From wildlife parks to maritime icons, Bristol is packed with exciting days out to suit all ages. You don’t have to stick to the city centre either, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do on the outskirts of Bristol.
The city has a fascinating past, and our historical and heritage sites, such as Bristol Cathedral and the Lord Mayor's Chapel, are not to be missed. If you're looking for things to do with the family, we guarantee that Bristol will let the children run off some steam with so many fun activities on offer. There are also many free days out in Bristol to choose from.
No visit to Bristol would be complete without a visit to the Victorian masterpiece that is Brunel’s SS Great Britain - explore the cabins, scrub the deck, or learn more about its passengers throughout history; this wonderfully restored vessel offers hours of entertainment. Included in the same ticket, museum Being Brunel celebrates the life and work of the great engineer, with plenty of interactive exhibits and games.
Climb aboard The Matthew, a replica of the very same ship that John Cabot sailed to North America on in 1497 and often docked outside M Shed, a museum documenting the history of Bristol, transforming an old transit shed on the harbour.
Not to be missed is the most famous of Brunel's masterpieces, the Clifton Suspension Bridge that spans the picturesque Avon Gorge. The Clifton Observatory is a perfect place to get one of the best views of Bristol. We're not going to spoil it for you; go and see it with your own eyes! If you're a film, music or theatre buff, Bristol hosts some world-class performances covering a wide range of genres.
The Harbourside offers some fantastic, modern Bristol attractions for small and big kids. Hands-on science centre We The Curious is a playground of creative exhibits and home to the UK’s first 3D Planetarium. See tropical marine and freshwater creatures from around the world in naturally themed habitats at Bristol Aquarium, which also runs daily talks and seasonal activities, plus adult-only evenings. We also recommend taking a boat trip to see Bristol from the water, or checking out the other options for tours and sightseeing around the city.
Prepare for an experience like no other at world-first Amazement Park Wake the Tiger in St Philips, a maze of interactive spaces, mazes and secret passages.
To the north of the city you will find Aerospace Bristol, giving you the chance to step on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the iconic Bristol-built supersonic aeroplanes to fly.
Nearby is Bristol Zoo Project, a family attraction that provides adventure, play and learning with an emphasis on protecting habitats on our doorsteps and around the globe. You're also within easy reach of inland surfing lake The Wave, as well as plenty of other attractions and activities in South Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.
To the south of the city, Wookey Hole Caves makes for a jam-packed day out, where you can explore mesmerising caves, play adventure golf or watch a film in their 4D cinema. Take the family for a day at the seaside at The Grand Pier, where you can enjoy some thrilling rides, race on the indoor Go-Kart track or have a go at axe throwing. Or head to Brean to visit the UK's biggest free admission theme park and experience a range of rides, from white-knuckle rollercoaster to a Splash Waterpark and soft play area.
There are plenty of other amazing and award-winning attractions close to Bristol such as Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Westonbirt Arboretum, Slimbridge Wetland Centre and Longleat Safari Park.
