This city has always been a great place to grow up in, but it’s just become a lot better. Pickle Street—described as Bristol’s first immersive role-play village for children up to seven years old—has opened in the heart of Bedminster’s East Street. And there are many exciting play spaces to enjoy, including The New Vic Theatre!
Aimed at children from the walking stage up to seven years old, the concept was dreamt up by a couple who, after traumatic struggles with IVF and miscarriages, started their family through adoption. As such, it’s their intention for Pickle Street to embody “a vision for a bright, inclusive and trauma-informed future for every kind of family.”
With PACE (playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy) forming the foundation of its approach, Pickle Street is essentially a mini version of Bristol to interact with—including a shop, a hairdresser’s, doctors, a construction site, a pizza takeaway, a coffee shop and a home setting. A small sensory space (The Half Moon dance club, get it?) will be added soon. In total, there are nine areas, each designed to “spark imagination and facilitate playful learning.”
But Pickle Street won’t just be a new play area for young children. It’s also hoping to double as an event space for parties and workshops in the near future. Plus, Bristol’s very own Pinkman’s Bakery has also set up inside the venue, serving Yallah coffees, focaccia sandwiches and its famous sourdoughnuts.
How much does Pickle Street cost?
Pickle Street is open six days a week (Wed-Mon) with three 90-minute play sessions a day. Tickets are £12.95 per child, while accompanying adults and non-walking babies go free. Session times are:
- 9.30am–11am
- 12.00–1.30pm
- 2.30–4pm
📍 To visit Pickle Street head to 92 East St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EY.
🌐 To learn more about Pickle Street head here.