Bristol is a city full of creativity, history, and adventure, making it an exciting destination for families. While there are plenty of well-known attractions like the SS Great Britain and Bristol Zoo Project, why not try something a little different? Here’s a guide to unusual and free things to do in Bristol with kids, guaranteed to make your family day out unique and unforgettable.
1. Explore an Underground Cave at Redcliffe Caves (During Special Events)
For a real adventure, take your kids on a journey beneath the city into the Redcliffe Caves. These man-made tunnels, once used for storing goods like sand and glass, are filled with fascinating stories and a touch of mystery. While not always open to the public, special heritage events sometimes allow families to explore these eerie yet exciting underground passages for free.
2. Visit The Matthew – A Replica of a Historic Ship
Step aboard The Matthew, a replica of the ship that John Cabot sailed to North America in 1497. Kids can climb aboard, explore the deck, and learn about life as a sailor during the Age of Discovery. Entry is often free when docked at the harbour, making it a fantastic cost-free historical experience.
3. Hunt for Street Art on a Graffiti Tour
Bristol is the home of the legendary street artist Banksy, and kids will love going on a street art treasure hunt around the city. There are self-guided walking tours through colorful alleyways, where families can spot giant murals and quirky artwork for free, inspiring creativity and conversation.
4. Enjoy a Day at St. Werburgh’s City Farm
Hidden in the heart of Bristol, St. Werburgh’s City Farm is a delightful escape where children can meet farm animals, explore vegetable gardens, and enjoy a nature-inspired play area. It’s a peaceful yet unusual urban farm experience, and entry is completely free.
5. Discover Bristol’s Harbourside and Free Museums
Take a scenic walk along Bristol’s Harbourside, watching boats go by and spotting historic landmarks. Many of Bristol’s museums, including M Shed, are completely free to enter, with fascinating exhibits on Bristol’s maritime history, local culture, and transport.
6. Get Lost in a Book at Bristol Central Library
For little bookworms, Bristol Central Library offers a fantastic children’s section, regular storytime sessions, and free activities for young readers. It’s a great indoor option on rainy days.
7. Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Visitor Centre
Take in breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge by walking across Clifton Suspension Bridge. The nearby Visitor Centre offers free exhibits about the history and engineering behind one of Bristol’s most famous landmarks.
8. Climb to the Top of Cabot Tower
For the best free panoramic views of Bristol, climb Cabot Tower, located in Brandon Hill Park. The climb is completely free, and kids will love the sense of adventure as they ascend the spiral staircase to the top.
9. Explore Arnos Vale Cemetery with a Scavenger Hunt
It might sound unusual, but Arnos Vale Cemetery is a beautiful Victorian garden cemetery with hidden trails, wildlife, and even family-friendly scavenger hunts. It’s a fascinating way to explore history and nature in an unexpected setting.
10. Enjoy a Picnic and Playtime in Ashton Court Estate
One of Bristol’s largest green spaces, Ashton Court Estate, is perfect for a family picnic, a bike ride, or a game of frisbee. Kids will love spotting deer in the park’s designated deer park area.
11. Watch Planes Take Off at Bristol Airport Viewing Area
For aviation enthusiasts, head to Bristol Airport’s viewing area, where kids can watch planes take off and land up close—completely free of charge.
12. Try Geocaching Around the City
Turn a regular walk into an exciting treasure hunt by trying geocaching, a free activity where families use GPS coordinates to find hidden caches around the city.
Final Thoughts
Bristol is full of surprises, and these unusual and free activities ensure an exciting day out without spending a penny. Whether you’re exploring hidden caves, searching for Banksy’s art, or climbing to new heights at Cabot Tower, Bristol offers a mix of adventure, history, and creativity that will spark curiosity and excitement in kids of all ages. So next time you’re planning a family day out, try something out of the ordinary and experience the quirky, budget-friendly side of Bristol!