Balloons, boats and bars in Bristol

During the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta hundreds of hot air balloons float over the boats moored in Bristol’s famous Floating Harbour, now home to a cluster of bustling bars.

The historic city of Bristol is situated on the River Avon and for centuries was famous as a commercial port. Now the complete regeneration of its old harbor means the city has gained fame for its many festivals including the annual Festival of Ports, the world-famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the new Bristol Cocktail Weekend.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Bristol has a long hot air balloon tradition inspired by the first aerostatic flight discovered by the Montgolfier brothers over Versailles in 1783. Almost 200 years later a group of surfers in Bristol learned about the invention of the balloon in America. Led by Don Cameron, they decided to build their own hot air balloon. They also succeeded and the Bristol Belle, the first hot air balloon in Western Europe, took to the skies in 1967. In 1971, encouraged by this success, Cameron resigned from his job at the Bristol Airplane Company to found Cameron Balloons Ltd. It was just a normal conversation. in a local pub one evening in 1978 that the seed was sown in a hot air balloon in Bristol. The following year, in 1979, hot air balloon teams traveled across Europe to take part in the first Bristol Balloon Fiesta. It was held over 3 days at Ashton Court Estate, a multi-storey mansion. Thanks to the good weather more than 100 flights were possible and the event was a great success.

That first event at Ashton Court Estate was so successful that Bristol has hosted the Balloon Fiesta every year since. It is still based at Ashton Court which is an ideal location as it has space for the thousands of people who come to Bristol every year to enjoy seeing the balloons float in the sky. A varied program fills the three days but the main events are the early morning balloon ascent and the afternoon ascent. The first two days close with the famous Nightglow where the burners of the tethered balloons light up as they are moved to the rhythm of hot music. What a great way to end the day at this amazing festival. In 2025 this event will take place from 08 to 10 August. Admission is free but charges apply for parking and shuttle buses. The availability of a bus service from Temple Meads station and Prince Street to Ashton Court makes a city break during the festival an attractive proposition as the city has so much to offer in terms of its historic floating harbour.

The Floating Harbor in Bristol

For centuries Bristol has been an important commercial port due to its position on the River Avon which joins the Severn Estuary a few miles downstream and flows into the Bristol Channel. However, the large tidal range of the River Avon meant that ships could become stranded in shallow water. As the port became increasingly busy in the eighteenth century and to maintain its popularity this problem had to be solved. And in 1807 the installation of several docks ensured that the water in the harbor maintained a constant level, undisturbed by the tides of the River Avon. This program was named The Floating Harbour. Although new docks were built along the River Severn at Avonmouth and Portishead for large ocean-going vessels in the 1870s the Floating Harbor or City Docks retained their importance until they were closed to commercial shipping in 1975. boats, sheds and warehouses have breathed new life into the area. Popular attractions here include the SS Great Britain, the Matthew, a replica of the caravel that sailed John Cabot from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1947 and the MShed, a series of exhibitions about Bristol’s history. And every year the annual Harbor Festival in July brings Bristol’s best emerging artists as well as established and international artists to all genres for three days of free back-to-back entertainment. Restaurants, cafes and bars now line the waterfront and bars now have their own festival.

Places to stay in Bristol

There’s no shortage of options when it’s time to take a dip in the waters of the River Avon and the floating harbour. There’s also a new bar in town, Rick’s Bar, a recent addition to The Bristol Hotel’s riverfront. This sparkling bar quickly gained popularity for its enticing list of cocktails and other unusual light bites. It will be taking part in Bristol Cocktail Weekend (26 – 29 September) where 35 of the city’s best bars will be offering special signature drinks and new drinks.

Places to stay in Bristol

The Bristol Hotel offers comfort and convenience as well as some of the best views of Bristol itself. It is located on the waterfront and is convenient for attractions near the Floating Harbour. Several local buses pass through Prince Street serving the train station, airport and other nearby attractions. The hotel offers different levels of rooms but each one has all the necessary facilities to enhance the city break. It also has comfortable, private lounges, a small bar and the River Grill restaurant. Parking in the nearby multi-storey car park (discounted for residents) means you can drive into Bristol and park and ride afterwards. The hotel occupies a Grade II listed building due to the concrete lattice work on the surface of the multi-storey car park. Its austere exterior belies its luxurious interior.

Arrival in Bristol

Bristol has an airport and two railway stations. Public transport connects them to the city centre. It is also close to 3 motorways – the M5, M4 and M32.

Valery Collins

Valery started traveling about 30 years ago when, during a gap year, he discovered the joy of traveling as a tour guide. Since then he has worked on travel brochure copy, written 4 travel books, built his own website and written for 5 other travel websites. His passion for travel includes all things travel related from luxury safaris to soft ski goggles.