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Visit Bristol’s Guide to What’s Onand What’s New in 2026
What’s NEW
Lonely Planet names Bristol a top destination in Best in Travel 2026
Known internationally for highlighting travel trends and being one of the leading hotlists for travel media, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel guide has included Bristol as one of its top 50 destinations to visit in the world in 2026, thanks to its street art.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/street-art/
Hotel Gotham Bristol - NEW 5* Hotel
Spring 2026
Hotel Gotham Bristol is presented as a plush hotel, with a fabulous drinking and dining venue. It aims to be an escape, a multisensory experience, and above all, a place to have fun. Set to open in Spring 2026, the historic, listed and incredibly imposing Guildhall will be transformed into a stunning new 5* hotel. The grand old building will consist of 75 bedrooms, a restaurant, spa and even a rooftop terrace bar.
https://www.hotelgotham.co.uk/locations
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Bristol County Ground
21-27 June 2026
Following the success of hosting Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, Bristol is host city for six matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2026 at its Bristol County Ground. The run of matches starts with West Indies vs. Sri Lanka on Sunday, 21 June, and ending with a doubleheader on Saturday, 27 June, featuring matches between Pakistan and West Indies against two tournament qualifiers.
Mad Swans – NEW destination to stay, eat and play
October 2025, accommodation in eco cabins opening end of 2025
Located in the Mendips, just south of Bristol is Mad Swans; a new countryside hangout, redefining modern hospitality with eco-cabin stays, two restaurants (one with menu designed by multi-Michelin starred chef, Ollie Dabbous), 12-hole golf, padel and pickleball, a driving range, putt patch, darts and more.
Wake the Tiger – NEW Junk Yard dining and event space
Spring 2026
While exciting developments are underway for a Wake the Tiger in London opening in 2026, the Bristol Wake the Tiger immersive art experience is expanding too, with a new dining and events space outside called Junk Yard. Comprising a stretch tent and pizza oven, the additional space will host DJs, entertainment and extend the magic of the portal that is Wake the Tiger.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/listing/wake-the-tiger/309833301/
RHS Badminton Flower Show
8-12 July 2026
The RHS brings its renowned flower show to Gloucestershire for the first time. The RHS Badminton Flower Show will feature standout gardens, floral displays, and expert advice, attracting enthusiasts, families, and professionals from the region.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/rhs-badminton-flower-show/383029301/
Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol
Summer 2026
Bristol Museums and Aardman mark the studio’s 50th anniversary in summer 2026 with a major new exhibition. Cracking Exhibition, Gromit at M Shed offers a joyful behind the scenes look at Aardman’s iconic Bristol legacy, and there will be hidden art installations and Aardman treasures across Bristol Museum & Art Gallery .
Rivals Season 2 – NEW series filmed in and around Bristol (date tbc)
Following a hugely successful first season on Disney+, the late Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals is set to return to our screens in 2026.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/blog/post/discover-rivals-filming-locations-in-bristol/
Upfest – FREE EVENT
Upfest is Europe’s largest urban painting festival, drawing in artists from around the world to paint live in front of spectators and art lovers.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/upfest/237998301/
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – FREE EVENT
7 – 9 August 2026
Europe’s largest hot airballoon event will once again stun visitors with its mass ascents when over 100 hot air balloons take off and fly over Bristol at dawn and dusk, as well as the popular Night Glows on Friday and Saturday nights in August 2026.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-international-balloon-fiesta-p1987343
Bristol Harbour Festival – FREE EVENT
Bristol’s prime, free maritime event, Bristol Harbour Festival, attracts 250,000 visitors and is set to return in July 2026 (date tbc) with its popular mix of world-class circus and on-water activities and music.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-harbour-festival-p2369253
