If summer were a city, then it would be Bristol. 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. That way you can fully experience the city, the attractions, street art, food and drink, shopping and nightlife.
The home of 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 food festivals and exhibitions, there’s never a dull moment during summer in Bristol!
Gromit Unleashed 3 - the ultimate summer trail
The much-loved Gromit Unleashed 3 trail is back in Bristol this summer. Created by The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and Aardman, the trail will stretch from College Green to Cheddar Gorge, Warmley to We The Curious, and Puxton Park to Pucklechurch.
Don't forget that children under 16 can travel free on buses across Bristol and the surrounding area this summer holiday with First Bus, Stagecoach, Bath Bus Company and The Big Lemon. First Bus have also got a special Gromit Spotting Group ticket which allows up to 5 people of any age unlimited travel on any of First Bus services (excluding Airport Flyer and special event services) for the whole day.
Discover the full list of where to find this year's sculptures, details on the trail map and app as well as special offers and how to have a great value day out.
Great value short breaks this summer
There's loads of ways to make sure you have the best value short break to Bristol this summer, from accommodation special offers to free events, accommodation deals, free bus travel for under 16s and more.
This summer children under 16 can travel free on buses across Bristol and the surrounding area.
A range of Bristol attractions are offering a discount if you travel by train - visit Days Out Guide to see what you could save.
Many attractions have special offers for the summer holidays, including free entry for kids to Brunel's SS Great Britain and Aerospace Bristol, a special discounted combi ticket for Bristol Aquarium and Upside Down House, 20% off at Wake The Tiger, and a 15% discount on advance bookings for Wookey Hole.
Purchase a Summer Pass for Bristol Zoo Project and for less than the cost of two visits, you can enjoy unlimited access until 31 August. You can also visit again for free when you book tickets to Avon Valley Adventure Park.
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. Bristol Cathedral are also hosting free craft sessions on selected days.
Explore some of the top attractions just outside Bristol, with hours of fun to be had at Wookey Hole, animal encounters at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, a theme park and water park at Brean Leisure Park; karting and arcade games at The Grand Pier; interactive exhibits at the Somerset Rural Life Museum; 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.
Women's Rugby World Cup in Bristol
Ashton Gate Stadium will host both semi-finals and two quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, when the biggest-ever celebration of women’s rugby comes to England.
PS. With Love: Park Street
This summer, one of Bristol’s most iconic neighbourhoods bursts into life with colour, creativity and community celebration.
PS. With Love - a bold new public art installation - will bring vibrant flags and banners to Park Street, Queen’s Road, The Triangle and College Green, inviting people to rediscover the stories and symbols that shape the area.
Venues around Park Street will host exhibitions, live performances and community events - from the exhibition, Soft Power: lives told through textile art at the RWA and Gender Stories at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, to live music from Àbáse x Ziggy Zeitgeist at St George’s and a new design showcases at the Stradling Collection.
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. Tyntesfield and Ashton Court Estate, both just outside the city, boast acres for you to explore or picnic.
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. If you're travelling in a group of between three and nine adults, get 1/3 off standard off-peak tickets when travelling together using GroupSave. Family Tickets are available with big savings, and don’t forget: children aged 5-15 get a 50% discount on most tickets and under 5s travel free! Book direct at GWR.com or using the GWR app.
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. Plus the special Gromit Spotting Group ticket allows up to 5 people of any age unlimited travel on any of First Bus services for the whole day.
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 National Express, 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.
