Bristol and its beautiful surrounding countryside offer a pleasant driving experience thanks to a well-maintained road network that snakes through the area.  

If you’re arriving at Bristol Airport you can take the A38 straight into the city. If you’re collecting your car from the train station, the A4044 can connect you to the main shopping area of Temple Way and Cabot Circus.

Follow the Baldwin Street Link to venture through the heart of the city, then join Anchor Road, heading south towards the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Driving across this epic bridge is a must while you’re in the city, with a cruise across the 249-foot engineering wonder revealing breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge below.

Getting in and out of Bristol is straightforward thanks to its many motorway links, so it’s easy to use the city as a base for exploring the countless destinations on its doorstep.

First stop, the beautiful south-west. Follow the M5 in the direction of Cornwall to experience the coastal beauty of Newquay. For a dose of quaint rural countryside, take the M5 north and explore the picturesque Cotswolds.

For something a little closer to Bristol, the A38 south will take you to the Mendip Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty boasting lush limestone hills and rocky outcrops. 

Swap natural beauty for epic history with a trip to nearby Bath. Follow the A4 from Bristol and you can be in the Roman city in under an hour. If you’re a horse racing fan, drive north along the M5 to visit Cheltenham, home to one of the UK’s most famous racecourses.

As in Ireland, you’ll drive on the left-hand side of the road while in Bristol. Keep an eye on signage, which will clearly mark speed limits on different roads – 112 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways, 96 km/h on single carriageways and 48 km/h in built-up areas.

Prepare to be mesmerised by this quirky city from the moment you arrive. Uncover the rich history and independent culture that Bristol is renowned for. Tear yourself away from the city and you’ll find the picturesque destinations on its doorstep are just as charming.

Soak up the city’s unique flavour

Get a sense of Bristol’s independent spirit at St Nicholas Market. Amble around the historical Glass Arcade, where traders offer everything from antiques and artwork to gifts and grub.

The city’s diverse culinary roots are on show here – feast on award-winning pies, a bowl of spicy tagine or a plump Portuguese custard tart.

With your bag full of souvenirs, head outside to admire the offbeat street art peppered throughout Bristol’s streets. Wander through the centre to spot graffiti murals from Banksy, the world-famous artist that once called the city home.

Make for the marina and board the epic steamship, Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Experience what life was like on the innovative ocean liner as you explore its maze of rooms and roam the deck.

Further down the docks, step back in time at M Shed, the harbourside history museum. Make your way through the exhibitions, divided into places, people and life, and the city’s story unfolds before your eyes.

Make the most of the outdoors

Cruise across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, park your hire car and stroll up the lush green Downs to Clifton Observatory, perched high above the city. Drink in the incredible views of Bristol and its iconic bridge from this spectacular vantage point.

Next, get back behind the wheel and head east through the leafy Clifton area to Cabot Tower. Wander through the pretty park of Brandon Hill to reach the 105-foot red-brick tower, built in the 19^th century. Climb the twisting staircase all the way to the top and enjoy views across the harbour.

Make your way across the River Avon to reach Ashton Court, the grand estate set just outside the city. Pack a picnic and enjoy it among the sprawling grounds while spotting the deer that call the estate home.

Work your lunch off with an expedition around its woodland trails and take a ride on the miniature railway.

Venture beyond the city

You’ll find an endless list of places to visit in and around Bristol. Just under an hour away is the elegant city of Bath where jaw-dropping Georgian architecture awaits.

Visit the famous Roman Baths nestled in the heart of this historic city. Built around 70 AD, they’re among the best preserved in the world. Walk along steaming pools and admire the statues adorning ornate terraces as you discover how the baths were built and sample the spa water for yourself.

Enjoy a fun day out by the sea at Weston-Super-Mare, wandering the promenade and enjoying the miles of golden sand before finishing the day off with ish and chips on the beach.

Your Bristol base also allows you easy access to the magnificent Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering more than 1,200km.

Set off an adventure through the picture-perfect hills, passing through quaint villages lined with thatched cottages and charming churches.

Stop off and explore stunning locations including Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ and blessed with cosy village pubs and charming tea rooms.

Car hire in Bristol will allow you to maximise your time in the south-west of England, giving you the freedom and flexibility to see the best of the city and beyond.