5 min readIn town on a Sunday and stuck for entertainment? Well, just so happens we have a few ideas. From *free* dance classes to *free* gigs, there’s no excuse to be holed up in your hotel room watching The Antiques Roadshow…
Take a tour
Get to the know the city on a guided walking tour - the Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour runs from Thursday to Sunday every week and walks you through over 1,000 years of Bristol history. You can also check Yuup to see the latest tours and experiences available for the dates you're visiting. Bristol Packet Boat Trips do daily City Docks Tours, as well as a Cream Tea Cruise around the harbour on Sunday afternoons from March to October.
Want to do things at your own pace? Self-guided tours and adventures such as the Banksy Bristol Trail app, Go Quest Adventures and Treasure Hunt Bristol are a good way to fill an afternoon while exploring the city!
Image - Blackbeard to Banksy Walking Tour
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday soak
Been on your feet all day seeing our fine city? Then pamper yourself with a visit to Harbour Hotel’s subterranean spa in the Old City (even better, stay overnight), where you can book in for treatments until 6pm, or use the spa facilities until 8pm. Alternatively, you could opt for a Spa and Dine package at The Lido in Clifton, which includes a treatment, use of the spa and a two-course poolside meal.
Image - The Lido
Practice your throw (or swing!)
Visit one of Bristol's activity bars for some Sunday fun, whether you go for axe throwing at Whistle Punks, crazy golf at Par 59 or social darts at Flight Club. You can also line up your shot on one of the pool or snooker tables at Allstars Sports Bar.
Image - Roxy Lanes
Go on a cocktail crawl
Pfft, staying in on a Sunday night? No thanks, not when there’s a city full of elegant bars and speakeasies to explore. Thrown on the glam vintage frock you bought on your Gloucester Road shopping spree and take a seat at the elegant Gold Bar (at Bristol Harbour Hotel) or the glamourous Rick's on the harbourside.
Make the most of 2-for-1 cocktail offers at Pizza on the Park and Pieminister.
Image - Rick's
Catch a movie
Whether you fancy a big blockbuster or an obscure indie flick, make Sunday night movie night. Pick from the creative programme at Cube Microplex in Stokes Croft or independent cinema Watershed, which is unsurprisingly – and conveniently – found on the waterfront.
Image - Watershed
Take a sundown stroll
On a summer’s evening, there’s nothing nicer than going for a stroll as the sun sets on the city. Head to Ashton Court - via Clifton Suspension Bridge - to see the deer, spot wild cows in Leigh Woods or do a loop of the Harbourside. When you fancy a break, sit on the cobbles outside Arnolfini art gallery with a cold beer.
Image - Clifton Suspension Bridge
Giggle the night away
Sunday is a fun day if you like a laugh. Check listings for The Wardrobe Theatre’s alternative comedy nights, The Comedy Box for touring stand-ups and The Hen and Chicken in Bedminster for up-and-coming talent.
Image - The Wardrobe Theatre
Settle in for some live music
Bristol’s live music scene is legendary so you’re never far from a great gig. In Southville, Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar stages free jazz and folk sessions on Sunday evenings, while over in Stokes Croft, The Canteen have DJs joining them for their Sunday Sessions.
You can also watch free live jazz performances at the Old Duke on King Street and free gigs every evening at The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road - catch some great local bands at The Golden Lion nearby too. Reggae Sundays at Cosies is another great way to see out your weekend. Finally, The Folk House on Park Street plays host to top notch folk acts in an intimate environment.
Image - The Old Duke. Credit - Carlos Blanco
Eat a delicious meal
Sample Bristol’s famous food scene, from tasty roast dinners through to bottomless brunch.
Rick’s on the Harbourside host a relaxed brunch with live jazz music every week every Sunday, or you can grab a coffee and breakfast at Tobacco Factory in between browsing their Sunday market, which features local makers, producers and street food.
Tuck into a nice piece of rump at Steak of the Art, delicious tapas or a Spanish style roast at Bar 44, or some delicious burgers (with a whole menu dedicated to veggie and vegan options) at Three Brothers Burgers.
Discover some great value set menus and Sunday dining deals on our Special Offers page.
Image - Steak of the Art
Get your game on
At the foot of the Christmas Steps you’ll find Chance & Counters – a board game café open till 11pm on a Sunday. Pick from over 600 games, from classics like Cluedo and Uno to more unusual inventions such as Battle Sheep and Sushi Go Party! For vintage video games, manoeuvre yourself to Kongs on King Street. Their current arcade games include Pac Man, Double Dragon and Donkey Kong, and there’s table foosball too.
Tip! Don’t forget to check our What’s On listings for upcoming theatre, comedy and one-off festivals and events.
