Bristol is always a good idea, but that is especially true in the summer, where everything is just that little bit more special. Whether you’re after one-of-a-kind festivals, a short break with the family or your significant other, a day out with the kids, or a longer stay, you’re in the right place!
Your quick guide to Bristol in the summer
Enjoy long days of sunshine in Bristol and book a stay in the city this summer. From stylish modern hotels, elegant apartments, family-friendly digs, cosy guesthouses and even campsites, experience a summer holiday to remember in Bristol.
Summer events and festivals
Bristol’s renowned annual event line-up truly comes into its own every summer. Find out what’s happening when with our What’s On page, and check out our special offers to help you save on days out while you're here.
From huge free events like Bristol Pride, Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Old City Sounds to festivals and exhibitions, there’s never a dull moment during summer in Bristol!
Family fun in the summer holidays
If family fun is what you’re after, Bristol has more than enough to keep the kids entertained over the summer. Head over to one of our award-winning attractions such as Aerospace Bristol, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, We The Curious and M Shed, where exhibits are brought to life with interactive displays, or take a trip to Bristol Aquarium or Bristol Zoo Project for a cute animal fix.
Explore some of the top attractions just outside Bristol, with hours of fun to be had at Wookey Hole, a theme park, water park and more at Brean Leisure Park, karting and arcade games at The Grand Pier, or little ones can drive their own mini safari Jeep at Avon Valley Adventure Park.
One of the best ways to see the city is by boat - hop on and off at stops around the city centre with Bristol Ferry, or take a cruise around the harbour with Bristol Packet or The Matthew.
We've also rounded up all the family-friendly events taking place over the summer, to help you bust any boredom over the school holidays.
Head outdoors
Bristol's glorious parks and gardens are bursting with life in the summer months and are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
If you’re looking to delve into Bristol’s outdoor offerings, check out our Experiences for outdoor fun and memorable days out. With everything from garden tours to stand-up paddleboarding and cycling to inland surfing, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy the city’s unique landscape. There’s also the option to try hot air ballooning in the skies above the city!
Summer food and drink
Spend balmy evenings dining alfresco on a harbourside terrace, find a bustling pub garden, or relax with a cocktail on a rooftop bar. Bristol's exceptional food and drink scene will be serving up plenty of memories for you this summer.
Getting to and around Bristol
It's easy to get to Bristol by public transport, with rail one of the most convenient and green options. Temple Meads Station has direct services from London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham.
Children and young people under the age of 16 can travel for free on buses across the West of England this summer - no bus pass or registration is required. Travel around Bristol with First Bus.
Book a GWR Family Ticket in advance and up to two adults and four children (or a minimum of one adult + one child) can travel from London Paddington to Bristol for £69 per family one-way.
Kids go free with National Express this summer! Using the code KIDSFREE, whilst travelling between 1 July - 30 September 2025, up to 3 kids can go free with one paying adult (up to 15 years old). National Express offer coach routes to Bristol from towns and cities across the UK.
You can also hop on a coach service to Bristol from Megabus, FlixBus and Falcon, who all offer services from across the UK. Get 20% off your next trip to or from Bristol with FlixBus
If you're thinking of bringing the car, consider using the Park & Ride services for day trips.
Keep in touch
Share the highlights of your summer in Bristol with us on social media by tagging us in your posts, photos and videos using #SummerInBristol.
