12 Absolutely Amazing Things To Do In Bristol This April
From candlelight concerts to immersive exhibitions, there's plenty of things to get up to in Bristol this month.
April is here meaning spring is in full swing and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). Although it’s the month of Easter, this April offers so much more than feasting on chocolate (as much as we like doing that regardless of the time of year) as there’s a wicked line-up of things to do in Bristol to put a spring in your step. From outdoor activities like boozy ferry cruises and exploring the cherry blossom spots in the city, as well as some indoor events like exhibitions, markets and candlelight concerts. Without further ado, check out some of the most brilliant things to do in Bristol this April.
1. Go for an alfresco pint
Last month saw a spell of beautifully warm weather, which lead us to running to the nearest beer garden or terrace, however we’ve heard there could be another heatwave on its way this April (reaching a whopping 28 degrees!) There’s nowhere better than sitting outdoors with a pint or cocktail in hand amongst good company and luckily many Bristol restaurants created their very own alfresco dining spots last year and they’ll be making another appearance for when the sun is out. 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. Be immersed in this amazing Van Gogh exhibition at Propyard
This is not your standard art exhibition. At Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience the post-impressionist artist’s iconic paintings have been unleashed from the four walls of their frame: projected in a 360-degree digital show, brought to life using virtual reality and re-created in larger than life installations. You will feel like you have wandered through the canvas and into Van Gogh’s swirling masterpieces. Book tickets here.
3. Sip on gin and cruise along Bristol Harbourside on board this boozy ferry
Bristol Ferry has announced that their series of gin boat cruises will be returning aboard their distinguishable yellow flotillas from this month onwards. The experience gives lovers of the drink a chance to sip away on some refreshing juniper-based beverages whilst taking in the many sights along Bristol’s harbourside. The ferry operator has a total of eight boozy trips lined up this year, with two taking place this month (April 7 & 28), with each gin cruise setting off at 6pm.
4. Watch a glowing tribute to Taylor Swift at this candlelight concert
Our Wildest Dreams have come true: a Taylor Swift candlelight concert will grace the iconic Mount Without this month. On April 29, Taylor Swift’s biggest hits will be getting the classical treatment at a Taylor Swift candlelight concert, performed right here in Bristol. What’s more, the stunning Mount Without 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. Head to the colourful Lucy & Yak pop-up in Stokes Croft
Dungarees brand Lucy & Yak are heading to Bristol for their first ever pop-up in the city and will be collaborating with local artists, makers, and more on a mission to inspire and encourage people to shop better, and to repurpose, recycle, and repair their clothes. Located in Stokes Croft, the pop-up exterior has been designed by artist Molly Hawkins (@mollymural) and will be in the city until April 19 and will be hosting a load of great workshops and events. Inside the pop-up store, you’ll find their latest organic dungarees and designs alongside their popular (Im)Perfect Yaks (items with slight imperfections that are still perfectly wearable), while Bristol-based We Are Hairy People will be showcasing their amazing hand-painted creations. Customers can even drop off their old Lucy & Yak items in return for vouchers to spend in store.
6. Find the most brielliant cheese spots in Bristol on this cheese crawl
Join The Bristol Cheese Crawl for two and a half hours of non-stop cheese every Saturday this April: from swanky blue cheese and gooey grilled cheeses to interactive cheese-themed quizzes and competitions. The crawl starts at The Mall Gardens in Clifton and will be packed full of the finest of Bristol’s brie-lliant cheeses, with very mature fun facts, and the chance to heckle your quizmaster with your favourite cheese puns that will have your group crumbling faster than a Wensleydale. Meanwhile you’ll feta believe you’ll learn a bit about cheese making, and be introduced to some cheese mongers and shops you just camembert to stay away from. Find your tickets 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. If you’re looking for a new walk or day trip out, then these beautiful flowers are the perfect excuse. From the beautiful Oldbury Court Estate to the quaint corners of Arnos Vale Cemetery, cherry blossom is abundant in Bristol 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. Make a trip to St Nick’s Night Market for street food, music and shopping
St Nick’s Night Market is making a return on April 8 with a late night feasting in the Glass Arcade. Most of the daytime traders are staying open specially, including traditional jerk and more from Caribbean Wrap, amazing rice and noodle boxes from Woky Ko, unbelievably tender brisket and pork from Low and Slow Barbecue , legendary falafels from Eat a Pitta, delicious and nutritious juices from Big Juice Bar and the best gyoza in town from Eatchu. There will be an abundance of street food, a garden party packed with activities and entertainment, late night shopping, mobile spa treatments, a brilliant selection of non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and DJs and musicians who will have you dancing in the streets.
10. Escape the April showers and head to the big screen with these gloriously priced cinema tickets
One thing we don’t love about April is the typical rainy weather that comes with it, so on a miserable day when you don’t fancy traipsing through the streets of Bristol head to the cinema instead. Take refuge inside and enjoy a film on the big screen, with some fresh popcorn, of course. Vue Cinemas are offering an unbelievable price on tickets that are impossible to pass up and are sure to brighten your day even when it’s a cloudy or drizzly one outside. For a price of £4.99 you can enjoy a range of brilliant films, on any day and at any time you fancy. Get booking your cinema trip here.
11. Tuck into fish and chips and see the Bristol Harbour go by on board The Matthew
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on The Matthew, a replica of a 15th-century medieval caravel, as you sail around Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour on this two-hour trip. And to make things even better you can enjoy fresh cod and chips which are delivered to you on deck as the ship moors up at The Pumphouse Landing. Fish, chips, harbourside views and a refreshing breeze on a board a mighty ship- what more could you want?
12. Witness a bewitching candlelight concert at Bristol’s Marriott Hotel
If your film-loving heart lies in the realm of fantasy and science fiction, then grab a ticket to a bewitching candlelight concert on April 22. Candlelight: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Soundtracks will fill Palm Court at the Marriott Hotel with the otherworldly music of film and television such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Westworld and Harry Potter. Listen to the soothing harmonies of a string ensemble, lose yourself in magical melodies and escape reality for the evening. Get your tickets here.