100 Things To Do in Bristol Without a Car

Updated September 2026

Hey Owlets,

If you're looking for a city that has it all, Bristol is THE place to visit. Over the years Bristol has become known as a foodie hotspot and a hub of arts and culture, but there's even more to it than that! This vibrant city on the water is home to a whole host of museums, adventure experiences, various attractions and so many stunning walks that I still haven't ticked them all off, having lived here for 30 years!

There are so many things to see and do in and around Bristol, but this wonderful city has one huge issue - the public transport. Bristol's spotty public transport network is so well known that it was recently discussed in parliament! 

Exploring Bristol without a car is definitely more challenging, but it's not impossible and I will say that it's gotten much easier over the past decade. There are several places that you do need a car to get to, but there are also literally hundreds of things to see and do that are accessible via public transport. In case you don't believe me, I'm going to share 100 things to see and do in Bristol without a car. I've split it into different categories so you can search by what interests you too. 

Also, if you're hoping to visit for a weekend city break I've shared a guide to visiting Bristol on a budget which goes into more detail about where to stay, what to eat and what to do on a budget.

Museums, History, Art & Culture

Go to We The Curious Science Museum

See a Show at Bristol Old Vic

Visit Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Look Around M Shed

Go inside Clifton Observatory

Book a Tour of Clifton Rocks Railway

Take a Tour of Bristol’s Most Haunted Places

Enjoy the art at RWA

Look inside Concorde at Aerospace Bristol

Visit Famous Hymn Writer Charles Wesley’s House

Enjoy the Art at Arnolfini

Explore the Harbour’s History at Underfall Yard

Discover Unknown Artists at Spike Island

Rainy Day Activities

See an Independent Film at Watershed

See The Oldest Church in Bristol that’s Still Used

Take a Look at St Mary Redcliffe

Learn something new at Bristol Archives

Watch a Film in the City’s Smallest Cinema at The Kino

Admire the Architecture in Bristol Cathedral

Explore Something Different at Create Centre

Watch the latest blockbuster at Bristol's fanciest cinema

Visit the Board Game Cafe

Enter a New World at Wake The Tiger

Go Bowling at The Lanes

Outdoors, Parks & Walks

Take a Tour of the Bristol University Gardens

Walk Through Leigh Woods Nature Reserve

Go up Cabot Tower for Views Around the City

Take a Wander Around Windmill Hill City Farm

Go For a Walk Along Clifton Downs

Spot Deer at Ashton Court Estate

Hide in the Hollow at Royal Fort Gardens

Get Lost on Kings Weston Estate

Explore Willsbridge Valley Nature Reserve

Meet the Pigs at St Werburgh’s City Farm

Run Through the Fountains in Millennium Square on a Hot Day

Take a Walk Around Snuff Mills

Have a Picnic in Queen’s Square

Sunbathe in Castle Park

Walk through Clifton Village’s Colourful Streets

Take a Walk Through Bristol Botanical Garden

Food, Drink & Markets

Try a Drink at a not-so-secret cocktail bar

Grab a pint at the Cat Pub in Hotwells

Meet the Small Businesses at Tobacco Factory Sunday Market

Stop for a Drink at the Apple Cider Boat

Head to Clevedon Sunday Market on a Sunny Day

Take an Eat Walk Talk Food Tour

Stop for Tea at Beese’s Tea Room

Have a Drink at the Old Market Assembly

Take a Small Business Focused Food Tour around Bristol

Eat Lunch with a View at The White Lion

Explore the Independent Shops and Cafes at Wapping Wharf

Enjoy Dinner with a View on Top Mud Dock

Eat Your Way Through St Nick’s Market

Visit Some of Bristol’s Iconic Bakeries

Adventure & Activities

Go Wild at Bristol Zoo Project

Climb the Rigging at Bristol Dockyards

Go into the Trees at Ashton Court

Hop on a Sightseeing Bus

Try Out rock climbing inside St Werburgh’s Church

Go on a Walking Tour of Bristol

Go For a Swim at Clifton Lido

Get Bouncing at AirHop

PaddleBoard Through the Harbour

Channel Banksy in a Graffiti Masterclass

Challenge Yourself at Redpoint Bristol

Test Your Nerve on Nature’s Slide in Clifton

Try Your Hand at Crazy Golf in Cabot Circus

Art, Architecture & Bristol’s Quirky Side

Follow The Banksy Trail

Look inside Clifton Arcade

Explore the Tiny Shops of Christmas Steps

See The Leaning Tower of Bristol

Go Through the Tiny Door at St John on the Wall Church

Take a Boat Trip around Bristol Harbour

Laugh until you Hurt at Bristol’s Top Comedy Club

Visit the Sculpture Garden in Central Bristol

Events, Entertainment & Local Experiences

Explore Bristol’s Underground Music Scene

Party on a boat

See a Talk at Engine Shed

Take an Only Fools and Horses Tour

Laugh Yourself Silly at Wardrobe Theatre

Take a Self-Guided Street Art Tour

Take a Tour of Bristol's Forgotten Air Raid Shelter

Check Out Bristol's Big Festivals

Shopping & City Centre Wanders

Do Some Shopping in Cabot Circus

Stock up on Summer Clothes at Cribbs Causeway

Shop the Independents on Park Street

Get Lost in Beware of the Leopard Bookshop

Explore Clifton Village’s Independent Shops and Cafes

Visit St Nicholas Market

Take a Guided Tour of Clifton Suspension Bridge

Walk Around the Harbour

Take a Walk Around the Independent Shops on Gloucester Road

Beyond Bristol

Ride a Steam Train at Avon Valley Railway

Watch the World Go By at Portishead Lake Grounds

Walk The Wall at Severn Beach

Visit Weston’s Grand Pier 

Walk the Strawberry Line in Yatton

Watch the Birds Fly at Noahs Ark

Have a Slow Wander around Tyntesfield

Take a Trip to Clevedon Pier

Whether you live in Bristol or you're visiting for a holiday, you truly are spoilt for choice - even if you don't have a car! There are so many pretty spots to see, incredible museums and galleries and attractions to visit. Having lived here my entire life, I still haven't done everything on this list. Bristol is truly an incredible city from all angles, and a must visit if you're not lucky enough to live here!

Love and Feathers, 

 The Owlet 💜 

------

 You can find me on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube & Pinterest