Travel by coach with National Express

12 Free things to do in Bristol

Because travelling shouldn't have to break the bank

Banksy, boats and the birthplace of Ribena… Bristol is a buzzing UK city filled with activities that won’t cost you a single penny. So, here are 12 free things to do in the city – you’re welcome!

Arts for all

A post shared by Reise (@itsreise) on

Snap some street art

Incognito street artist Banksy hails from Bristol and you can see over 10 pieces of his graffiti art on the Banksy Art Trail.

A post shared by Odet (@scoobertdet) on

Go back in time

Blaise Castle House Museum is worth devoting a day to, The 18th Century mansion hosts Victorian exhibits (kids will love the toy room), a picture room full of fine art and more.

A post shared by Arnolfini (@arnolfiniarts) on

Admire art by the water

It’s one of Europe’s leading contemporary art galleries and at Arnolfini, you can see experimental exhibitions including the work of English artist Grayson Perry (until December 2018).

Get active

Climb Cabot Tower

An iconic landmark of Bristol’s skyline and not one for the faint-hearted, Cabot Tower is 1,005 feet high and admission is free to climb its spiral staircase for panoramic views.

Hunt for Long John Silver

Did you know? Bristol Docks was the setting for Treasure Island and visitors can explore the city’s swashbuckling heritage with a wander around the Floating Harbour. The mile-long route is marked by eight palm trees.

Play ping pong

It may not be the first thing you associate with Bristol, but did you know that Ping! Bristol has more than 30 permanent ping pong tables in parks all around the city? They’re free to use and you don’t need to book. Ideal!

Culture vulture

Cross the Avon Gorge

Take a stroll across Clifton Suspension Bridge and you’ll be met with spectacular views of the Avon Gorge, the elegant architecture of Clifton and the sprawling city beyond.

A post shared by Weird Bristol (@weirdbristol) on

Go museum hopping

From seeing Egyptian mummies to saying hello to Alfred the Gorilla, you can immerse yourself in all manner of history and art at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

Go to church

One of Britain’s finest ‘hall churches’ (a style where the nave, chapels and choir are all at the same height), Bristol Cathedral is brimming with Medieval and Victorian architecture.

Go back to nature

A post shared by Lisa Medcalf (@lisa_medcalf7) on

Go deer spotting

At the historic 850-acre site of Ashton Court Estate, the animal residents are the main attraction and you can get up close and spot red and fallow deer grazing.

A post shared by @instadroned (@instadroned) on

Head for the cliffs

Just 10 miles from Bristol is one of Britain’s most impressive natural landmarks, Cheddar Gorge. The best way to soak up its otherworldly views? Going on its three-mile clifftop walk.

Search the skies

Durdham Down is a huge area of parkland on the edge of Bristol and as a designated ‘Dark Sky Discovery Site’, it’s an ideal place to stargaze on a clear night. Be sure to wrap up warm and bring a torch!

 

What would you like to do first in Bristol? Let us know with a tweet to @nationalexpress.

Now that you know what you want to do, why not get your cheap coach tickets to Bristol sorted today?

Book now

Please note that this blog was written prior to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Because of this, the information above may no longer be entirely accurate. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Back to top