Terminal Drop-Off Charge

A £5 charge now applies to vehicles dropping off passengers at the designated drop-off zones, located directly outside the terminals. Discounts and exemptions will apply. Free drop-off will be available at the Long Stay car parks.

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    • Bristol

    Bristol travel guide

    View United Kingdom travel guide View England travel guide

    Overview

    A holiday in Bristol, England's largest seaport, is guaranteed to be memorable as the city is bursting with things to see and do. Some of the sights are quite unique, like the graffiti of local street artist Banksy and the restored Victorian ocean liner, SS Great Britain.

    Bristol has a vibrant nightlife, exciting shopping, and a fascinating maritime heritage that is preserved and showcased in the lively Old Harbour area. Visiting Bristol also presents opportunities for excursions to all the popular tourist destinations of Southwest England.

    The River Avon winds picturesquely through the bustling city centre of Bristol, and has played a key role in the development of the city as a major English commercial port. Surrounded by a charming hilly landscape and the spectacular, ice-carved Avon Gorge, Bristol is a scenic mix of history, commerce, and culture.

    The city contains a mishmash of architecture, spanning over 400 years, much of which has been rebuilt, destroyed, relocated, or vandalised over time. Today, few of the city's earliest treasures remain, particularly because Bristol was severely blitzed during World War II.

    Although there is little to no visible evidence of Bristol's 11th-century origins, the city is not devoid of character by any means, and there has been an attempt to restore the remaining jewels, evident in the beautiful Queen and Portland Squares.

    There are plenty of Georgian and Victorian churches, buildings, and monuments to be seen and the city's strong maritime history remains palpable. Modern Bristol is known for its many artists and eco-activists and is carving out a vibrant and unique identity.

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    English Pronounciation

    Bristol's climate is unpredictable, much like the rest of the United Kingdom. Situated in the southwest of the country and sheltered largely by Exmoor and the Mendip Hills, Bristol is in fact one of the UK's warmest cities.

    Summers are usually sunny and warm, while winters are cold and wet. Summer days, however, can start out overcast and damp, clearing later. In summer, temperatures average between 53°F (12°C) and 71°F (22°C); and in winter, temperatures average between 37°F (3°C) and 48°F (9°C). Rain is possible in any season, but late-autumn and winter are the wettest seasons.

    The best time to travel to Bristol is during the summer (June to August) when it is usually warm and sunny. Winters are wet, but comparatively mild temperature-wise. A good time to plan a short break in Bristol is at the end of July when the popular Harbour Festival takes place, one of the largest free events in England with music on five stages, street theatre, markets, and a fireworks display.

    Bristol International Airport
    Location: The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of Bristol city centre.
    Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
    Getting to the city: Bristol Airport Flyer Express buses depart for the city centre (including the train station) around the clock, every ten minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes off-peak. It costs around £8 for a one-way ticket. Taxis are also available outside the terminal. Uber, and other similar mobile app-based taxi services are also available.
    Car Rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and National, among others.
    Airport Taxis: Arrow Cars taxis are available all day and night at the airport, located outside the terminal building. Passengers can visit the booking desk where they will be quoted a fixed fare and allocated a taxi. Payment can be made by card at the booking desk, or by cash to the driver.
    Facilities: Facilities at Bristol Airport include a bureau de change, ATM, bars, restaurants, shops, an executive lounge, and tourist information desk. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance.
    Parking There is short and long-term car parking available. Spaces can be pre-booked via the airport website. The short stay and pick up parking lot costs £2 for the first 20 minutes and £7 for the first hour. The Silver Zone car park is the cheapest long-stay option, if you book online it can cost as little as £3.75 per day.
    Website: www.bristolairport.com

    Bristol is an easy city to negotiate on foot, with plenty of attractions close to one another. There are, however, taxis, trains, and an extensive bus network, and Uber and similar mobile app-based taxi services are also available.

    There are plenty of car rental agencies as well, though the city centre can get congested and hiring a car is probably only worthwhile if travelling beyond the city. Bristol is a popular place for cyclists and, despite plenty of hills, the city has excellent urban bike routes. The Bristol Ferry Boat is a fun and relaxing way to explore the city; it offers leisure and commuter services in the harbour.

    Bristol has something to offer visitors of all ages, but will particularly appeal to families and twenty-somethings keen on the vibrant street culture. Younger travellers will enjoy the nightlife of this lively university city.

    Bristol's busy city centre contains a number of excellent museums, galleries, parks, and churches, including the Bristol Cathedral. As a hub of creativity and alternative culture, exhibitions and projects are always on the go, and the city's tourism industry is rapidly expanding for good reason. Known as the birthplace of trip hop, which emerged in the 1990s, Bristol's music scene is still thriving with a variety of events for all tastes.

    Bristol's green lung has long been the Downs. Over 400 acres of grassland stretching from Avon Gorge to the Victorian-built suburbs of the city, and locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy the peace and quiet they offer.

    Other great sights in the city include the Bristol Zoo and Gardens, and the Bristol Clifton Observatory, near the eye-catching Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge. The diversity and muddled history of the city make it well worth the visit, and it is also a convenient distance from the nearby city of Bath, as well as the fascinating site of Stonehenge.

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