Free Things to do in Bristol 2023

Are you looking for a fun day out in Bristol that doesn’t cost a lot?
Here’s our handy guide with some super lovely spots!
From galleries, museums and lots more to do and see,
The best part is these activities are all completely free!

Arnolfini 

If your budding little artists are after a slice of culture, Arnolfini is the place to be! It showcases contemporary art, visual arts, performance, dance, film, music and plays host to various fab events. There are many family events throughout the year providing activity guides for each of the exhibitions for the children to complete. Find out more.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

August 10th – 13th 2023
Once a year in August teams from all over the UK and other parts of the world bring their hot air balloons to the Ashton Court Estate. See as many as 100 balloons launch into the sky at the same time! Or watch the nighttime glow, where the balloons are inflated and glow to the music. The fiesta can attract crowds of 100,000 each day and is the largest annual hot air balloon festival! There is a charge for car parking on site (can be pre-booked). Find out more.

Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill is just a quick walk away from the hustle and bustle of Bristol town centre. The views from the top of the hill are spectacular. The best views are seen from climbing Cabot Tower in the park! You will also find a fun children’s play area, Brandon Hill Nature Park and some friendly squirrels! Find out more.

eat:Portishead

August 12th 2023

Eat festivals are popping up all over the UK, local food and drink producers are at the heart of this festival, so you can expect plenty of tasty treats. Additionally, there’s live music, awesome entertainers such as buskers, jugglers and other street acts. Find out more.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

This museum tells the story of our world from it’s very beginnings to the present day! This museum houses world-class collections of art, archaeology, geology and natural history for you to see. Highlights include the dinosaur galleries where you can meet the Bristol Dinosaur and others, including the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in the UK! Other excellent family-friendly activities include the under 7’s play area, trails to follow around the museum and the arts and craft activity days. They have a packed schedule of temporary exhibitions throughout the year from famous artists, archaeologists and more. Find out more.

Ashton Court

This huge park of 850 acres once belonged to the Smyth family, and now it’s a historic park with woodlands and grasslands ready for you to explore! There are deer, mountain bike tracks of different levels, two 18-hole pitch and putt courses, and a miniature railway (fees apply). The scenic surroundings can be explored via the many walks that the family can take where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Find out more.

Blaise Castle House Museum and Estate

Blaise Castle is a fantastic place to bring the whole family for a day out to enjoy over 5,000 years of Bristol history! There’s plenty for children to do, including a large play area that’s fantastic for kids of all ages equipped featuring slides, swings, climbing frames, see-saws, trampolines and a tree house! In the summer months, on Sundays, the house is opened by volunteers, plus the panoramic views of the local area are stunning. Find out more.

Do you know any more fab and free activities? We’d really love to know! Someone else might love it, and really want to go! If you’ve got ideas, suggestions or reviews, you can shout all about it on whatever channel you choose!

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