We all need time to relax and recharge, and there’s no better place to take some time away from technology and chill out for a few hours...
The outdoor pool at The Lido
Green spaces and parks
Brandon Hill Park
Brandon Hill, Bristol’s oldest park, is a perfect getaway conveniently located just off Park Street.
The park is a nature conservation area, with great spots for picnics, winding paths, stunning views of Bristol’s skyline, and the historic Cabot Tower.
Brandon Hill, Credit: Paul Box
Leigh Woods
Leigh woods, located just over Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, is a peaceful and tranquil nature reserve.
Follow its paths along with runners, cyclists and dog walkers and enjoy the opportunity to escape the urban, with beautiful views across the Avon Gorge.
Chew Valley Lakes
If you fancy escaping the city, Chew Valley Lakes is a beautiful space for nature lovers and walkers with trails around the lake.
Surrounded by wildlife, but not far from a teahouse offering gorgeous British cakes, this place is great for a calming Sunday afternoon.
Chew Valley Lake, Credit: Blue O'Connor
Ashton Court Estate
Once the gracious home of the Smyth family, Ashton Court Estate is now a historic park located 10 minutes drive away from the city centre.
Boasting over 850 acres of woods and grasslands with old oak trees and deer, Ashton Court is the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and unwind, with gorgeous views to match.
Food & drink
St Nicholas Markets
If you’re looking for some wholesome and locally-sourced food, head down to St Nicholas Markets for an endless choice of nourishing and feel-good food.
Every Wednesday the award-winning Bristol Farmers Market offers locally-sourced goodness with reasonable prices.
St Nicholas Markets
You & Meow Cat Café
You & Meow, Bristol’s first cat café, is a great spot for those looking to relax in the company of cats whilst savouring a wide selection of teas and cakes.
You & Meow claim to gain inspiration from Japanese Zen Gardens, offering customers tranquillity in their chilled-out atmosphere.
Salt & Malt Chew Valley
Outside of Bristol and down on the shores of Chew Valley Lake, Salt & Malt offer top quality award-winning fish and chips with stunning views to match.
Experience the tranquil views of the lake as you become one with nature, with the added choice of some of the finest food in the South West.
Relaxation & spas
The Lido
Bristol’s Lido is the ultimate haven of total relaxation. Tucked away inside a courtyard of Georgian Terraces in the heart of Clifton village, The Lido offers a spa, heated pool, sauna, hot tub and steam room.
The Lido’s restaurant has also been recognised in The National Restaurant Awards in 2015, and Square Meals’ Top 100 UK Restaurants.
Poolside dining at The Lido, Credit: The Lido
Conveniently located on Corn Street, Harbour Hotel Bristol is home to a subterranean spa featuring seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and an urban gym. The former vaults maintain its original features such as the beautiful vault doors whilst harbouring a chic and urban modern style.
>>> See more of Bristol's Spa and Wellbeing options
HarSpa at Harbour Hotel Bristol, Credit: Harbour Hotel Bristol
Museums and historical sights
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
If you’re up for a detox with a side of history, wander around the beautiful Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on their quieter mornings or afternoons.
With 19 galleries over 3 floors, feel free to immerse yourself in the world-class collections of art, archaeology, natural history and more.
John Wesley’s New Room
Head down to The Horsefair on a quiet afternoon to visit The New Room, the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world. This tranquil and sacred space is perfect for a quiet few hours of reflection in the centre of Bristol.
John Wesley's New Room
Bristol Cathedral
Bristol’s beautiful and historic Cathedral on College Green is a top spot to wander around and take in the beautiful architecture.
Bristol Cathedral is free to visit and open to the public 365 days a year, so there’s always an opportunity to pop in and discover the vast history of this building.
>>> Find out more about Bristol's sacred places
Planetarium at We The Curious
We The Curious’s popular series of night-time Planetarium shows offer breath-taking visuals using the latest technology in presenter-led shows - an amazing opportunity to switch off from the everyday and unwind with magical views of the cosmos.
The Planetarium at We The Curious
Accommodation & Campsites
Camp at The Wave
Wake to the sound of waves in one of the 25 furnished tents, located just a short walk from the shore of The Wave's surfing lake - where perfect waves are guaranteed.
The Camp at The Wave
Mendip Basecamp
Basecamp is a family campsite in the heart of the beautiful Mendip Hills, just outside Bristol, five minutes from the M5. Surrounded by ancient woodland, the spacious campsite is perfect for families, small groups and adventurers seeking a UK based holiday or weekend away.
Hidden high on the Mendip Hills, this is the perfect base to explore Somerset, Bristol and the South West. Mendip Basecamp is open from the May half term onwards and all bookings can be made online.
The campsite is in the heart of Mendip Activity Centre. Activities are not compulsory but if you’re feeling adventurous, choose from frisbee golf, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, climbing, caving, kayaking, archery and more. There are activities for everyone aged 4+!
>>> Take a look at Bristol's other campsites and alternative accommodation
Sports and exercise
Go Ape
Award-winning Go Ape, set within the beautiful forest of Mallard Pike Lake, offers the ultimate rush with a day out for families and friends of all ages.
Surround yourself in nature, leap off the Tarzan swing and zip-wire through the forest as you unleash your Go Ape spirit. Ideal for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush with gorgeous nature views in hand.
SUP Paddleboarding
Gently glide through the heart of the city on paddleboards, or take part in a harbour-based yoga session, courtesy of SUP Bristol.
Take in stunning views of Hotwell’s colourful houses, perfect for a detox with the added adventure kick.
SUP Paddleboarding
Explore Bristol by bike
Discover the beauty of the city on wheels by hiring a tandem with Bristol Tandem Hire. Follow one of their carefully chosen routes away from the traffic, taking you to rural locations as well as some of the best pubs in Bristol.
Alternatively, you can choose one of their hampers, filled with quality food from Bristol’s independents foodies. Ideal for anyone up for getting off Bristol’s beaten track.