4 min readLively, leafy Bristol is known for its maritime history, fantastic food and drink and alternative arty streak – all things that make it a memorable incentive trip destination.
From the cobbled streets of the Old City quarter to the buzzy Harbourside, the city centre is full of iconic sights and experiences, including some connected to three of Bristol’s most famous Bs: Brunel, Banksy and boats.
Here’s a suggested one-day itinerary for the South West’s biggest city, featuring a storied theatre, a graffiti workshop, a 3D planetarium and more. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a one-day incentive trip to Bristol.
Image - The Matthew in Bristol's Floating Harbour
Morning - Join local street art experts for a tour, spray painting workshop and an immersive art experience
How did Bristol birth the world’s most famous graffiti artist and come to be a European capital for street art? Scratch beneath its spray paint-covered walls and find out on a Where the Wall tour. They’ll introduce you to treasured pieces, including iconic Banksys, while telling the city’s street art story.
Afterwards, channel the creative inspiration into your very own artwork in a graffiti workshop. The Graft team will show you the ropes of using spray paints and stencils, in a unique underground location – the cells of a former police station.
Next, step into the Dream Factory at Wake The Tiger for a surreal self-guided adventure through 40 unique spaces where you can interact with extraordinary installations all created by local artists.
Image - Wake The Tiger
Afternoon - Dine waterside and take a tour
Enjoy lunch with a view at Harbour House - this 19th century transit shed designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel has been transformed into a contemporary restaurant, with original features and a stunning terrace making it a special setting for a team lunch. Fittingly for a waterside restaurant, seafood is the speciality here. The team also champions South West suppliers and seasonal produce across the menus.
Image - Harbour House
Take a private tour of Bristol Old Vic Theatre, where you can step behind the stage curtains at the English-speaking world's oldest continuously working theatre. With a history dating back to 1766, there are plenty of myths, facts and local folklore woven into Bristol Old Vic’s past.
One of the theatre guides will recount some of the most entertaining for you, while giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the beautiful space where notable alumni such as Sir Patrick Stewart, Olivia Coleman and Jeremy Irons have tread the boards.
Image - Bristol Old Vic
Make your way to the Harbourside for an adventure on the water. Boat trips range from quick Bristol Ferry rides along the Floating Harbour to leisurely afternoon tea or wildlife spotting trips up the River Avon with Bristol Packet Boat Trips. You can even set sail in a magnificent replica of the first ship to reach the shores of Newfoundland in 1497 – John Cabot’s The Matthew.
Image - Bristol Packet Boat Trips
Evening - Groundbreaking attractions
Engage delegates with an out-of-this-world presentation in the UK’s only 3D Planetarium at We The Curious, the city’s science museum. Or simply kick back and enjoy a glittering star show, with an expert guiding on a journey through the night sky.
Other parts of the venue are also available for hire, including exhibition floors where guests can experiment with the thought-provoking, hands-on exhibits after hours.
Image - Planetarium show at We The Curious
Iconic Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel hailed from Bristol and at the heart of the Harbourside lives one of his greatest accomplishments. The lovingly restored SS Great Britain is the world's first luxury liner turned multi-award-winning venue, and the perfect place to host a maritime-themed reception.
Plan a party on board and follow in the footsteps of its original Victorian passengers, exploring the entire ship through exclusive hire or one of the history-steeped event spaces – the Top Deck, the Promenade Deck, the First Class Dining Saloon and Hayward Saloon.
Image - Brunel's SS Great Britain
Stay overnight at Hotel du Vin Bristol City Centre
End the day at yet another characterful Bristol venue. Full of high ceilings and exposed brickwork, the Hotel du Vin & Bistro Bristol City Centre is spread across Grade II-listed former sugar warehouses, giving you a glimpse into a different corner of the city’s industrial heritage. No two rooms here are the same, though they all share luxury touches like Egyptian linen and powerful monsoon showers.
Image - Hotel Du Vin & Bistro
This itinerary showcases just a selection of what Bristol city centre has to offer. Talk to us about planning the perfect trip for your delegates.
