Visit Bristol on a Budget
We all want to get away, whether it's a weekend staycation or days out with the kids in Bristol. To help you keep your money in the bank, here are all the fun and cheap things to do in Bristol.
The city is famous for being the trendiest city in the UK, and luckily there are many exciting free and cheap things to do in Bristol. Whether you are looking for days out in Bristol for adults or days out in Bristol for families, here are the things to do in Bristol today.
Bristol is such a vibrant and exciting place that there's no doubt you will have fun, whether you are on a budget or not.
The suspension bridge in Bristol is an iconic landmark of the city and makes for an excellent photo backdrop. Even better, there are free guided tours of the bridge each Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday between Easter and October. You can also learn all about the bridge in their visitor centre.
Ashton Court Estate is a whopping 800 acres of woodland and green open space, just a hop across Clifton Suspension Bridge. The estate is a pretty scenic picnic spot, with views gazing back over the city. Mountain bikers, horse riders, golfers and families flock here for countryside ventures close to Bristol. Fallow deer are easy to spot wandering in fenced-off areas, and there are immense redwood trees to admire.
Close to Clifton Suspension Bridge is Leigh Woods, a National Trust protected area of woodland that is free to enter without membership. Depending on how far you want to walk, there are various colour-coded pathways to explore.
The city farm is 4.5 acres of space just 20 minutes from the city centre. Entrance to the site is free, and they have plenty of farm animals for you to see and a picnic area. They also have a community and kitchen garden, a farm shop, and a football pitch.
This 18th-century, six-storey townhouse has been restored to its former glory. It was originally owned by John Pinney – a wealthy slave plantation owner and sugar merchant. The Georgian House Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and times of Georgian Bristol.
Blaise Castle Estate encompasses vast open areas; dreamy forested gorge walks with babbling streams, pretty ponds and a folly castle sitting atop a hill. It's said Bristol's giants left their mark here, and if you look closely, you'll find Goram's Chair and footprint stomped into the rocks. There is a small parking charge; £1 for 1 hour, £2 for 2 hours and £3 for 5 hours.
Close to Blaise Castle is Kings Weston, another mighty green estate. There are lovely views across the Severn Bridge and Bristol Channel, plus lots of wooded trails, open green space and a water fountain.
Stoke Park is a vast open space. Walk through woodland, near lakes and across fields, gazing at the bright yellow Dower House and the futuristic-looking Purdown Transmitter Tower above the estate. The estate has a history that dates back to 1066.
It might seem an odd recommendation to take your kids to a cemetery in Bristol, but this Victorian heritage site, set among 45 acres of woodland, is a beautiful place for a walk. Hunt among the trees to find the fairy doors or stroll all the way to Arnos Park and its playground next door.
Behind an unremarkable red door on Park Row sits an Elizabethan house with an intriguing history, Red Lodge Museum. Once a 16th-century 'royal party house', it's home to three of the oldest rooms in Bristol and the last complete Tudor room in the UK. There's also an Elizabethan-style knot garden, where guests would have entered the garden over 400 years ago. The lodge is open from April until the end of December.
Just because you're in the city doesn't mean you can't see farmyard animals, such as pigs, goats, sheep and chickens. St Werburghs City Farm is a thriving community and an award-winning cafe next to the children's playground that serves fairtrade, organic and locally grown food wherever possible.
Discover the extraordinary story of George Müller and his 10,000 orphans. Here you can discover a typical day in the life of an orphan, what school was like, where they moved to after leaving home and more about the man himself. The Victorian Museum is open on weekdays.
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is free entry every day of the year. The building itself is quite beautiful and filled to the rafters with interesting exhibits. Kids will especially love the wildlife displays, dinosaurs and small children's play area where they can dress up, construct an ancient vase and get hands-on with various puzzles.
Cabot Tower is in Brandon Hill's parkland, the oldest park in Bristol. The tower was re-opened to the public in 2011 after being closed for maintenance but offers panoramic views across the city. When it is open, it's free to climb up the steep, twisting steps of the tower.
If you want to know more about Bristol, M Shed is the place to go. See amazing film and photographs, listen to moving personal stories, encounter rare and quirky objects and add your own memories of Bristol through the interactive displays. From prehistoric times to the present day. It's open Tuesday to Sunday all year round.
Bristol Cathedral is free to visit and open to the public 365 days a year. As well as exploring the building, there are gardens at the back, free exhibitions and free lunchtime concerts to enjoy. College Green is a favourite with lunchtime picnickers, and there are often free events and art exhibitions.
Durdham Downs (or just 'The Downs' if you're a local) is a 400-acre flat green space between Clifton and Henleaze. It's great for walking, cycling and generally running wild and free. One end, Sea Walls, has some pretty views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge. Many local events and festivals take place here throughout the year.
Troopers Hill has some of the most stunning views over Bristol. Paths run over the hillside, up to the tower, down into the woods and out onto a green, where there is a playground and football goals.
St Mary Redcliffe is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is 800 years old. Inside you'll find a superb collection of carved bosses, elegant 18th-century ironwork, beautiful stained glass and a world-famous organ.
One of the best free things to do in Bristol is exploring Oldbury Court Estate, a beautiful park known for having excellent views. It is very popular with families because of the children's playground (with a pirate ship) and large spaces to picnic and enjoy each other's company in a peaceful environment. You can discover historic parkland and walk on beautiful riverside and woodland trails.
Is the great outdoors calling your name? Bristol is surrounded by rolling countryside, woodland trails, coastal paths, majestic estates, and magnificent views. There are so many walks in Bristol to choose from.
Travel between the two cities on The Bristol and Bath Railway Path. A 13-mile off-road route which is open to walkers and cyclists. Discover some fascinating history, spot wildlife and visit intriguing places just off the path, such as the Frome Valley Walkway, Willsbridge Mill and the River Avon Trail.
As part of nationwide Heritage Open Days, Bristol Open Doors lets you peek behind the city's normally-closed doors to discover fascinating buildings and spaces. The events take place over selected September dates and offer visitors unique behind-the-scenes access and one-off experiences at landmarks across the city.
If you are looking to be spooked or are just interested in the darker history of Bristol, then seek out the most haunted spots in the city. There are goosebump-inducing tales of the supernatural and mystical goings-on at some of the most haunted places in Bristol.
A visit to Bristol doesn't have to be an expensive one. We've got so many great activities that won't break the bank.
This mile-long trail around Bristol Harbourside highlights the city's connections with Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. The route takes you to eight 'Black Spots' that tell the story in sequence, from King Street to M Shed. Find the spots yourself or download the app for £1.99.
There is more to Bristol than a city break. One of the plus points about visiting Bristol is that there are beaches nearby. Whether building sandcastles in the summer or winter walks, you can enjoy the seaside when visiting Bristol.
With tickets from £5.50 for children and £5 for adults, the Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is great value. Meet Highland cattle, Shetland ponies, pigs, goats, donkeys and more. Don't miss the Riverside Walk, the outside play areas, trains, tractor rides and indoor play barn.
The Glenside Hospital Museum is located on the grounds of an old psychiatric hospital in a Grade II listed church. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The thought-provoking collections showcase the history of mental health care, people with learning disabilities and when the asylum became a hospital during World War One. Entrance is £5 for two adults, and children are free.
There are 9 National Trust estates that are within 30 minutes of Future Inn Bristol. From Tyntesfield House and Gardens to Clevedon Court or Dyrham Park. They all have a small entrance fee or are free to National Trust members.
If reading this has left you tempted to book your trip, look no further than Future Inn Bristol. Based in the city centre, the hotel is close to the popular and free tourist attractions.
Alongside parking and free WiFi, there is a host of home comforts. With bedrooms that sleep up to four or interconnecting rooms ideal for families. Under 12's even stay for free! Plus, you can also dine on homemade, fresh, local food in Chophouse Restaurant.
Book direct for the best rates guaranteed, with rooms from £67 per room per night.
Book your stay online, where we guarantee the best rate, or with our Reservations Team on 0117 304 1010 or email reservations.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.
We know flexibility is necessary now more than ever, so we've changed our rates to give our guests more choice. We've got you covered with super flexible hotel rates offering free cancellation and semi-flexible rates offering great value stays with plenty of options.
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. For every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. Plus, get double points when you dine in the restaurant. Points can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar every time you stay and a member's discount rate. It's also completely free to join!
Ultimate staycation guide to Bristol
