The sun is shining, England won the Euros and we’re heading on a free cruise to the Caribbean tomorrow… It’s not been the summer we’d dreamt of so far, but that doesn’t we need to be readying for the winter blues yet. With a sprinkling of sunshine here and there (and plenty of ways to cool off when it does), plus some exciting adventures and events to be getting up – there are plenty of incredible things to do this summer in Bristol.
1. Go wild swimming in Bristol
For years, you weren’t allowed to go swimming in Bristol’s Floating Harbour. Now, thanks to All Aboard, you can safely and legally take a dip every Saturday and Sunday in the summer months. Between 8am to 10am, the water sports charity offers ‘Open Water Swimming’ in the Baltic Wharf for £7.50 an hour – with weekly water quality tests ensuring it meets bathing water standards.
It’s not the only outdoor swimming spot you can enjoy around Bristol this summer. Go for a boujee swim at the refurbished Victorian outdoor pool, Bristol Lido. Or how about the tidal infinity pool over at Clevedon Marine Lake? It fills with seawater from the Bristol Channel every spring tide and offers a safe place to swim, play and boat on the coast. See all of Bristol’s outdoor swimming spots by heading here.
2. Head on a Harbourside adventure paddleboarding
If you’d to see Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour from a truly unique perspective, however, then get ready for this stand-up paddleboarding adventure. Setting off from The Cottage Landing, expert guides will show you the ropes of basic paddleboarding before taking you on a mini-tour of the city’s waterways. It’s a unique way to see the sights of Bristol during the summer. To get your tickets to Harbourside Adventure head here.
3. Cool off with some cider
If there’s one stereotype about Bristol that’s completely true, it’s that we can’t get enough of cider! And when it’s a beautiful summer’s day (and even when it’s not), there’s nothing sweeter. From Clifton to Spike Island, there are plenty of cider-specialist pubs in Bristol. The Apple is beloved for its almost exclusively outdoor seating on the Welsh Back, while The Old Lock & Weir Inn is one of the best riverside pubs in Bristol.
4. Take flight in a balloon
One of the biggest annual events in Bristol is the Balloon Fiesta – famed for its iconic Night Glow events and 100 hot air balloon mass ascents. This year, that’s happening August 9 to 11, but there’s no time frame on when you can sore into the skies this summer – all you need is good enough weather. There are a large number of flight operators to try out, including The Hot Air Balloon Company, Bailey Exclusive, First Flight, Fly Navy Ballooning, Sky High Ballooning, Virgin Balloons and Fly Away Ballooning.
5. Climb the rigging at SS Great Britain
Known as ‘the world’s first great ocean liner’, the SS Great Britain provides an incredible experience for families no matter what time of year. But to Go Aloft! and climb the rigging over 25 metres high above ground level, you might prefer going up into the sails in the summer. Or, you can also choose to stay more grounded and learn about Britain’s greatest engineer at Being Brunel or the great ship itself at the Dockyard Museum, before boarding – where the SS Great Britain is brought back to life with the sights, sounds and smells of the past.
6. Visit a city farm
There’s nothing like a day out at a city farm. And Bristol has two you explore this summer! St Werburghs City Farm recently popped in Stephen Merchant’s hit TV show The Outlaws. It boasts an animal smallholding – home to sheep, goats and chickens – and a one-acre community garden, which is perfect for a picnic. Meanwhile, Windmill Hill City Farm is home to lots of cute animals too – like goats, pigs, sheep and cows – as well as gardens and shops selling handmade crafts and local produce. The best part? Both are free to visit!
7. Head to the beach
So we know there aren’t any beaches in Bristol, but you won’t have to go far to get to one. One of the very closest beaches is Clevedon – a long, pebble beach that runs southwest of the old Victorian seaside resort and is home to an iconic Grade I-listed pier with a Japanese pagoda. For something more traditional (buckets and spades), then you’ll likely be heading to Weston-super-Mare. But we’d also recommended heading a touch further down to Brean or Burnham. To see all the best beaches near Bristol head here.
8. Learn to surf
Yes, there are some incredible beaches near Bristol, but if you’re learning to surf, they’re not so good (or you could try and ride the Severn). That’s where The Wave steps in. Bristol’s Cornish-inspired, inland wave pool is a surfer’s paradise. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, you can experience the joy of surfing on a 180m long lake. The waves are produced by Wavegarden Cove technology, which can generate up to 1,000 quality waves per hour, ranging from 50cm (1.7ft) to almost 2m (6.5ft) in height.
If you’re looking to learn, The Wave offers a range of surf lessons delivered by qualified coaches – both for beginners and experienced surfers. There are also adaptive surfing for those with additional needs and women-only surfing sessions. It also offers expert barrel sessions – for the very experienced – to let you ride powerful waves with consistent and fun-to-navigate barrels.
9. Cycle to Bath
Bristol is well known as a cycling city and there’s nothing better than hopping on your bike and peddling around on a summer’s day. One of the most beloved cycle routes (for good reason) is The Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Stretching for 13 traffic-free miles along a disused railway line, this tranquil cycling path connects the two cities.
Head down, stop off at some pubs or Bitton Railway Station along the way, and enjoy all that the Georgian city has to offer at the end. Visit the iconic Roman Baths or pop to all the Bridgerton filming locations. Its unique yellow look – oolitic limestone, otherwise known as Bath stone, from which most of the city is built – is breathtaking in the summer, and you can just hop on the train back to Bristol.
10. Have a mystery picnic in Clifton
Soak up Clifton – home to the Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge, Georgian architecture and culinary delights – this summer. Solve personally curated clues and riddles that’ll take you on a journey to collect your special gourmet picnic food bit by bit. Each clue you solve will lead you closer to your next picnic food pickup. This self-guided foodie adventure then ends with a picturesque picnic spot away from the crowds. Get your tickets now for Mystery Picnic here.
11. Head to Bristol’s hidden riverside bar
This riverside pub was readymade for summer vibes in Bristol – and is even closed during winter. Thanks to a slightly awkward location, this hidden gem remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets too. Located in Brislington, off the beaten track, you can get there by taxi, bike, or bus – but the easiest way to Beeses is by ferry! Sailing down the River Avon, both the Bristol Ferry and the Bristol Packet offer unique trips. Beeses is only open on weekends – head down on Fridays for live music, and Sundays for a roast dinner.
12. Sit outside with good food and drink
Give a Bristolian a hint of sunshine, and we’ll be pouring into the beer gardens. Or we’ll find the finest restaurants with some outdoor seating. If there’s one thing that unites us all – it’s that we want to plonk down and enjoy good food, drink, weather and company outside. Who fancies a glass of wine?
13. Explore our green spaces
Bristol’s home to some pretty special (and unique) green spaces from Ashton Court and The Downs to Troopers Hill and Snuff Mills. Whether you’re after the perfect picnic spot or a magical forest exploration, Bristol has it. Our favourite park also has to be one of Bristol’s oldest – Brandon Hill. Which not only is home to wonderful wildlife and a running stream but also some of the greatest views of the city. At its centre, the 105-foot Cabot Tower has unbeatable views that stretch for miles in summer.
14. Spend a day at the theme park
You’re young and full of energy, the sun is shining, and you and your mates are on the hunt for spills and thrills – is there anything more nostalgic than a visiting theme park in summer? Every year, Funderworld Theme Park rocks up to Durdham Downs (this year until August 17) bringing roller coasters, dodgem cars, a haunted house, and countless other traditional funfair rides to the city. But even when it’s not around, there are still plenty of other theme parks near Bristol.
15. Summertopia!
All summer long, your little ones can cool off in Bristol on a giant 50m slip ‘n’ slide (on an inflatable ring downhill) and a massive paddling pool at Avon Valley. Meanwhile, every day ends with a foam party – which can be enjoyed as much by the grown- at Summertopia! (July 13 to September 1). A “massive family water fight” is also happening on August 31 at the adventure and wildlife park – with entry included with your ticket that day. You can learn more here.