Top Things to Do in Bristol
Things to Do in Bristol
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
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18 places sorted by traveller favourites
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Historic Sites • Arenas & Stadiums
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Military Museums • History Museums
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Bowling Alleys • Bars & Clubs
Speciality & Gift Shops
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Janet1 contributionMy sisters and I, women 65 plus, toured the museum recently. It was a fascinating and informative afternoon. Our tour guide, Andy, has been "hanging" and working at the museum since he was 11 years old and the depth of his knowledge was exceptional. He made the afternoon so interesting and stimulating that 2 hours slipped by before we arrived at the beautiful, fully restored Carousel. We were able to ride it while Andy managed the music. It was like reliving a childhood memory but with a whole new understanding and respect of the experience. On the 2nd floor they have their restoration rooms and a very large ballroom. They were setting up for a wedding reception for 210 people the next day. What a wonderful venue for showers, weddings, christenings and birthday parties! It would be an amazing experience for anyone 8-80 years old. It is wheelchair accessible and the have one available for visitors use. I would call ahead to reserve it.Written 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Terry FHavelock17 contributionsSuch an interesting and fascinating place. The staff is very nice and polite and the history is great. Highly recommend a visit here.Written 21 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jmorse78Foster, RI17 contributionsReally fun little park. They have 4 big roller coasters and a water park. We had kids ranging from 10-15. All had fun. The park is cashless, but you can convert cash to a pre paid visa in the park.
My only complaint was the number of attractions down. The park isn’t huge, so having main attractions down throughout the day is a big deal. At one point there were 7 rides not operating.
The campground is very nice as well. There are cabins, tent and rv sites. Clean and well maintained.
We stayed in our rv for 3 nights - park is walking distance, they have a tram, or you can drive and park.Written 23 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Pam JNew Haven, CT10 contributionsI found Imagination to be my least favorite place to take our grandson. Not alot of interactive things and at 3 1/2 he found it very boring and lost interest fast.Written 7 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Traveller121737 contributionsThe atmosphere here is always nice. Great quite place. Best place to get some reading don when I have timeWritten 14 November 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Susan CRevere, Massachusetts, United States10 contributionsSpent a couple of hours at Rockwell Park with my kids on a Sunday afternoon. They really loved the sprinkler park! It was well kept and clean and everything was in working order. The playground was big, and I liked that it had a few sets of swings for the kids to play on. My kids loved climbing and playing on the rock structure they had. We would definitely go back again.Written 9 August 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Paul LBristol105 contributionsOutstanding facility for non-pro teams to play; nice concession, too.
Amateur baseball is the best; wholesome play for non-millionaires, LOL.
New concourse; new gating, new press box, good grounds keeping, large locker rooms, large dugouts.Written 25 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Sandie TBristol, CT6 contributionsI went here with my daughter for a field trip and it was fun. I also was there for a great wine tasting event and really enjoyed it.Written 14 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- S. Swanson1 contributionLast Summer I moved up to CT and my grandma offered to bring me to Barnes Nature Center. Everyone in my family knows that I'm crazy about animals and only want what's best for them. I was a little skeptical at first, but when I learned that it was nothing at all like a zoo I was easily convinced I would enjoy myself there.
When I first walked in I knew that this was a great place for any true animal lover to spend their time. It felt good to know that all of the animals there were very well taken care of, and unlike at a zoo, they were only there for rehabilitation or because they could not go back into the wild. All of the critters there looked extremely healthy and to be honest, even a little spoiled!! They've even got a 33-year-old snake!
The staff and volunteers there were just as awesome to meet as the animals were. They made me feel welcome and were willing to answer any question that I had about the animals and Nature Center. I totally left with a smile on my face, and told everyone about how amazing it was there. I visit the Nature Center now every chance I get.Written 25 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - morneaultfamilyBristol, CT19 contributionsEvery time I come to this church I have to remember to back up and go around the corner so I can get into the parking lot but everytime I come whether or not it's the parking lot or to the basement or sitting there for sermon it's a peaceful fun-loving place no matter what the religion you practiceWritten 13 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- morneaultfamilyBristol, CT19 contributionsPark is spread out and has hills, so bring good walking shoes or be prepared to drive to different sections.
Young kids 0-12 will enjoy the playground area which includes sprinklers to cool off. It has swings for disabled children and a playscape for children using Walker, can be or wheelchairs. Picnic tables allow for snacks or lunch. No dogs here though.
Baseball and tennis fields/courts nearby. If you walk up halfway it plateaus to a fishing pond with ducks and geese, and on other side a public pool and poolhouse.
We fed the ducks and sat on benches around pond. There is a smaller playscape up here set back in trees, so you get shade so equipment isn't so hot.
My teens brought there freebie and went in search of the baskets that are posted throughout park for great games. I would definitely keep track of them if playing near dusk as there are some "strangers" who appear to not be using the park for family friendly activities.
That aside, pool is clean and cool, lifeguards on duty. Kids and I had an enjoyable 3 hours.Written 16 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Don Z2 contributionsI found the Made in Bristol Room very interesting as it has an excellent cross section of products that were made in Bristol. Fishing rods made in the Forestville section of town, coaster breaks for bicycles, clocks, springs are there also.Written 15 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- adventureawaits917Thomaston, CT120 contributionsHave driven by this place numerous times not realizing it was there. So much fun! Bowling, arcade games, cocktails for the adults. Friendly staff.Written 1 April 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Erika A1 contributionJust amazing!
The service is great! Great with children!!
Highly recommend this place.
Very reasonable pricingWritten 14 February 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - M R1 contributionLake Compounce has been our family go to theme park since I was a kid. It is small enough to cover in a day, but has enough attractions to make the visit worthwhile if you are in the area for a short time. There is a full water park with family pool, lazy river, wave pool, and multiple water slides, including the new "Venus Vortex". The main park features a fast but amazing coaster, "Phobia" and traditional rides such as bumper cars, merry go round, river raft ride, log flume, and pirate boat. There are many other rides, I suggest checking out the Lake Compounce website. There is a kiddy park as well and many places to eat (although the food selection is modest and the quality is what you might expect from a smaller theme park). I would highly recommend a visit (or more), especially with the family.Written 7 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bristol
- The top attractions to visit in Bristol are:
- New England Carousel Museum
- American Clock & Watch Museum
- Lake Compounce
- Imagine Nation
- Bristol Public Library
- The best outdoor activities in Bristol according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Rockwell Park
- Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center
- Page Park
- Indian Rock Nature Preserve
- Pine Lake Adventure Park
- The most popular things to do in Bristol with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Bristol on Tripadvisor