Coming up on 20 June, there are plenty of ways to treat the dad figures in your life and reconnect with family in Bristol this Father’s Day. Discover exciting places to go, fabulous food and drink and top gifts from local businesses.
Remember to Escape the Everyday responsibly in Bristol this summer – book in advance, respect nature and follow social distancing guidelines.
Days out
Revisit Bristol attractions
With the doors to Bristol’s top attractions open again, Father’s Day weekend is the ideal time to get out and visit some of your family’s favourites.
Engineering enthusiasts can admire the magnificent SS Great Britain or the aeronautical history at Aerospace Bristol. You can be intrigued and inspired by the new Project What If experience at We The Curious, or discover a world of wildlife at Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project.
Image - Project What If at We The Curious, credit Lisa Whiting
Spot amazing animal dads at Bristol Zoo Gardens
Spend quality time with your dad while saying ‘hello’ to some other top dads including Jock, a silverback western lowland gorilla, Rio, a two-toed sloth, and Jorah, a tiny mouse deer.
You can also challenge your dad to climb, balance and swing on an aerial ropes course ZooRopia before relaxing at The Hide restaurant with a coffee and scrumptious cake.
Image - Bristol Zoo Gardens, credit Andre Pattenden
Treat dad like royalty at Berkeley Castle
There’s a delicious BBQ to tuck into at Berkeley Castle on Father’s Day, as well as activities like a knight’s challenge, climbing wall, dragon trail, woodland play area and the new Women of Berkeley Castle exhibition.
Woodland Garden at Bowood House
Opening season for Bowood House's magical Woodland Garden – one of the most exciting gardens of its type in the country – has been extended this year, meaning you can visit on Father's Day for the first time ever.
Great British Food Festival at Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Enjoy fantastic food in a beautiful setting, as the Great British Food Festival sets up at Sudeley Castle over Father’s Day weekend. A perfect day out for foodie dads, there’ll be chef demos, street food, an artisan market, a BBQ stage, foraging walks and much more to enjoy.
Image - Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Vitality Blast: Gloucestershire v Hampshire at Bristol County Ground
If he’s a cricket fan, spend the afternoon in the stands at Bristol Country Ground for this match between Gloucestershire and Hampshire.
Treasure Hunt Bristol
Test out your essential pirate skills by following treasure maps, solving cryptic clues and looking carefully around the city to find answers. You’ll all be led around the city by a bossy pirate character who sends messages to your phones.
Rock and Roll Bristol Walking Tour
Join a fun walking tour around Bristol's iconic music venues, past and present, and tales of the famous bands that played them.
Food and drink
Father's Day Afternoon Tea at Brunel's SS Great Britain
This is an afternoon tea with a nautical twist – sample foods from countries the SS Great Britain docked at during her time at sea. A few dishes on the menu include a New York-style pastrami bagel with mustard pickles, a spiced sausage roll with flaky pastry a la Melbourne, and Alfajores Cookies from the Cape Verde Islands. Mr Brunel himself will be hosting in the First Class Dining Saloon.
Image - First Class Dining Saloon at Brunel's SS Great Britain
Father’s Day Feast at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Book in at Bowood Hotel for a delicious three-course Sunday lunch, where all dads and mums will get a free gift to mark the special occasion. You could also gift dad a Bowood gift voucher, which range from golf experiences to luxury spa treatments.
Father's Day at Chophouse Restaurant and Bar
Based at Future Inns Bristol Cabot Circus Hotel, enjoy special Father’s Day menus and deals in the Chophouse Restaurant, including a free pud for dads who order a main meal off the a la carte menu.
Sunday brunch at The Square Kitchen
Enjoy a three course Sunday brunch at The Square Kitchen, with options such as a detox smoothie, southern fried chicken waffles and french toast on the menu. Book a table in the Secret Garden for one of the best al fresco dining experiences in the city.
Image - The Secret Garden at The Square Kitchen, credit Evoke Pictures
Sunday roast at Racks Bar & Kitchen
Racks in Clifton has a special cider marinated and chargrilled Somerset Pork Belly on the menu for Father's Day, served with crispy pork crackling, homemade apple sauce and all the trimmings. And of course, their regular Sunday roast options will be available too.
2-for-1 pizzas at Pizza on the Park
A newbie on the Bristol food scene, Pizza on the Park is offering 2-for-1 on their Roman-style pizzas from 4pm on Father's Day. Treat your dad to a pizza, a pint and a game of table football!
Image - Pizza on the Park
Mercado44 at Bar 44
Run by the team behind Clifton’s Bar 44, check out Mercado44 for restaurant quality food you can enjoy together at home on Father’s Day. Among their Spanish-inspired meal kits is the Asador BBQ & Fire Box – sure to be a hit with dads who love firing up the BBQ. There’s also heaps of produce that makes a great gift, including the first Bar 44 Manzanilla sherry.
Image - Mercado44
Father’s Day gifts
The Visit Bristol Online Shop
Find Bristol-themed gifts and cards galore in our online shop, from small souvenirs like our balloon bottle opener to prints by local artists and books on Bristol history. You can also browse the shops at Bristol attractions for more gifts with a local twist.
Yuup
Yuup is an online marketplace for local experiences, spanning outdoor adventures, foodie treats, one-of-a-kind activities and much more. Whether you’re looking for something to do together or for your dad to enjoy on his own, pick from a huge range of original, inspiring and rewarding experiences.
Image - Yuup
Wanderlust Road Trips
Does your dad love hitting the road on a driving getaway? Gift him a Wanderlust gift card and he can redeem it against any of their available road trip guides, including the Visit Bristol itinerary.
Room 212
Search for a Father’s Day gift in the treasure trove of art that is Room 212, a gallery and shop on Gloucester Road selling prints, paintings and cards by local artists.
Jekka’s
If you’re shopping for a keen gardener or cook, the online shop from Jekka’s herb farm is well worth a look. Find gift boxes, seeds, books, herbal teas, gift cards and more.
Image - Jekka's
Aldwick Estate
Treat dad to some locally made wine from Aldwick Estate, a family-run vineyard in the Mendip Hills. They also offer tours and tastings if he’d like to up his vino knowledge, as do Limeburn Hill Biodynamic Vineyard near Chew Magna and Clifton Wine School.
Moor Beer Co
Is he a beer buff? Please his palate with a crate or keg from renowned local brewery Moor Beer Co, makers of live, natural and vegan-friendly craft beers. Make it an extra ‘hoppy’ Father’s Day by pairing his box of beers with tickets for a Bristol Hoppers tour.
Image - Bristol Hoppers
6 O’clock Gin
Discerning G&T drinkers will be happy with a bottle of 6 O’clock Gin’s artisan gins or one of their fruit liqueurs. You can also book them a virtual tour and tasting or buy a voucher for a future in-person distillery tour, which are running again from 3 July.
Guilbert’s Chocolates
With over 100 years in the chocolate-making game, you can count on Guilbert’s for some special handmade sweet treats. Shop with them online or pay a visit to their Small Street shop.
Papadeli
Order a hamper full of superb artisanal deli goodies such as wines, champagne, condiments from small producers, handmade biscuits, jams and chocolates.
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