Location: Bristol
Top Things to do in Bristol
10 Things to Do in Bristol That You Shouldn't Miss
Bristol is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 23 miles (37 km) northeast of Center City Philadelphia, opposite Burlington, New Jersey on the Delaware River. Bristol was first incorporated in 1720. After 1834, the town became very important to the development of the American Industrial Revolution as the terminus city of the Delaware Canal providing greater Philadelphia with the days High Tech Anthracite fuels from the Lehigh Canal via Easton. The canal and a short trip on the Delaware also gave the town access to the mineral resources available in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York via each of the Morris Canal, the Delaware and Hudson Canal, and the Delaware and Raritan Canal, and connected the community to those markets and trade from New York City. These were among the factors spurring development of Bristol and nearby towns, explaining in part the industries which developed in the region.
Restaurants in Bristol
1. Bristol Riverside Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Bristol Riverside Theatre (BRT) is a professional regional theatre in the historic district of Bristol Borough. The theatre, located in a renovated movie house, combines the excitement of a large stage with the intimacy of a 300-seat theater, along with outstanding lighting and sound technology. Since 1986, BRT has brought consistently acclaimed professional theater to Bucks County and maintained a long-term commitment to finding and developing new plays. Now in its 30th season, the theatre has grown to produce over 200 performances every year, including five Mainstage productions, three presented events, a summer music fest series, a play reading series, and a Christmas concert.
Reviewed By Safetyguy_328 - Yardley, Pennsylvania
Third time here. Every seat is satisfactory. Theater is small and cozy, acoustics were good both prior visits. Not hard to get tickets a few weeks in advance. Price is fair and inexpensive compared to NYC.Hope to see you again soon! Thanks so much for the great review.
2. Third State Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By mimberani - philadelphia
The place is really great: attractive, inviting, comfortable. (clean restrooms!) The Ale I had was great. They have outdoor seating. There are places nearby that will deliver food (until the law changes and allows breweries to sell food). The bar staff are very friendly. Sometimes that have music, (blues, maybe other genres too).
3. Roebling Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
Like Batsto,NJ and even more so Smithville Park,NJ - Roebling can be added to a "must see" list for New Jersey history lovers.
1.2-square-mile town was created in the very beginning of 20th century completely from scratch by the company of a well known industrialist and architect John A. Roebling who emigrated to the United States in 1831 from Prussia. He and later also his sons constructed numerous bridges including Brooklyn Bridge, Niagara Falls, Washington Bridge and Golden Gate. Those were wire rope suspension bridges with Roebling-made wire cables. The museum exhibits explain the technology and design.
The plant no longer exists but the town still does.
Roebling Museum features informational movie and interesting exhibits showing the life of Roebling Family, the history of the plant, the engineering achievements of Roeblings. The tickets are $6 for adults. After visiting the museum one should go on a walking tour of Roebling. There are maps by the entrance door of the museum. I understand that sometimes the guided walking tours are offered but not on the August Saturday when our visit took place.
If you cannot walk through this interesting town it is even easier to drive following the map.
4. Pennsbury Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By wizlucy - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Its stepping back into history and is very affordable, Admission is $9 unless you have triple A then it's $7. Tour takes about 45 min to an hour and went with handicap friend and they were very helpful with getting her to and from so she could tour too. DId not see all the property and plan to go back
5. Clark T Carey Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
Clark T Carey Memorial Park feels like a serendipity in Florence. It is a nice urban green space with convenient parking and family-friendly area for strolling and relaxation. It offers a very beautiful view of Delaware river. The park has a boat ramp and locally the best public access to water.
6. Sesame Place
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place® is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends. Beginning November 18th, the park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around. Sing along at three special Christmas shows and a spectacular music and light show at our giant 1-2-3 Christmas Tree. Take a train ride tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory on the Sesame Place Furry Express, and don’t miss the fantastic Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade with music and dance moves that will have everyone dancing along and joining in the fun. Don’t miss the chance to meet Lightning, the adorable reindeer from the movie Elmo Saves Christmas. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is spending the holiday season with us. The lovable reindeer along with his friends Clarice, Bumble, will be available for photos with guests in Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland.
Reviewed By nycfamgal - New York
I came here with my kids (2 & 4.) They had a fun time but I probably would not go back again. We went on Father Day weekend and it was mobbed (not to mention they were running a groupon so the line to get in was hectic. Just to give you an idea of the type of place it is-- someone stole my husbands flipflops when he was in the kiddie pool and a teen looking Dad yelled at me because he thought I was skipping the entrance line (I wasn't).
However the kids enjoyed it. We did Lunch with Elmo (they get to take pictures with the characters, my 4 year old was entranced by them but the 2 year old was scared and screaming (there were a lot of screaming kids) Food is typical cafeteria food(which it to be expected) At this age though, unless your kids LOVE Elmo, this amusement park is not too different than any other park. It is good for a one time visit, just to get pictures with Elmo but I would not come back again. Also, if you come come on a cool day. It gets very hot/ the sun is beating down on you so my kids were done after less than 2 hours.
7. Arm & Hammer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
This charming stadium is the home of the AA baseball team Trenton Thunder.
Reviewed By bluejeanfood - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On a beautiful Sunday, September 3rd the Trenton Thunder AA affiliate of the New York Yankees hosted the Reading Fightin Phils AA affilate of the Philadelphia Phillies for a doubleheader. My beloved Phils won both games, and while there I enjoyed the Swine Sandwich from the Case’s Pork Roll station. The sandwich was of course Case’s pork roll topped with pulled pork, bacon, and American cheese on a Kaiser roll. It was delicious and the stadium is a great place to watch baseball. Highly recommend a visit and this sandwich. Congrats to the Trenton Thunder on an amazing season
8. Bristol Amish Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By John G - Greeley, Colorado
My daughter took me to visit the Amish market in Bristol, PA. This facility is in a large steel commercial building with a mix food vendors (Penn Dutch pretzels, cheese, fudge, kettle corn, meats, etc.), snack places and indoor and patio furniture. This is not a Lancaster style open market, but rather a very clean commercial building that houses many vendors.
A classic something for everyone place. Candles, spices and nick knack gift items in one niche. I remember seeing beef jerky, kettle corn, BBQ and even seafood. There are booths for deli items, baked goods (including a narly crumb cake) and other very unique local "farm" style food items. About half of the facility is devoted to furniture, both classic wood spartan what might be called "Shaker" style. The surprise to me was that the outdoor furniture was all made our of composite materials rather than cedar and pine.
Snack foods include brats, chicken, meat "pies", cheese steaks, soups, homemade lemonade, ice cream, donuts.
Stroll around and you will find something to take home. The facility may not be 100% family run, but it has heavy Pennsylvania Dutch influences.
9. Historic Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Michael B - New Jersey
Stopped down in Burlington, NJ while headed to Mt. Holly. My GPS brought me across the Delaware River, then back over, and that was the shortest distance. This deceptive store front leads you to a massive (old) warehouse of Antiques, art and other goodies. These are not the "fine antiques" of some store, but an awful lot of thing to check out. These are booths of a variety of sellers. One huge display cabinet from many sellers. I would doubt it has air in the summer. There is a decent restroom and the entire place is nice and clean. An awful lot of items from vintage to true antiques. Pricing is good, some better, some are up there. Again it's from a variety of sellers, so they set the price. Not sure if the prices are rock solid.
10. The Grundy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Experience Downton Abbey, Bristol-Style! Step inside the Grundy Museum and experience the life of a wealthy industrialist family in their Queen Anne-style home. The home's location along the banks of the scenic Delaware River provided the perfect place for the Grundy family to retreat after long days directing operations at the Grundy Mill. Today, the rooms are appointed as if the family has just stepped out for the afternoon. This decorative arts collection has provenance to the Grundy family. All ages are invited to take a free guided tour and learn about the life of one of the Keystone State's most powerful politicians. Don't miss the award-winning gardens and the self-guided Bristol History Trail.
Reviewed By Foodielicious2 - York, PA
The docent here must be related to my husband's family somehow because she knew the same stories about working at the mill as his relatives told him. She made the home come alive telling about the history of each family member and the changes made to the home over time. Visiting here made us feel connected with history. A great old home with interesting built in features and a delightful view of the Delaware River. Watch the parking meters on the side streets. (Free parking on the street in front of the home.)
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