bristol uni tours

Postgraduate study

Campus tours.

Our campus tours provide an opportunity for prospective postgraduate students to learn more about the University of Bristol.

Book your place

Join us for a tour around the Clifton campus. Tours will give you an overview of central University buildings and an insight into what it's like to study at Bristol. 

Our tours are primarily led by our student am bassadors. When an ambassador is not available, a member of the postgraduate recruitment team will lead the tour.  Please book two weeks in advance of the date you wish to visit.

Book your place today

Essential information before you visit:

• Tours last for up to two hours.
• Accessible tours are available for visitors with restricted mobility or wheelchair users (accessibility requirements can be provided upon booking).
• Most of the tour is outside and does include some steps and hills!
• Please note the route does not include a tour of any accommodation.

Online events

Sign up to our online student life webinars.

Self-guided walking tour

Take in our campus highlights at your own pace using  the campus tour app . It may take 30 minutes or longer to walk between activities, so allow plenty of time to explore. Please be aware it will not be possible to go inside the buildings.

Download the app on the App Store  or Google Play .

Alternatively, you can take a  virtual tour  from the comfort of your own home. You'll be able to look inside our buildings to see our facilities and understand what life will be like as a student here.

• 4 Access for UoB members - Account Queries
• 4 Access for UoB members - Card Queries
• 7 Access for Visitors
• 5 Basic Info - Building Info / Transport
• 3 Basic Info - Library maps / Floorplans
• 2 Basic Info - Locations / Opening Hours
• 5 Basic Info - New students / staff
• 9 Booking Study Spaces
• 7 Books - Borrowing / Returning
• 6 Books - how to find / Library Search
• 4 Books - Reserving / Renewing / Library Account
• 1 Dissertations and Theses
• 5 E-Resources - Books
• 4 E-Resources - Databases
• 8 E-Resources - Journals
• 8 E-resources - Troubleshooting
• 1 Exam Support / Past Papers
• 5 Inter Library Loans (ILLS)
• 1 IT - Additional Equipment
• 3 IT - Pc's / Laptops
• 7 IT - Printing
• 6 IT - Software
• 2 IT - Wifi
• 3 Library Support
• 6 Miscellaneous
• 5 Non-Library Facilities
• 3 Policies and Procedures
• 1 Research Support
• 3 Special Collections
• 4 Study Skills
• 5 Subject Support - Contacts / Book Suggestions
• 7 Subject Support - Study / Research Enquiries
• 5 Wellbeing

Is there an online tour of the University? Are there any maps?

Yes, please see the University of Bristol online tour here -  University of Bristol | Virtual Tour

There are also links to University maps here:  Maps and travel information | Maps and travel information | University of Bristol .

Events Home

Personal Visit

Nursing Summer Camp

King University Women’s Soccer ID Camp

King University

1350 King College Road

Bristol, TN 37620

800.362.0014

Wills Memorial Building Tower

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Wills Memorial Building Tower - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

University of Bristol Botanic Garden

Opening times

From Monday 11th March the Garden will be open seven days a week from 10am until 4:30pm until November.

Please note, in the event of dangerous weather we will close at short notice for the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff.

University of Bristol Botanic Garden The Holmes Stoke Park Road Stoke Bishop Bristol BS9 1JG

Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0) 117 42 82041

Map and travel information

Accessibility

The Garden is largely accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters with a designated path leading around the Garden and glasshouses. Disabled toilet facilities are available on site.

Only registered disability assistance dogs are permitted in the Garden.

Entry price

• Adults - £9 (or £9.90 with gift aid) , except on WEDNESDAY, which will be DAISY day.
• Children under 18 - Free
• Students from all institutions - Free
• University of Bristol staff (including retired) Free (£5/£5.50 Gift Aid from the 4th of March 2024)
• Members of the Friends of the Botanic Garden - Free. (If you wish to join the Friends please click here , complete the forms and send to the Membership Secretary before making your booking as no refunds will be given for entry tickets purchased before joining.
• Carers of visitors are free.
• University of Bristol alumni - Free

The University of Bristol cannot accept cash payments - please pay by card at the Welcome Lodge or pre-book a ticket.

Book a full price ticket here.

Donate As It Suits You 'DAISY' day - every WEDNESDAY.

To maintain accessibility for everyone to visit the Botanic Garden, we have introduced our 'donate as it suits you' ( DAISY ) day. On DAISY day you can choose either £1, £3, £5 or £7 as your donation for adult entry into the Botanic Garden. DAISY  day is every WEDNESDAY.

On a DAISY day ALL free entry categories: students, Bristol University Alumni and Friends of the Garden are still free entry.

Book a DAISY day ticket here .

Refreshments.

Refreshments (Chandos Deli) are open to Botanic Garden visitors from 11am until 4pm

Come on a tour

Guided tours are a great way to learn about the history of the Garden, our fascinating plant collections, and the work we do.

Tours take around 1 hour 30 minutes and are available at special events. Please see below for Curator's tours and group tours.

Curator's tours

At certain times of the year the Curator leads informative tours of the Garden.

Free to Friends of the Garden, and students; University of Bristol staff £6 . All other visitors £12.00. Please book via the Botanic Garden website.

Find out when the next Curator's tour will be.

School visits

We offer inspiring school visits for primary and secondary school pupils.

Arrange a group tour

Please note we are now closed for school tour bookings in spring/summer 2024.

We can arrange tours for organised groups of 10 or more.

Group tours currently cost £12.00 per visitor (this includes the standard entry fee).

Group tour enquiry form

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Search Close

• Why Collegiate
• Student Advice
• Parent Advice
• Southampton
• Awards & Accreditations
• Health & Wellbeing
• The Experience
• Lifestyle Packs & Cleaning Services
• What Students Say
• National Code Assured Accommodation
• Applying to University
• International Students
• Documents & Downloads

University Open Days in Bristol 2023

Avg. Read Time: 4m 45s

Open days are a wonderful way to get to know the university and city you may be calling home for the next few years. Open days are an extra opportunity to understand what to expect from your time at university, that’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to help you get started on university open days in Bristol.

Bristol is a truly great city to spend your university career, with no end of exciting things to do and sights to see. If Bristol is your city of choice, there are two universities – the University of Bristol and University of the West of England (UWE) –  so you have plenty of choice in what you wish to study. We’ve put together the key information for both universities’ open days so you can have a clear view of what you need to know before you go.

While you’re researching this excellent city, be sure to check out our exceptional university student accommodation in Bristol too. After exploring Bristol university open days, feel free to pop in and speak to our Collegiate teams if you have any questions about student accommodation in Bristol. In the meantime, we hope you find our guide to Bristol university open days useful – and don’t forget to check out our FAQs at the end!

Bristol University Open Days 2023

Bristol university undergraduate open days.

A Bristol uni open day is a great opportunity to get to know the university and the full range of support, services and facilities available for students. You’ll be able to speak to students about the realities of student life as well as course leaders to get to know the finer points of your chosen faculty.

Booking is now open for the next batch of Bristol uni open days which take place on the following dates:

• Friday 16th June 2023
• Saturday 17th June 2023

There’s more to come in September, with booking information for those open days aiming to be released over the summer. So, make sure you’re signed up to get email alerts for the next round of Bristol uni open days.

Bristol University campus tours

Get booked on to a Bristol uni open day campus tour and take a wander around Bristol uni’s Clifton Campus with current students to find out what the student experience is really all about. You’ll be taken around the facilities of the campus, however it’s important to note that the tours aren’t subject specific and so you won’t be able to visit individual faculties. However, it’s a great opportunity to find your bearings of where you’ll be studying, as well as to check out the student union, which will form a big part of your time at Bristol uni for sure!

Our Bristol uni accommodation is well-placed for getting to the Clifton Campus easily whether by foot, bus or bike – and you’re always welcome to pop in to chat to our teams if you have any questions about student accommodation in Bristol.

UWE Open Days 2023

Uwe undergraduate open days.

Whether you want to explore a UWE open day in person or virtually, there’s an open day that will suit your needs. You have the option to attend subject-specific talks, take department tours or stop by a drop-in session to meet UWE teaching staff. There’s also drop in sessions and talks on key university services including admissions, student money service, and disability services.

Booking for in-person UWE open days is now open and take place on the following dates:

• Saturday 10th June 2023
• Saturday 14th October 2023
• Saturday 4th November 2023
• Saturday 18th November 2023

UWE virtual open days

If you prefer to explore a UWE open day from the comfort of your own home, you can attend a virtual UWE open day on Wednesday 22nd November 2023.   You’ll have the chance to attend live talks about the course and subject area you’re interested in, or drop in to a number of live Q&A chats with staff from student support services and current students. You can also enjoy a full 360° tour of the campus, UWE student accommodation and UWE facilities in Bristol.

Bristol Open Days FAQs

Do i need to have a place at a university in bristol to attend an open day.

Not at all, every student is encouraged to attend as many open days as they can so they’re sure they’re picking the right city and university for them.

Do I need to book to attend an open day in Bristol? 

Booking is essential to help the university manage numbers of people and for safety so go to the university’s website to get yourself booked on. You can find Bristol uni open days here , and UWE open days here .

How do I get to the University of Bristol?

You can find detailed directions and full maps on how to get to a Bristol uni open day here .

How do I get to UWE in Bristol?

You can find detailed directions and full maps on how to get to a UWE open day here .

Are the universities all the same in Bristol?

No, the University of Bristol and UWE are entirely separate universities. So you must make sure that you’ve booked on for the open days separately.

When the open day is finished, is there much to do in Bristol?

Bristol is an exceptional city to study in; it’s bursting with culture, shops, food and sights for you to explore. From the best fun things to do in Bristol to exploring the best museums in Bristol , you’ll never get bored in this city! Bristol Uni also offers a wonderful virtual tour of Bristol if you’re unable to make it to the city. Don’t forget to explore our lush student accommodation in Bristol or take the online 360° tours of both sites.

Collegiate Tower by Prima Vidae offers elegant and innovative design-led apartments, which provide relaxing, and spacious student accommodation. The high-spec student studios and shared flats come with exceptional social spaces, such as a private on-site gym, a games room, in house cinema, open study areas, laundry facilities and more.

Tower by Prima Vidae is in an incredible city-centre location, perfect for enjoying the wealth of culture and entertainment that Bristol has to offer.

Student Accommodation in Bristol

We want to help students get off to the best possible start at university. That’s why we bring you practical guides with places to go and fun things to do, to help you make the most of your time at university. As well as our  student news  guides, our on-site teams will always be on hand to give you a warm welcome and offer top tips on getting to know your new home.

Collegiate offers stylish student flats fitted with all the amenities you could need, in an exceptional location in the heart of Bristol. And with an all-inclusive weekly rent, you can focus on studying, socialising and exploring. It’s just another part of our commitment to exceptional living for students.

Related Articles

A Guide to the University of Bristol SU

June 25, 2023

The 10 Best Pizzas in Bristol

January 27, 2023

The 7 Best Nightclubs in Bristol

July 28, 2022

10 Facts About Bristol

February 9, 2022

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

University of bristol tours.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Visit University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.

Located at the northern edge of the city center, the university’s main campus is an integral part of Bristol’s vibrant city life. Observe as students move between the lecture halls, many of which occupy fine examples of Gothic and Georgian-era houses. When not studying, many choose to socialize in the bars that line the Queens Road.

Stroll through the pretty Royal Fort Gardens, the site of Royal Fort House, completed in 1762 for wealthy merchant Thomas Tyndall. The building now houses the university’s Faculty of Science. A permanent exhibition called Hollow decorates the gardens and features 10,000 tree species collected from around the world.

On a guided building and tower tour, discover the splendor of Wills Memorial Building, which houses the university’s law and earth sciences departments. The adjacent Bristol Museum and Art Gallery boasts a fascinating collection of art, dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies and natural history artifacts.

Attend performances by student theatrical groups at the Winston Theatre. Browse an extensive archive of costumes, photographs, posters and videos related to British theater at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. The Greek Revival-style Victoria Rooms is another important building and the location of the university music department.

The university campus is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to the northwest of Bristol Temple Meads railway station and a 15-minute walk from the city’s bus terminal. Drivers will find several metered car parks around the city center.

Visit the University of Bristol on any day throughout the year. Guided tours are available for prospective students. You can download a printable self-guided walking tour of the main sights via the university’s official website.

Plan a trip to see University of Bristol

• Beech House

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

The Old Bell Hotel

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

The Bristol Hotel

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2024

Browse tours and tickets to explore University of Bristol

Shows & concerts.

Bristol: The House Magicians Comedy and Magic Show

The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Friday 8pm

The House Magicians' Comedy Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol (Sat 7...

(Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco

Classes & workshops.

Cocktail Classes in Bristol, England

Sip and Paint Parties

Bristol: 6 O'clock Gin Distillery Tour, Thornbury

Food, drink & nightlife.

Bristol private pub hopping and sightseeing with local guide

Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

West Country Games

2 Hours Private Walking to Bristol Cider Tour with Cheese

Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour (Explore Old Market)

Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour

Bristol: Old Market Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour

Bristol: Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour with Optional Tasting

Private & custom tours.

Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

Bar and Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in Bristol

Inspiring Bristol – Private Walking Tour for Couples

Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide Bristol

Bristol Waterfront Quest Experience

Wilder Skies - Somerset nature tours

The best of Bristol walking tour

Experience Bristol – Private Family Walking Tour

Popular places to visit, bristol city museum and art gallery.

From Egyptian mummies to a stuffed gorilla and works by Old Masters, this museum explores life on Earth from its earliest days.

Cabot Tower

Sublime panoramic views of Bristol’s rooftops and surrounding countryside await at the top of a tower dedicated to a medieval-era explorer.

Banksy Graffiti Frogmore Street

Decorating the side of a former medical clinic is a thought-provoking street mural created by one of Britain’s most-loved and prolific graffiti artists.

Brandon Hill

Lush hilly lawns, a children’s playground, sweeping views and a Neo-Gothic tower make Bristol’s oldest park a popular retreat from the city center.

Bristol City Hall

An impressive Neo-Georgian landmark presides over a pretty square and is home to the exquisitely decorated chambers of Bristol’s city council.

• Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

This historic theater offers a wide variety of entertainment, from West End productions and Broadway shows, to traditional pantomimes and opera.

Best Lodging Options Near University of Bristol

Check availability on hotels close to university of bristol.

• Vacations and getaways similar to University of Bristol
• Other Hotels near University of Bristol, Bristol
• Hotels near popular Bristol Attractions
• Expedia's Latest Trends
• Cabot Circus Shopping Centre
• Ashton Gate Stadium
• Clifton Suspension Bridge
• The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
• Thornbury Castle
• Bath Spa University
• SS Great Britain
• Aztec West Business Park
• Bristol Cathedral
• Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
• Bath Racecourse
• St Nicholas Market
• Mendip Hills
• Harbour Hotel Bristol
• Clifton Hotel
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
• ibis Bristol Centre
• Future Inn Bristol
• Your Apartment Clifton House
• Moxy Bristol
• OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol
• Redmayne House
• Brooks Guesthouse Bristol
• Hotels near Thermae Bath Spa
• Hotels near Cabot Circus Shopping Centre
• Hotels near Roman Baths
• Hotels near Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
• Hotels near Ashton Gate Stadium
• Hotels near Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Hotels near The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
• Hotels near Thornbury Castle
• Hotels near Bath Abbey
• Hotels near Bath Spa University
• Hotels near Bath Christmas Market
• Hotels near Theatre Royal Bath
• Hotels near Jane Austen Centre
• Hotels near Aztec West Business Park
• Hotels near Bristol Cathedral
• Hotels near Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
• Hotels near Pulteney Bridge
• Hotels near Bath Rugby Stadium

Global Lounge

Celebrating all cultures, building communities and inspiring social exchange

Welcome to the Global Lounge

See all of our upcoming events by checking out the full events programme.

View this weeks opening hours here.

Keep an eye on our Summer events programme, coming soon!

The Global Lounge is a multi-cultural hub in the heart of campus. It operates as both a lounge – a place to socialise, relax and enjoy collaborative working – and as a dynamic events space, where all members of the community can come together and get involved in a range of exciting cultural activities.

You can find out more about the Global Lounge on the ‘ What is the Global Lounge? ‘ page.

Check out our events

Work with us / book a space.

Campus tours

You can explore our campuses with a choice of guided, self-guided and video tours.

Explore our campuses

Can’t make one of our On Campus Open Days but want to explore our campuses for yourself? No problem. There are lots of ways to discover what's on offer here.

You can download our self-guided campus tour and visit us at a time that suits you. Or why not take a virtual tour where you'll get to discover the areas important to you from the comfort of your own home.

Virtual Tour

You don't need to visit us in person to see what's on offer here. Take a Virtual Tour of our campuses and discover it all for yourself from wherever you are.

Self-guided campus tours

Can’t make one of our open days and fancy glimpsing university life on a business as usual day? Download your tour and come and see us at a time that suits you.

Guided campus tours

Explore our campuses with a guided campus tour.

You may also be interested in

Frenchay Campus

Our main campus, a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre. Here you'll find our Students' Union, 24/7 Library, sports facilities, shops and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.

Glenside Campus

Set in picturesque grounds in Fishponds, a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre and home to our allied health, nursing and midwifery students.

City Campus

City Campus is UWE Bristol's creative and cultural industries campus made up of city centre sites at Bower Ashton, Spike Island, Arnolfini and Watershed.

• Undergraduate study
• Find a course
• Why choose Bristol?
• Accommodation
• Fees and funding
• New undergraduates
• Postgraduate study
• Find a programme
• How to apply
• New postgraduates
• International students

Undergraduate applicants

• Schools & faculties
• Business & enterprise
• People & contacts
• Current students
• Current staff

Unit and programme catalogues

• Unit catalogue
• Programme catalogue

Academic year

Search catalogues

You can use * and ? as wildcard characters to help you specify your search.

Unit catalogue 2023/24

Units (modules) are the building blocks of a programme (course) and are either mandatory (core) or optional (elective) for a particular programme.

Programme catalogue 2023/24

A programme (course) is a specified structure of study which leads to an award (degree, diploma or certificate).

Study at Bristol

Find out about undergraduate study and postgraduate study at Bristol.

See our approval process for information on revising and setting up new units and programmes .

University of Bristol, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000

Information for

Connect with us.

More social media

• Students' Union
• Sport, exercise and health
• Find a researcher
• Faculty research
• Impact of our research
• Research quality and assessment
• Engaging with the public

About the University

• Maps and travel
• Tours and visits
• The University on film
• Explore the city of Bristol

Support the University

• Alumni and friends
• Working at Bristol
• Job listings

A–Z of the University

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy and cookie policy
• © 2002-2016 University of Bristol

14 brilliant things to do in Bristol

B ristol is bursting with things to do: from trips in the air (ballooning) to boat tours around the harbour; from cutting-edge art galleries and theatres and brazen street art to a myriad of museums and numerous diversions for children; and from brilliant markets and festivals to wondrous feats of engineering. 

What's more, for sports lovers, the city has two football league teams (City and Rovers), a rugby team (Bristol Bears), and is home to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. No wonder the poet John Betjeman once referred to Bristol as the most 'interesting' city in England. Here are a dozen ways to get a feel of the place. 

For further  Bristol  inspiration visit our guides to the city's best hotels ,  restaurants  and nightlife . If planning a longer trip, explore our guide to the perfect holiday in  Somerset .

Harbourside

Imagine the magic of brunel.

The immersive Brunel Museum, marks the greatest achievements of the Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It’s hard by one of his most striking creations, the beautifully restored SS Great Britain – make sure to see that as well – and not far from another, Clifton Suspension Bridge. Various rooms examine his life as an engineer, entrepreneur and celebrity, but also his failures; head into 'Brunel’s Mind' for something a bit different. 

Insider tip: For those wanting to discover what life was like for sailors on board the SS Great Britain, try the hands-on, climb-the-rigging experience. It’ll test your nerve and head for heights.

Contact: ssgreatbritain.org

Get curious about science

Known for making science accessible and fun, the aptly named We The Curious science centre – run by an educational charity and housed in one of Brunel’s old goods sheds – remains closed following a roof fire in 2022. It’s set to re-open in early 2024 and is must-see for families as the exhibits are both novel and excitingly immersive. There’s also a 3D planetarium. 

Insider tip: Seek out a member of the Live Science Team; they are a mine of information and include astrophysicists, palaeontologists, biologists and musicians.

Contact: wethecurious.org

Immerse yourself in the past

M Shed , a 1950s former transit shed, dominated by four massive cargo cranes, houses a captivating and thoughtful insight into Bristol’s past – and present – capturing what makes it tick and its independent spirit. Three floors offer an evocative picture of “Life, People and Places”, including those who shaped the city (authors, inventors, engineers and political reformers). Elsewhere, discover about everything from the slave trade and past industries (chocolate to tobacco) to boycotts, festivals and the Blitz.

Insider tip: Add another dimension to your trip with a (free) behind-the-scenes tour (Tue-Sat) to see some of the items not in the regular collection with a visit to the L Shed next door.

Contact:   bristolmuseums.org.uk

Price: Free

St Philip’s Marsh

Get lost in an imaginary world.

Wake the Tiger is a hugely imaginative immersive art experience – terrific for kids and adults. Dubbed an “Amazement Park” and set on an old industrial estate, it features 27 different creative environments with soundscapes, secret passageways, artwork and installations. Visually clever and tricksy, Wake the Tiger is certainly different as visitors encounter various imaginary worlds – think of it like a massive film set – one dreamt up, perhaps, by Peter Jackson, Terry Gilliam and David Lynch. 

Insider tip: Take your time – there really is a lot to experience and if you look hard enough you’ll find new avenues to explore. 

Contact: wakethetiger.com

Price: ££ 

Catch a play at the oldest theatre in Britain

The Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in Britain, has some terrific productions throughout the year. A recent renovation in the timber and glass-fronted foyer has also brilliantly revealed the original auditorium brick façade – built in 1766 – for the first time. On stage, expect everything from challenging new theatre to established works, comedy, dance, children’s shows and Christmas plays (and Mark Rylance makes his Old Vic debut in 2020). 

Insider tip: For a great fringe option, look out for productions at the Wardrobe Theatre  in Old Market with a mix of theatre, story-telling, puppetry and family shows; it shares a building with the Old Market Assembly pub, which has an excellent food menu.

Contact: bristololdvic.org.uk

Make the most of the markets

With its impressive Georgian architecture, St Nicholas Market or 'St Nicks' is home to an array of permanent stalls selling everything from from second hand books to classic reggae, blues and punk LPs, bike equipment, jewellery and children’s toys. There are some terrific food stalls too, offering the likes of pies, Moroccan dishes, ice creams and cakes. Also head to the eco-aware Tobacco Factory Market in Southville on Sundays with artisan breads, fresh fish, Jamaican food, paintings, children's clothes and more. Look out too for BoxHall in Welsh Back in the summer. Two disused dockside warehouses have been converted into a version of London’s BoxParks with seven restaurants and a food hall and the venue will also offer a showcase for local musicians. 

Insider tip: Look out for the occasional Friday night St Nick’s market, here with street food vendors, musicians, and performers. The Over Here 'stall' sells t-shirts from local makers, such as Mild West Heroes. 

Contacts:   stnicholasmarketbristol.co.uk ;  tobaccofactory.com

City Centre

Experience the creativity and inclusivity of a renowned venue.

After a £130 million refurbishment, the Bristol Beacon will finally re-open in November 2023 – it was formerly known as Colston Hall, a name which long attracted controversy because of the association with local 16th/17th century merchant Edward Colston and his links to the slave trade. The Beacon, which has some events on now, will offer three main music spaces: the Beacon Hall (with a capacity of 2,000), the Victorian Lantern Hall and the intimate cellar (200). It will further enhance the city’s strong music credentials with a diverse selection of performances and acts. 

Contact: bristolbeacon.org 

Floating Harbour

Get on board a river cruise.

Experience a sense of Bristol’s bustling maritime past with a trip around the Floating Harbour with Bristol Packet Boat Trips. They have four boats –  Tower Belle and Narrowboat Redshank are the oldest and have most character – and the trip to go for is the City Docks Tour, which reveals the origins of the city and how it has changed from its old trading days. There are also (less frequent) trips to Bath and the Avon Gorge.

Insider tip: Take a summer trip up the River Avon on the boat for lunch at Beese’s Riverside Bar . Look out for swans nesting in spring in the manmade marshland opposite the SS Great Britain landing point.

Contact: bristolpacket.co.uk

Enjoy the view from the top

At various times the site of the Clifton Observatory has been an Iron Age hill fort and a windmill, but since 1828, it has been home to the observatory and then the home of the Camera Obscura, which was originally installed by the artist William West; turn the wooden handle to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Descend into the natural limestone Giants Cave for a spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. 

Insider tip: Sunsets are quite something from the excellent 360 glass café’s rooftop terrace (with more views of Brunel’s bridge); it’s a great place to see the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in August, when the café opens especially early. 

Contact: cliftonobservatory.com

College Green – Stokes Croft

Take a crash course in street art and graffiti history.

Explore Bristol’s inspired street art with an expert, which you’ll do by going out with Where The Wall. Their aim is to give a 'contemporary culture experience' about the home turf of Banksy and more than 30 years of street and graffiti art history and the guides (street documenters, Banksy fans and artists) do that with ease. The tour begins on College Green and ends in Stokes Croft; an added bonus is that new street works by various artists appears all the time.

Insider tip:  Three times a month Where The Wall has a 'spray session' – your chance to practise stencilling. 

Contact: wherethewall.com

Tour times:  Sat at 11am, with more dates during the week in holidays and half-terms 

Price:  £

See photo exhibitions in Bristol's creative quarter

The Martin Parr Foundation, brainchild of the acclaimed documentary photographer, is housed in a new-build at Paintworks, the live/work creative hub south of the river. This neat gallery displays photography that focuses on and perfectly captures life on the British Isles – five exhibitions a year from various photographers – and also preserves Parr’s own immense archive of collected works. Right opposite is the expansive new home of the Royal Photographic Society,  which stages regular exhibitions and events.

Insider tip: Take out a supporter membership for the Martin Parr Foundation and you will get a tour of the gallery with Parr. Stop off for a coffee, a drink or a bite at the atmospheric BocaBar at the entrance to Paintworks.

Contact: martinparrfoundation.org

Stoke Bishop

Lose yourself in a secret garden.

Something of a hidden gem, the University of Bristol Botanic Garden is set  in a compact 3.2 acres and is described by the current curator as a place of 'science, learning, intrigue and fun.' Every possible space is given over to plants, shrubs and trees of all shapes and sizes as it engagingly tells the story of their evolution, taking in everything from Mediterranean and Australian flora to Chinese medicinal herbs; there’s a charming café, too.

Insider tip: Look out for the weekly notice board by the entrance, which tells what to see in the garden: autumn colours, say, or peonies in May. Don’t tread on the fruit of the ginkgo tree – they smell of sick.

Contact: botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk

Take to the skies

The last Concorde ever built might be the go-to attraction at Aerospace Bristol, but there is a whole lot else to get stuck into at a museum that recalls Britain’s achievements in the air and showcases the role played by the Bristol site in Britain’s aviation history. There are restored and replica planes, helicopters and missiles and lots of interactive options. The gift shop is imaginatively stocked with goodies such as Airfix kits.

Insider tip: Go to the balcony above supersonic Concorde and walk around to the front of the plane – it’s the best selfie spot in the museum. Chat to the volunteers, many of whom have worked on Concorde.

Contact:   aerospacebristol.org

Take a walk on the dark side

Going by the grimly persuasive title of Blood and Butchery in Bedminster, this weekly walking tour hosted by the Show of Strength Theatre company takes in tales of grave robbers, body snatchers, hanging judges and the city’s place in the Brinks-Mat gold heist in 1983 via the involvement of local gangster John Palmer, aka “Goldfinger.” If you like a bit of gruesome history, this two-hour tour has it by the bucket load. The company also runs other walks, among them Blood, Blackbeard and Buccaneers around Harbourside and Saint and Sinners in St George.

Insider tip: The Tour ends at the Hen and Chicken on North Street, which apart from good food and drink puts on live shows from comedy to music. 

Contact: showofstrength.org.uk

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.