6 min readWe 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...
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: Chris Bahn
Leigh Woods
Leigh woods, located just over 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.
Image - View of Clifton Suspension Bridge from Leigh Woods
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.
Image - Chew Valley Lake
Ashton Court Estate
Once the gracious home of the Smyth family, Ashton Court 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, it's the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and unwind, with gorgeous views to match.
Image - Ashton Court Estate. Credit: Chris Bahn
Food & drink
The secret garden at No.4 Clifton Village
Take a seat in the serene surrounds of what we're pretty sure is Clifton's only restaurant garden. Whether you opt for afternoon tea, lunch or cocktails, it's a calming place to enjoy a bite.
St Nicholas Markets
If you’re looking for some wholesome and locally-sourced food, head down to St Nick's 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.
Image - St Nicholas Markets. Credit Paul Box
Cream tea cruise around the harbour
Enjoy a leisurely trip around the harbour with Bristol Packet Boat Trips, complete with a tasty cream tea while you take in the sights.
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.
Image - Bristol Packet Boat Trips
Relaxation & spas
Bristol 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 Square Meals’ Top 100 UK Restaurants and in the Michelin guide.
Image - Bristol 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.
Image - HarSpa at 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 museum on 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.
Image - 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.
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.
Image - 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.
Image - 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. 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+!
Image - Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre
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.
Image - Go Ape
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.
Image - SUP Bristol
Explore Bristol by bike
Discover the beauty of the city on wheels on one of the many cycling routes in and around Bristol. Alternatively, you can choose take a mountain biking lesson or hire bikes from Pedal Progression in Ashton Court - ideal for anyone up for getting off Bristol’s beaten track.
Image - Pedal Progression
