What has happened to our summer, is it ever going to stop raining in Bristol? Every day feels more dreary than dreamy. Our green spaces are out of action, as our favourite alfresco dining restaurants and outdoor swimming spots. Just because it’s raining in Bristol doesn’t mean summer is ruined completely. Rainy days can be fun, you just need a plan a bit more. We’ve got a bunch of rainy-day activities for next time it’s raining in Bristol.
1. Get bowled over at Lane 7
The bowling alley and all-round adult playground Lane 7 on Millennium Promenade is the perfect escape when its raining in Bristol. Lane 7 aspires to be more than just a bowling alley, offering a one-stop shop for the ideal night out. They’ve got a fully-stocked bar with everything from cocktails and spirits to Champagne and craft ales, as well as enough interactive games to keep you occupied for hours. Fat Hippo, recently teamed up with Lane 7 too, to fuel your bowling with big, juicy burgers.
2. Warm up under the gentle glow of a Candlelight concert
We love to embrace the rain by lighting some candles, sticking on some classical music, and listening to gentle pitter-patter in the background. Candlelight takes this cosy experience and places you in some Bristol’s most beautiful locations. A diverse selection of concerts, including tributes to Hans Zimmer, Adele and Taylor Swift, will shine a new light on Bristol in the rain. These awe-inspiring multi-sensory events are a show like no other!
3. Make a trip to the cinema
Need to hide away from the rain for a little while? Nothing beats a classic day out at the cinema – and Bristol has some seriously cool spots to catch a movie. From the cosy Everyman that’s decked out with plush sofas and offers bar-to-sofa service, to the super-smart Vue and uber-cool, independent Watershed – there’s a cinema for everyone. Get your Vue tickets here!
4. Pamper yourself at a luxurious spa
Next time it’s raining in Bristol, why not have a ‘me day’? Whether your body has countless knots that need loosening up, or your hair has seen better days, Bristol and the surrounding area boasts a number of top spa and pamper spots to treat yourself at. Because after these metaphorical and literal downpours, we definitely deserve a pamper session or two. Check out our guide to the best places in Bristol for a pamper session here.
5. Soak in some art at a gallery
Some of the best buildings to escape the rain are art galleries. They’re spacious, full of the beauty missing outside, and often have food and drink facilities to keep you fuelled. Where else would you rather be? Bristol has some brilliant places to see art to. From the legendary Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to the cool and contemporary Arnolfini. We’ve listed the very best art galleries in Bristol here.
6. Get rid of all boredom with board games at Chance & Counters
Offering up board games, food and tasty drinks, Chance & Counters is a great place to entertain you and your household whilst sheltering from the rain, with a number of board games to play for couples and groups. Chow down on tasty nibbles such as pizza fries, or take advantage of the diverse drinks menu where you’ll find something for everyone’s tastes.
7. Take part in a wine and cheese tasting
Bristol has some lovely wine bars to try. But for something extra special why not join KASK on North Street for one of their wine and cheese evenings? Try three of their unique, sustainable wines alongside a selection of local cheeses- which is also available to take part in from home with their DIY at-home and virtual tastings. Your wine flight will include a selection of their minimal intervention wines, each sourced for its unique flavours from independent growers. Alongside your wine you’ll have a cheese board to devour, loaded up with delicious cheeses that pair perfectly with your wine.
8. Go axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Perfect for a mate’s date, axe throwing is an immensely satisfying and surprisingly social activity that gives you the chance to embrace your inner Viking. Whistle Punks’ experienced throwing instructors will get you throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it they’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Book your session here.
9. Tackle an escape room
If you’re after a trip outside of the city and a challenge then head to this prison south of Bristol which is full of exciting history and open to the public to explore as part of an escape room experience. What was once the County Gaol, Shepton Mallet Prison near Wells now offers a range of activities for you to get involved in but they’re probably not for the faint-hearted. Here you can take part in an immersive escape room experience by donning an orange jumpsuit and being locked away in a cell and solving puzzles in order to get out. Find out more here.
10. Express your creativity in neon
What could be better than being creative alongside your loved ones on a rainy day? Neon Brush offers an unforgettable painting workshop set in a retro-futuristic ambiance. Here, you’ll be guided by a skilled artist as you paint with glow-in-the-dark colours on canvases. While unleashing your creativity, you can enjoy music and indulge in delicious drinks. Your first one is complimentary. And the best part? You get to take your masterpiece home at the end of the day! Find out more here.
11. Find cover at a free rock concert
When you can’t hand out in a beer garden, you don’t have to stop going to the pubs. Bristol’s pubs are legendary for showcasing live music (often for free) so the idea of out inside of one isn’t all bad. There are free gigs almost every night of the week in Bristol. To see the best venues showing free live music in Bristol head here.
12. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club
Flight Club has a whole lot of fun in store for your visit including cocktails, pizza and interactive darts. From ‘Push for Drinks’ buttons at the tables, to a whole host of competitive games to challenge your mates to (as well as various photo-ops!), you’re sure to be in for a good night. Find out more here.
13. Soar to the top at this indoor bouldering wall
Put that energy to use and escape the rain by clambering up these challenging bouldering walls at Flashpoint. Located near Temple Meads station, you and your mates can take on various levels or gradients on the bouldering wall. Flashpoint offers taster sessions, adult group sessions, coaching and private lessons too to tailor to your ability and group size. Plus, if you have any energy left you can visit indoor trampoline arena Freedog next door.