Home to both beloved British animation Wallace & Gromit and the drum & bass music scene, Bristol offers an especially diverse cultural buffet for visitors. In the 19th Century, the engineering prowess of Isambard Kingdom Brunel gave Bristol an innovative reputation. He was the mastermind behind some of Bristol’s proudest achievements, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Bristol is one of the best places in the UK to visit to experience great art, great food, and great hospitality. Join CrossCountry as we explore everything that makes this city in the West Country truly special.
Train tickets to Bristol
You can hop on a train to Bristol Temple Meads with CrossCountry from a range of locations across the UK. The train station is roughly a fifteen-minute walk to the city centre, or you can catch a bus for a similar journey time.
Before you book your train, don’t forget to explore the various ticket types available. For example, you could save money by travelling at Off-Peak times.
Bristol is an incredibly popular city for young people, not least because of its prestigious university. If you’re a student, don’t forget to apply your 16-25 Railcard when buying a ticket so you can save a 1/3 on the rail fares.
Popular routes to Bristol
Bristol is the largest city in South West England and attracts loads of visitors every year. Famous for its hipster culture, suspension bridge and street art, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination. CrossCountry runs many direct trains to Bristol - we’ve listed some of our more frequent services below.
FAQ
The main station in Bristol city centre is Bristol Temple Meads.
Bristol Temple Meads is situated to the south east of the hustle and bustle, roughly a 15-minute walk from the centre. There are also a couple of bus routes you can take that will drop you at various points round town.
There is a direct train service (the Air Connect) from Bristol Temple Meads that drops you right at Bristol Airport in just 30-minutes.
There are lots of ways to bag yourself cheaper tickets. Sometimes booking two single tickets can work out cheaper, and so can travelling off-peak and booking in advance. Check whether you’re eligible for a railcard - if so, you’ll be able to save ⅓ off your train fare. Take a look at our cheap tickets page for more helpful tips.
For further information about stations in Bristol, check out our station guide.
Experience Bristol
Places to eat in Bristol
Small plates, soul food, Sunday roasts; whatever you’re craving, there are plenty of places to eat in Bristol with something delicious to offer. If you’re heading out with friends, the Wangs menu is designed to be shared as a way to form connections with loved ones. Located in Montpelier, the cosy family-run restaurant delights diners with their homemade dumplings and Taiwanese fried chicken.
Another place where it’s best to share is Cor. This Mediterranean restaurant in Bedminster specialises in small plates and makes dishes so exquisite looking it’s impossible not to try them all.
Visting Bristol for a day trip and looking for a midday caffeine boost? The city is brimming with amazing coffee shops. Try out Full Court Press on Broad Street, they offer a dynamic range of coffee from their local Bristol roastery, meaning you can expand your palette with a different sip of high-grade coffee every time you visit. Alternatively, book a table at Playground Café and stay for hours, playing your favourite games, making new friends with friendly competition, and enjoying artisan coffee.
Places to stay in Bristol
There’s so much to do in Bristol that we recommend making an overnight trip out of it, with plenty of options to accommodate your stay. Berwick Lodge is a luxury escape with rooms that will make you feel like royalty and unrivalled views that reach all the way to Wales.
Alternatively, close to Cabot’s Circus, you’ll find Artist Residence, a unique stay that was once an old boot factory. The hotel features a chic bar and restaurant, with particularly delicious breakfast options.
The Bristol is also a great option for a city centre stay. The rooms promise a comfortable night’s sleep and the restaurant is the perfect spot for a stylish meal on Bristol’s harbourside. Alongside these superb stays, Bristol is full of budget-friendly options, whether you’re looking for a hostel, B&B, or a functional, no-frills night at a chain hotel.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage & culture in Bristol
Bristol is known for its art-covered streets, pioneering music scene, and maritime history, making it the perfect city of culture to visit. Contemporary art lovers can pay a visit to Spike Island, a former hub of industry that uplifts emerging artists from across the globe, displaying cutting-edge pieces designed to make you stop and think differently about the world.
There’s also the Royal West of England Academy in Clifton. They were Bristol's first art gallery and have been displaying fine art since 1844. Bristol is also home to a medley of Banksy artworks across the city, how about making a street art tour of it?
Looking to experience the best of Bristol’s live music scene? Head to Bristol Beacon for an exciting mix of gigs and concerts, comedy evenings, and club nights. Bristol Beacon is a charitable organisation dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, so every visit supports a great cause.
Bristol also boasts some great museums that champion the city’s heritage. M Shed is completely free to enter and focuses on the personal stories that come out of Bristol. Whereas Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, explores archaeology, the natural world, human innovation, and more.
Shopping in Bristol
Bristol is an excellent destination for a day of shopping. Cabot Circus has everything you need under one roof, from technology to fashion to homeware. The modern shopping centre can be found in Bristol’s shopping quarter, Broadmead, a pedestrianised space with a range of independent shops and national stores.
There are lots of opportunities to browse antiques, vintage treasures, boutique stores, and more in Clifton Village too. Clifton Village is a beautiful area of the city which boasts Georgian architecture and delightful green spaces. It’s also a short walk from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge where you can experience jaw-dropping views of the Avon Gorge.
Best Secret Bars in Bristol
Take a sip of something tasty at Bristol’s secret bars.
Best Pubs and Bars in Bristol
Take a tour of the best pubs in Bristol with CrossCountry.
