7 Walking Tours in Bristol to Build a Day Around

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

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

This two-hour walk links Bristol’s Banksy scene with 1,000 years of city history. Guides including Mike, Owen, Luke, and Henry lead you from the cathedral area through central Bristol to Narrow Quay, pointing out original street art, old buildings, ruined churches, toppled statues, and the former river through the city centre.

“Highly recommend. Great tour with a great guide! Lots of areas of Bristol covered, with interesting history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 walking tour through subterranean passageways, WWII air raid shelters, historic rooms, and rooftop viewpoints. Guides such as Duncan, Theresa, Owen, and Bruce bring Bristol’s Blitz story to life, then finish at St. Nicholas Market, where you can buy lunch from the city’s best street-food stalls.

“Easy to find tour guide. Very informative and interesting Some stairs to access the shelter, minimal walking Highly recommended”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Join See Your City for a roughly two-hour ghost experience tied to Bristol’s dark past, with stories of ancient horrors, a historic ocean liner, St Mary Redcliffe, and the Floating Harbour. Some booking details describe a Bristol walk, while the supplied experience information also describes a Zoom tour of London, so confirm the format before paying.

“This was an interesting lockdown activity that took us around London and beyond from our chairs. The slides had interesting facts and graphics. Anna was a friendly, enthusiastic, engaging and informative guide who made us all feel included and welcome, especially through the interactive quiz. Good fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour

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

Join Mike for a two-hour Bristol walk from College Green through the cathedral, harbour, Queen Square, Old City, and St John on the Wall. You’ll hear commentary through an audio receiver, see Banksy-related street art, learn about Bristol’s merchants and docklands, and finish back at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.

“Our guide Mike was very knowledgeable and personable. He knew his city and loved it and it showed. A fun afternoon.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.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 of more than 40 years, for a 2.5 to 3-hour walk from Clifton Suspension Bridge to College Green. You’ll cross the bridge, see Royal York Crescent, Goldney Hall, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Cathedral, Banksy art, and the Old City. Audio devices help you hear every story in the small group.

“Mike is an amazing tour guide. Lots of interest facts and he brought the history of Bristol to life as we walked. Mike was punctual and professional and made sure that I found my way back to my hotel at the end. The tour is definitely good value for money - and the headphones make it easy to hear Mike. I highly recommend the tour to everyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $12Best value

Follow Helen’s human-narrated audio walk through Bristol’s harbour, medieval centre, Georgian squares, Redcliffe and the docks. Over two to three hours, you’ll use GPS directions, maps, photos, videos and local recommendations, with three weeks of app access. Expect freedom to pause, detour or finish later.

“Disappointing narration due to hard to follow directions, some streets not named and some had blocked access. Detours and errors made walk much longer than advertised. Gave up half way.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Bristol Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews

Follow a self-guided Bristol trail from the Central Library near Bristol Cathedral to the harbour, old city streets, famous steps, and a Banksy work. Solve clues, complete challenges, earn points, and pause for food or coffee. The app is English-only, and your private group of up to five sets its own pace.

“This was good fun and helped us to discover Bristol. The tasks were pitched at the right level: interesting without being mind-bogglingly difficult. A great half day's activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review