Top Bristol Historical Tours

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.

Experience Oxford and the Cotswolds with a guide to show you around these historic English sights on a driving tour. Walk the cobbled streets and soak up the historic architecture of Oxford before riding out to see the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Travel to and from Bristol in a comfortable Mercedes mini-coach with a driver to navigate for you.

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.

These tickets allow all-day access to the iconic steamship, dockyard and two museums at Bristol Dockyards. Sitting proudly on the glass ‘sea’, SS Great Britain dominates Bristol’s historic waterfront. Dressed with flags and ready for departure, just as the ship looked when it was launched in 1843, our friendly team are ready to welcome visitors on board. The ship, designed by Britain's most iconic engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, has been painstakingly restored to recreate Victorian life at sea on the world’s first great luxury liner. Climb aboard and explore scenes so life-like you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. There are two fascinating museums, as well as the dry dock, where the ship was originally built, to explore, providing hours of engrossing wonder.

We are the only tour company with access to Bristol's secret underground Air Raid Shelters! Discover Bristol's subterranean Raid Shelter, explore the historic Old Town and experience the nation's No.1 covered market. Join us for an experience you'll never forget. Our local guides will take you on a unique tour from the height of Bristol's trading past through the swinging 60's to the city's vibrant present. Enjoy privileged access to subterranean passageways, WW11 air raid shelters and rooms which once rocked to the best bands in the world. Once you've been fascinated and amazed, you'll be spoilt for choice with places to eat, drink and pick up the best local gifts to take back as a lasting reminder of your stay in Bristol.

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.

Explore Bristol with a local guide to discover the story of Isambard Brunel, the Bristol local who was revered for his engineering prowess. In a small-group tour that’s capped at eight people, you’ll explore the city by vehicle, stopping at the landmarks linked to Brunel’s past. The steam ship SS "Great Britain," Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brunel’s Statue, and Clifton Seawalls are among the sights.

Discover the haunted side of London on a virtual ghost tour that reveals haunted houses, cemeteries, and harrowing historic tales. A great way to learn more about London without leaving the security of your own home, this tour includes an array of interesting details from your guide. Plus, interactive quizzes keep you engaged and ensure you don’t get bored. All tour times are in the British Summer Time timezone.

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.

An annual pass to Glenside Hospital Museum allows visitors to return unlimited times within 12 months.

Bristol‘s Old Market is at the centre of the city’s story, from its time as a medieval trade destination, to the vibrant cultural hub it is today. On this walking tour, you‘ll explore Bristol‘s oldest neighbourhood and find out what makes this area unique. You’ll pass coaching inns, hidden priest holes, independent breweries and music venues, each with their own fascinating layers of history and culture. The tour starts at Castle Bridge, where you‘ll hear about Bristol‘s Anglo-Saxon origins and how the city got its name. You‘ll walk through Castle Park, find remnants of Bristol Castle‘s curtain wall, and discover how this once-mighty fortress shaped the surrounding area. In the Old Market itself, you’ll see where trading has taken place for almost a thousand years.

Tour Bristol with a guide to provide narration without having to adhere to anyone else's schedule by opting for an app-based tour. You'll still get all sorts of insider commentary as you explore the oldest parts of the city. This tour has a heavy pub focus, and you'll be pointed to some of the best spots in town to sample local beer.

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 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.

Bristol's rich history and vibrant culture come alive on this private walking tour led by a local guide. Discover the city's transformation from a medieval trading hub to a cultural center, while exploring famous sites and hidden gems. Hear fascinating stories about pirates like Blackbeard and artists like Banksy, and visit iconic landmarks such as Bristol Cathedral and Pero's Bridge. Experience Bristol in a personalized way with flexible meeting points and a pace that suits you. - Private walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide - Explore key landmarks including Bristol Cathedral, Queen Square, and more - Discover captivating stories about Bristol's history and culture - Flexible timing and meeting points tailored to your needs

Have fun exploring Bristol while learning about its art, culture, and history with this app-based scavenger hunt. Solve problems whilst learning about the city as you visit highlights including Bristol Cathedral, the harbor, and the Cabot Tower. Once the app is downloaded on your phone, you can access it whenever you want, so you can dip in and out of the experience as you please.

From Minack Theatre to Durdle Door, Stonehenge to St Ives, you won't believe the beauty of Cornwall and Devon. The beauty in this part of Great Britain truly is something to marvel at. From the peaceful seaside town of St Ives to the intriuging mystery that is Stonehenge, you're going to love this this part of the world steeped in myths and legends.  You get a bit of everything on this tour. Small, beautiful towns. Stunning coastlines. Dramatic castles. Fascinating history. Unfathomable structures - both natural and man (and woman) made.  What are you waiting for? Join us on this four day tour and see what you've been missing.

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.

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.

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.

Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional architectural and urban design which includes the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and the Abbey. We're offering you an afternoon private walking tour of the city. Your guide is born and raised in Bath and give you the insider's perspective!

Journey from Bristol into the heart of Wales on this unforgettable small-group day tour, designed to showcase the country’s most iconic sights in one seamless experience. Discover Caerphilly Castle, the largest fortress in Wales, where dramatic towers, vast moats, and medieval engineering bring history vividly to life. Step into Welsh heritage at the St Fagans National Museum of History, an award-winning open-air museum that tells the story of Wales through centuries of daily life. Take in the breathtaking scenery of Brecon Beacons National Park, with its rolling mountains and sweeping views, before enjoying free time in the charming market town of Brecon. With a knowledgeable local guide, insider stories, and small group sizes for a more personal and relaxed experience, this tour is perfect for travellers who want authentic culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history - all in one day.