Refreshing drinks, glorious ice cream and being outdoors as much as possible – that’s what summer means to me! So as part of my definitive guide to summer in Bristol, I’ve put together a roundup of each to keep you hydrated, cool and fulfilled. In this article, you’ll find details of just SOME of the exciting activities in Bristol this summer.
Disclaimer: I was invited by Visit Bristol to be part of the #SummerInBristol campaign. As part of the campaign I received a Media Pass to experience the highlights of the city, but no payment was exchanged for this article or any related posts. All opinions expressed are my own.
After-Hours and Summer Screens at Bristol Zoo
Get a taste of the wild side with a visit to Bristol Zoo after hours. Grab a drink and watch the sunset over the enclosures and you dance the night away to live music. Or join your favourite species to watch some box office classics under the stars with the Summer Screens outdoor cinema experience.
Friday Twilights are available on 19th July, 26th July, 2nd August or 9th August for just £7.50 per person.
Summer Screens are running on the following dates from £15 per person:
- 28th August – Rocketman
- 29th August – Green Book
- 30th August – Jurassic Park
- 1st September – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Click here for more information
Sunrise Yoga at Bristol Beach Club
The masterminds behind the Winter Après Bar are heading back to Millennium Square with a pop-up Beach Club! Converted from shipping containers, you can expect games, local street food, cocktails, live music, private cabanas, sunrise yoga, healthy breakfast bowls, movies on the big screen and family games – what a line-up! The beach club officially opens on Thursday 25th July.
Click here for more information
Hard Hat Tours at Clifton Suspension Bridge
Hidden beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Leigh Woods vaults are open to explore! During a one or two hour experience, you’ll find out fascinating facts and history about the construction of the abutments which support the bridge towers, before donning a hard hat and high vis jacket to explore two of the twelve vaulted chambers underground.
Alternatively, keep it above ground with a free tour of Clifton Suspension Bridge, lasting around 45 minutes and starting at the Clifton Toll Booth (observatory side).
Click here for more information
Pedal Progression at Ashton Court
Ashton Court offers much more than a gracious estate and host to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, as it offers five miles of mountain biking trails on the Nova mountain bike trail. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders, adults and kids, the colour coded trails make it easy to determine a suitable trail. Hire top-of-the-range Isla and Marin mountain bikes from Pedal Progression from £12. Even better Move GB members can benefit from the bike hire, and enthusiasts can earn back through the loyalty card scheme.
Why not head down to Ashton Court Courtyard Café after your ride to refuel with coffee and cake?
Click here for more information
Australian Summer at Longleat Safari Park
From 20th July to 2nd September Longleat is being transformed as part of its Australian Summer – marking the opening of Koala Creek and England’s first Koalas! From 27th July, enjoy a trip to the seaside as the Safari Park hosts the UK’s biggest indoor beach, and enjoy live performances in the Main Square. All included with a Day Ticket or Annual Pass! And don’t miss the Sky Safari from 13th to 15th September.
Click here for more information
Uncover Secrets from Bristol’s Maritime Past
Show of Strength Theatre Company are revealing Bristol’s maritime history and murder mysteries with their theatrical walking tours.
The Blood, Booze and Buccaneers tour explores the city’s links to the most fearsome pirate of all – Blackbeard – and the abundance of piracy around the area. The more sinister Blood and Butchery in Bedminster tour uncovers the gruesome fate of John Horwood, the ongoing tale of Bristol’s Goldfinger and Bedminster’s own Romeo and Juliet – to name but a few of the grizzly goings on.
Tours cost £10 per person for approximately 2 hours.
Click here for more information
Paddleboard Through the Harbour
Ever wanted to try your hand at SUP? Now’s the chance! From April to October, you can learn the basics of SUP and paddle through the harbour, seeing the area from a new perspective at your own paddling pace. Prices start from £40 for a 2.5 hour adventure.
Click here for more information
Take a Pub Cruise with Bristol Packet
Paddleboarding not your thing? Prefer to eliminate the chance of swimming in the harbour? I get it! Bristol Packet are offering some fantastic pub tours including the Tour of Dockside Pubs on Tuesdays, Beese’s Sunday Drinks and Lunch Trips, Cream Tea Cruises or make a day of it with a Bristol to Bath cruise. Boat trip prices start from £6.75 per adult and run until September.
Click here for more information
There are so many activities in Bristol this Summer, that’s impossible to include them all here! And depending on your interest, there’s activities and events exactly for you.
