Car Rental Bristol Airport

If you’re driving straight into Bristol from the airport, take the A38 which cuts through an area of pretty green countryside and heads directly into the heart of the city.

Driving in the UK is on the left side of the road and speed limits are signed in miles per hour. These vary, but are typically a maximum of 60mph (96 km/h) on country stretches, 30mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, and 70mph (112km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways. Keep an eye on signs however, as these can change and some residential zones have lower limits.

Once you reach the city, you’ll find clearly signposted routes to popular landmarks. As Bristol is built around its grand river, you won’t lack for stunning views as you drive through the centre.

The A4 Anchor Road takes you into the heart of things, with plenty of stop-offs along the way such as the Bristol Aquarium, and onto St Augustine’s Parade, with the vintage style Hippodrome and Victorian industrial era, red brick buildings.

There are a number of long and short stay car parks in the city, with paid on-street parking also available. If you prefer to park outside of the centre, the Long Ashton Park and Ride is a popular option for many people entering the city via the airport. It allows you to safely park your rental car and take a bus service into the centre where you can enjoy the sights. Simply take the bus back to reach your vehicle again.

Further afield, you can head east to find your way to the neighbouring city of Bath, famous for its Roman-built thermal spas and World Heritage status, in less than an hour. You'll wind through quaint rustic villages and expansive countryside to reach its historic city centre.

You’ll also find convenient routes towards North Somerset, with roads leading to iconic sites such as Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills all within easy reach.

Known for its idyllic painted houses, artistic culture and famous bridge, this vibrant university city offers an eclectic mix of gorgeous green countryside and exciting atmosphere.

You can really make the most of it with car rental from Bristol Airport.

Explore maritime history – and local food 

Bristol’s maritime history is intrinsic to the city. With a strong nautical heritage, it was once a strong trading port and, as a result, hosts a range of seafaring attractions.

The iconic museum ship Brunel SS Great Britain is docked in the famous harbour, and has been restored to its former Victorian glory. Adventurous types will love the ‘Go Aloft!’ tour, which allows you to climb its rigging and visit the weather deck for an incredible view of the Harbourside.

Those who love to sample the local cuisine wherever they travel, meanwhile, won’t want for great-tasting food in Bristol’s abundance of independent cafes and restaurants. Renowned as a popular hub for vegan cooking, you’ll discover numerous mouth-watering vegetable-based restaurants, cafes and even vegan-friendly hair and beauty salons.

Bun Fiction at Kongs is a popular choice for those looking for something decadent and delicious, with a range of gourmet options available to choose from. Flow is the ideal spot to sample everything from vegan halloumi to smokey paprika hummus, while Oowee Vegan is for those who want to tuck into tasty vegan burgers that taste like the real thing.

Art, culture and festivals

Culture seekers will want to pay a visit to Bristol’s first art gallery, the Royal West of England Academy, featuring an abundance of remarkable pieces from the 19^th century up to the present day.

But the real reason so many art enthusiasts flock to Bristol is to take in the works of the iconic ‘Banksy’ and other graffiti masters from the city. Book on to one of the street art walking tours, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of the most famous pieces of modern art in the UK, if not the world.

A visit to Bristol wouldn’t be complete without walking through its stunning cathedral either, with its gorgeous ornate ceilings, stained glass and wonderful light-filled aisles.

Numerous festivals take place throughout the year too. August is when the annual, iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta occurs, with hot air balloons taking flight across the city’s skyline, while Bristol Harbour Festival is another popular event, featuring dance, theatre and music.

Bristol Pride is another event that’s huge in the calendar. Watch the streets come to life with rainbow coloured marches, live music and a friendly buzz.

A world of sport

Bristol is home to a number of fantastic sporting attractions, with everything from a soccer match at the Ashton Gate Stadium to a round of golf at one of the many famous courses around the city available to you.

In the summer, paddleboards are a popular choice for many, offering unique views of the incredible coloured houses overlooking the water.

Whatever your reason for visiting this stunning part of the world, car rental at Bristol Airport makes it so much easier to reach and access its incredible sights. Reserve direct now.