April is upon us, spring is in full swing, and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). The month narrowly misses out on Easter this year – not that that won’t stop us from feasting on chocolate all month – but there’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Birmingham. From cherry blossoms to candlelight concerts, and brilliant pubs to hidden vaults, here are the most brilliant things to do this April in Bristol.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a large spell of rain, but it looks like the weather might be changing! Everyone will be running to the nearest beer garden or terrace this April. There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand, among good company. If you fancy being super prepared this month for when the hot weather arrives, book yourself a place at one of these outdoor dining spots.
2. Get tipsy and creative under UV lights
Add a splash of colour to April with the new and immersive Paint in the Dark experience in Bristol. With a brush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other (or beer or soft drink if you prefer), paint the town neon under UV lights. Taking over Steinbeck & Shaw on April 11, 12, 18 & 19, this fun, adults-only painting experience will rekindle a childlike wonder for art. You’ll be given all the painting materials you need for this 90-minute artistic adventure, just bring your creativity! To get your tickets to Paint in the Dark head here.
3. Sign up to this Library of Things
It’s been a long time coming, but Share Bristol’s Library of Things will finally be opening its second site this April in Bedminster. You’ll be able to borrow everything from gardening equipment to DIY tools to camping gear – with hundreds of different items. And all you need is an annual membership, which you can learn more about here.
It’s opening in the old Shoezone shop, at the entrance to St Catherine’s Place. But Share Bristol’s still looking for more donations – with the items most needed being carpet cleaners, pressure washers, sanders and other DIY tools – as well as local volunteers. If you’d like to lend a hand or donate items, you can contact them at hello@sharebristol.org.uk.
4. Watch a glowing tribute to to two music giants
Queen or ABBA? Don’t make us choose! A candlelight concert celebrating these two giants of music this month. On April 26, both Queen and ABBA’s biggest hits will be getting the classical treatment. But only one will be left singing We Are the Champions. What’s more, the stunning Church of All Saints will be the location of this enchanting event, and beautiful flickering candles will surround the live-string quartet. You won’t want to miss this, so snap up your tickets now!
5. Jump on a ferry to this riverside pub
‘Bristol’s best kept secret’ is back open, which means summer has arrived (basically)! The riverside pub Beeses reopens on March 29 and will remain open until the end of October. A hidden gem located on the River Avon, on the edge of Eastwood Farm nature reserve, its tranquil setting is what sunny days were made for. Pop down on Fridays for live music playing, or stop by on Sundays for a cracking roast dinner. How do you get to Beeses, you ask? Off the beaten track, you could try by taxi, bike, or bus, but we like to travel by ferry! To learn more head here.
6. Take The Bristol Bridges Walk Challenge
Can you cross all of Bristol’s bridges in a single trip without doubling back? This was the question asked by Dr Thilo Gross 10 years ago. Ever since then, many Bristolian have attempted to tackle Bristol’s 45 bridges in The Bristol Bridges Walk Challenge. With days getting longer and warmer, what better excuse to get outside and get walking? Plus, see bits of Bristol you might never have before! Learn more here.
7. Explore the numerous cherry blossom spots in Bristol before they’re gone
Spring is finally here which means warmer weather, the smell of dew in the morning, and of course, the most beautiful of all- pink cherry blossom. Adding a dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossom for a short time during March and April, with stunning pastel pink flowers that flow in the wind. From the beautiful Oldbury Court Estate to the quaint corners of Arnos Vale Cemetery, these beautiful flowers are the perfect excuse for a walk. But blink and you’ll miss it!
8. Go for a bullseye with a spot of axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Got a bit of steam to blow off? Whistle Punks is a pretty unique venue in Bristol, offering guests the chance to throw actual axes at the wall. Sounds fun, huh? Practise your technique and aim for the target, while keeping score if you’re the competitive type! Once the session is done, take advantage of the bar area and regale your glory over a beer, cocktail or wine. Book your axe throwing session here.
9. Visit the real Halstead Manor from ‘The Gentlemen’
Been watching Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen on Netflix? Well, Halstead Manor is actually the very real Badminton House in South Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, it’s not the sort of place you can just rock up and visit (the Duke of Beaufort still lives here!) But on April 21, Badminton Estate opens its beautiful private gardens for an open day. With tickets costing £10, there is a range of flowers on display – from colourful tulips and roses to herbaceous perennials and geraniums.
10. Climb down into Clifton Suspension Bridge’s hidden vaults
It was only in 2002 that a builder accidentally discovered 12 secret vaults hidden beneath Clifton Suspension Bridge. Between April and June, the now-legendary Hard Hat Tours will offer a one-hour fully guided tour of two of them. Costing £15 per person, you’ll learn about the construction – as well as the strange discovery – of these red brick abutments, before donning a hard hat and going down the ladder. To learn more head here.
11. Listen deeply to the Bristol Poetry Festival
Poetry is as important as ever and Lyra: Bristol Poetry Festival is a testament to that! The sixth instalment of the poetry festival (April 12 – 21) will bring together everything from readings and performances to writing workshops and slam competitions. Themed around ‘Poetic Futures’, you’ll also find children’s activities, film screenings, panel discussions and so much more.
Just some highlights include the Bonds Poetry Exhibition at Bristol Beacon, featuring poems written by poets and the public from across the city; A Family Poetry Workshop at Brunel’s SS Great Britain (April 13) for letter-writing techniques to craft poems; and The South West Poetry Showdown at the Wardrobe Theatre (April 15), which sees slammers from Bristol, Clevedon, Exeter and Weston battle it out to win the title of South West Showdown Champions! To see all events head here.
12. Head to this secret fossil beach
There are some spectacular day trips around Bristol, but one of our favourites has to be the hidden gem, Kilve Beach. A quieter trip than Weston-Super-Mare, much closer than Lyme Regis, it is full of fossils and rock pools. Less than an hour and a half drive from Bristol, you’ll find this special place in the heart of the Quantocks.