Bristol stag do

Bristol has become one of the most booked stag cities in the UK. It's easy to reach by train from most of the country, the harbour is a lovely place to drink on a sunny afternoon, and the food and music scenes punch well above the city's size.

It suits a group that wants more than a club crawl. There's cider, street art, a harbour full of boats and bars, and some excellent pubs, with big nights available on Park Street and around the Harbourside if you want them.

Bristolians are relaxed and friendly, and the city is used to stag and hen groups, especially around the Harbourside and the Old City. Most people won't give you a second look.

The city has a strong independent streak, and some areas, like Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road, are much more local. Groups who barge into small neighbourhood pubs there and take over can get a cooler reception than they would in the centre. Pick your pubs to suit the mood.

The big bars and clubs on Park Street and the Harbourside take stag groups regularly, but the usual rules apply. Large groups of men get turned away more than small ones, so split into groups of four to six before you reach the door.

Dress codes are fairly relaxed compared with London or Manchester, though sportswear and football shirts will still get you refused at the busier clubs on a Saturday.

Fancy dress is common on stag weekends here and accepted at the more party-focused bars. Smaller independent pubs and cocktail bars are less keen. One costume for the groom keeps the rest of the group flexible.

Harbourside

Bars and restaurants along the water, including some on boats. Brilliant on a sunny afternoon and lively at night.

Park Street and the Triangle

The student-heavy strip of bars and clubs running up from College Green. Where a lot of big nights end.

The Old City and Corn Street

Historic streets with bars, cocktail places and the covered St Nicholas Market for street food.

Clifton

Smart, leafy and full of good pubs and restaurants, with the suspension bridge at the top. A calmer evening.

Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road

Bristol's alternative side. Independent bars, street art and a mostly local crowd. Keep it low-key.

Cider

Bristol takes cider seriously. A cider boat pub or a tasting is a very Bristol way to start a Saturday.

Street art tour

Guided walks around the city's street art, including Banksy's early work, are cheap and genuinely interesting.

Boats on the harbour

Kayaks, paddleboards and group boat hire are all available, and a boat trip around the harbour is a good hangover cure.

Rugby or football at Ashton Gate

Bristol Bears rugby and Bristol City football both play here, and tickets are usually easy to get.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

A walk up to the bridge and over the gorge gives you the best views of the city.

Friday

Arrive at Temple Meads, drop the bags, and start on the Harbourside. Dinner in the Old City, then Park Street for a big night.

Saturday

A slow breakfast, a street art tour or time on the water, then cider in the afternoon. Dinner in Clifton, then back down to the Harbourside or Park Street.

Sunday

A walk up to the suspension bridge, a long lunch and the train home.

Hotels around the Harbourside and Temple Meads keep everything walkable. Big self-catering houses are available in Clifton and Redland, but read the house rules, as many ban parties.

Big events like the Balloon Fiesta in August and home rugby weekends push prices up, so check the calendar first.

Prices change, so check before you book.

• Bristol is hilly. Factor in the climb up Park Street and to Clifton if your plan involves walking between areas.
• Taxis can be hard to find at closing time on a Saturday. Book ahead or use an app.
• Keep away from the harbour edge late at night. It's easy to misjudge after a few drinks.