Explore Bristol

Known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, Bristol Cathedral is one of England’s great medieval churches. For nearly 900 years, the cathedral has served as a sanctuary, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate its beauty and tranquillity as a community space.

Experience world-class entertainment at Bristol Hippodrome, one of the largest theatre stages in Britain. Hosting dazzling West End productions, concerts, and live performances, the Hippodrome promises an evening of magic and spectacle.

What’s on:

• Only Fools & Horses The Musical | Until 8 February – Direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run in London’s West End, catch all your favourite characters right here in Bristol. 
• Historical Tour | 31 January & 1 February, 10am-12pm – Discover the origins of The Bristol Hippodrome, from the moment they opened their doors all the way to present day.

Known for its vibrant music scene, the O2 Academy Bristol hosts the very best emerging talent through to the biggest international artists. As an energetic hub for live music, the O2 is a must-visit for music lovers.

What’s on:

• Absolute Bowie | 31 January
• Tremonti: The End Will Show Us All Tour | 5 February
• Day Fever | 8 February

RWA Bristol is a unique and historic art gallery, showcasing world-class visual art from across the globe. As Bristol’s first art gallery, the RWA takes pride in being an inclusive place for all and fostering connection through art and creativity.

What’s on:

• Paule Vézelay: Living Lines | Until 27 April – Explore the groundbreaking 20th-century abstract art in the RWA’s largest solo exhibition of Vézelay’s work in over 40 years.
• RWA Biennial Open 2025: Paper Works | Until 27 April – Celebrating paper as a medium for drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.
• Flora | Until 9 March – Showcasing flowers, plants and botanical-inspired artworks.
• More Than Memory: Dementia, art and caring for loved ones | Until 23 March – Featuring artwork by older people and those living with dementia.
• Creating writing: Voicing Vézelay | 7 February, 10am-4pm – This workshop invites you to creatively engage with the artworks on display in the Living Lines exhibition.

Image: Paule Vézelay – Growing Forms

St Mary Redcliffe is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, renowned for its striking beauty and rich history. As one of Bristol’s iconic landmarks, the church has been a place of worship for centuries, offering a space for reflection, community, and spiritual connection. 

What’s on:

• Church Tours | Fridays and Saturdays – Discover more than 800 years of history on a guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe.

Known for its unique charm and vibrant energy, The Fleece is one of Bristol’s legendary music venues, offering live music and club nights seven days a week.

What’s on:

• Doreen Doreen | 31 January
• Power Up – Power Ballads All Night! | 31 January
• No Future Punk Festival | 1 & 2 February
• Siamese | 3 February
• Madina Lake | 4 February
• Origami Angel | 6 February
• The Doors Alive | 7 February
• Black Parade – 00s Emo Anthems | 7 February
• Hullabaloo Muse Tribute | 8 February
• Pama International | 9 February

Centrespace is hub for exhibitions and events, showcasing local talent and fostering creativity.

What’s on:

• Truth, like love and sleep, resents approaches that are too intense | 31 January – 5 February – This exhibition features the work of several UK-based painters, each engaging with the challenge of representing what often defies representation.
• Inner and outer landscapes | 7 – 12 February – In his first solo exhibition, Chris Shopland explores uniqueness of the human experience.

Image: Chris Shopland

Explore the wonders of St Nicholas Market, a sensory delight, brimming with independent traders, artisanal food, and eclectic goods – perfect for those seeking a taste of Bristol’s vibrant spirit. Explore the delights awaiting you in the Exchange Hall and Covered Markets before tucking into street food from some of the city’s favourites, including Eat a Pitta, Chilli Daddy, Pieminister and so many more.

Nestled on Bristol’s harbourside, the Arnolfini is a dynamic hub for contemporary art, performance, and culture. 

What’s on:

• Here Today, Here Tomorrow: works from Jerwood Collection | Until 2 February – Artworks from the Jerwood Collection exploring life’s cycles and our connection to the spaces we inhabit.
• Here Today, Here Tomorrow: A Response by Art in Motion | Until 2 February – This collection links local and international artists through shared themes across time and disciplines.
• Arnolfini Late: At the edge of the everyday world | 6 February, 6.30-9pm – A relaxed event blending live performances, sound installations, and creative activities interwoven with the Rinko Kawauchi exhibition.
• GBSR Duo + Angharad Davies | 8 February, 4-5.30pm – Percussion-piano duo joins experimental violinist Angharad Davies for an electrifying performance.
• Rinko Kawauchi: At the edge of the everyday world | Until 16 February – Celebrating over twenty years of practice, Rinko Kawauchi’s poetic photography reveals beauty in everyday moments.

With a city-wide programme of live music, creative learning opportunities, and community engagement, Bristol Beacon celebrates the joy of live music every day, with everyone.

What’s on:

• Lady Blackbird | 31 January
• Martyn Joseph | 31 January
• John Grant | 1 February
• Hayden Thorpe & Propellor Ensemble | 1 February
• Sam Greenfield | 4 February
• Spiers and Boden | 6 February
• Duskus | 7 February
• Prague Symphony Orchestra | 8 February
• The John Martyn Project | 9 February

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, voyage back in time on an unforgettable day out for families, history fanatics, and engineering enthusiasts. Across two interactive museums and a Victorian steamship, the world’s first great ocean liner, explore the sights, sounds, and smells of Victorian Britain.

Bristol’s most surprising science experience. With over 200 interactive exhibits across two floors and a Planetarium, it’s a place to play, experiment, test out new ideas and have fun together.

As well as daytime shows, We The Curious run Planetarium Nights every other Thursday, just for those aged 16+. With two different shows to choose from, they’re the perfect opportunity to escape the everyday and discover the night sky. Advance booking highly recommended via wethecurious.org

What’s on:

• • Relaxed mornings | 2 February, 10am-12pm. Suitable for visitors who would benefit from calmer, less busy environments.
  • Day-time Planetarium shows | Available daily, step into the UK’s only 3D Planetarium and voyage across the Solar System. Simply add a show to your ticket booking at checkout. 
  • Planetarium Nights: Life in the Universe 3D | (16+) – 6 February, 7-8pm. Escape the everyday and leave inspired to discover the night sky for yourself. 
  • Planetarium Nights: The Story of Stars 3D | (16+) – 6 February. 8.30-9.30pm. Hear stories of ancient stargazers, fly to far away galaxies, and see the view from distant and newly discovered planets.
    

Image: Lee Pullen

John Wesley’s New Room, located in the heart of Broadmead, is a hidden gem of Bristol’s history and a significant cultural landmark. Built in 1739, it is the oldest Methodist chapel in the world, founded by John Wesley, one of the key figures of the Methodist movement. 

Nestled in the heart of Broadmead, The Arcade is a beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade, serving shoppers in Bristol since 1825. Today, The Arcade is home to over 20 unique stores and eateries.