Top Bristol How to Get Around in 2026

From Blackbeard, the notorious pirate, through to Banksy, the globe’s #1 street artist, via Edward Colston, the slave trader whose statue fell during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, the city of Bristol has put itself on the map. Find out exactly how on this fascinating guided tour that mingles centuries of city history with vibrant street art—and leave with tips to make the most of your stay.

From Blackbeard to Banksy, Bristol is a city that’s rich in history and culture. Hear stories of pirates, pioneers, and protest from a Bristolian guide on this informative walking tour that's packed with tales and insights you won’t find in the guidebooks. See local landmarks like the cathedral, city hall, and Anchor Square, and hear the story of the enslaved African who gave his name to Pero’s Bridge.

In 2006, Bristol woke up to find a cheeky mural on a wall — and 97% of residents voted to keep it. That mural by Banksy changed how an entire city thinks about street art. This self-guided audio walking tour takes you there, and through 1,000 years of Bristol's best stories — from the pub where Blackbeard planned his raids and Defoe found Robinson Crusoe, to a medieval clock with two minute hands and where the phrase "pay on the nail" was born. Available in 9 languages with offline access, you start whenever you like, pause for a pint at a 17th-century inn, and pick up right where you left off. No group to follow, no fixed schedule — just your phone, headphones, and 14 stops across Bristol, a city reckoning honestly with its slave-trading past. Over 20,000 travellers have used our self-guided tours, and every booking comes with a full refund guarantee. If you want to explore Bristol at your own pace with stories you won't find on a signpost, this Bristol audio tour was made for you.

Reaching Oxford and the Cotswolds from Bristol by public transport means juggling trains and infrequent rural buses. Travel by Mercedes minibus with a guide and driver, starting with a walk through Oxford’s cobbled streets and historic architecture. Then, head out to explore a selection of Cotswolds villages before returning to Bristol.

Food tours are an ideal way to get a better understanding of a new city’s culture, but what if you’ve got a sweet tooth? This chocolate-centric tasting tour through Bristol and its Old Town sees a guide showing you and a group the sweeter side of the city, from the bottom of Christmas Steps to the independent traders of St. Nicholas Market.

Challenge yourself to a pirate-themed treasure hunt in Bristol, which takes place on the city streets, passing shops, pubs, sights, and some hidden gems, too. Using a web link and instructions sent to you by “Bess” after you book, you’ll explore with your personal group, following maps, solving cryptic clues, and learning about Bristol as you go.

With this fusion of a tour, treasure hunt, and outdoor escape game, you can discover Bristol’s iconic street art in a fun and immersive way. Don’t worry about following big groups around or playing with people you don’t know—this is a private and self-guided experience for your personal group that you play using a smartphone. Along the way, learn about emerging street artists, as well as the world-renowned Banksy.

Explore Bristol at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your phone. You get a clear map of all 9 stops, simple directions through Google Maps, and short audio stories you can play when you reach each location. The route covers the historic Old City and bustling Harbourside, from the Christmas Steps to Bristol Cathedral, passing sites like St John on the Wall, the Llandoger Trow pub, and the Cary Grant statue. Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore freely. No groups, no schedules. Audio and text available in 7 languages.

Dive into Bristol’s ghostly past with the help of a tour guide who’ll share historical spooky stories. This fun guided tour takes you from Bristol Cathedral to haunted pubs and historic King Street, and more. Your costumed guide is committed to their character and to making sure you’re having fun.

It’s a day of magic, imagination, and inspiration. Many have gazed upon Stonehenge and wondered how the enormous standing stones ended up like that. Some believe the wizard Merlin worked his magic to create them. Others imagine aliens are involved. While some agree it was the Romans. Standing stones constantly inspire the imagination and on this tour you get to see not just one, but two of these amazing constructs. And it doesn’t stop with these monuments. Many know the Cotswolds as a place of quintessential beauty and it’s time for you to see for yourself. From movie set locations to fascinating history, you’ll love exploring this beautiful region.

Your thrilling Cheddar adventure starts now! Solve historical mysteries, decipher ciphers, and delve into the secrets of ancient caves and artisan cheese-making. Navigate the dramatic scenery of towering cliffs and narrow roads while tracking down the famous Cheddar Man. Highlights include snapping selfies at the Lion Rock, completing the Gorge Walk, and tasting exclusive cave-matured cheese.

Bristol has an abundance of interesting buildings and landmarks—but it can take hours of research to plan a sightseeing itinerary. Save time and let someone else do the hard work instead on this guided walking tour. Get insider tips on where to see hidden artwork by Banksy and stroll past popular sights such as the Bristol Cathedral, the Bristol Old Vic, Queen Square, and Bristol City Docks.

If your time to explore Bristol is limited and you want to speed up your sightseeing, then this guided bike tour is a great choice. Enjoy riding past Bristol’s iconic landmarks on a flat and easy route, while stopping to take in interesting sights along the way—such as murals by Banksy, Bristol Floating Harbour, and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Bristol tore down a statue, left the plinth empty on purpose, and has a Banksy above a sexual health clinic — it's that kind of city. This app-led scavenger hunt takes you through central Bristol on foot, using phone-based riddles to guide you from one landmark to the next. No guide, no fixed start time. • Follow clues to Bristol Old Vic, the Empty Colston Plinth, and Banksy's Well Hung Lover — three landmarks that make the city's complicated, creative history impossible to ignore • Start whenever suits you and take all the time you need — no time limit, no pressure • Perfect for friend groups and curious travellers; photo challenges at each stop tend to spark good conversations Available in 24 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian — see the full list when booking and choose yours when you start the game in the app. Around 2 hours - any group size. Bristol has never been short of things to say — your phone has the first word.

Explore Bristol's harbourside at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour. Hidden treasures and quirky tales lie around every corner, and whether you're a first-time visitor or a curious local, this tour offers a delightful journey through the city's humorous history and lesser-known attractions. Bristol is a city brimming with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. This walking tour takes you off the beaten tourist track to reveal some of the city's best-kept secrets, from lesser-known alleyways to hidden underground vaults. Join Amanda, who has lived in Bristol for over 23 years, on the cobblestone streets of Bristol's harbourside and be transported through centuries of quirky history and architectural marvels. You'll discover some of Bristol's iconic landmarks, starting with the awe-inspiring St. Mary Redcliffe Church and the Tramway Rail Monument. As you meander, you'll pass hidden medieval alleyways and hear about ancient burial grounds.

Step back in time to the first night of the Bristol Blitz. We follow the devastation from the heart of the Old town and into Castle Park to hunt for evidence of WW2. Castle park once was filled with shops theatres and restraunts. Hear about how this was all lost in a single night. See the ruins of St. Peter's church and Temple church before we finish at the Kings Head pub. The Kings Head is a 1940's time capsule and the perfect place to discuss the tour over a pint!

This is the ideal way to see lots of important Bristol landmarks in a day and to learn about its history at the same time. Set off on a walking tour along the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and pass by Royal York Crescent, Victoria Square, the Corn Exchange, and the Christmas Steps. Along the way, hear personal stories from your Bristolian local guide, and learn fascinating insights dating back to medieval times.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s engineering landmarks are spread across Bristol, which makes them tricky to see in one visit on foot. Travel between them by vehicle with a local guide and a small group, hearing how the engineer shaped the city. Stops include the steamship SS “Great Britain,” Clifton Suspension Bridge, a statue of Brunel, and the Clifton sea walls.

Explore the waterfront of Bristol on your own time and terms with an exploration game that you can play right on your smartphone. You'll solve challenges as you visit spots such as the Bristol Marina, Brunel's SS Great Britain, Wapping Wharf, and Llandoger Trow. You can even expect to see Banksy's The Girl With Pearl Earring along the way.

See filming sights from the British television show *Only Fools and Horses* on this tour of Bristol. Exterior locations include the Batman and Robin scene, Nelson Mandela house, the wine bar, Sids Cafe, and more. As you go, listen to behind-the-scenes stories and background info about the show from a guide.

Experience Bristol through the eyes of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the man behind the Clifton Bridge, on this self-guided app tour. You'll explore the city on foot while listening to commentary from a professional tour guide, with the opportunity to move as quickly or as slowly as you see fit.

Taste your way around Bristol on this small-group food and drink tour, showcasing the city's vibrant culinary scene. With dinner and alcoholic drinks included, follow your guide to up to seven handpicked tasting stops, sampling everything from gourmet burgers to expertly crafted cocktails. Along the way, discover top independent eateries and gain insider insight into the people and stories behind them. It's the perfect way to explore hidden gems you might otherwise miss.

Discover Bristol's rich history with Helen's self-guided walking tour of the city's harborside. Led by a local expert with 25 years of experience, she'll take you through the heart of the city, showcasing its vibrant culture and fascinating past. From the ruins of the old castle to the SS Great Britain, you'll experience firsthand the transformation of the city over the centuries. With insider recommendations on the best places to visit, eat, and drink, this tour offers a unique and immersive way to explore Bristol. Our self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, take breaks when you need to, and even revisit your favourite spots. The app is designed to provide a seamless experience, with offline maps, audio commentary, and insider recommendations for you to get the most out of your visit. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to experience the city like a local, Helen's Bristol Experience is the perfect way to discover all that this vibrant city has to offer.