Spring has sprung. April is upon us, and the days are getting longer (cue gorgeous sunsets). From cherry blossoms and candlelight concerts to brilliant pubs and hidden vaults, there are so many brilliant things to do this April in Bristol. And we haven’t even mentioned Easter yet and all the chocolate we’ll be feasting on all month!
1. Go for an alfresco pint
England is grey (what feels like) 99% of the time, 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 covered in a rainbow of powdered paints
Brighten up your April with the family-favourite Colour Run at Old Down Estate. Included in the admission price, a rainbow of powdered paints will cover you from head to toe as you race to the sounds of DJs and the beauty of the park on April 13. Simply book your time slot and learn more about the Colour Run by heading here.
3. Set sail on The Matthew
You’ll notice that Bristol starts to wake up in April. The Matthew, a faithful reconstruction of John Cabot’s ship used when he discovered Newfoundland in 1497, begins to offer several unique sailing experiences this month. Choose from shorter 50-minute cruises around Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour (April 12, 15, 16 & 17) to four-hour trips down the River Avon (April 19 & 20). Or why not set sail on a pirate-themed boat tour with a quick stop for fish ‘n’ chips and sea shanties (April 14)? To book your trip head here.
4. Catch a glowing tribute to your favourite musicians
Ed Sheeran or Coldplay? Don’t make us choose! Luckily, Candlelight is celebrating two of pop music’s biggest stars this month. On April 12, both artists’ hits will receive the classical treatment in an Adventure of a Lifetime – with the stunning Church of All Saints filled with flickering candles. 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 April 11 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. Tuck into many meat-free delights
The Bristol Vegan Fayre returns to Document in St Jude’s on Saturday, April 12. Tuck into a day of plant-based goodness stuffed with live comedy and music performances, top-level speakers like ex-Bristol City footballer Simon Clist and current Kettleball champion Nick Thick, and, of course, plenty of vegan street food. You’ll be able to try everything from seitan kebabs to dairy-free ice cream, mac and cheese, burgers and fries, and so much more! Bristol Vegan Fayre will also showcase a new feature film documentary, ‘Food For Thought’, with a directors’ Q&A afterward. Tickets start from £6 and can be purchased here.
7. Explore Bristol’s cherry blossom spots 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 blossoms . Adding a dose of beauty to any landscape, the trees pop with blossoms 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. Watch England’s Lionesses play Belgium at Ashton Gate
England’s campaign to win the UEFA Women’s Nations League continues on April 4 when Bristol welcomes the Belgians to Ashton Gate. The venue holds happy memories for Sarina Wiegman’s team, who were 6-1 winners against the Red Flames here in February 2023. If you didn’t get tickets, don’t worry; the fixture will be broadcast live on ITV Sport.
9. Visit the real Halstead Manor from ‘The Gentlemen’
The second season of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen starts filming this spring. But you can visit the real Halstead Manor while you wait, which is actually 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 27, 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. Support independent venues and DIY artists
Eight venues, nine stages, 50+ bands. Bristol’s multi-venue extravaganza, Outer Town Festival returns for its fourth year to support independent venues and DIY artists in Old Market – including The Exchange, Old Market Assembly, Ill Repute, and Wiper & True’s Taproom. Plus, Outer Town’s DIY Market for local creatives and vegan food will take place at Trinity Centre. To see a full lineup and get tickets head here.
12. Tuck into a feast of Easter activities
A lot is happening for Easter in Bristol. But the Easter EGGStravaganza at Avon Valley (April 5 to 21) – with everything from the UK’s first Candy Cannon to live lambing, a Golden Egg treasure hunt and an Easter Bunny Parade – has to be the stand out. Plus, all the other joys of that make Avon Valley such a treat!
An adult-only, torchlit Easter Egg Hunt, with over 2,500 hidden treasures, is also taking place on Good Friday (April 18). There will be DJs, fancy dress, and incredible prizes to be won – including a 3-night all-inclusive stay for two people at Pinnon Safari Lodge in Zambia! Tickets start from £17, with all proceeds from the night going directly to the Ruth Strauss Foundation. To learn more about Easter at Avon Valley head here.
13. Head to this secret fossil beach
We love a beach trip – and 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.