The clocks have changed and sadly the nights are getting shorter (hello, darkness at 4pm- we’ve missed you!) but as tempting as it is to retreat inside from the cold and curl up under a blanket, there are plenty of things to do in Bristol this November. This month will see old and new events arrive in the city. Like the long-awaited Christmas markets and the oddity of a winter World Cup! So, it’s time to wrap up, explore the city and beyond, as well as tuck in to some comforting food and drink- it’s the only way to do November in Bristol. And to give you plenty of inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do this November in Bristol to make for an unbelievably fab month.
1. Celebrate every goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup
We’ll be honest, a FIFA World Cup in winter does feel a little strange. But we’re buzzing all the same. We’re expecting plenty of outrageous tackles, stunning goals and enough atrocious refereeing decisions to make an entire nation’s blood boil when the action kicks-off on November 20. What could possibly be more exciting than that? The question is where to watch all the games. Luckily we’ve rounded up the best places in Bristol to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup this winter. Our pick is over at Bambalan.
2. Sip on mulled wine in an igloo at Bristol’s Christmas Market
There’s no Christmas lights switch-on event at Cabot Circus this year. But fear not. This year’s Christmas market is back in Broadmead, November 4 to December 23. The shopping area will become home to over 40 unique stalls selling an array of seasonal delights, crafts and unique items. Perfect for those hunting for that special Christmas gift. There will also be delicious food available, including traditional Bratwurst, crepes, churros and plenty of sweet treats. Visitors can also enjoy heated seating and delicious drinks in the popular Jäger Barn Bar or book exclusive use of one of the private, cosy igloo pods.
3. Experience the magic of candlelight concerts at The Mount Without
Is there anything more heartwarming than a candlelight concert? One of Bristol’s best museums and art galleries will be bathed in candles on November 2, masterful scores from iconic sci-fi and fantasy. Expect renditions from Games of Thrones, Star Trek, and Edward Scissorhands. While on November 16 and 18, head on over to the former church, The Mount Without, for musical tributes to rock legends Queen and Coldplay, respectively.
4. Tuck in at Bristol’s brie-lliant new cheese restaurant
Have you ever thought, rummaging through your fridge for a midnight snack: ‘Cheese is brilliant, if there was a cheese restaurant I’d eat there everyday.’ Well, someone in Bristol has gone and done it. You won’t want to miss out on The Cheese Platter opening later in November. It will take up residency in The Vincent, just next to Clifton Down. Not looking to reinvent the cheese wheel, the menu will be split equally into two sections. Cheese dishes and dishes with cheese. Available will be a selection of cheese boards, fondue, raclette, tartelette and baked camembert. While there will also be restaurant classics, such as lasagne and cheeseburgers, using artisan cheeses.
5. Grab a stylish and sustainable bargain at one of Bristol’s best vintage clothing stores
Second-hand clothing can be just as stylish as anything fresh off the rail. Throwing together an outfit from other people’s cast-asides is cool these days. It’s the easiest way to attain that retro feel. And with many of us scrimping and saving our pennies this winter, maybe the cheapest way to afford a new coat. You just need to know where to look. Of course, you can go bargain hunting in one of Bristol’s many charity shops. But we’ve also rounded up the best vintage clothes stores in Bristol.
6. Witness a spectacular firework display this Guy Fawkes Night
With Guy Fawkes Night falling on a Saturday (November 5) this year, the weekend will be full of celebrations. Bristol is hosting a number of firework displays in green spaces and will see magical, glowing eruptions take to the sky. Head on over to Clifton Observatory (November 4) where one of Bristol’s most iconic views will be lit up from 6pm. While on the other side of the city, on the same night, you’ll find Bristol’s biggest firework display in Downend. Heading down to Bath Racecourse might be your best bet on the actual night, however, which also includes a funfair! A fireworks display is a must among things to do in Bristol this November.
7. Switch-out your fast food for vegan burgers and nuggets
We all know how popular veganism is in Bristol. With so many amazing vegan restaurants it’s easy too. World Vegan Day falls on November 1, so odds are you’ve missed the celebrations. But Burger King is giving Bristolians a little longer to get involved. Until November 9, the fast food chain’s location by Cribbs Causeway has turned 100% vegan. So why switch up your Whopper for the new Plant-Based Bakon King this November.
8. Pet a real life (animatronic) polar bear at Winterland
Meet Bjorn. He’s an animatronic polar bear and will be hanging around the Propyard until January 6. As part of Winterland, You can stroke, pet and tickle Bjorn behind the ears without the fear of facing a claw attack. On top, there’ll be an indoor ice skating rink and ice bumper cars, with food handled by one of our favourite Bristol pizzerias, Pizzarova.
9. Listen to the leaves crunch as you wander through these local areas
In need of a change of scenery? Why not take a trip out and switch off from the world with a walk across a blanket of leaves. There are a ton of beautiful routes right on our doorsteps and you’ll be surprised where you can get to in less than an hour’s drive. Watch the leaves turn and fall across Somerset, whether it be in the woods near Weston-Super-Mare or from the top of Cheddar Gorge, it’ll definitely give you all the autumn feels and you’ll be glad to have got some fresh air. Check out the best autumn walks near Bristol here.
10. Go bowling and bite into one of these PB+J burgers
Fat Hippo is famous for its filthy burgers and loaded fries. Now it’s teaming up with the leisure complex Lane 7 to bring Bristol a brilliant combination of burgers and bowling. The stand-out has to be the PB+JJ, which is a beef burger topped with peanut butter and bacon jam. For things to do in Bristol this November, you can’t beat a bit of burger-fuelled bowling. Sounds like a perfect friend-date. We’re sure it’ll be a strike with the locals.
11. Take a daytrip to one of the the most exciting restaurants in Britain
South of Bristol (about an hour’s drive away) is the beautiful, quaint town of Bruton. It might appear fairly unremarkable, but it is home to one of the most exciting restaurants in the UK. Osip, according to The Good Food Guide, is well-worth a visit. A small, farm-to-table restaurant, it’s focus is on simplicity and shedding pretension. The restaurant works mainly with locally-sourced, in-season ingredients and creates dishes that change with what’s available. And even stocks local wines! Note, the world-renowned art gallery Hauser & Wirth is also in Bruton if you’re looking at visiting.
12. Soak in the best of Bristol’s street art
We’re pretty proud to live in Bristol and we often point to its street art its USP. Many seem to agree, as it was recently named the second best city to see street art in the UK. While we’d go a step further and call it number one. We’re still quite happy with the result, especially given Bristol’s size compared to the winning London. We’ve previously rounded up some of the best graffiti you can spot around the city. So if you’re ever stuck for things to do in Bristol this November, just head out and soak in your surroundings. You won’t regret it.