Bristol, United Kingdom

Aerospace Bristol is a fascinating aerospace museum that is located at Filton Airfield, just north of Bristol, England. The museum is operated by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust, housing various collections of exhibits, and the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde built, and last to fly. The vast, nine-acre site on the airfield includes two First World War Grade II hangars, providing 1,700 square meters of indoor learning space, over 5,000 square meters of outdoor testing and learning space, and 5,000 square meters of exhibition space for the public. Visitors will be able to explore over a decade of aviation history, spanning two world wars, the famous ‘space race,’ and modern day advances in technology.

Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-31-53-15

The Avon Gorge is a massive, one-and-a-half-mile long gorge that runs along the shimmering River Avon in Bristol, England. This large gorge runs from north to south, cutting through an impressive limestone ridge approximately one-and-a-half-miles west of Bristol’s city center. The gorge was slowly formed during the previous ice age. River Avon’s original route was blocked by enormous glaciers, forcing the river to create a new path through the very soft Carboniferous Limestone. The beautiful Clifton Suspension Bridge stretches across the gorge, offering visitors a unique vantage point for taking a few breathtaking photos. People are often seen hiking around the gorge and near the River Avon.

Long Ashton, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-73-15-79

Recommended for Families

Avon Valley Railway is an educational railway with special themed events and a station-based buffet year-round. Travelers will find this museum situated along Bath Road, at Bitton Station in Bristol, England. Midland Railway opened the through-route in 1869; it served as a connection between England’s South Coast and Birmingham. The railway ended up later connecting to Somerset & Dorset Railway. The railway was closed starting in the 1960’s due to the Beeching Axe, however the Avon Valley Railway was well preserved by a group of volunteers with a strong passion and desire to see it survive. Today, three miles of scenic track can be used by restored locomotives and carriages.

Bitton Station, 3 Bath Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-32-55-38

The Blaise Castle House Museum is a beautiful museum where visitors can explore what the past was like, with some artifacts dating back 300-plus years. Travelers will find this fascinating museum located on Henbury Road in Bristol, England. Visitors can peruse the house and marvel at the exquisite paintings, doll houses, toy soldiers, and train sets; there’s also a large costume collection with over 10,000 items, some of which date back to 1730s. Visitors will also have the chance to explore washing, cooking, and other daily domestic duties that were done in Bristol homes throughout the last 300 years. Beyond the house, visitors will find a dairy garden, orangery, amphitheater, castle, and kitchen garden.

Henbury Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-22-20-00

Brandon Hill, sometimes referred to as St Brandon’s Hills, is a sweeping hill that is situated close to Bristol, England’s city center. It is positioned between the Hotwells and Clifton districts, in southwest England. At the summit of the hill, visitors will find the Cabot Tower. The tower, opened in 1897, celebrated John Cabot’s historic 1497 voyage that ran from Bristol to Newfoundland. Visitors will appreciate the expansive hilly park, providing them with great opportunities to enjoy lovely picnics, while soaking in beautiful views of the surrounding nature reserve. There is no fee for admission, the park is open to the public at all times.

Park Street, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-22-20-00

Bristol Aquarium is an indoor and outdoor aquarium that is located on Anchor Road in Bristol, England. The aquarium features huge tanks filled with tropical and Amazonian fish; there are also underwater tunnels for the ultimate viewing experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to dive into today’s oceans and discover the incredible wonders found within this deep, colorful aquarium. Visitors can explore over 40 naturally-themed displays, spotting thousands of incredible aquatic creatures, such as piranhas, puffer fish, seahorses, rays, tropical sharks, and so much more. Some of the popular displays include The Sunken Ship, The Urban Jungle, The Underwater Tunnel, and The Bay of Rays.

Anchor Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-29-89-29

Activities for Couples

Bristol Cathedral, formerly recognized as the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is now the Church of England cathedral, located in the city of Bristol, England. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a step back through time on one of the cathedral’s regular guided tours. The open tours are available on Saturdays at 11:30AM and 1:30PM, and on Tuesdays at 2:15PM. The schedule can change based on special events or services, so visitors will want to verify hours beforehand. The tours of the cathedral are complimentary, however small donations are always appreciated. There are leaflet guides available online in several different languages for the convenience of those taking a guided tour.

College Green, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-26-48-79

Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery is a museum that features geology, archaeology, and art, including a Romany caravan, fossils, and rare pieces by local artist Banksy. Travelers will find this fascinating museum and art gallery located on Queens Road in Bristol, England. The Masters of Japanese prints: Life in the city, is an exhibition that features original woodblock prints, taking a glimpse inside what Japan’s sophisticated urban culture looked like during the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors will appreciate the complimentary admission into the museum, where they can explore the numerous collections of history, nature, and art, all on display within this magnificent building.

Queens Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-22-35-71

For a Day Out on a Sunny Day

Bristol Harbour is a large harbour that is located in the city of Bristol, England. It covers an expansive area of nearly 70 acres. The harbour has been around since the early 13th century, but was fully developed into what visitors see today in the beginning of the 19th century. It is often referred to as the “Floating Harbour,” due to the water level remaining constant and unaffected by the tide of the Avon River. Visitors can enjoy fun activities that include the annual Harbour Festival, exploring museums and art galleries, or grab something to eat and drink at a nearby restaurant.

Welsh Back, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-79-29-36-79

Bristol Zoo Gardens is a magnificent zoo that is located off of College Road in Bristol, England. The zoo strives to defend biodiversity by conserving habitats and endangered species, breeding threatened species, and educating the public about the natural world. The zoo was first opened to the public in July of 1836, and has since saved over 175 different species of animal from extinction. The zoo offers a number of fun and exciting experiences for visitors to enjoy, such as ‘meet and greets’ with penguins, red pandas, fruit bats, or lemurs; the VIP Lion Feeding Experience, VIP Gorilla Experience, Keeper for the Day, and Junior Keeper Experience.

College Road, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-11-74-28-53-00