accommodation is just as important. Fortunately, the list of best places to stay in Bristol offers plenty of options for a relaxing stay.

So don't wait—dive in and let the planning begin! Your Bristol itinerary is just a short scroll away.

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 13-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Bristol and Beyond

Photo of aerial view of Bristol, U.K.

A scenic 13-day road trip through London, Bath, Woodstock, Oxford, and Coventry 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 13-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 Coventry by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 13 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in London

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in London. 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 London

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Tower of London, lastminute.com London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Hyde Park, and Tower Bridge. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of London, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Oxford

  • Destinations: Oxford
  • Driving distance: 96.64 km, approx. 2 hours and 6 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Oxford, e.g., Bear And Ragged Staff
  • Sightseeing: The Covered Market, Radcliffe Camera, Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford Botanic Garden, and Christ Church
  • Recommended tour: 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford
Spend the day exploring The Covered Market, Radcliffe Camera, Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford Botanic Garden, and Christ Church. 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 Launton

Continue your journey through Woodstock, Oxford, and Launton, where you can explore Island Pond Wood, Blenheim Palace, and Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bath

Drive through Bath, stopping to visit Thermae Bath Spa, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park Bath, and Bath Abbey. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Bath.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Salisbury and Stratford-sub-Castle

  • Destinations: Salisbury and Stratford-sub-Castle
  • Driving distance: 147.66 km, approx. 2 hours and 54 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bath, e.g., Hampton by Hilton Bath City
  • Sightseeing: Stonehenge, Magna Carta Chapter House, Old Sarum, National Trust - Mompesson House, and Salisbury Cathedral
  • Recommended tour: Roman Baths and Bath City Walking Tour
Spend time discovering Stonehenge, Magna Carta Chapter House, Old Sarum, National Trust - Mompesson House, and Salisbury Cathedral, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in West Lulworth and Corfe Castle

Explore Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove Beach, and Durdle Door at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Bristol

Continue your road trip through Bristol, enjoying the flexibility to explore Millennium Square, M Shed, Castle Park, Arnolfini Arts, and Bristol Cathedral and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Bristol.

Day 9: Wander Through Crapstone, Teignbridge, and West Devon

Visit National Trust - Buckland Abbey, Bellever Tor, and Grimspound as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover Bristol and Leigh Woods

Continue your exploration of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, National Trust - Leigh Woods, Cabot Tower, and Clifton Suspension Bridge, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Stratford-upon-Avon

Take in the highlights of Stratford Butterfly Farm, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Holy Trinity Church, and Shakespeare's Birthplace, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Coventry and Warwick

Take the opportunity to explore Warwick Castle, Lady Godiva, and Coventry Cathedral, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature. After a day of adventures, check into another conveniently located hotel in London.

Day 13: Bid Farewell to London

  • Departure city: London
  • Driving distance: 434 metres, approx. 5 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Trafalgar Square
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to London. 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 1639 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 8-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 8-day city break in Bristol with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Bristol and Bristol's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 8-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.

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, Underfall Yard Visitor Centre, Clifton Observatory, 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. Queen Square, M Shed, Arnolfini Arts, Brunel's SS Great Britain, and Floating Harbour 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 8: 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 3-Day Bristol Weekend Itinerary

Photo of Bristol Cathedral.

A 3-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 3 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, 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 Brunel's SS Great Britain, stopping by Bristol Museum & Art Gallery 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 - 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!

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.