Best Things to do in Bristol this Summer with Kids

The 2026 guide to what’s on in Bristol this summer is packed with a mahoosive selection of the best summer activities and family events Bristol has to offer: from special Bristol Bank Holiday events and free craft activities to music festivals, new museums and world-class exhibitions

As usual, I’ve included free summer events and activities: Bristol Harbour Festival, Old City Sounds Festival and our world-famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta are all back for 2026, and they’re all free. And did you know that bus travel is free for under 16s again this summer holiday?

For venues with admission charges, I’ve listed discounts and cheaper ways to book.

So whether you’re looking to entertain the kids throughout the school holidays or you just want to know what’s on in Bristol this weekend, you’re in the right place.

Transparency disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something, I could earn a few spondoolies at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Read on or click on the contents table below to skip to a specific section.

Enjoy the 2026 guide to summer in Bristol!

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026?

Big changes and new additions for summer 2026:

• RHS Badminton Flower Show
  Brand new for 2026! The first ever RHS show at Badminton, 8–12 July.
• Bristol Harbour Festival: New Format
  Straddling the waterfront from Thekla to Underfall Yard, 17–19 July
• Bristol Dockyards: SS Great Britain has rebranded
  New interactive museum and ‘Ships & Giggles’ summer programme
• Aardman at M Shed
  New exhibition celebrating 50 years of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph

BRISTOL SUMMER TRAILS, TOURS AND TRIPS

KIDS GO FREE SUMMER BUS TRAVEL

West of England Area
Summer holidays 2026

The Kids Go Free bus travel scheme is back. Under 16 can travel free on virtually all bus journeys in and around Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset throughout the school summer holidays.

No need to register. No need to have a bus pass.
And no requirement for your teen to be accompanied by an embarrassing fare-paying adult.

There are very few exclusions, so their bus journey should be free as as long as:

• it starts in the “West of England Mayoral Combined Authority area” (See full details and a map of the whole area covered on the First Bus website ).
• it isn’t some kind of premium service, like going to the airport or a special event

The scheme was so successful when it launched in 2025 that it’s been extended to cover all school holidays for the next three years (until 2029). So hop on and make the most of some free travel!

Looking for other money-saving family outings?
Then check out this article next:-
Fab FREE Things to do in Bristol & North Somerset

BRISTOL PACKET BOAT TRIPS

Bristol Packet is the city’s oldest boat trip company, having run trips for five decades!

I can’t think of many things that say ‘British summer’ better than a leisurely trip to Beeses Tea Gardens or pottering around Bristol Harbour, indulging in a cream tea!

The team recently invited us to join their pub lunch cruise to Hanham Mills. It turned out to be one of the most mindful things I’ve ever done. By the time we reached The Netham, all my worries about mounds of laundry and outstanding jobs at home had dissolved. My new focus was trying to spot all the herons en route and the occasional kingfisher.

My fellow passengers were equally as entranced with the scenery and the wildlife. Several mentioned how happy they were to have received the outing as a gift.

All the Bristol Packet trips are family friendly but some, like the Avon Gorge Cruise and the Hanham River one we did, are quite lengthy. It suited us perfectly, but for families with young children, they’d recommend the 45 minute City Dock Tour.

CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE VAULTS TOURS

Tours run between Easter and October each year

If you’re after an adventure, you could join one of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Tours. The underground vaults visit and hard-hat tour offer the unique opportunity to climb down under the bridge’s tower!

Underground Vaults Visit – Adults 18+ £10, Children 7+ £8

One-Hour Historical Hard Hat Tour General Admission – £15

Two-Hour Historical Hard Hat Tour General Admission – £20

Children must be aged 7+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. There’s a minimum height limit of 1.2m.

(The tours include climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor, make sure your party is willing and able before booking tickets and participants will need to dress appropriately. Check out the website for further guidance and restrictions.)

Weekend Bridge Tours – Free plus £1 admin fee if you book in advance

Free weekend tours are a great way to explore the history of this amazing structure. They run during the school summer holidays (and all year round).

Join the knowledgeable volunteer tour guides as they talk you through the history, construction and maintenance of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge! Weekend tours last between 45 minutes and one hour and are running on weekends and bank holidays throughout the summer.

Summer tours begin at 3 pm from the Clifton Toll Booth on the Bristol side of the bridge, crossing over the bridge and finishing at the Visitor Centre. Everyone is welcome and the content is family-friendly.

Pre-booking is advised to secure a place (£1 admin fee), but it may be possible to join the tour on the day if spaces are available. After 10 am on the day of the tour, call our Visitor Centre on 0117 974 4664 to add your name to the list, or speak to the guide at the Clifton Hub just before the tour begins.

Keep an eye out for the explainers in orange high-vis jackets who will be more than happy to answer questions and tell you about the history of Brunel’s famous bridge.

The exhibition at Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre and the shop are also both open.

Click through to book Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Tours

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL TOWER TOUR

Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol

Bristol Cathedral is offering Highlights and Tower Tours this summer. Climb the 15th-century tower and discover the history of this magnificent building that has stood in the heart of the city for nearly 900 years. A rare chance to see Bristol from above and learn about one of its most important landmarks.

ST NICHOLAS MARKET & AIR RAID SHELTER TOUR

The St Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour offers an insight into how Bristol has developed into the city we see today. In addition to oodles of information about historical Bristol, you’ll have an exclusive opportunity to explore a network of underground rooms where Bristolians would have sought safety from the perils of the wartime bombing above ground.

Our fourteen-year-old son joined the husband and me on this amusing and informative walking tour. (It takes around two hours, so I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children.)

History Brought to Life

Our guide offered oodles of information about historical Bristol. Standing in the exact spot he was referring to really helped me picture how Bristol would have looked prior to the devastation of WWII.

And again, entering the air raid shelter decked out with wartime artefacts and memorabilia, gave a flavour of how it would have been for the occupants.

During the tour, you’ll:-

• Explore Bristol’s largest public Air Raid Shelter, explore the historic Old Town, and soak in the atmosphere of St Nicholas Market.
• Be taken on a tour of Bristol’s rich history, the iconic swinging 60s, and the vibrant present-day city.
• Get exclusive access to underground passageways, rooftop views, World War II air raid shelters, and hidden rooms that once hosted some of the world’s greatest bands.

The opportunity to climb to the top of the Corn Exchange and to look around the air raid shelter were absolute highlights for us!

Click here to book the St Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour *
Please note: This tour is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs

BLACKBEARD TO BANKSY WALKING TOUR

The Blackbeard to Banksy guided tour combines centuries of Bristol’s history with vibrant street art.

Learn about the city’s chequered past, including Blackbeard, the notorious pirate and Edward Colston, the slave trader whose statue was toppled during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

A tour of Banksy’s street art brings us to the modern-day.

• Explore Bristol on a guided street art walking tour
• See originals by Banksy, the world’s number-one street artist
• Discover the city’s complex history, from ruined churches to toppled statues
• Hear tips and insights from your guide

Click here to book the Blackbeard to Banksy Walking Tour *

ROCK & ROLL BRISTOL TOUR &
BRISTOL TV & FILM LOCATIONS TOUR

These guided walking tours explore Bristol’s rich connections to music and screen. The Rock & Roll Bristol Tour digs into the city’s musical heritage, while the Bristol TV & Film Locations Tour takes you to spots where your favourite shows and films were made. Both are a fun ways to see the city from a completely different angle.

SHOW OF STRENGTH THEATRE WALKS

Show of Strength Theatre Company run guided theatre walks through Bristol and Bath during July. Expect pirates, crime, movie stars, gothic horror, graveyards, the odd murder and more than a little humour. Check website for dates, times and locations.

UNDERFALL YARD TOURS

Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG

Underfall Yard is a working Victorian boatyard on Bristol Harbour and the oldest dock maintenance facility still in operation. They run occasional public guided tours throughout the summer. These sell out quickly, so check their website for upcoming dates. The visitor centre is free to visit.

BRISTOL FERRY HARBOUR TOUR

Hop aboard a Bristol Ferry and explore Bristol Harbour and beyond from a different perspective. Doesn’t travelling by boat make you feel like you’re on holiday? And a ferry cruise is the perfect way to cool down on a summer’s day.

While you’re near the harbour, have you tried out any of the Places to eat and drink at Bristol’s Wapping Wharf? If not, check out our guide for some interesting restaurants on Bristol harbourside.

PEDAL PROGRESSION

Ashton Court Estate, Abbots Leigh Road, Bristol BS8 3PX

This mountain biking coaching centre is running a Summer Skills Academy throughout the holidays. Sessions are available for kids and families from complete beginners to advanced riders.

Check the Pedal Progression website for sessions and booking.

BRISTOL FESTIVALS 2026

BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL (FREE EVENT)

Locations around Bristol Harbourside
Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026

One of the city’s flagship free events, Bristol Harbour Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors with a jam-packed programme of music, dance, circus performances, maritime displays, visiting vessels and on-water activities. 

In 2026 the festival returns to its maritime roots with a bold new format, stretching the full length of the waterfront from Thekla to Underfall Yard. Expect floating performances, dockside spectacles, live music across multiple stages, circus, family entertainment and plenty of on-the-water experiences.

VALLEY FEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Chew Valley Lake, Chew Magna, BS40 8SZ
Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August 2026

Valley Fest is a family-friendly music, food and nature festival on the banks of Chew Valley Lake, about 20 minutes from Bristol. Known for its emphasis on sustainability and great food (the food programme is curated by a former River Cottage chef), it’s a good option for families to try out the festival experience without the chaos of larger events. There’s live music across multiple stages, chef demos, yoga, wild swimming and plenty for kids. Camping is included in weekend tickets.

BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA (FREE EVENT)

Ashton Court, Long Ashton, Bristol
Friday 7th – Sunday 9th August 2026

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place over three days in the beautiful setting of Ashton Court Estate. This balloon festival is one of the standout highlights of Bristol’s summer calendar. It’s a great event for the whole family to enjoy, and it’s free – well, apart from the parking charge if you go by car.

The largest event of its kind in Europe, mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons are scheduled for 6 am each morning and from 6 pm each evening. Watch out for the famous balloon fiesta Nightglows on Friday and Saturday evenings, where a collection of balloons tether and light up in time to music.

As well as the balloons, visitors can enjoy fairground rides, live music and food and drink concessions.

Balloon Fiesta tips:

• Come prepared for the weather as the site is exposed to the elements. Bring sun cream, sun hats, rain coats, water bottles etc (free refill stations around the site).
• Ashton Court is a big site so comfy shoes for getting to the arena and a picnic blanket for resting when you get there might be a good call.
• If you decide to drive, book parking in advance as they can sell out.

OLD CITY SOUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL (FREE EVENT)

Bristol Old City
Saturday 29th August 2026

Old City Sounds is a FREE, day-long music festival taking place across Bristol’s historic Old City on the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday weekend. Back for its fourth edition, the festival transforms the Old City with live music of all genres, dance and circus performances, DJs and plenty to see and do.

A dedicated Family Zone offers entertainment for little ones, and venues across the Old City host everything from toe-tapping jazz to heart-pounding alt-rock. Drop in any time from midday.

BRISTOL ATTRACTIONS – SUMMER ACTIVITIES

In this section, you’ll find attractions in and around Bristol which are hosting special summer events. Read on for all sorts of things to do, including craft workshops, exhibitions, boat rides and interactive experiences.

AEROSPACE BRISTOL: KIDS GO FREE THIS SUMMER

Aerospace Bristol, Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BZ
18 July – 6 September 2026

Home to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot (the last Concorde to be built and fly), Aerospace Bristol tells the story of the region’s transport and space history with particular focus on the development of aviation.

This is the 50th anniversary year of Concorde’s first commercial flight, so expect an extra-special summer holiday programme.

Enjoy giant outdoor lawn games, an interactive marble run and the chance to see the Bristol Freighter as it rolls outside. Head into the museum hangars to explore 100 years of aviation history, with a different featured activity every day plus shows, talks and tours at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

Most activities are included in the price of museum admission and Aerospace tickets include free returns for a whole year. Plus book online and save up to 10%.

Also running this summer is the Dome Club Planetarium (1–16 August), a fully immersive 360° dome experience with family-friendly shows including Cockpit Command and a Family Planetarium Show. Separate ticket required.

Kids Go Free all summer (18 July – 6 September).

More information and a full list of daily activities on the website
Buy Aerospace tickets to include free return visits for a whole year *

FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN AT BLAISE MUSEUM

Blaise Castle House Museum, Henbury Road, Bristol BS10 7QS
Open April – December 2026

See what people wore, the toys they played with and how they managed their household chores as you explore Blaise Museum and Estate.

2026 marks Blaise 100, celebrating 100 years of the museum with a special programme. This summer look out for:

• All Dressed Up! family craft and story sessions inspired by historical costume (13–27 August)
• Castle Open Afternoons with a chance to climb the battlements for panoramic views (from 30 August)
• Dairy Garden Open Sessions in the secret garden with its open-air amphitheatre (from 8 August)
• Museum Highlight Tours running throughout the summer

Blaise Museum is open for summer 2026: Thursday to Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Free museum entry – donations welcome

BRISTOL MUSEUM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Visit Bristol Museum with free admission all year:

• Explore collections of art, nature and history on display in this beautiful building.
• Find out about the last billion years of Earth’s history.
• Explore the region’s natural wonders.
• Learn about peoples’ lives, past and present.

Summer 2026 highlights include:

Mini-museum hunt! 50 years of Aardman (until 13 September) – Pick up a free detective map and track down tiny Aardman treasures hidden around the museum. A fun companion to the main Aardman exhibition at M Shed.

Dinosaur Highlight Tours (ongoing until March 2027) – Take an imaginary trip back in time to meet the dinosaurs of Bristol Museum. Free.

Visit Bristol Museum‘s website for special summer exhibitions, workshops, family events, opening hours and to book event tickets.

Fancy a posh treat? No problem! Read this article to find out
Where to Enjoy the Best Afternoon Tea in and Around Bristol.

CRAFTY CATHEDRAL SUMMER SPECIAL

Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol
Thursdays in August, 10am–12pm

Crafty Cathedral is back at Bristol Cathedral for summer 2026 with a new theme each week:

• 6 August: Mythical Beasts and Beings
• 13 August: Knights and Monks
• 20 August: Creation Spotter Trail
• 27 August: Cathedral Art

All Ages Welcome: While the event is tailored to children aged 3–11, families of all ages are invited to join.

FREE activity. No booking required – just drop in

SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT M-SHED

M Shed, Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN
Various activities – summer holidays 2026

M Shed’s regular summer programme includes steam train rides, crane visits and harbour trips. Activities are generally free but donations are welcome. Advance booking is essential.

Steam Train Rides

Take a train trip on Britain’s only dockside steam railway behind one of our Bristol-built locomotives.

Crane Visits

Experience a working crane on the dockside with visits inside the electric cranes, M Shed’s biggest exhibits!

John King Harbour Trips

Take a trip on the harbour on the John King – a 1935 diesel tug built to tow cargo ships from Bristol City Docks to the mouth of the River Avon.

Check M Shed’s website for confirmed 2026 dates and booking information.

CRACKING EXHIBITION, GROMIT! 50 YEARS OF AARDMAN IN BRISTOL

M Shed, Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN
20 June—13 September 2026

Explore rarely seen models, sets and secrets from Aardman’s iconic stop-motion magic at this new exhibition at M Shed. From Wallace & Gromit to Shaun the Sheep and Morph, this is a celebration of 50 years of one of Bristol’s most beloved creative studios. Perfect for curious minds of all ages. Advance booking required.

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THE GEORGIAN HOUSE MUSEUM

7 Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR
Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am–4pm (April – December 2026)

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. Free entry to the museum.

This summer:
Family Fun Days celebrate the literary excellence of Jane Austen, with something for all the family (2 August and 21–22 August).
Museum Highlight Tours run throughout the summer holidays.

Visit the website for Georgian House opening hours and special events.

SUMMER OF FAMILY FUN AT THE NEW ROOM

John Wesley’s The New Room, 39 The Horsefair, Broadmead
Various events – summer holidays 2026

This summer, The New Room is inviting families to get playful with Georgian Summer Fun and Games. Step back in time, dress like a Georgian, play with toys and games Georgian children would have enjoyed, and make your own toy to take home.

Free family workshops: summer 2026

• Tuesday 18th August: 9:30–11am (quieter session, bookable) and 1–3pm (drop-in)
• Thursday 25th August: 9:30–11am (quieter session, bookable) and 1–3pm (drop-in)

Children 3+ years. FREE, donations welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Throughout the school holidays (23 July – 2 September) there are also FREE activities in the Chapel and FREE child museum admission.

Follow the link for more information and to book quieter sessions at The New Room Museum, Bristol.

BRISTOL DOCKYARDS: SHIPS & GIGGLES

Bristol Dockyards, Gas Ferry Road, BS1 6TY
Various events: 18 July – 2 September 2026

SS Great Britain has rebranded as Bristol Dockyards, complete with a new interactive museum.

This summer they’re running Ships & Giggles, a programme of games, challenges and adventure inspired by the ship’s global voyages. Activities include:

• Jar Fishing – dangling jars to catch things, like child passengers at sea might have done
• Giant Jump Rope challenge – how long can you keep skipping for?
• Good Shout – listening for orders through speaking trumpets in the engine room

Also running this summer for ages 10+ is the Go Aloft experience. Climb 25 metres up to the SS Great Britain’s rigging and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Bristol. Additional fee applies. Head for heights advisable.

General admission tickets include access to Brunel’s famous ship, the historic dockyard, Dry Dock, and the new museum.

Kids go free: One child admitted free with each adult buying a general admission ticket until 1st September 2026.

Book online to save up to 15%.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT WE THE CURIOUS

1 Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB
Summer of Imagination: 23 July – 1 September 2026

We The Curious is a science centre and educational charity on Bristol’s harbourside with over 200 interactive exhibits and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium. Our children first enjoyed visiting as toddlers and I was pleased to see the smiles on their little faces, when I took them recently as adolescents and adult teens.

The Summer of Imagination programme is packed with hands-on science, creative workshops and drop-in experiences for all ages, all included with your day ticket:

• Investigation Station – daily challenges from magic tricks to exploring invisibility
• Summer Kitchen – food science experiments including making instant fruit sorbets
• Shadow Factory – use light to transform shadows into playful drawings and mosaics
• Storytelling – recommended for under 7s

Add a Planetarium show to your visit for an additional £4

Tickets are valid all day so you can come and go. Book ahead for savings through the Great British Summer Savings scheme. Find out more about We The Curious’s summer sessions on their website

WAKE THE TIGER (THE DREAM FACTORY)

127 Albert Rd, Bristol BS2 0YA
20 July – 2 September

Wake The Tiger is the UK’s largest immersive art experience and the world’s first Amazement Park. Step through hidden portals and explore over 40 unique spaces in this mind-bending, self-guided adventure.

They’re taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme with reduced admission prices. Book 3+ days in advance and save 20% on tickets.They’re also running drop-in craft sessions at weekends in their new outdoor Junkyard space, included in the admission ticket.

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

Westonbirt, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QS
In Tune With Nature summer trail: 1 June – 31 August 2026

Explore miles of trails and tune in with nature this summer at the National Arboretum. Their 2026 summer theme invites you to switch off from digital distractions and reconnect with the living world. Pick up an In Tune With Nature trail leaflet and explore the sights and sounds of the arboretum.

During August there are free guided walks daily and there’s a programme of family events, all included with admission:

• In Tune with Wellbeing family yoga walks (11–13 August)
• Wild About Bees discovery day (16 August)
• Musical instrument-making workshops for children
• Daily guided walks at 11am and 2pm

The arboretum is around 40 minutes from Bristol.

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS – SUMMER EVENTS

AVON VALLEY PARK’S SUMMERTOPIA!

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Keynsham BS31 1TP
23rd July – 31st August 2026

Join Avon Valley Park for Summertopia! For their summer 2026 season, there’ll be a sand and water play area, a giant slip-n-slide, a beach zone and giant paddling pools. Plus every day ends with a foam party.

Summer guests can make a second visit to the park at no charge with the Visit once, Return for FREE offer: Book a standard ticket online and get a free return visit before the end of August.

For more information or to book, visit their website

THE BIRD OF PREY PROJECT

The Grain Store, Newton St Loe, Bath BA2 9BT
Open every day during school holidays, 10am–4pm

Where free flight meets conservation. Over 18 species of hawks, owls and falcons, with twice-daily flying displays and a mini handling session. Families can also book Hawk Walks and Owl Encounters for a more hands-on experience.

Coming up: British Bird of Prey Day on Saturday 16th August, with native species flying displays, guest speakers and expert panels.

The Owlet Club runs on selected dates for under 5s, with picture book storytelling and owl flights.

BRISTOL AQUARIUM: CONSERVATION CARNIVAL

Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5TT
Conservation Carnival: 18 July – 31 August 2026

In addition to their daily talks and feeding demonstrations, Bristol Aquarium runs special themed events during school holidays. Most activities are included within your admission ticket.

This summer the aquarium is celebrating incredible conservation success stories from around the world. The Conservation Carnival includes:

• Conservation Trail – collect stamps as you journey through the aquarium. Discover six species and the projects helping them thrive
• Save Our Seas Guided Tours at 11am – a free guided tour through a different area each day
• Sandpit beachcombing and activities in the Conservation Corner

Save 10% when you book online with Great British Summer Savings until 1 September.

There’s also a 15% off combi-ticket with the Upside Down House next door which gives you access to both attractions plus a souvenir.

Check the Bristol Aquarium website for more details.

BRISTOL ZOO PROJECT

Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP

Bristol Zoo Project occupies a vast, attractive rural site near Cribbs Causeway. The site is filled with wooded walks, greens, wildlife, play areas, picnic tables, cafes and a walled garden.

As part of Aardman’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the zoo is hosting a brand new trail. The Shaun the Sheep Wildlife Mission invites families to join Shaun, Wallace & Gromit, Feathers McGraw and friends on a hands-on conservation adventure. Each activity introduces real techniques used by actual conservationists, from listening for hidden wildlife in Tanzanian forests to spotting animals from the sky on the savannah. The trail is included free with your zoo admission ticket.

Also running this summer are the “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” sensory trail, the all-new African Forest exhibit, plus Summer Lates where you can explore the zoo after-hours with live music, bespoke animal talks and food.

Oh, and then there are the actual zoo animals. We foolishly left seeing the Bear Wood exhibit, which is the only one of its type in the country, until last. If you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you not to make the same mistake!

LEAP OF FAITH

The Leap of Faith climbing experience is just inside the entrance to Bristol Zoo Project and is available both to visitors and to the public. A separate fee is payable.

The course is open during school holidays, weekends and bank holidays. It is suitable for children aged four and over and adults.

Check the Bristol Zoo Project website for more details, daily animal talks and to book Leap of Faith tickets.You can also find the timetable of daily animal talks and feeds at Bristol Zoo Project this summer.

NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM: HOME OF THE GIANTS

Clevedon Rd, Wraxall, BS48 1PG
15th May – 2nd September 2026

Noah’s Ark is home to the big zoo animals including African Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Lions, Aqua the Rescue Tiger and Capybaras.

This summer, follow the Home of the Giants trail. Crack the clues, become a certified legend and earn a half-price child return ticket to use before the end of 2026.

Also coming up is Happy Capy Day on 13th August which celebrates all things Capybara and Farmula 1: Ready, Set, Pedal! which runs until 31 August.

Get 20% off with the Summer Saver when you book online at least 7 days in advance (valid until 31 August 2026). Refer to Noah’s Ark’s website for the latest info and to book.

SUMMER AT OLD DOWN COUNTRY PARK

Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4PG
1st June – 31st August 2026

Old Down Country Park has a full 2026 summer programme with a new price drop making it better value. This summer there’s a FREE scavenger hunt around the park, and the popular bug hunt is back in the maze.

From 27th July, they’re running a range of animal-themed activities for the school holidays, including visits from Owl Adventures, Dinomania and Scales and Tails.

The adventure park features a jumping pillow, climbing frames, sand pit, zip wire and more, plus farm animals including new pygmy goat twins. Old Down is open 10am–5pm, 7 days a week.

Refer to Old Down Country Park’s website for the latest info and to book.

DRAGONFLY FESTIVAL AT SLIMBRIDGE WETLAND CENTRE

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
18th July – 3rd September 2026

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is putting on a summer of dragonfly-themed events and activities over the summer holidays. Look out for special, themed weekends including circus skills workshops, silent discos, dragonfly science shows and outdoor adventures. There’s also a brand new zipline at the Riverlife play area, launched specially for this year’s festival.

Most things at Slimbridge are included within the admission ticket cost, like the dragonfly trail, outdoor games, pond dipping and water and adventure play areas. However additional charges apply for a few special activites:

Canoe Safari

Grab a paddle and spot wildlife from the water on a Canoe Safari trail. Sit back and relax as you look out for wildlife along the way- £10 per canoe, seating up to 3. (3+ and must be accompanied by an adult.)

Wild Safari

Take a guided trip out to see the wild side of WWT Slimbridge. Running weekends and daily during summer holidays – £6 per person

Book Slimbridge tickets online in advance and save 10%.

CASTLES NEAR BRISTOL – SUMMER OPENING & EVENTS

SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT BERKELEY CASTLE

Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9PJ
20th July – Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2026

The castle which has been home to the Berkeley family for 850 years offers a range of family-friendly summer holiday activities.

Have-A-Go Archery every Monday from 20th July to 24th August, with demonstrations at 12pm and 2:30pm.

Hysterical Critters Workshop every Wednesday from 22nd July to 26th August. Meet fascinating creatures like snakes, rats and frogs in this hands-on, educational workshop.

Dinosaur Day on Sat 26th July. Come face-to-face with two dinosaurs as they stomp, roar and entertain from the arena.

Fun Fridays Outdoor toys and activities for families.every Friday throughout the holidays, 11am–4pm.

The Berkeley Castle Joust The Knights of Nottingham ride in for thrilling medieval jousting on bank holiday weekend, Sat 30th & Mon 31st August.

Outdoor Theatre including Romeo & Juliet by The Duke’s Theatre Company and family-friendly daytime shows throughout August.

Visit their website for more information and to book.

SUDELEY CASTLE & GARDENS

Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
21st July – 31st August 2026

This summer your children can learn about medieval knights and take part in activities such as ancient sword fighting, jousting and archery.

Knight Trail Pick up a trail map and learn what it took to be a medieval knight. Interactive activities include target practice and dressing up, with costumed storytellers on hand to bring history to life. Runs from 21 July – 31 Aug.

Knight School Children of all ages can dress up and join the fun. The ancient arts of sword-fighting, archery and jousting are just some of the knight-themed activities. Once training is complete, all successful participants will be knighted and earn a certificate to honour their bravery and achievement! Every Wed & Thurs from 23 July to 28 Aug.

The castle also has an adventure playground with a fort, 10-piece obstacle course and zip wire, plus animal sculptures and topiary queens to spot in the gardens.

Check the website for more details and to book.

OPEN-AIR SWIMMING & BEACHES NEAR BRISTOL

NORTH SOMERSET BEACHES

Why not get into the summer vibe and visit one of the beaches in Portishead, Clevedon or Weston-super-Mare during the summer holidays?

Stay safe near open water. Click the link for general Coastguard Safety information.

CLEVEDON MARINE LAKE

Off Old Church Road, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7TU

Clevedon Lake is the largest seawater infinity tidal lake in the UK. It’s used by cold-water swimmers year round and is particularly popular with families in summer when water temperatures can reach over 20°C. As well as swimming, other activities at the main lake include: swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding and sailing. There’s also a dedicated model boating area that kids can use for crabbing.

There’s no entry fee and no booking needed, but bear in mind that there are also no lifeguards. Before visiting, it’s worth having a look around the excellent Marine Lake website where you can find loads of info including current water temperature, water quality updates and a live video feed so you can even see how busy it is before deciding whether to travel!

You’ll also find important safety information in the Lake Advice section, including always swimming with a buddy and avoiding swimming during overtopping tides.

PORTISHEAD OPEN AIR POOL SUMMER SEASON

Esplanade Rd, Portishead, BS20 7HD

Portishead Lido is a 33-metre community swimming pool in a superb location on the edge of the Bristol Channel.

Warm Open Air Main Swimming Pool

Heated by green energy, the water is maintained to typically 28 degrees centigrade during the summer season.

Toddler Pool

A warm, shallow, non-slip pool is available for babies, crawlers & toddlers. It’s filled on warm days but can be filled on request. There’s limited shade, so remember to pack sunhats and suntan lotion!

Tuck Shop

The little tuck shop sells hot drinks plus sweets, ice creams & more.

Restaurant – Café Lido

Community cafe with barista coffee, cakes and snacks. And of course, that wonderful view!

Open come rain or shine

Aside from gales, advertised sessions will go ahead whatever the weather.

Swim sessions are available to book approx 1 week in advance. All bookable sessions are listed on the booking page.

Babies 2 and under go free and you don’t need to book for them.

Disabled children or adults paying the full price can bring one carer with them free of charge and you don’t need to book for them.

Refer to Portishead Open Air Pool’s website for the latest info and to book your family swimming session.

So there we have it. I hope you find my Bristol summer guide helpful.

Please do share it and have a great summer!

PIN BRISTOL SUMMER 2026 EVENTS GUIDE FOR LATER

DISCLOSURE: We have been hosted by some of the attractions featured for review purposes. All opinions are my/our own and I retain full editorial control of all content on this site.