What to do and see in Bristol, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

September 15, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

Bristol is a quirky British city with beautiful hilly vistas and plenty of historic sights to explore. Anyone interested in ships will have a blast aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great oceanliner, and the Matthew, a replica of the ship upon which John Cabot sailed to America in the 15th century. The graceful Clifton Suspension Bridge is another must-see.
Restaurants in Bristol

1. Wills Memorial Building

Wills Memorial Building Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RJ England +44 117 954 5219 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/willstowertours
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 494 reviews

Wills Memorial Building

Take a tour of the Bristol University Wills Memorial building and meet the 7th largest bell in the UK, as well as being there when the famous Great George strikes. Whilst on the tour, you can climb to the top of the 68m tower and see the panoramic views of Bristol. You will also visit the Great Hall, the Library, the Old Council Chamber and the Reception Room. The tours are held on Saturdays , Prices Visitors: £5 Students and Senior Citizens: Group bookings and Evening tours are available upon request.

Reviewed By remshall - London, United Kingdom

A very enjoyable tour which lasted about an hour and a half made even better by a great knowledgeable and humorous guide aided by two assistants.An interesting and beautiful building with superb views of Bristol and the surrounding area(unfortunately rather wet and misty when we visited).They make the most of the Harry Potter connection. Highly recommended but try to do it on a fine day to appreciate the views.

2. St James Priory

Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NZ England +44 117 929 9100 [email protected] http://www.stjamespriory.org.uk
Excellent
81%
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5.0 based on 81 reviews

St James Priory

St James Priory is the oldest church in Bristol dating from 1129.Originally a Benedictine Priory it has survived the ravages of change,the Reformation,wars and time. St James still survives as a jewel in the crown of Bristol. Although hidden away it is a haven of peace and serenity in the middle of the city centre. Between 2009 and 2011the church was completely renovated and restored following a grant of £3.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A warm, friendly and relaxing cafe adjoins the Church at the east end.

Reviewed By 170carolines - Cheltenham, United Kingdom

This was a real find. Arrived at Bristol Bus Station, after a few days in Glastonbury with half an hour between bus and onward coach, and set off to find a café which would fill my flask. The first place I encountered was St James Priory, which I had never noticed before but which is the oldest building in Bristol (12th century). Seeing they had a café (yippee), I entered through the church door and rustled down the aisle in my waterproof trousers, following the signs to the café. The food looked scrumptious and the cakes very imaginative (gluten and dairy-free Almond and Cardamom!), but I didn’t have time to eat. The lady on duty filled my flask with a single shot milky latte (and gave me a discount for ‘having my own cup’) – and it proved to be one of the most delicious lattes I have had anywhere. I left by another door, only to discover that the café entrance is just a stone’s throw away from the main door of the bus station. What a fabulous discovery after years of braving their ghastly cafes (and now there isn't one at all). I will definitely be back, not just to sample the food, but also to spend time in the lovely peaceful Priory church.

3. Smoke & Mirrors

8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ England +44 117 929 0362 [email protected] http://www.smokeandmirrorsbar.com
Excellent
87%
Good
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5.0 based on 1,133 reviews

Smoke & Mirrors

Smoke & Mirrors theatre pub, home to The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show, and is open 6 days a week. Our warm and welcoming bar staff will provide you with the very best in fine wines, so why not grab a pizza and watch a show? Our Pub is the best way to experience a night of entertainment whether you are attending one of our shows or one of the many theatres nearby we are the go-to pub for great drink & food before any show in Bristol. Being located right next to the Stage Door of the Hippodrome you can be sure that the cast and crew might be having a relaxing drink while our entertainers entertain them for a change from our Close-Up Magician performing right at your table or our House Musicians singing all the classics every weekend, you'll know that Smoke & Mirrors is the best-hidden Gem in Bristol and of course, we always have local ales always on tap!

Reviewed By C317KIdebbies - Bristol, United Kingdom

Brilliant intimate venue, excellent magicians and comedy show, laughing all night, Bastian was very impressive and funny with his bar side magic and Mark Bennett was hilarious and got all the audience involved, very attentive, a great act... loved it sooo much. Went for daughter's birthday and he made her feel very special. The pizzas were hot and tasty and drinks and bar service spot on...music was cool and everything was fabulous and will definitely return... you must go. Thanks to all for a great night.

4. Bristol Activity Centre

Hollywood Lane Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7TW England +44 117 935 3300 [email protected] http://www.bristolactivitycentre.co.uk
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 831 reviews

Bristol Activity Centre

Bristol Activity centre is the provider of action packed days out, and memorable weekends! Activities include Paintball for 12+, Mini paintball for ages 8+, Quad Trekking, Clay pigeon shooting, Axe and Knife Throwing, Archery, and also Airsoft on our former British Army base.

Reviewed By B6170VDlukeg

Had an excellent time doing both axe throwing and clay pigeon, thoroughly enjoyed both activities and they where made better by the brilliant instructor Dave who was great with us through out ... Thanks again, make sure Dave gets a few beers ???? top guy ????????

5. Bristol Street Art Tours

Excellent
92%
Good
7%
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5.0 based on 788 reviews

Bristol Street Art Tours

Discover the street art home of Banksy and explore over 30 years of street art and graffiti art history in a unique British city. Hear stories about Banksy, his clever methods of avoiding the authorities, and get to know the artists that formed this global street art movement all of whom originated in Bristol. There are over 50 street art paintings to enjoy on this tour: a special opportunity to delve deep into Bristol's creative-culture. This is the only genuine Bristol Street Art Tour that's run to support the artists and Bristol's creative culture. See more details on the WHERETHEWALL Facebook page or WHERETHEWALL website.

6. Puzzlair Escape Rooms - Bristol

39 Midland Road, Bristol BS2 0JT England +44 7707 575555 [email protected] http://puzzlair.co.uk
Excellent
93%
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5.0 based on 1,494 reviews

Puzzlair Escape Rooms - Bristol

Having yourself trapped in a room doesn`t have to mean that Jigsaw is around! Your are just visiting Puzzlair that will engage you with a unique form of entertainment in Bristol! We give you a 60 minute real life- escape room experience in a safe environment- pump you up with adrenaline and let you push your limits as far as you can! Test your capabilities, challenge yourself! Find the hidden clues and be a part of your team working out the puzzles! Get in to get out! Can you escape? Your group of 2-5 people have 60 minutes to decode the clues hidden in one of the game rooms before the clock hits zero. The games are cleverly designed to test all aspects of problem solving. It's all about teamwork, mental dexterity and thinking outside the box. Or simply just get together with your friends and family, search, combine, interact, solve some logic tasks and have a hilarious time with us!

Reviewed By amyJ371MN

we did the al capone game which was a great game! also really friendly staff :) emily was super helpful.

7. SUP Bristol

Excellent
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5.0 based on 411 reviews

SUP Bristol

Try stand up paddleboarding with SUP Bristol and see Bristol Floating Harbour from a brand new perspective. SUP Bristol offers a host of exciting activities for locals and visitors alike. Sample the basics or explore the exciting waterways of Bristol Harbourside - with our expert and enthusiastic instructors to show you the ropes. Paddle alongside the famous Matthew, float in the shadow of SS Great Britain and wave your paddle at passing hot air balloonists. Stand up paddleboarding is fun, safe and easy to learn - you'll be standing up before you know it! Book your taster session or harbourside adventure online or contact us to book a paddle for your group or event. Taster Sessions Monday and Thursday, 1.5 hours, 18:30, £25 Book online Harbourside Adventures: Saturdays, 11:00 and 14:00, 2.5 hours, £35 Book online Bespoke Group Sessions: Every day to suit your group. Contact us

8. Little Kitchen Cookery School

32 Oxford Street Totterdown, Bristol BS3 4RJ England +44 7515 392436 [email protected] http://www.little-kitchen.co.uk/
Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 147 reviews

Little Kitchen Cookery School

Little Kitchen is a Bristol based, specialist cookery school, providing a relaxed, well equipped cooking environment, offering a variety of workshops for adults and children, as well as hen Parties and team building classes. We also offer fresh meal kits every Friday, for collection from our premises. Book your workshop or meal kit online today!

Reviewed By 361diannel

the class was well organised and well set out. My husband and I loved the bread making class and the cinnamon buns were delicious. I suggest a white board is needed to write the recipes on so bakers can see the difference in quantities, I look forward to going on another course soon.

9. Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour

Excellent
95%
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5.0 based on 1,083 reviews

Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour

This wonderful tour takes you through 1000 years of Bristol's history. Stroll through the old Saxon town and beautiful harbourside whilst seeing the best Street Art in the city. Experience the city through the eyes of local historians/artists who will show you the highlights of Bristol's culture and history in this fascinating 2 hour tour. Usually running Thurs-Sun, meeting 11:30 - Please check website for up to date listings, and to book in advance.

10. Locked In A Room

Buidling 11 Explore Lane Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TY England +44 117 929 1759 [email protected] http://www.lockedinaroom.co.uk/bristol/
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 1,490 reviews

Locked In A Room

Locked In A Room is home to the UK's largest escape venues! You and your team have an hour to crack a series of intriguing, challenging puzzles and clues that combine to unlock your rooms mystery and (hopefully!) a successful escape. Few activities plunge you into an atmospheric world like Locked In A Room does; It is pure escapism. We are located in the heart of Bristol, slap bang in the middle of the Harbourside's restaurant and bars. It's the ideal location for any outing, be it a work do, hen do, stag do, birthday or family outing!

Reviewed By Plummers1506 - Somerset, United Kingdom

What a great night out . We were welcomed by Cal and the perfect man for the job - enthusiastic and explained everything clearly . The clues were very clever and sometimes a bit tricky and even though we didn’t “escape “ my work colleagues escaped theirs. Would definitely do it again and would recommend to anyone . Our age range was 17 to 71 and great for all

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