England · BRISTOL TOURS

Bristol Tours: The 15 Best for a Short Stay

32 tours  ·  from $6

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 bristol tours justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes and the day takes care of itself.

Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol - Starting near Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Bristol

Blackbeard to Banksy – The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol

1.Blackbeard to Banksy – The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,961 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $18Our pick

Walk central Bristol with guides such as Mike, Owen, Luke, and Henry, linking Banksy and local street art with the city’s churches, statues, buildings, and changing past. The roughly two-hour route starts near Bristol Cathedral and ends at Narrow Quay. Expect an easy pace, plenty of stops, and useful tips for the rest of your stay.

“Really interesting and I got to see loads of things I would not have noticed...I like the history and the old buildings but got to hear about all the art around the city centre too. I was amazed that the city centre used to be a river.”

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Air Raid Shelter + St. Nicholas Market Walking Tour - What happens underground
Bristol Tours, Markets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Bristol

Air Raid Shelter + St. Nicholas Market Walking Tour

2.Air Raid Shelter + St. Nicholas Market Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,950 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $17

Meet at Bristol’s Corn Exchange for a roughly two-hour tour of its underground passageways, WWII air raid shelter, historic rooms, and rooftop views. Guides including Duncan, Theresa, and Owen bring Bristol’s wartime story to life before you finish near the food stalls of St. Nicholas Market. Expect stairs, standing, and some confined spaces.

“A great trip. Informative and well presented by Duncan. Some bleak times undoubtedly but Duncan will present some lighter moments, visit and enjoy!”

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(9pm) The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show - Smoke & Mirrors - Comedy, magic, and audience participation
Bristol Tours, Show, Tour Reviews

(9pm) The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show – Smoke & Mirrors

3.(9pm) The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show – Smoke & Mirrors

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 356 reviews · from $38

Head to Bristol’s Smoke & Mirrors for a one-man comedy and magic show led by one of the venue’s house magicians. Arrive early for table allocation and pre-show magic, then settle in for adult humor, audience participation, and live entertainment from about 8:45 to 10:15 pm. The intimate room seats no more than 15 people.

“Absolutely without doubt the best comedy/magic show I’ve been too & my partner proposed so a night we won’t ever forget.”

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West Country Games - the most popular group activity in the South West! - Why the group size changes the day
Bristol Tours, Tour Reviews

West Country Games – the most popular group activity in the South West!

4.West Country Games – the most popular group activity in the South West!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 315 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

At Gatcombe Farm near Bristol, you’ll tackle nine themed outdoor games with inflatables, fat suits, catapults, and plenty of friendly competition. Sessions run Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for groups of at least eight. Guides such as Saskia, Sam P, Joy, and Luca keep the pace lively.

“Great day out. Great day to celebrate Sara’s Hen party. We were booked for the Cardiff branch but due to circumstances out of their control we had to move but were given snacks. Thank you to luka for taking such great care of us.”

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The House Magicians' Comedy Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol (Sat 7pm) - Inside the 1920s-Style Theater
Bristol Tours, Show, Tour Reviews

The House Magicians’ Comedy Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol (Sat 7pm)

5.The House Magicians’ Comedy Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors in Bristol (Sat 7pm)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · from $35

Spend about 85 minutes at Smoke & Mirrors, a central Bristol pub and 1920s-style theater. Two house magicians mix close-up magic, comedy, audience participation, and live music. The Saturday show begins at 7pm, with entry from 6:30pm. Expect assigned seating, drinks and snacks at your own cost, and occasional smoke or strobe effects.

“Great place for celebrating an occasion (my milestone birthday). kept us entertained and laughing. Could have been longer but understand two shows in one evening is full on! Great pizza! Comedy magic was something different. And I would return if ever I ventured down to Bristol again. Thankyou!”

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The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows - Pizza, Prosecco, and the Real Value of the Price
Bristol Tours, Tour Reviews

The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows

6.The House Magicians Comedy Magic Shows

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 263 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Spend about 90 minutes at Bristol’s Smoke & Mirrors Comedy & Magic Theatre Pub, a small 1920s-style venue where close-up magic leads into a comedy and stage magic show. Pizza and prosecco are included, mobile entry keeps arrival simple, and the lineup can change. Shows suit different ages depending on performance time.

“Certainly not a perfect show but very sympatic entertainment on local level. Althought we could follow the magician's tongue only partially we had a lot of fun with his card tricks and especially the location, the backroom of a bar and the possiblity to have a snack or a beer while the show goes on were an unforgettable experience ...”

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Ghosts, Ghouls & Gallows :The Original Bristol Ghost Walk - Ancient horrors, ships, churches, and the harbour
Bristol Tours, Ghost Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Bristol

Ghosts, Ghouls & Gallows :The Original Bristol Ghost Walk

7.Ghosts, Ghouls & Gallows :The Original Bristol Ghost Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 262 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $27

This experience combines Bristol ghost lore with a virtual Zoom presentation about haunted London. A live guide such as Anna, John, Helena, or Lula leads stories, images, and a Penny Dreadful quiz. Check the format carefully before booking, since the details also show a physical Bristol meeting point and a two-hour route.

“The guide was engaging and knowledgable but the experience wasn’t what we expected. It was more of a history lesson rather than a tour. I expected the guide to be in London rather than sat at home showing us historical pictures.”

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Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol - Seeing the filming locations from the coach
Bristol Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

8.Only Fools and Horses Tour of Bristol

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 253 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Spend about three and a half hours touring Bristol’s Only Fools and Horses filming locations by air-conditioned bus. Visit Nelson Mandela House, Sid’s Cafe, Boycie and Marlene’s home, the lock-up garage, and the bar used for Del’s famous fall. Guides such as Andy, Bill, and Jimmy add live commentary, photo stops, and costume re-enactments.

“Great trip! Highly recommend! Take in the sights of Bristol together with a bit of Hooky Street. Guide very informative and easy to listen to”

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The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Friday 8pm - Inside the 1920s-style theatre
Bristol Tours, Show, Tour Reviews

The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Friday 8pm

9.The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Friday 8pm

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 202 reviews · from $33

Spend Friday night at Bristol’s Smoke & Mirrors for 90 minutes of comedy magic from two resident performers. Arrive by 7:45 pm for close-up magic, drinks, and a seat in the cosy 1920s-style theatre. Expect audience participation, possible strobe lighting, and a lively late-night show for ages 18 and over.

“Fantastic location, a small theatre and pub. Pizzas were really good - the thin authentic version! Show was great, really funny and the ‘magic’ was amazing. Will be back again!”

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Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour - Canon’s Marsh and the working edge of the harbour
Bristol Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Bristol

Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour

10.Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 166 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Walk through Bristol’s cathedral quarter, harbour, docks, Queen Square, Old Vic, and medieval Old City with guide Mike. The 2-hour-15-minute tour covers history, architecture, social change, and Banksy murals. A small group of up to eight uses audio receivers, making Mike easy to hear even on busy streets. Wear comfortable shoes.

“Mike was an excellent guide. He seems to know everything about Bristol. He was very entertaining and included us in his explanations. The audio receiver was very helpful as the team was very busy. I appreciated that we were only a small group.”

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Fully guided Bristol Ghost Tours - Haunted pubs and Bristol Beacon
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Fully guided Bristol Ghost Tours

11.Fully guided Bristol Ghost Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 130 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $23

Follow a costumed guide such as Tobias Carver, Ms. Needles, or Jim Ripper through central Bristol for 1 hour 45 minutes of ghost stories, grim history, and theatrical humour. The route runs from Bristol Cathedral to Queen Square, with stops at Christmas Steps, haunted pubs, Bristol Bridge, and King Street. Expect audience participation and a few gruesome surprises.

“Jimmy had lots of information but he appeared rather nervous and the Ghost side of the walk was a bit light on detail. Jimmy needs to be a little bit believable. He obviously doesn’t believe that spirits are possible because of the way the talk was given. It may be he’s just rather young. It was also daylight which didn’t give it atmosphere.”

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Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Bristol with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems - Saint Nicholas Market adds a lively puzzle stop
Bristol Tours, Tour Reviews, Treasure Hunts

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Bristol with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

12.Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Bristol with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $20

Captain Bess guides your private group by phone through Bristol’s central sights, using maps, cryptic clues, hints, facts, and a light pirate theme. Start at Castle Park whenever you like, then follow a route through Saint Nicholas Market, Bristol Cathedral, Queen Square, and Bristol Old Vic. Nothing needs printing or downloading.

“Nice introduction to the city, with nice little packets of information around each clue, with a not to over the top pirate theme. Unfortunately my phone battery run out, so failed to complete the tour.”

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Guided Walking Tour Suspension Bridge Clifton Splendour & City. - Clifton’s grand crescent and local stories
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Guided Walking Tour Suspension Bridge Clifton Splendour & City.

13.Guided Walking Tour Suspension Bridge Clifton Splendour & City.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (approx.) · from $34

Join Mike, a Bristol guide with more than 40 years of local experience, for a 2.5 to 3-hour walk from Clifton Suspension Bridge to College Green. You’ll see Royal York Crescent, Goldney Hall, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Cathedral, Banksy art, and the Old City, with audio devices to keep every story clear.

“Insider knowledge of the area, friendly and accessible, historical context. Suitable pace. We enjoyed it and it allowed us to get to discover areas we might not have found and the stories behind them.”

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Bristol Paddleboarding Tour - The safety briefing and self-rescue lesson
Bristol Tours, Kayaking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bristol Paddleboarding Tour

14.Bristol Paddleboarding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $62

Learn stand-up paddleboarding on Bristol’s Floating Harbour during a 2.5-hour session with SUP Bristol. You’ll cover safety, kneeling, standing, turns, self-rescue, and a guided harbour journey. Groups are capped at eight per instructor, with wetsuits, lifejackets, quality boards, showers, and changing facilities provided.

“It was amazing. One of the best gifting idea for your loved ones. Even the people who are not at all confident with water can have a great time and lesson of paddle boarding. I can say that it is because of the best instructor we had there. He made it easy for everyone and alsRead more”

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Bristol Street Art: Banksy Exploration Game and Tour - El Mac’s photorealistic mother and child
Bristol Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Street Art, Tour Reviews, Tours, Treasure Hunts

Bristol Street Art: Banksy Exploration Game and Tour

15.Bristol Street Art: Banksy Exploration Game and Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 39 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $6Best value

Use the Questo app to follow a 90-minute Bristol street-art route from Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel to Charlotte Street. You will solve 11 location-based puzzles while finding works by Banksy, El Mac, Aryz, and Pixel Pancho. There is no guide or fixed start time, and the game can be played offline in English.

“If was great to see the art work and explore different parts of Bristol. We skipped through the 'love story' as it was very cheesy and wouldn't be suitable for young children. Some of the questions weren't easy to answer as the answers could have been a number of things. On one question you had to fill in a street name. We were literally stood in front of the sign and got the question wrong. Not sure if the street name has been changed since the tour was started but definitely wouldn't have got the answer without skipping it. On the whole we enjoyed the tour as a couple, the…”

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New in Bristol Tours

★ 4.5Heathrow Airport to Bristol private taxi transfers14 reviews
★ 5.0Wine & Cheese in the Somerset Valleys – with Michelin-star lunch!From $21212 reviews
★ 4.5Brunel’s Bristol: A Self-Guided Tour from SS Great Britain to Clifton BridgeFrom $811 reviews
★ 5.0Brunel Guided Tour in BristolFrom $234 reviews
★ 5.0Sip and Paint PartiesFrom $615 reviews
★ 5.0Bristol Cheese Crawl with Cider!From $274 reviews
★ 5.0Bristol to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers3 reviews
★ 4.5Bristol Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt3 reviews
★ 5.0Bristol private pub hopping and sightseeing with local guideFrom $1276 reviews
★ 3.5Secrets of Bristol Waterfront: Self-Guided Puzzle AdventureFrom $75 reviews
★ 4.5Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking TourFrom $1212 reviews

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