This #SummerInBristol is filled with free festivals, live music, family fun, immersive exhibitions and more.

Read on to find out what’s coming up and how to make the most of the warmer weather, school holidays and buzzy summertime atmosphere in Bristol. 

Don't forget that this summer is extra special, as 2023 is the 650th anniversary of Bristol becoming a city! There are tons of anniversaries and big celebrations happening across the city this year too, from St George's Bristol and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery both turning 200, to the 180th anniversary of the launch of the SS Great Britain

Jump to: Stay in BristolUnmissable eventsFamily FunSummer Food and Drink | Explore the cityIndoor activitiesEmbrace the outdoors | Getting to Bristol

Stay in Bristol

With lots of summery goodness to soak up, stick around in Bristol for more than a day. Accommodation in the city and surrounding area ranges from kid-friendly hotels to chic serviced apartments and even countryside campsites, so you’ll easily find somewhere that’s your style. 

For the best deal on your summer break, make our special offers page your first stop, to find packages and perks you might otherwise miss. And then book direct. Not only will you pay less than on booking sites but extras like breakfast and parking are often thrown in too.  Explore more Summer offers here.

Mercure Bristol Grand
Image - Mercure Bristol Grand

If it’s a family break, you’ll love Future Inns’ Kids Stay Free deal. Make one of their interconnecting rooms home for your stay and you’ll be in the heart of Bristol Shopping Quarter, close to heaps of family-friendly restaurants and things to do.

Mecure Bristol Grand is a great 4-star hotel in the Old City, within easy reach of Bristol's top shops, markets and harbourside, or if you're after a self catering option, Urban Creation have luxury serviced apartments scattered across the city from Georgian townhouses to Victorian villas - take your pick from stylish pads at Beech House, Charlotte's Rise, Alison Court and Redmayne House.  

Kitchen at Beech House
Image - Beech House

Unmissable events

Summer is absolutely jam-packed for events in Bristol, in fact we've got over 500 events listed on our Event Calendar for you to choose from, so you've got no excuse to be bored!

The free Unicornfest trail is taking place across the city to celebrate Bristol 650. Try and spot all 60 unicorns across the city and make sure to stop off for food and drink along the way, it's a great opportunity to try some new places! You can buy the map for £1 from IKEA's pop-up 'Home of the Unicorn' shop in Cabot Circus, where Yuup are running a pre-bookable programme of unicorn-themed activities

Unicornfest
Image - Unicornfest

Bristol Harbour Festival returns from the 14 – 16 July with a fun-packed programme with music local artists, circus performances and spectacular water-based displays. One of the highlights of the year, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is back at Ashton Court from 10 – 13 August. Watch tens of balloons to take the skies, then stick around on site for fairground rides, food stalls, balloon tethering, music and more. Make sure to check out the Unicornfest Roller Disco in the Galleries too. 

Bristol Harbour Festival
Image - Bristol Harbour Festival

Go back in time in the The Cave Art of Lascaux exhibition at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, which uses the latest technology to allow you to see the 21,000 year old Stone Age art. It also features displays on early European modern human life and culture, with replicas of objects found on the cave floor. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery are also running Sketch and Draw sessions throroughout August where you can investigate and draw specimens and artefacts from their collections, Egypt history lovers will also enjoy their Egypt Explorer event which is running on 15 August.

Cave of Lascaux at Bristol Museum
Image - The Cave Art of Lascaux

There’s lots on at M Shed this Summer – from Harbour Railway trips to Crane visits as well as an event for Lego lovers and those into Roman History. Join Blaise Museum on Thursdays throughout August for family-friendly craft activities with Zoe, storytelling with Isy, trails and much more!

Brunel’s SS Great Britain have lots on this summer to mark their big anniversary, from regular live music nights for their Summer Lates to afternoon tea, a murder mystery and a new cricket exhibition. There's also the opportunity to climb the rigging of the ship for spectacular views, or take a tour of the harbour with Mr Brunel himself. Plus, kids go free this summer with a paying adult! 

St George’s Bristol are celebrating their 200th anniversay with a programme packed full of events, from heritage tours to lunchtime concerts. 

Family at Brunel's SS Great Britain
Image - Brunel's SS Great Britain

Music lovers can look forward to plenty of great live shows and festivals this summer, from the harbourside gigs Siren BristolHospitality on the Harbour and Sundaes in the City, to Ministry of Sound Classical at Seat Unique Stadium. The inaugural Old City Sounds takes over four areas around the city centre with free live music and street entertainment on the August bank holiday weekend, and FORWARDS returns from 1 - 2 September with a stellar line-up including Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu. 

Film fans are well served over the coming weeks, with Bristol's Summer Film Takeover free film screenings across the city, Cinema Rediscovered film festival in late July, and a drive-in cinema at Mollie's Motel in Cribbs Causeway in August.  

Art lovers will enjoy the first ever Bedminster Art District weekender,expect street party and fringe events celebrating local artists, makers and performers.

Old City Sounds
Image - Old City Sounds

Family Fun

Many of Bristol’s best attractions are offering money-saving deals across summer. Keep an eye to our summer offers page for the latest additions.

Bristol Zoo Project are running an immersive trail featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which you can enjoy alongside the usual animal encounters, play areas and acres of outdoor space. If you book your visit 24 hours in advance you can get 10% off too. Find out more here.

Wild Place Project Bear Wood
Image - Bear Wood at Bristol Zoo Project

You can get 2 for 1 on wristbands at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare with GWR’s ‘Days Out Guide’. The pier has plenty of ways to keep the whole family occupied, from go-karts and thrill rides to arcade games and soft play.

If you stay at the Aztec Hotel and Spa you can also get access to their beach hut on The Grand Pier during your stay. 

Aztec Hotel and Spa Beach Hut
Image - Aztec Hotel and Spa Beach Hut

While the venue is still closed, We The Curious are hosting free Summer of Play events across the city, featuring rolling robots, crafting activities and the chance to create your own constellations and stories. 

Child at We The Curious
Image - We The Curious 

Make, draw and explore your creative side throughout the summer holidays at Aerospace Bristol, with an array of artistic activities that celebrate the art of flight

Aerospace Bristol
Image - Aerospace Bristol

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids out for the day, Wookey Hole is a great value-for money attraction: you can spend the day exploring the caves, playing adventure golf, visiting the enchanted valley and watching a 4D cinema film, plus lots more hands-on activities.

The summer holidays also sees the return of their magic and illusion show – Magique. If you want to max out your time at Wookey Hole too, you can also stay at the Wookey Hole Hotel or nearby Bucklegrove Holiday Park and Mendip View Lodges

Wookey Hole
Image - Wookey Hole

Under 3s go free at Bristol Aquarium this summer! As part of their Coral Celebration, you can learn about the importance of coral marine life at interactive talks and make your own coral crown. 

Visitors who purchase a full-priced ticket to Wookey Hole, Bristol Aquarium, Cheddar Gorge & Caves or Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will receive a 10% discount on admission to other South West attractions until 4 September 2023. Find out more here.

Bristol Aquarium
Image - Bristol Aquarium

Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre are welcoming CHaOS – a team of Cambridge University Students for a day of family fun on 22 July. Learn about how a rocket works, what sound looks like or what’s inside your body!   

Avon Valley Wildlife and Adventure Park have a packed summer schedule with their 50 Days of Summer programme, including Dinosaur Valley, jeep safari, jumping pillows and more. Plus, you can save money with their ‘Boomerang Ticket’, where you can get 25% off your 2nd visit, 50% off your 3rd visit, 75% off your 4th visit and your 5th visit is free!

Avon Valley Jeep safari
Image - Avon Valley Jeep safari

Get your kids creative juices flowing after exploring the amazing world or Meridia at Wake The Tiger at the Re-Creation Station where kids can bring along their junk to be up-cycled in the arts and crafts area within the guildhall. Goldfinch Create and Play are also running art classes for children throrought August.

Children doing arts and crafts at the re-creation station at Wake The Tiger
Image - Recreation Station at Wake the Tiger

Explore fun things to do with teenagers here

Summer Food and Drink 

Bristol’s restaurant terraces and pub gardens are calling. Whether you fancy a special dinner with waterfront views or a family-friendly pub, find an outdoor seat on sunny days with help from our guides to al fresco places to eat and beer gardens. If you fancy going out with your pooch, we’ve also rounded up some dog-friendly pubs in Bristol.  

Beer garden at The Ostrich
Image - The Ostrich

Of course, the English weather can’t always be relied on, but a summery experience can still be had indoors at Bristol restaurants where menus are given a seasonal update. COR have added delectable summer dishes and drinks including a Grape Daiquiri, and Cornish Mackerel with tomato consommé. Oh, and what summer break would be complete without ice cream? The award-winning Swoon has Italian-style gelato, cocktails and tasty pastries. 

COR Grapefruit Daiquiri
Image - COR

Bristol’s best restaurants are also offering mouthwatering deals too. Bar 44 are running a lunch offer where you can get three tapas dishes and a drink for £20, or at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse if you dine early you can get 25% off your meal. 

While you’re in Bristol don’t forget to get food from one of Bristol's marvellous street food markets, or nab a tasty lunch from St Nicholas Market, which also plays host to St Nick’s Night Market on Friday 4 August. If you're a fan of the West Country's most well-known tipple, head to Cider Salon from 2 - 5 August for tastings, talks and more.

Explore the city 

There are plenty of self guided and guided tours across Bristol. Scour the city for answers with Treasure Hunt Bristol or explore air raid shelters at St Nicholas Market with St. Nicholas Market walking tour

Delve into the vaults at Clifton Suspension Bridge at their hard hat tour, discover ghoulish spots on a Bristol Ghost Walk, or join a theatrical history walk with Show of Strength. You can also browse a range of tours, tastings and experiences with Yuup Bristol.

Treasure Hunt Bristol
Image - Treasure Hunt Bristol

One of the best ways to see the city is by boat, so don't miss out on a chance to book a trip with Bristol Ferry, Bristol Packet Boat Trips or The Matthew, who offer everything from harbour sightseeing to gin cruises and Sunday trips to Beeses.

Indoor activities 

Whether it's the intense sunshine or heavy rainy sending you indoors, there’s plenty to keep you busy, from immersive exhibitions such as Beyond Submergence at Propyard, to crazy golf at the newly-opened Mulligans Bristol in Cribbs Causeway. At Absolute Karting you can also get a family session for £99 during summer.  

Crazy golf at Mulligans
Image - Crazy golf at Mulligans

Embrace the outdoors

There’s no better time to get outside than summer, whether a chilled-out picnic in Bristol’s parks or an adventurous day out is your kind of outdoorsy activity. There are plenty of nature experiences to take part in while the city’s beautiful gardens and leafy green spaces are blooming too.   

SUP Bristol family session
Image - SUP Bristol

Mendip Activity Centre offer lots of fun activities, including kayaking from their private water sport site. 

Getting to Bristol 

It's easy to get to Bristol by public transport, with rail one of the most convenient and green options. Temple Meads Station the largest rail hub in the west of England, with direct services from London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham. If you are travelling by train in a group of between 3 and 9 adults, you can get a 1/3 off Standard Off-Peak tickets when travelling together with the GroupSave ticket.

Travel around Bristol with First Bus, with almost 100 routes operating in and aroiund the city. Single and group tickets are available to purchase on the First Bus app or using Tap On, Tap Off on the bus. You can also enjoy £4 off a West of England FirstDay Group Ticket all summer until 1 September, offering up to 5 people (of any age) travelling together unlimited journeys for one day across Bristol, Bath and Wells for £10.

Alternatively, hop on a coach service from National Express, Megabus, FlixBus and Falcon. If you're thinking of bringing the car, consider using the Park & Ride services for day trips. 

Join in the conversation with us on social media and tag your posts, photos and videos of you having fun this #SummerInBristol.

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