Welcome to the big 2024 roundup of FREE things to do and places to go in Bristol and nearby. This family-friendly guide is packed to the rafters with attractions which won’t cost you a penny to enter. I think you’ll be surprised at the great range of places, in and around Bristol, with a zero entrance fee!
While pretty much everything else seems to be getting more expensive, I did wonder if I could pull together enough budget-friendly outings to fill the guide. Of course, I needn’t have worried. This latest edition is packed with more free places to visit than ever before.
- BRISTOL ATTRACTIONS WITH FREE ENTRY
We have you ‘covered’ with an amazing list of child-friendly indoor attractions with free entry. (I suggest bookmarking this page, as these are also great places to go in Bristol when it’s raining!) - FREE THINGS TO DO OUTDOORS IN AND AROUND BRISTOL
We’re blessed with plenty of fabulous outside spaces too, of course. The section on free things to do outdoors in Bristol and nearby includes fun parks to explore, fabulous North Somerset beaches, family-friendly walks and perfect picnic areas.
FREE INDOOR PLACES TO GO IN BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET
If you’re looking for free things to do in Bristol with kids when it’s raining, you’re in the right place. This section features indoor attractions including museums, art galleries, archives and even a ship!
These under-cover days out provide the perfect cover from our unpredictable British weather. And as it doesn’t cost anything to get into these attractions, it’s not the end of the world if you just want to visit for an hour or two.
ARNOLFINI – HARBOURSIDE, BRISTOL
Go all cultural and explore an art exhibition at the Arnolfini!
The Arnolfini is an inclusive and innovative centre for contemporary arts, located in a prominent Grade II listed building on Bristol’s harbourside.
It’s free to enter, you don’t need to book and exhibitions are also free to visit.
Refreshments are on sale at The Arnolfini Café Bar. Seating is available inside or you can sit outside and enjoy views of Bristol Harbour. There’s also a bookshop.
More details on The Arnolfini website
BLAISE MUSEUM – HENBURY, BRISTOL
Visit Blaise Museum – one of Bristol’s Free Museums and Historic Houses.
You could peruse their collection of toys, games, train sets and doll’s houses or marvel at the household contraptions which have been used by Bristolians over the last 300 years.
The Museum is set in a late eighteenth-century mansion on the Blaise Castle Estate in Henbury.
See Blaise Museum website for up-to-date opening hours and their latest programme of free family activities.
BLAISE CASTLE FOLLY – BLAISE CASTLE ESTATE, HENBURY
If you come out of the museum and wander down through the grounds of the Blaise Castle Estate, you might spot the mysterious Blaise Castle itself!
Is it a castle or a folly? Why was it built? Is it possible to go inside?
It is possible to enter Blaise Castle Folly on a limited number of days of the year. During this opening season, volunteers allow access free of charge.
You can find the opening days and learn lots more about the castle’s history on the handy Friends of Blaise website.
KINGS WESTON ROMAN VILLA
While you’re at Blaise, did you know you could also pick up the key to explore Kings Weston Roman Villa? This is the only Roman bath suite in Bristol and it offers a glimpse back to a time when Romans lived here.
Entry is free – you just pay a returnable deposit for the key.
Kings Weston Roman Villa Address:
Long Cross
Kings Weston Roman Villa
Lawrence Weston
Bristol BS11 0LP
To be among the first to hear about more content like this:-
Sign up to our mailing list
or
Join our Portishead & Bristol Events Facebook Group
BRISTOL ARCHIVES – CUMBERLAND BASIN (via Create Centre)
Book a visit to the Bristol Archives’ search-room.
Bristol Archives looks after the records of the city of Bristol and the British Empire & Commonwealth Collection. While you’re there you could:-
- Find out about famous Bristolians, such as the Smyth family of Ashton Court
- Access records and documents relating to well-known companies, like Frys and Harveys
- Peruse historic diaries and letters
- Explore city records dating back to medieval times
What a way to bring a school project to life. Or a perfect outing if you just fancy a bit of a nose!
The search-room is open:
from Tuesday to Friday, 9.30 – 4.30
and the first two Saturdays of each month, 10 – 4
Bristol Archives contact details:
B Bond Warehouse (via Create Centre)
Smeaton Road
Bristol
BS1 6XN
+44 (0)117 922 4224
BRISTOL BLUE GLASS – ARNO’S VALE, BRISTOL
Watch the glassmakers in action at their studio in Bath Road. They craft the glass using traditional methods. No moulds are used in the process, so each piece is unique. You can ask the glassblowers if you have any questions about the process.
Normal glassblowing times are between 10 and 4 (with breaks). It’s free to watch and there’s no need to book unless you’re a big party of ten or more.
Bristol Blue Glass contact details:
357-359 Bath Road
Arnos Vale
Bristol BS4 3EW
+44 (0)117 9720818
BRISTOL CATHEDRAL – COLLEGE GREEN, BRISTOL
Take a peek inside Bristol Cathedral. There’s a lot more to see than you might think!
Admire the architecture and read about the history of the building.
Take a seat and soak up the atmosphere.
Or join a service.
Click through to find out about the latest fun and free things to do when visiting Bristol Cathedral with children.
Bristol Cathedral contact details:
College Green
Bristol, BS1 5TJ
+44 (0)117 926 4879
BRISTOL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY – CLIFTON, BRISTOL
Explore the collections of art, nature and history on display in the impressive Queens Road building at the top of Park Street in Bristol.
Will you spot Alfred the Gorilla? The Romany wagon? An Egyptian Mummy? Or even a dinosaur?!
If they’ve had enough of the exhibitions, little ones can enjoy the under fives’ discovery area. And of course, there’s a café in case you fancy a coffee or lunch while you’re there.
The museum shop stocks a range of pocket money items as well as gift items like prints, books and Bristol Blue Glass. Shop purchases help support the museum.
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 5
Bristol Museum‘s contact details:
Queens Rd
Bristol
BS8 1RL
+44 (0)117 922 3571
CABOT TOWER – BRISTOL
Climb up the narrow, spiral steps of Cabot Tower. On a clear day, your hard work will be rewarded with fabulous, panoramic views of Bristol and the surrounding area.
Bear in mind that the climb isn’t suitable for pushchairs and requires a good level of mobility. If you decide that climbing the tower isn’t for you, Brandon Hill is still a lovely green space to visit.
CABOT TOWER OPENING TIMES
Cabot Tower is open Monday to Sunday from 8 am.
Closing times vary throughout the year.
Expect the tower to be closed:
- 25th December
- 26th December
- 1st January
CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE VISITOR CENTRE
CLIFTON, BRISTOL
Learn about the history of Brunel’s iconic bridge at Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre.
The permanent exhibition and shop are both open with free weekend tours and outdoor family events for the school holidays.
While you’re there, admire the spectacular views across Bristol and Avon Gorge and look down at the tiny cars and people below. Crossing the bridge is free for pedestrians.
And you might just want to take a photo of this most famous of Bristol landmarks!
CREATE CENTRE – CUMBERLAND BASIN, BRISTOL
Pop into the Create Centre and have a look around their purpose-built Ecohome. The last time we went, one of their volunteers was happy to take us on a free tour. He explained how eco-friendly ideas were incorporated into the house design and answered our questions.
There are also exhibitions at the Create Environment Centre where you can discover how to make greener choices.
Create opening times:
Create Centre and gallery is open Mon to Fri 9 – 5
Ecohome Mon to Fri 12 – 3 pm, (open on request).
THE GEORGE MÜLLER MUSEUM – BISHOPSTON, BRISTOL
Explore the George Müller Museum and find out what life was like for thousands of Victorian orphans in Bristol.
The museum tells the story of George Müller who set up several orphanages in Bristol and went on to care for over 10,000 children.
As well as providing food and shelter, he also ensured that the orphans received a good education so that they learned the skills they’d need for the future.
Learn how Müller’s orphans lived and how his legacy continues today, through multi-media, interactive exhibits, artefacts and replicas of some of their large collection of orphan records.
There’s no need to book, however, this small museum is occasionally at capacity so you may want to call ahead, especially if you’re travelling from a distance.
Open Monday to Friday, 10 am – 4 pm
George Müller Museum contact details:
45-47 Loft House
College Road
Bristol
BS7 9FG
+44 (0)117 9245001
THE GEORGIAN HOUSE MUSEUM
Discover what a Bristol sugar plantation and slave owner’s home might have looked like around 1790. Eleven rooms spread over four floors reveal what life was like above and below stairs, from the kitchen in the basement where servants prepared meals to the elegant formal rooms above.
Please note that the Georgian House Museum is only open at certain times of the year. This year’s season runs from:
1st April — 31st December 2024
What if they’re closed or you prefer a virtual visit? You’re in luck! You can view the museum via this free Georgian House 360 tour.
THE MATTHEW – BRISTOL FLOATING HARBOUR, BY M-SHED
Step aboard The Matthew of Bristol.
The ship is a replica of the 15th-century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to discover Newfoundland in 1497. You can look around, climb the steps to the upper decks, and learn more from knowledgeable guides.
If you’re interested in learning more, about the build, launch and inaugural voyage of the replica of John Cabot’s famous ship, watch our Matthew Video.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Bristol, you can now watch the whole of our Bristol History Series free on YouTube.
Booking is not required to go aboard the Matthew when at her mooring, however, before setting out, it’s probably a good idea to double-check whether she’s at home to visitors!
Visiting the ship is free but donations are always welcome.
MSHED – HARBOURSIDE, BRISTOL
From prehistoric times to the present day, M Shed tells the story of Bristol and its unique place in the world.
See amazing films and photographs and listen to moving personal stories. Encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of the city through the interactive displays.
When I think of Mshed, I always picture the array of historic vehicles which were such a hit with my little boys. However, it seems that the museum has a lot more to offer.
BRISTOL PLACES GALLERY
Focusing on how and why Bristol has transformed the way it has, in MShed’s Places Gallery you can see:-
- How Bristolians prepared for and lived during WWII
- A display of historical trains, buses, cars and planes
- Bristol’s Thecodontosaurus dinosaur
- Neighbourhood displays showcasing Bristol’s suburbs
BRISTOL PEOPLE GALLERY
On the first floor, MShed’s People Gallery features the city’s trades, challenges and celebrations. You could learn about:-
- The city’s trading past and creative, industrial and technological contributions
- Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade
- A history of protest around racial injustice, featuring BLM march quotes and placards. (The toppled, graffitied statue of slaver, Edward Colston, is a permanent fixture but screened from view.)
- Bristol festivals, events and celebrations
BRISTOL LIFE GALLERY
MShed’s Bristol Life Gallery, also on the First Floor, explores people’s shared experiences in the city. Here you can find out:-
- How people have experienced Bristol over the centuries
- How families have lived, learned, worked and socialised
- Why people moved to Bristol and the challenges they faced
- How we have enjoyed ourselves
Banksy’s Grim Reaper can be seen just outside the Bristol Life gallery.
M-Shed Contact Details
M Shed
Princes Wharf
Wapping Rd
Bristol
BS1 4RN
NEW ROOM BRISTOL: JOHN WESLEY’S CHAPEL – BROADMEAD, BRISTOL
Visit the oldest Methodist building in the world.
Learn about John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism, who promoted a faith rooted not just in prayer and worship, but in practical outreach designed to change society for the better.
Entry to the chapel is free.
(Charges apply for entry to John Wesley’s New Room Museum).
The New Room also has a shop and that all-important cafe!
THE RED LODGE MUSEUM
What secrets lie behind the bright red door? Step inside and experience more than 400 years of history in the museum where you feel you have left the modern world behind.
From 16th Century ‘royal party house’ to Victorian reform school for girls, see how the lodge has changed over time!
Red Lodge Museum opening times for 2024
Please note that Red Lodge Museum only opens seasonally.
1st April — 31st December 2024
When the museum is closed, you can still check out the Red Lodge 360 virtual tour.
ST NICHOLAS MARKETS, BRISTOL
See unusual, undercover stalls and enjoy the aromas of street food at St Nicholas Markets.
A short walk from the modern shopping quarter, against the backdrop of historic architecture of The Corn Exchange and surrounding buildings, St Nicks Market has been trading right at the heart of the old city since 1743.
Is that cash you’ve been saving burning a hole in your pocket? Bristol’s largest collection of independent traders offer a range of wares and services to tempt you – from vintage fashion and vinyl records to key cutting and arts and crafts.
St Nicholas Indoor Markets opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9.30 am to 5 pm
SPIKE ISLAND, BRISTOL
Visit the dynamic arts centre at Spike Island.
Just a short distance from the SS Great Britain and M Shed, the centre presents contemporary art exhibitions to the public.
Spike Island helps support artists by offering affordable studio space. It aims to be as accessible to as many people as possible.
Staff are available to answer questions and there’s a café and baby changing facility.
Spike Island galleries opening times:
Wednesday to Sunday, 12–4 pm (with exceptions)
Exhibition entry is free and you don’t need to book.
WESTON MUSEUM, WESTON-SUPER-MARE
If you fancy heading out of the city, why not pay a visit to Weston Museum?
Learn about the unique story of Weston-super-Mare through objects from the North Somerset Collection. The museum tells the story of the town and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to present day
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
Weston Museum contact details:
Burlington Street
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1PR
Tel: 01934 621028
FREE LIBRARY EVENTS IN BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET
BRISTOL CENTRAL LIBRARY – BRISTOL
Join in with one of the children’s story times or other activities in the spectacular Central Library building.
Activities and events include:-
- Baby bounce and rhyme time, for babies.
- DIY Duplo Day, for 18 months to 4 years
- DIY Games Day, for 2 to 17 years
- School summer holiday activities, including crafts and author and illustrator visits (Booking is required).
Or just pop into Central Library and enjoy your surroundings while reading a book.
Open daily.
Central Library contact details:
College Green
Bristol, BS1 5TL
+44 (0)117 903 7215
FREE ACTIVITIES AT OTHER BRISTOL LIBRARIES
This handy timetable shows which Bristol libraries run free baby bounce and rhyme time and story time sessions. Storytime sessions are for age 2+. Older siblings are also welcome.
FREE ACTIVITIES AT NORTH SOMERSET LIBRARIES
North Somerset libraries hold one-off and regular events including:-
- Rhymetime and Story Time (term time only)
- Duplo Club – for pre-schoolers
- Lego Club – age 4 and over
- Code Club
- Crafts and Games Stay and Play
- Colouring club
- Board Game afternoons (all ages)
- Summer Reading Challenge for children
Find your closest North Somerset library and check event times here. You may need to book in advance for a few of the more popular sessions.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2024: MARVELLOUS MAKERS
The free summer reading challenge runs across many public libraries during the summer holidays. It’s a great way to keep kids interested in books during the long break. You can sign them up at your local library, as long as they are participating.
When children join, they will receive a special collector’s pack and help with choosing suitable books. They’ll receive rewards to help keep them motivated as they progress through the challenge.
The summer reading challenge for 2024 is Marvellous Makers.
If it isn’t practical for you to get to a library or if your local one isn’t running it, did you know you can join this on-line version of the summer reading challenge?
FREE OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET
In this section, we cover all sorts of outdoor outings. Looking for a fabulous walk in North Somerset? The perfect park or woodland for a picnic? Want to know where to find a beach near Bristol? You’ll find them all here.
ABBOTS POOL, ABBOTS LEIGH, BRISTOL
Get back to nature at Abbots Pool.
On the outskirts of Bristol, Abbots Pool features a woodland with a large pond. It’s a great spot for dog walks and for kids to burn off some steam.
There’s a modest amount of free car parking but no other facilities so it really is a place where you can switch off.
Prepare for your visit by watching our Abbots Pool video
or click the following link for more information and how to get to Abbots Pool
ASHTON COURT ESTATE – LONG ASHTON, BRISTOL
Look out for the deer at Ashton Court Estate. Or just explore and enjoy the extensive grounds which offer a popular rural retreat, just across the suspension bridge from Clifton.
Take your pick of 850 acres of woodland and grassland for walking, cycling or having a picnic. And be safe in the knowledge that somebody else is taking care of the gardening!
Hugely popular Bristol events are held at Ashton Court throughout the year. Some have a price tag like, Love Saves the Day, which is now Bristol’s biggest music festival. (My older boys are fans and this year came back in hideously mud-stained clothes, in case I needed proof!)
But there are some amazing free events at Ashton Court Estate – most notably Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
If you’re feeling energetic, you could:-
- Come by bike on the Festival Way cycle route, which connects Bristol with Nailsea, North Somerset
- Join a free park run – held here every Saturday at 9 am.
- Try one of the estate’s mountain bike trails, some of which are suitable for families.
Entry to the estate is free, (except during certain special events), but there is a small parking fee for vehicles.
If you DO want to put your hand in your pocket, you could play golf or ride on the super-cute Ashton Court miniature railway. See the Bristol Model Engineers website for railway days.
Ashton Court Estate is open daily from 8 am
Facilities include Ashton Court Courtyard Café, Golf Café, public toilets near both cafés and baby-changing facilities.
BLAISE CASTLE ESTATE
Let all the children play at Blaise Castle Estate!
Blaise Estate was a popular choice for us when our boys were little, as it catered brilliantly for the different ages and stages of all our children. Multiple play areas meant that we could set up base with our youngest, while the older boys challenged themselves on the bigger adventure play equipment nearby.
Public loos, baby changing facilities and the handy café sealed the deal, keeping everyone happy!
There’s plenty of scope for accessible walks through the 650 acres of parkland. Remember to look out for Blaise Castle. It’s free to look around when it’s open.
It’s also free to visit Blaise Museum, which is just a short walk from the playground.
The Estate is open every day from 7.30 am. Closing times vary throughout the year
Parking charges apply.
Blaise Castle Estate address and main car-park:-
Kings Weston Rd,
Lawrence Weston,
Bristol BS10 7QS
BRANDON HILL PARK – BRISTOL
Climb up Brandon Hill and admire the views over Bristol.
Brandon Hill is a popular, hilly park with fabulous views from Cabot Tower. Facilities include a dog-free play area for under twelves, a nature park, toilets and outdoor exercise stations.
Brandon Hill is always open.
Brandon Hill Park address:-
Park St
Bristol BS1 5RR
CLIFTON NATURAL ROCK SLIDE – BRISTOL
Are you brave enough to take on Clifton’s natural slide?
Near Clifton Observatory and The Suspension Bridge, a natural rock slide is set back from the road. Listen out for laughter and screams and you’ll know you’re nearby!
It’s a fairly steep ride and generations of Bristolians and visitors have worn the rock smooth with their bottoms. There are textured sections that can slow you down too, so join the sliders at your discretion.
Yes, of course, I braved the rock slide when I was a child, but I have a dodgy back now. That’s my excuse anyway, and I’m sticking with it!
LEIGH WOODS NATIONAL TRUST – BRISTOL
Go on a Wild Woodland Adventure at Leigh Woods!
Alternatively, you can walk, run or mountain bike in this attractive National Trust woodland and SSSI near Clifton Suspension Bridge.
You could make a day of it and eat your lunch in the picnic area. You might even get to sit on the carved wooden sofa.
You can walk dogs on leads at Leigh Woods, however, the woods are home to grazing animals such as cows and deer, so dogs must be kept under control. (There’s a dog poo bin at the North Road entrance.)
You can access Leigh Woods on the A369, near Clifton Suspension Bridge.
OLDBURY COURT AND SNUFF MILLS – FILTON/STAPLETON
Enjoy a picnic down by the riverside.
There’s a lot to do at Oldbury Court, Snuff Mills and Vassals Park. The vast area of parkland and woodland with the River Frome running through it, means picnics and riverside walks are high on the list!
Facilities also include sports areas, a children’s play park, café facilities and toilets.
There’s parking both at OIdbury Court, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2JH and Snuff Mills at the end of River View, Stapleton, Bristol, BS16 1DL. Car parks are closed on Dec 25th.
Admission is free and OIdbury Court Estate is open at all times.
ST WERBURGHS CITY FARM
Meet the pigs and look around the smallholding at St Werburghs City Farm.
While you’re there you could also check out the community gardens and allotments or buy some goodies in the farm café.
Free to enter but a donation is welcomed, if possible.
St Werburghs City Farm address:
Ashley Vale
St Werburghs
Bristol BS2 9YJ
THE STRAWBERRY LINE
Cycle along The Strawberry Line from Yatton Station.
The whole 9-mile long track takes you from Yatton to Cheddar. The majority of it is traffic-free and fairly flat.
We found that cycling a short section of The Strawberry Line was a great introduction for younger riders. You would of course need to make your own judgement about the abilities of your party and exercise caution. If you chose to complete the whole route, there are sections where you’d need to ride or cross busy roads.
Look out for the cider apple orchards, Cheddar Gorge and refreshment stops along the way!
Parking is available for a small fee at Yatton Station.
Here you’ll also find a café, toilets and Strawberry Line Cycles which offers a range of traditional and adaptive bikes to rent.
Click here to visit The Strawberry Line Website
WESTON-SUPER-MARE, CLEVEDON AND PORTISHEAD BEACHES
Visit one of our beaches on the North Somerset coast.
Being beside the sea is one of my favourite free things to do! Read about our visit to one of the beaches in Portishead.
There’s no need to travel very far. Why not stay local and save petrol while enjoying some of the free things to do in North Somerset instead?
Explore the coastal path between Clevedon and Portishead. There are several beaches to stop at along the way but bear in mind that there are no facilities on this stretch.
(The ground is uneven, sloping and narrow and there are steep drops in places, so you’ll need to judge whether your party is capable of tackling this safely. Parts of the route aren’t suitable for pushchairs or anyone with limited mobility.)
For safety advice when visiting a beach or coastal path, check out the government’s Coastguard Safety information.
TIPS FOR FREE DAYS OUT IN BRISTOL
As always, please check with the destination or organiser for up-to-date information before you travel in case of cancellations, closures or errors. I’ve added website links wherever I can to make this as easy as possible for you.
Remember that even without an entry fee, you’ll still need to factor in any other expenses such as meals out, travel costs, parking charges or food. Occasionally venues ask for a small voluntary donation.
FREE BUT CLOSED AT TIME OF WRITING
SEE MONSTER, WESTON SUPER MARE
NOW CLOSED FOR GOOD
Fancy going to see the SEE MONSTER in Weston super Mare but not sure what to expect & whether it’s worth a visit? Then read our fab family review with top tips for visiting this free attraction located at Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana. But you’ll have to hurry as it’s only due to stay in Weston until Nov 20th 2022.
Open every day from 9 am to 9 pm. Last entry is at 8 pm
It’s free to enter See Monster and free to go up the platform.
Booking is not required.
Temporary attraction – closes on Nov 20th 2022
Phew! So there we have it. I hope you find our guide to free things to do in Bristol and North Somerset helpful. I’ll continue adding more to this article so please let me know if you have ideas of anywhere else you think I should include.
I’ll be adding to this guide over the next few weeks, as I have much more to include. If you’re interested in MORE FREE PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND BRISTOL, do make sure you bookmark it!
Please share with your friends and help them discover more free places to visit in and around Bristol too!
Don’t fancy cooking after all those activities? Then check out the following articles:-
Ultimate Guide to Afternoon Tea in and around Bristol
Portishead Takeaway Ultimate Guide
Portishead Restaurants: Where to Eat in Portishead and Nearby
To hear about more content like this:-
Join the Portishead & Bristol Events Facebook Group
Follow on social media (by clicking on the pink social media icons)
Buy me a coffee (or a glass of fizz!) to help fuel me in making more of these articles!
PIN: FREE THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL & NORTH SOMERSET FOR LATER!
Many thanks to COBEN ASSOCIATES ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE (AKA the husband), for sponsoring our guide to free things to do in and around Bristol with kids.
Please drop me a line if you’d like to support one of our roundups and be featured on Practically Perfect Mums.
AFFILIATE LINKS: This website contains affiliate links which means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk (*)
Thanks for your support if you make a purchase through one of my affiliate links.
