Bristol on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Discover Bristol's best attractions on a budget-friendly adventure.

21 June 2023

Visitors on a limited budget can enjoy Bristol's vibrant culture and historic landmarks with affordable options. Explore the famous street art and architecture with a free walking tour or visit the city's museums and galleries for as little as £5. Indulge in affordable cuisine from local markets and street food vendors or take advantage of budget accommodations such as hostels and budget hotels.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Bristol's Best Bites

Check into the budget-friendly Brooks Guesthouse, known for its stylish decor and great location.
Start with a full English breakfast at Primrose Café, followed by a browse through St. Nicholas Market.
For lunch, try the famous pies at Pieminister. In the afternoon, visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery or the Banksy Walking Tour.
Treat yourself to dinner at the quirky The Cauldron, a Harry Potter-themed restaurant and bar.
End the night with a cocktail at The Milk Thistle, a hidden gem of a speakeasy.

Day 2

Harbourside Hopping

Start the day with a walk around the Harbourside and a breakfast burrito at Masa + Mezcal.
Hop on a ferry to Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world's first great ocean liner.
Grab a quick bite at The Spoke & Stringer, an outdoor, waterside cafe with stunning views.
In the afternoon, visit the colourful Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Observatory.
For dinner, enjoy a traditional Sunday roast at The Victoria Park pub.

Day 3

Art, Architecture, & Street Food

Begin at the award-winning Arnolfini contemporary arts center and have brunch at the café, which overlooks the river.
Take a scenic walk to the Bristol Cathedral, stopping for some street food at the St. Nicholas Night Market.
Visit the 17th-century Georgian House Museum, then try some tapas at Pata Negra.
In the evening, explore Castle Park and have a hearty meal at The Old Fish Market.

Day 4

Nature's Best

Spend the day discovering nature at the gorgeous Bristol Zoo Gardens.
Have lunch at The Hideout, a vegan cafe serving delicious, plant-based meals.
In the evening, watch a play at the Bristol Old Vic or enjoy a pint at The Shakespeare Pub.

Day 5

A Day Trip to Bath

Take a day trip to nearby Bath, visiting the famous Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre.
Have lunch at The Scallop Shell, an award-winning seafood restaurant.
Take a stroll through the Royal Victoria Park before heading back to Bristol for a farewell dinner at The Olive Shed.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bristol by plane is to fly into Bristol Airport which is approximately 8 miles from the city centre. There are direct flights available from many locations across Europe and the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Paris.

Car

The best way to get to Bristol by car is to take the M4 motorway from London or the M5 motorway from Birmingham. The journey time from London is approximately 2 hours and from Birmingham it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is recommended to use a sat nav or map to navigate the city centre.

Train

The best way to get to Bristol by train is to take a direct train from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and operates regularly throughout the day.

Boat

There is no direct boat service to Bristol, however there are many options for boat tours and river cruises available from Bristol Harbour. These provide a unique way to see the city and surrounding areas from the water.

Bus

The best way to get to Bristol by bus is to take the National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are also regular services from other UK cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff.