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ART GALLERY - Arnolfini Museum
Location: Bristol harbourside (Central)
About: This is a great place to spend a few hours regardless of age or art knowledge. There is always something for everyone, they also hold some great touring exhibitions and there is also a lovely cafe if you fancy a quick refuel.
This is in such a great, central place also that makes it accessible for all. If you are driving through, look at M-shed or Thekla for parking.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Jamie Woodley
WALKS AND TRAILS - Arnos Vale Cemetery & Self-Guided Walking Trails
Location: Just outside of the City Centre
About: A unique heritage site in the heart of Bristol, with 45 green acres of spectacular Victorian Garden Cemetery. This unique, beautiful, and tranquil space also has a great cafe. However, it is worth noting that sometimes certain spaces might be closed for ceremonies as this is still a working cemetery and also a popular wedding venue.
There is free on-site parking (but this is limited) but this is still accessible via lots of bus services from the City Centre and also a short stroll from Bristol Temple Meads train station.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Arnos Vale Trust Website
ART TRAIL - Banksy Self-Guided Walking Tours
Location: Various locations around Bristol
About: Name a world-famous graffiti artist… now name where he’s from…. BRISTOL!
Take yourself on a free, self-guided tour of Bankey’s famous artwork around our beautiful city and you will be almost guaranteed to hit your daily step count while you’re at it!
Cost: FREE
WALKS AND TRAILS - Snuff Mills Scenic Walks & Trails
Location: North Bristol
About: A beautiful walk for the whole family along the banks of the River Frome through an old quarry and stone mill. At the top of the hill, you will find one of Bristol’s best play parks for kids in Oldbury park. Bring your boots, pack a picnic and if you’re lucky, you might even see some otters!
Parking is limited so your best bet is to park at Oldbury park and take a short walk down the mill into the mill itself. Access to public transport is also limited.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Ron Ward
WALKS AND TRAILS - Blaise Castle
Location: BS10
About: A 650-acre Grade II* registered parkland including a children's play area, cafe, museum, and castle and only a stone's throw off the m5. This is a hotspot for dog walkers, families, and anyone seeking fresh air! There is onsite parking (chargeable) and access via public transport is limited.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Photo: English Heritage
ART GALLERY - M Shed
Location: Bristol Harbourside
About: Set over the wonderful Bristol Harbourside, see notable films and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects, and add your own memories of Bristol through the interactive displays. From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of the city and its unique place. Perfect for a rainy day, great for kids, or even for a solo afternoon stroll.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: M Shed Facebook Page
ART GALLERY - Spike Island Art Gallery
Location: BS1
About: Wonderful exhibitions of international contemporary art; public events and activities; home to a community of artists and creative businesses. Spike Island Art Gallery is at the heart of Bristol (very close to the city centre) so if perfect if you want to take a stroll up to Stokes Croft for an oat flat white and a falafel wrap at the same time!
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Spike Island Website
ART GALLERY - Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Location: Top of Parl street
About: Explore collections of art, nature, and history on display in this beautiful building just a short walk (up Park street) from the city centre.
Find out about the last billion years of Earth’s history, explore the region’s natural wonders, and discover more about people’s lives, past and present.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Bristol Museums
WALKS AND TRAILS Clifton Suspension Bridge
Location: Clifton
About: Arguably one of the most iconic places in Bristol, known worldwide and instantly recognisable. Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol’s most recognisable structures. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it marks a turning point in engineering history and has come to symbolise a city of original thinkers and independent spirits. Parking is limited and mostly on street so leave lots of time to find a space or just hop on one of the many busses that run through Clifton from the city centre (no busses run over the bridge itself)
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: The Telegraph
WALKS AND TRAILS Cabot tower & Brandon Hill
Location: Just off the city centre
About: Built in 1897, Cabot Tower is an iconic landmark in Bristol. It was designed to commemorate John Cabot's famous voyage from Bristol and the continent of North America four hundred years earlier. Pack some snacks and a blanket and bask in the Bristol summer sun on this suntrap during the summer or simply escape the city for a moment in this picturesque setting in the middle of the city.
Cost: FREE
WALKS AND TRAILS Ashton Court estate
Location: Ashton
About: Once the home of the Smyth family, but now home to many of Bristols summer festivals, weddings and other events… Ashton Court is well known for its endless grassy trails, and 850 acres of woodland and is a meeting place for many. 10 minutes from the centre of Bristol via bus or car. There is limited onsite parking (chargeable)
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Ashton Court Website
FESTIVAL Bristol Balloon Fiesta (During Aug)
Location: Ashton Court
About: A world-famous, 4 day free event packed full of family fun, music, food and most iconically… hot air balloons!
Plan your time around stunning early morning ascents, evening night glows or simply soak up the festival atmosphere during the day. You don’t get more Bristol than the balloon fiesta!
This is a free event to attend but chargeable parking is advised to be prebooked (weeks) in advance and there are also multitudes of special bus services running locally to serve the festival.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: ITV
FESTIVAL Bristol Harbour Festival (July)
Location: Bristol Harbourside
About: In its 50th year now and held traditionally during July throughout the city in multiple venues and locations (inside and out), Bristol Harbour Festival is a celebration of Bristol heart and soul. Take in food, music, culture, art, performance, and much more
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Bristol Harbour Festival Website
PLACE OF INTEREST Bristol Cathedral
Location: College green
About: Bristol Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful medieval cathedrals in England. This building was started on College Green in 1140, but little remains from this time. The structure was damaged by a fire in 1404, and rebuilt with a huge central tower that’s still there today! Take a stroll around and absorb the peaceful and calm atmosphere.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Bristol Cathedral Website
FAMILY ACTIVITY Windmill Hill City Farm
Location: Bedminster
About: Windmill Hill City Farm is a haven of wildlife, greenery and community. They boast a range of community gardens and farm animals, as well as indoor and outdoor space to hire for parties or celebrations. They also have a children’s nursery and play area, picnic tables, a café with a farm shop and a 5-a-side football pitch… all located within the heart of Bedminster!
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Windmill hill city farm website
WALKS AND TRAILS Treasure Island Trail (you need to pick up a trail map)
Location: Bristol Habour
About: The Bristol Treasure Island Trail takes in the locations where Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe and Bristol’s piratical past are commemorated.
The trail starts outside the building where the original treasure map was first created. On route, you can then take in sites relevant to the novels including Long John Silver’s pub, the area where Blackbeard was brought up, and the pub in which Daniel Dfoe is said to have met the Bristol castaway who inspired Robinson Crusoe! You don’t get more Bristol than that!
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Bristol walk fest website
WALKS AND TRAILS Clifton Downs
Location: Clifton
Home to several music and culture festivals during the summer months, Clifton Downs is a short stroll from Clifton Village and is perfect for spending the afternoon having a picnic, a breezy stroll or a kick around with some mates. You also have fantastic views of the suspension bridge and cliffs from here. Parking is on the street and you might struggle to find a space during peak times, but many bus services run in and around here from many locations.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Bristol Live
WALKS AND TRAILS Leigh Woods
Location: BS8
About: A wilderness of tranquility set against Brunel's famous suspension bridge, Leigh woods is a slice of heaven for anyone seeking a walk amongst nature, regardless of experience or ability. There are many routes to choose from based on length and accessibility needs (some are suitable for wheelchairs and prams where others are more off road). This is also a popular place for dirt track mountain bikers (they have their own trails to follow). Entry is free but you do have to pay to park and there is very limited access via public transport as this is set slightly out of the city itself.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: Foresty England
FESTIVAL St Pauls Carnival (July 2023)
Location: St Pauls, Bristol
About: St. Paul's Carnival is a celebration of music, culture and the people who live in St. Pauls and the surrounding areas (but anyone can attend).
Enjoy the festivities including Caribbean food, street dancing, art exhibitions and much more. This used to be an annual event but now it seems to take place every few years so check their website and social media before planning to attend for updates.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: ITV
WALKS AND TRAILS / ART: UnicornFest (Statue art trail)
Location: Multi locations
About: Celebrate summer along the Unicorn Trail in brilliant Bristol! The unicorns will be spread across Bristol and the South West- from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Weston-Super-Mare pier.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: UnicornFest Website
PLACE OF INTEREST Matthew Ship
Location: BS1
About: The Matthew was a caravel sailed by John Cabot in 1497 from Bristol to Newfoundland, North America. There are two modern replicas – one in Bristol, England and one in Bonavista, Newfoundland. This is a perfect afternoon out for anyone interested in ships or also just to take in some of the Bristol sights and sounds.
The Matthew is open to visitors at weekends only during the winter.
Cost: FREE
Photo Credit: Matthew Website
PLACE OF INTEREST: St Mary Redcliffe church
Location: St Mary Redcliffe
About: St Mary Redcliffe is an Anglican parish church located in the Redcliffe district of Bristol, England and is only a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station.
Constructed from the 12th to the 15th centuries, St Mary Redcliffe has been a place of Christian worship for over 900 years but is also open for the public to walk around and take in the beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Cost: FREE
Photo credit: St Mary Redcliffe website