Consistently rated one of the best places to live and work in the UK, Bristol certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Home to stunning architecture, a wide selection of shopping, and some of the best galleries in the country; Bristol is the gateway to the charming landscapes of the Cotswolds, Somerset, Devon and South Wales.
With a population of over half a million, Bristol is a leader in the technology, media, tourism and financial sectors – great news if you want a career in digital marketing!
Whether you’d like to work in-house for a brand like Trunki or Ovo; or you want to become a specialist in content, PR, social media, PPC, SEO or any other strand of digital marketing at an agency, then you’re in luck, as Bristol has lots of opportunities.
In need of some inspiration for your job search? Check out top 10 agencies in Bristol below.
Want to meet like-minded individuals whilst building up your digital marketing knowledge? There are several events in Bristol that will let you do just that!
Southern cities may have a reputation for being expensive, but the cost of living in Bristol is 95% cheaper than London, and 10% cheaper than Brighton. Plus, if you choose to live outside the city centre, then you can cut down the cost of your rent.
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£870.24 (city centre)
£695.65 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£66
Monthly gym membership
£31.75
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
£15
Average cost of a cappuccino
£2.76
Average cost of 0.5l beer
£4.20
*stats from Numbeo
Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ
Have an out-of-this-world experience at Aerospace Bristol, where you can learn how engineers managed to make the last Concorde, capable of flying at 1320mph at an altitude of 60,000ft.
As part of the experience, you get to step aboard the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the fastest passenger plane in the world, and see how luxurious it was to be on-board. In fact, there are many other incredible exhibits for you to see and interact with throughout.
We definitely recommend going to one of their evening events, such as their 50th anniversary dinner held beneath the wings of the Concorde itself.
Where? Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ
Cost: £16.50
Website: aerospacebristol.org
St Nicholas Market, St Nicholas St, Bristol, BS1 1LJ
This eye-catching cafe makes some of the most extravagant cakes you will ever see.
Ahh Toots is an art-focussed cafe and bakery that specialises in unique cakes – both in appearance and flavours.
Try a pina colada flavoured cake, beetroot and chocolate, or even a botanical cake – these delicacies can’t be found anywhere else. Enjoy them in the cafe or order one for an event.
The cafe also has specialty iced tea, and the well known Clifton Coffee available to sip and enjoy alongside either brunch or a quirky cake.
Where? St Nicholas Market, St Nicholas St, Bristol, BS1 1LJ
Cost: Varies
Website: ahhtoots.co.uk
Anchor Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TT
Surround yourself with the colourful displays of tropical fish and sharks swimming over your head, as you walk through both of Bristol’s underwater tunnels.
Spot Nemo and Dory amongst the hundreds of fascinating species, ranging from pufferfish to stingrays.
Watch your favourite sea creatures during feeding time, and learn more about them at one of the daily talks provided by the aquarium. You can even walk through the Amazon in their urban jungle section, where you will not only see many exotic plants, but some of the largest freshwater species too.
There are also special exhibits such as the sunken ship, which is an example of the conservation work the aquarium does; as they create the perfect environment for the creatures.
Where? Anchor Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TT
Cost: £16.50
Website: bristolaquarium.co.uk
23-51 Winterstoke Rd, Bristol, BS3 2NP
Bristol Balloons brighten up the skyline with their distinctive multicoloured balloons flying over Bristol each day.
You will see incredible panoramic views over the sights of Bristol, including Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Take to the air in style on one of the champagne flights and experience Bristol like never before. You can join in the whole process by helping to unfurl the balloon, and your pilot will be your guide for the journey.
Each ride is different as the journey changes based on the wind, so if you want an exciting adventure, Bristol Balloons is the place to go!
Where? 23-51 Winterstoke Rd, Bristol, BS3 2NP
Cost: From £110 (main lead price £140)
Website: bristolballoons.co.uk
College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ
Explore this stunning cathedral in the heart of Bristol, with its beautiful architecture and award-winning garden.
It hosts a range of music events, including lunchtime choir recitals to grand evening orchestra performances. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the cathedral, why not take a guided tour, which run every Tuesday and Saturday?
They also have a souvenir shop and a cafe, where you can get some delicious tea and cake to take and enjoy in the peaceful gardens.
Where? College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ
Cost: Free
Website: bristol-cathedral.co.uk
St Nicholas Market, (Lower) Corn Street, The Old City, Bristol, BS1 1HT
At only three years old, the Bristol Flea Market is full of unique finds.
From vintage to retro, it is an escape to the past, as people bring antiques and furnishings laced with history.
It is the place to go if you are looking for something different that you can’t get anywhere else – perfect for a gift, or a treat for yourself!
Open every Saturday from 9am-5pm, there is no excuse not to go and visit this buzzing flea market – you never know what you may find.
Where? St Nicholas Market, (Lower) Corn Street, The Old City, Bristol, BS1 1HT
Cost: Free entry
Website: bristolfleamarket.co.uk
King Street, Old City, Bristol, BS1 4ED
This highly prestigious theatre is the oldest continually working theatre, and is still producing ground-breaking shows today.
It has had a multi-million pound redevelopment in recent years but has still kept its character from when it was built in 1766.
Through the years many famous and talented thespians have performed on its stage, including Andrew Scott and Brian Blessed. From old classics to modern and experimental theatre, the Bristol Old Vic only has the highest quality shows on.
There are plenty of shows to see in a variety of styles from plays to stand up comedy. You can also have a drink or a bite to eat at the theatre too in their 1766 Bar and Kitchen offering craft ales and locally roasted coffee.
Where? King Street, Old City, Bristol, BS1 4ED
Cost: Shows vary
Website: bristololdvic.org.uk
College Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA
First opened in 1836, Bristol Zoo Gardens is the fifth oldest zoo in the world.
In that time, it has rescued – and been home to – hundreds of animals.
With conservation as their focus, they aim to educate every single visitor about the animals, and how humans are affecting them in the wild. They also allow you to adopt an animal so you can help them on their mission.
For fun after hours, you can go to a Friday twilight party, the open air cinema, or attend a free lecture about conservation. You can even get up close and personal with some of your favourite animals on a personal animal experience day!
Where? College Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA
Cost: £17
Website: bristolzoo.org.uk
Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Go back in time when you step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a magnificent ship that has been maintained and decorated like it was in 1845.
Learn what life was like for the Victorian passengers and crew, from the luxurious promenade deck to the cramped steerage.
If you are feeling brave, then you can have a go at climbing the rigging just as the crew used to, which stands at 25m above ground level! Take a look below the glass ‘sea’, or go to one of the many events they host such as a murder mystery dinner on-board the ship, or even an overnight stay!
You can also go into the museum that explores the life and legacy of Brunel himself. The best bit? Your ticket allows you to visit as many times as you want for a whole year!
Where? Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Cost: £16.15
Website: ssgreatbritain.org
Cabot Circus, Glass Walk, Bristol, BS1 3BQ
Test your putting skills against your friends as you make your way through the two different courses on offer, both with 18 different challenges for you to conquer.
The first course takes you through the rocky outcrops of the jungle that only explorers like yourselves can tackle, complete with an active volcano in the middle of a storm. The second course is a secret swamp that will lead you to a tribal village.
After all that adventuring, make your way to the Jungle Rumble bar for a well earned cocktail!
Where? Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ
Cost: £16.50
Website: junglerumble.co.uk
No1 Unity St, BS1 5HH
If you can find this cheeky hidden bar in the heart of Bristol, then you will be in for a night of retro glamour, as you are served a range of incredible cocktails by bartenders in braces.
Enter through the seemingly innocent red telephone box for a candlelit night of great drinks, and lots of laughter.
A seasonal menu allows you to try a mix of classic cocktails, as well as new experimental ones. You can also attend one of their evening events, including the chocolate and whiskey pairing night, to become an expert on your favourite drink.
Be sure to book a table on the weekend as it gets very popular and there is limited space! You don’t want to miss out on an unforgettable evening in this secret treasure.
Where? No1 Unity St, BS1 5HH
Cost: Free entry, cocktail prices vary
Website: redlightbristol
22 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DS
Enter the beautiful wine cellars of Clifton Village your average wine lover, and leave a wine connoisseur!
Offering both wine tasting and now some brand new gin tasting sessions, you will get to try the finest quality alcohol and learn all about it at the same time.
It is an informal way to learn something whilst having fun, but for those who want to learn more, they also offer wine tasting courses to build your knowledge. You can then test your knowledge during a quiz night arranged by the Clifton Cellars, where all the questions are about wine!
If port or champagne is your preferred taste, you can opt for those in your tasting session, and don’t forget you can buy some of your favourite types from their very own shop. It can’t get fresher than that!
Where? 22 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DS
Cost: £25pp
Website: cliftoncellars.co.uk
Quay Head House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 1EB
It’s easy to see why this decadent bar ranks as the sixth best cocktail bar in the whole of the UK.
It oozes sophistication and grandeur across all four floors, with its stained glass windows and rich velvet curtains.
Treat yourself to an evening of glamour and style at The Milk Thistle, where you can have your drinks crafted by an expert mixologist. Join their gin club, where each week a different gin is discussed (and tasted of course!), or try the whisky club if that’s your preferred taste.
Have a go at one of the cocktail masterclasses. They are often themed, like the Deadpool takeover.
Where? Quay Head House, Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 1EB
Cost: Free entry, cocktails from £9
Website: milkthistlebristol.com
Easter Compton, Bristol, BS35 5RE
Now you can experience the thrill of surfing without having to go abroad or even to the beach!
The Wave is an artificial wave machine that allows you to ride a smooth and consistent wave, no matter the weather.
It is the perfect place to practice, as these powerful wave machines can generate over 1,000 waves in just a single hour so it removes the waiting time. Wetsuit hire is available for those new to surfing, and it is a safe space to practice no matter what your ability.
The Wave was created to help people reconnect with nature, using the emotional healing power of the waves and getting people to be more active.
Where? Easter Compton, Bristol, BS35 5RE
Cost: £40-£45
Website: thewave.com
Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA
Since the mid 1970s, this city farm and gardens has provided people with the perfect escape from the stress and noise of city life, as well as allowing local people to experience urban farming.
Whether you simply want to relax, or have a go at gardening, you can meet with the local volunteers who maintain the city farm. They’re on a mission to create ‘zero food miles’, so grow the ingredients used in the cafe on-site.
The farm animals range from piglets and sheep, to rabbits and guinea pigs for you to pet and learn about, as they actively encourage the community to get involved with the production of their food.
Where? Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA
Cost: Free – donations welcome
Website: windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk