We love top-notch drinks and extravagant days out as much as the next person, but if your bank account is feeling the pinch, Secret Bristol is here to lend a hand. We’ve put together an all-singing, all-dancing roundup of 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 activities in Bristol!
Free museums in Bristol
Those looking for a cultural fix are in luck, as 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.
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. Bristol Beacon
20. The Eldon House
Free markets in Bristol
They’re only free if you don’t buy anything, but there are always free samples to be had…
22. 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.
27. Arnolfini
28. Spike Island
29. Centrespace
30. Royal West of England Academy
31. That Art Gallery
32. Castle Fine Art
33. Upfest Gallery
36. Portside Gallery
37. 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.
38. Underfall Yard
41. Ping Bristol
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.
42. Bristol Free Walking Tours
43. Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills
44. Troopers Hill Nature Reserve
45. 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.
46. Cabot Tower
48. Leigh Woods
49. Dundry Hill
52. Narroways Hill
Beautiful places to visit for free
Behold, the beauty of Bristol!
Free parks and gardens in Bristol
Park yourself at one of these spots for a fabulously free afternoon.
60. The Downs
61. Castle Park
64. University of Bristol Botanic Gardens
Best shops in Bristol to explore
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.
65. Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft
66. Clifton Arcade
67. Old Market
68. Cabot Circus
69. Wapping Wharf
70. Christmas Steps