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...

Lido spa

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

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

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

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.

Lido dine and swim

Poolside dining at The Lido, Credit: The Lido

Harbour Hotel Bristol 

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

Spa at Bristol Harbour Hotel

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. 

Planetarium

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

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 yoga

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.

>>> Find out more about cycling in Bristol

Related

Brandon Hill Nature Reserve
Country Park/Nature Reserve
Brandon Hill Nature Reserve

Brandon Hill Nature Park is located in the city-centre and is a haven for wildlife. During spring and summer there are many beautiful flowers that blossom here in the park, which give the park some colour.

Ashton Court Estate
Garden
Ashton Court Estate Bristol

Historic 850-acre parkland with mansion, two pitch-and-putt golf courses, deer park, miniature railway, orienteering and nature trails

St Nicholas Market
Café
St Nicks Market Corn St

Established in 1743, St Nicholas Market is the oldest and best loved market in Bristol, famous for being home to some of the best food in the city.

The Lido
Spa
The Lido Spa Bristol

Bristol’s most unique spa destination, featuring a pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, spa, restaurant bar and terrace

Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel
Hotel
Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

The four-star Mercure Bristol Grand on Broad Street, Bristol has had an extensive makeover giving the historic Grade II listed building a stylish and distinctive new look and feel.

Harbour Hotel Bristol
Hotel
Bristol Harbour Hotel - Exterior

With 42 luxury bedrooms, some with spectacular views over St Nicholas Market and Bristol Crown Court, you will feel instantly relaxed as you settle into your surroundings.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Museum
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery exterior

Museum and art gallery exhibiting some outstanding collections of art, archaeology, Egyptology and natural history in a magnificent building

John Wesley’s New Room
Church/Chapel
John Welsey's New Room front

The oldest Methodist building in the world, constructed as a meeting room and accommodation after Wesley began to preach in 1739.

Bristol Cathedral
Cathedral/Minster
Bristol Cathedral West End

Much more than a fascinating building, being a fine example of a hall church, it is a centre of Bristol's history, civic life and culture.

We The Curious
Science Centre
We The Curious exhibitions

We The Curious is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for you, your friends and family.

Camp Baboon at Wild Place
Camping
Camp Baboon Wild Place Project

Camp in a luxury cabin amongst the exotic and endangered animals at Wild Place Project.

SUP Bristol - Stand Up Paddleboarding
Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre
SUP Bristol Stand Up Paddleboarding in groups

Try stand up paddleboarding with SUP Bristol and see Bristol Floating Harbour from a truly unique angle. Explore the vibrant and historic Harbourside with SUP Bristol's expert and enthusiastic instructors to show you the ropes.

Bristol Tandem Hire
Cycle
Tandem by Clifton Suspension Bridge

Couples, friends, families, groups … Bristol Tandem Hire has great tandem bikes for you to rent. Easy booking, bespoke service. A fun way to explore the best of Bristol/Bath/ Somerset.