Things To Do In Bristol, England, 5 day travel itinerary, brief history, weather – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – Bike Paths, Campsites

March 27, 2024

Bristol, England: A City Rich in Culture and History

Bristol is a vibrant city in southwest England with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It was once a major port city and played a key role in the slave trade. Today, Bristol is a center for arts, culture, and innovation. Visitors can explore its historic sites, world-class museums, and lively street art scene.

Brief History

Bristol was founded in the 11th century and grew into a major port city by the Middle Ages. The city played a significant role in the slave trade, and its wealth is reflected in its grand Georgian architecture. Bristol was a center for engineering in the Industrial Revolution, and is the birthplace of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Weather

Bristol has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

Winter: Winters in Bristol are mild, with average highs around 7°C (44°F) and lows around 1°C (34°F). There is occasional rain or sleet, but snow is rare.
Spring: Spring is a beautiful time to visit Bristol, with the city coming alive with flowers. The weather is mild, with average highs around 13°C (55°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F).
Summer: Summers in Bristol are warm, with average highs around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
Fall: Fall is a lovely time to visit Bristol, with the leaves changing color. The weather is mild, with average highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 7°C (44°F).

5-Day Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for a 5-day trip to Bristol:

Day 1: Start your day with a visit to Bristol Cathedral, a beautiful medieval church. In the afternoon, explore the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of art, archaeology, and natural history. In the evening, enjoy a traditional British pub dinner in the historic city center.
Day 2: Visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a historic steamship that was once one of the largest ships in the world. In the afternoon, take a walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a beautiful bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. In the evening, catch a performance at the Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theater in the English-speaking world.
Day 3: Day trip to Bath, a beautiful Georgian city with Roman baths and stunning architecture.
Day 4: Explore Bristol’s vibrant street art scene. Take a walking tour or rent a bike to see some of the city’s most impressive murals. In the afternoon, visit Cabot Tower, a tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Day 5: Spend the morning relaxing in Bristol Downs, a large park in the city center. In the afternoon, do some shopping on Bristol’s historic streets. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Bristol’s many restaurants.

Bike Paths

Bristol has a network of cycling paths that make it a great city to explore by bike. The Bristol to Bath Railway Path is a scenic route that follows an old railway line. The National Cycle Route 4 runs through Bristol and is a great option for a longer ride.

Campsites

There are a number of campsites located near Bristol. Here are a few options:

Avon Valley Camping: This campsite is located just outside of Bristol city center and offers a variety of amenities, including showers, toilets, and a laundry room.
Elm Tree Farm Campsite: This campsite is located in a beautiful setting on the outskirts of Bristol. It offers basic amenities, such as showers and toilets.
Barley Wood Campsite: This campsite is located a short drive from Bristol city center and offers a variety of amenities, including showers, toilets, and a playground.