Coach travel to Bristol

King Street

Known to locals as the 'beermuda triangle,' King Street is a lively cobbled street brimming with bars and restaurants. It’s also home to the world-renowned Bristol Old Vic theatre. Enjoy live jazz every night and Sunday lunchtimes at The Old Duke, or sample a diverse range of beers at King Street Brew House, where some brews are made right on site.

The Grain Barge

Nestled in the scenic Hotwells area, the Grain Barge is a unique venue moored with a view of Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Its three decks provide fantastic vistas over the Harbourside, making it an ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by. With a top-notch selection of craft beers from innovative breweries and a host of events, including live music and comedy, the Grain Barge is a must-visit.

Cabot Circus

Cabot Circus is your go-to spot for shopping in Bristol. This enormous, glass-covered center has it all—from high-end shops and flagship stores to quirky independent boutiques, restaurants, and fun entertainment. If you can't find what you're looking for here, take a short walk to Broadmead, Quaker’s Friars, and The Galleries, all part of the lively city center shopping district.

St Nicholas Market

A true Bristol gem, St Nicholas Market has been a beloved part of the city since 1743. Nestled among beautiful Georgian buildings in the old city, it’s a bustling marketplace filled with local, organic produce, street food, flowers, and textiles from independent vendors. You can also explore the Bristol Indies' Market, Bristol Farmers' and Producers' Market, and the Street Food Market on Corn Street and beyond.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic Bristol landmark, much like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Spanning the dramatic Avon Gorge, Brunel’s design is still an engineering marvel. The views from the bridge are stunning—perfect for capturing some memorable photos!

Banksy’s Legacy

Bristol is the hometown of Banksy, one of the most famous street artists in the world. His work can still be found on the city’s streets, making for an exciting and unique sightseeing experience. Join a street art walking tour to learn more about Banksy and discover works by other up-and-coming graffiti artists.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain and take a journey back in time on the world’s first great ocean liner! Designed by the brilliant Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this iconic steamship is at the heart of a multi-award-winning visitor attraction. Don’t miss the Being Brunel museum, which celebrates the life and achievements of this remarkable Victorian engineer. For a bit of adventure, try the 'Go Aloft!' experience, where you can climb the rigging and enjoy the best views of the Harbour!

We The Curious

At We The Curious, you’ll find a world of hands-on discovery that’s perfect for sparking curiosity and creativity. Dive into interactive exhibits, exciting events, and fun activities. Join Morph and friends in Aardman’s exclusive exhibition, where you can become an animator for the day. Don’t forget to visit the UK’s first 3D Planetarium for a mind-blowing journey through the stars and beyond!

Bristol Aquarium

Dive into an underwater adventure at Bristol’s wonderful aquarium. It’s a fantastic place to amaze your kids with the beauty of marine life. Encounter tropical fish and freshwater creatures from around the globe, walk through a life-size recreation of a sunken ship, and cross a footbridge over a giant coral seas display. It’s a fun and educational adventure for the whole family.

MShed

Step into Bristol’s vibrant history at MShed, a free museum located by the Harbourside. Discover the city’s past through the stories of its people and explore fascinating exhibits, including a working steam crane, a vintage train, and various boats. It’s a delightful way to learn about Bristol’s heritage and see history come alive.

While we know a day isn’t enough to uncover all of Bristol’s charms, you can certainly get a taste of its delights. Start your day right with a hearty breakfast and excellent coffee at Pinkmans on Park Street, setting the stage for a day of exploration. 

After breakfast, embark on a street art walking tour to discover Bristol’s vibrant urban art scene. It’s a great way to stretch your legs while admiring the works of one of the world’s most iconic artists in his hometown.

Once you’ve explored the street art, head over to the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge for breath-taking views of the city. You can take a free tour or explore its history at the Visitor Centre on the Leigh Woods side. From there, it's a short walk along Clifton Down to Bristol Zoo Gardens, where you can meet over 400 species of exotic, endangered, and adorable animals from around the world.

Depending on how long you spend at the zoo, you might have time for another activity.

Consider visiting Aerospace Bristol to see Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde ever built and flown, or head to Brunel’s SS Great Britain and explore the fascinating Being Brunel museum.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Cargo, a trendy waterfront destination offering a variety of dining options. Whether you crave classic fish and chips or gourmet cuisine, Cargo has something to satisfy every palate. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Bristol on a high note.

The Red Lodge Museum

Step back in time at The Red Lodge Museum, one of Bristol's oldest buildings dating back 400 years. As you enter from bustling Park Row, you'll feel like you've been transported to another era. This historic gem, known as the 'royal party house,' reportedly hosted Queen Elizabeth I herself. Explore the Great Oak Room, a regal space fit for royalty, and admire the Elizabethan-style knot garden. Best of all, admission is free, just like several other museums in Bristol, including M Shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Arnolfini, Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate, and The Georgian House Museum.

Hyde and Co.

For a night out with a touch of mystery and sophistication, look no further than Hyde and Co., located just off Clifton Triangle. As one of Bristol's first speakeasy-style bars, it offers a unique and atmospheric experience. To enter, ring the doorbell and make your way through an inconspicuous-looking bookcase, revealing a hidden world within. Inside, you'll be greeted by dimly lit surroundings, prohibition-era vibes, and an impressive selection of expertly crafted cocktails. With its clandestine ambiance and impeccable service, Hyde and Co. is the perfect choice for a memorable evening, whether it's a special occasion or simply a desire for something out of the ordinary.

Don't take our word for it...

Friendly neighbourhood blogger, Beth recently undertook the epic journey from Edinburgh to Bristol on a National Express coach. Read how her and her husband got on in this great entry from her blog, Adventure & Anxiety.

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Lucy, of the On the Luce travel blog, has taken several day-trips with National Express. You can see how she enjoyed her Bristol experience below.

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Routes to Bristol

• Birmingham to Bristol
• Cardiff to Bristol
• Heathrow to Bristol
• London to Bristol
• Plymouth to Bristol