There’s plenty to do in Bristol and the surrounding area this May half term. Browse the events below and our things to do section for information on local attractions and activities.
Get the kids away from their screens to enjoy outdoor activities, or pay a visit to our gardens and animal attractions. There are also plenty of things to do indoors on rainy days out.
Need somewhere for the kids to refuel? We've pulled together a list of family-friendly places for you to choose from. Explore more school holiday deals and food and drink offers for families.
If you're coming for a longer visit, browse the family-friendly accommodation section to help you pick the right hotel for you.
Fun-filled family attractions
Head up to North Bristol and wander around the Blaise Castle Estate and drop into the Blaise Museum to find out about the history of the house, grounds and more. If you’re in the city centre you can explore perfectly preserved Elizabethan manor house The Red Lodge Museum, or The Georgian House Museum.
Step into the heart-pounding world of medieval combat with an action-packed Knights’ Tournament at Berkeley Castle, explore the Ancient Animal Odyssey Trail at Cheddar Gorge & Caves, or dive into Bristol's fascinating past on a Harbour History Tour with Bristol Ferry.
For some creative days out, join a family crafting workshop Goldfinch Create and Play, or visit Out There Indoors in Paintworks where little ones will love the dressing up area, book corner and mini climbing walls.
Thrilling day trips
Spend the day at The Royal Bath & West Show, which includes show jumping, stunt entertainment, live music, cooking demonstrations and lots more.
The South West Attractions VIP Pass is back, making family days out even more exciting and affordable this spring. Book a ticket to Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Mendip Activity Centre, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Puxton Park or West Country Water Park to receive discount codes for the other attractions in the list!
Marvel at Wookey Hole and explore what else this fabulous family attraction has to offer, from magnificent caves and interactive exhibits to soft play, crazy golf and a 4D cinema.
Head to Brean Theme Park for the ultimate family day out! Little ones will love splashing around at the waterpark or bounding around the soft play area.
Get close up with cute animals and even dinosaurs at Avon Valley Adventure Park, or enjoy thrilling rides, go-karts and arcade games at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
Go outdoors
Discover the tours, talks ansd trails taking place for this year's Bristol Walk Fest. From cultural walks such as Blackbeard to Banksy, St.Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter tour as well as walking cafes, there’s a programme full of events to explore.
Fancy a dip? Head to The Wave and book onto their surfing, cold water swimming or body boarding sessions, or see Bristol's harbour from a new perspective on a paddleboard with SUP Bristol. Explore the city by boat with Bristol Ferry, The Matthew and Bristol Packet Boat Trips, or at your own pace on a kayak with All Aboard Watersports. You can also join a kayaking or paddleboarding session in the countryside just outside Bristol with Mendip Activity Centre.
Wander around Westonbirt Arboretum and take part in their Wallace & Gromit trail, or take a trip to WWT Slimbridge and learn what being a twitcher is all about!
Shop 'til you drop
You'll find a huge range of well-known brands as well as local makers around Bristol Shopping Quarter. Check out the Lego sets at the Lego store in Cabot Circus, then stop in to refuel at one of the many restaurants, including The Real Greek, Fridays, Pizza Express and more.
If you're exploring the harbourside, potter around the shops and eateries at Wapping Wharf, where you can pick up a book to keep the kids entertained from Boookhaus, fill up on pizza at Bertha's, or treat them to gelato from Swoon.
