| Important Information about London to Bristol Day Trip | |
|---|---|
| Duration of Trip | 1 Day |
| Best Time to visit | Mar-Jun & Sep-Nov |
| Type of Trip | Road Trip |
| Best Route | via M4 |
| What is Bristol Famous for | Art, Culture & Cafe |
Plan Day Trip from London to Bristol
Looking for one-day trips from London to picture-perfect castles, historical landmarks, charming countryside villages, and stunning coastal cliffs? If yes, then one of the most amazing day trips from London is to Bristol. It is a large, lively, and artsy city in the southwest of England. There is no wonder that you’ll fall in love with Bristol after you discover its rich history, maritime legacy, top-notch restaurants with plenty of other tourist attractions.
Bristol is around 171 km west of London on the River Avon, and the journey only takes between 2 to 2.5 hours by car. So, whether you’re thinking of a half-day or full-day trip, you can book a rental car and drive to Bristol from London downtown. Bristol is so much more than an eclectic city. One can explore plenty of natural beauty that surrounds it from an Avon gorge to a lounge hilltop park. It is also home to Temple Meads, which is one of the world’s operating train stations. This and more makes Bristol a great place to explore.
You’ll be overwhelmed by the number of places to see and things to do in just one day in Bristol. Also a trip to Bristol means you can look forward to seeing some amazing street art wherever you go in the city. Being the home to Bansky the world-famous street artist., the vibrancy of Bristol can be witnessed through the graffiti murals all around. For someone who loves street art won’t be disappointed here.
Best Places to visit in Bristol
There are so many great places to see in Bristol, but with just a single day to spare, you can visit the following easy to access places. All these attractions can even be done in half a day if you want to return to the city for an evening show or any dinner reservations. Be sure to check out this post for top attraction recommendations and places to eat to help plan your day trip to Bristol.
1 Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Popular for: iconic Victorian bridge breathtaking views
Start your trip from the truly impressive sight of Clifton Suspension Bridge, which crosses the River Avon over a dramatic Avon gorge one of the largest hanging bridges in the world. The Victorian-era landmark offers majestic views of the neighborhood and an incredible sunset. You can soak in the scene from the Clifton Observatory hill, a lookout tower in a 1766 windmill. It offers one of the most amazing and capturing scenery to people of all ages.
2 Brunel’s SS Great Britain
- Popular for: Bristol’s Maritime History, a living museum
One of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most iconic ships in the world for its innovative design. Designed by Brunel, it remains the longest passenger ship in the world during the 19th century. If you’re traveling to Bristol for the first time, then visiting Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a must. To visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain, one needs to buy tickets online in advance if you don’t already have a membership. Everyone will also need to pre-book a timed admission slot for their visit.
3 Cabot Tower
- Known for: Spectacular views from the top of 108 narrow steps
Cabot Tower is a 105-foot-tall tower, located in a public park on Brandon Hill- a true oasis in the middle of the city. Cabot Tower honors John Cabot’s famous voyage from Bristol to North America in 1497. On your day trip from London to Bristol, head to this symbol for an unforgettable panorama and make sure to climb the tower. However, it requires a steep hike to reach the viewing platform, but the reward is spectacular panoramas. Also it’s free, so why not.
4 Wander around the Old City
- Known for: Street food, freshly baked pies
To satisfy your food cravings, head to the Old City, where you will find plenty of eateries to choose from. Check out the Glass Arcade at St Nicholas Markets for a light bite on the go or look for cafes, top quality street food, and fresh-baked pies at this oldest market in Bristol.
A stroll around the Old City provides many photo ops opportunities at every corner. You can also check out the Cosy Club, while on Corn Street. This cocktail bar/restaurant is nestled in one of the most awesome buildings in the Old Town and has done a really great job of making it feel fun and welcoming.
5 Bristol Cathedral
- Known for: Gothic architecture dating back to the 1100s
Officially the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Bristol Cathedral, is the Church in the city of Bristol. This absolutely stunning and historic Cathedral is located on College Green in the West End of the city. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the few leading examples of authentic German Gothic architecture.
On Saturdays, the Church also organizes guided tours, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting Bristol on a weekend.
Best Places to Eat in Bristol
Honestly, there is nowhere better than Bristol for an unpretentious and fine dining experience. This city’s fondness for only the most authentic restaurant offers great eating establishments for visitors. So, whether its street food or fancy restaurants you are after, you will get it in Bristol. Check out the following places for a light bite or full-fledged lunch on your London to Bristol road trip.
- Bravas: tapas bar and restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine
- Swoon Gelato: for most authentic Italian gelato
- Bianchi’s: impeccable Italian food with an incredible wine list
- La Marina: authentic southern Italian cuisine overlooking the marina
- The Ox: Quality steak at affordable prices
One of the many best things in Bristol is how you only need a 45 minutes drive, and technically you will be in a new country or drive for just about 90 minutes and be in a stunning town- Devon.
What this means is, if you are done exploring Bristol, you can either go back to London or you can plan another small trip from Bristol to make your journey more interesting.