Here at Secret Bristol we love extravagant days spent at bottomless brunches, flashy restaurants and top-notch cocktail bars. Bristol is a dream for those witch cash in their pockets. But what if your bank account is feeling the pinch? Don’t worry, there are plenty of free things to do in Bristol too.
We’ve put together an all-singing, all-dancing roundup of the most fun free things to do in Bristol, and it’s a lush list (if we do say so ourselves). So, give the debit card a break and dive into these brilliant free activities in Bristol!
Free museums in Bristol
One of the oldest cities in the UK, culture and history is a huge part of Bristol’s heritage. So those looking for a cultural fix are in luck. We’ve got lots of free museums in Bristol boasting ancient art, fascinating objects, and even a plane.
1. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
2. M Shed
9. Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
Free gigs in Bristol
Hearing about free stuff is just music to my ears. From jazz gigs to classical concerts, music flows freely across Bristol. Read more about Bristol’s best free music venues here.
10. Beard & Sabre
11. The Canteen
12. The Gallimaufry
13. Blue Lagoon
14. No1 Harbourside
15. The Old Duke
16. Golden Lion
17. The Cider Box
18. Coronation Tap
19. Mother’s Ruin
20. The Eldon House
21. Bristol Beacon
Free markets in Bristol
They’re only free if you don’t buy anything, but there are always free samples to be had… And why no try your hand at trading up your old tat?
23. Tobacco Factory
Free art galleries in Bristol
‘There is no must in art because art is free.’ It certainly is with these free art exhibitions and galleries, perfect for an eyeful of thought-provoking paintings, sculptures, and installations.
29. Arnolfini
30. Spike Island
31. Centrespace
32. Royal West of England Academy
33. That Art Gallery
34. Castle Fine Art
35. Upfest Gallery
38. Portside Gallery
39. Hidden Gallery
Free attractions in Bristol
Many of the big tourist draws charge for entry, but we’ve found some sneaky ways around that. You wanted free attractions in Bristol? You got ’em.
40. Underfall Yard
43. Ping Bristol
44. The Slidey Rock
Free walks to go on in Bristol
From free walking tours of Bristol to self-guided ambles, we’re here for you. Stretch your legs, up your step count, and get a proper eyeful of everything the city and nearby countryside have to offer with these walks.
45. Bristol Free Walking Tours
46. Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills
47. Troopers Hill Nature Reserve
48. Bristol & Bath Railway Path
Free views over Bristol
It’s time to get high for free (behave). See stunning, panoramic views of Bristol from high-level platforms and buildings or by climbing really big hills. Ands with Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in town every year, we need them!
49. Cabot Tower
51. Leigh Woods
52. Dundry Hill
55. Narroways Hill
Beautiful places to visit for free
Behold, the beauty of Bristol! These buildings simple take our breathaway.
Free parks and gardens in Bristol
Park yourself at one of these spots for a fabulously free afternoon.
63. The Downs
64. Castle Park
67. University of Bristol Botanic Gardens
Best shops in Bristol to explore for free
These places are perfect for a browse, but you’ll have to resist the temptation to keep that whole free thing going. From historic market buildings to cute independent shops, this city is a shopping paradise.
68. Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft
69. Clifton Arcade
70. Old Market
71. Cabot Circus
72. Wapping Wharf
73. Christmas Steps