It’s not hard to find something cool to do in Bristol – in fact, the amount of options is damn right ridiculous!
I still get a buzz from seeing the iconic sights that Bristol is known and loved for, such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge on a crisp, misty morning, the rows of candy-coloured houses, the historic Christmas Steps, the regal Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent…I could go on and on!
But I thought I would put together a few ideas that aren’t on the usual tourist trail that visitors, and even those who are lucky enough to live in Bristol, might enjoy.
Related: check out Free Things to Do in Bristol
Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase, at no cost to you.
Seriously, there is just something about Bristol, why is it so damn cool!
Whether you’re down for a live music gig at a secret venue, sampling an innovative menu at a super club, a pint and pottery session at a craft brewery, or swinging by a late-night drum ‘n’ bass spot, Bristol has got it all.
And let’s not forget about the vibrant street art, foodie markets, pop-up events, vintage shops etc, that add to its unique vibe. Plus, if you ever feel like taking a breather and escaping to the countryside, it’s just a stone’s throw away. Bristol, baby, it’s where it’s at!
Related: check out Date Different: 10 Unique Bristol Date Ideas
This post is all about the top things to do in Bristol come rain or shine!
Here are some unusual things to do in Bristol
1. How about a night dedicated solely to music?
Let me tell you about my amazing experience with Sofar’s live music events. It all started over a decade ago when I was living in London. Discovering these secret and intimate music gigs was literally music to my ears!
Imagine fellow music lovers opening up their homes to host these unique nights filled with diverse and captivating music acts. And the best part? The audience actually listens and enjoys the music without being glued to their phones or taking endless selfies.
I actually saw Bastille perform at a Sofar gig, just before they got famous, whilst sitting on someone’s living room floor just off the Finchley Road! Other famous acts that have performed at Sofar around the world include Leon Bridges, YEBBA, Jack Harlow and Billie Eilish.
Sofar has since become a global phenomenon, hosting events at some seriously cool venues all over the world. But don’t worry, it hasn’t lost that low-key and welcoming atmosphere.
I attended an event at The Old Vic and took a friend along for her first Sofar experience – I can guarantee it won’t be her last!
2. Pints & Pottery
Make a mug at Bristol’s award-winning brewery, Wiper & True Taproom in Old Market. The opportunity to make a clay beer mug over a few pints with your mates by learning from professional ceramicists. Make new friends, have a giggle, and bond over your wonky but endearing creations!! Find this experience and plenty of others on Yuup.
Wiper & True also have brewery tours every Friday and Saturday and other regular events such as Yoga Brunch Club, jumble sales and seasonal events.
3. Lunch like a boss!
I think you would agree a long, wine-filled lunch with friends on the weekend is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and Wilsons is the perfect place for it! This small independent restaurant in Redland offers mouthwatering seasonal menus, and they effortlessly accommodated my last-minute request for a vegetarian version. The atmosphere was lively and buzzing, and the staff were awesome, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Wilsons pride themselves upon their garden-to-table-ethos and have cultivated their own market garden which supplies the majority of the vegetables, herbs and flowers found in their dishes, and they directly support their local community by sourcing the rest of their ingredients from small-scale, regenerative farmers and producers in the area.
4. For all the wannabe wine connoisseurs out there!
What?! A vineyard in Bristol I hear you say!! Who would have thought it?! We did a vineyard tour and tasting at the award-winning Aldwick Estate in Redhill. Our guide was knowledgeable and good fun and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
It was a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, wandering around the vines and taking in the views across the vineyard and out to the surrounding countryside. You can also book a picnic hamper in advance to enjoy overlooking the idyllic vineyard after your tour.
We learned a lot about English viticulture as well as the impact of climate change on the industry and how they are having to adapt.
Read more about Aldwick Estate in this post.
5. Want to escape the city for a bit?
Tynings Trekking Centre has got you covered! They offer horse treks for all levels of experience, and the views of the North Somerset countryside and the Mendips are to die for – and our horses were gorgeous and very good boys!
There’s nothing like a morning trek in the shade of the trees with the cooling, earthy scent of the forest and just the sounds of nature and our horse’s hooves, followed by a delicious lunch at a local country pub – it’s good for the soul!
6. Shake what your mama gave ya!
I think it’s safe to say the music scene in Bristol is second to none! It’s been massively influential in the drum ‘n’ bass and jungle world – LTJ Bukem once said “There’s something in the water in Bristol” Amen to that!
If you’re up for a cheeky DnB night keep your eye on The Crofter’s Rights, Lost Horizon and Motion. Another one to watch is Propyard – it has some awesome warehouse day parties. Fun fact: this venue used to be a MoD torpedo testing factory!
7. Nothing screams comfort food like a pie!
Pieminster has been serving up award-winning, sustainably made pies since 2003, so it’s safe to say they are something of connoisseurs in the pie-making world! They have several locations across Bristol – I recommend the Mooless Moo pie (jackfruit ‘steak’, craft ale, and black pepper) – it certainly hit the spot!
8. Have you heard about Wake the Tiger?
Explore over 30 immersive environments in this “amazement park” designed by the creatives behind Boomtown Festival. The theme story revolves around the construction of luxury apartments in Bristol that had been halted due to the appearance of a weird fungus, which has opened a portal to an alternate world called Meridia.
In Meridia, you’ll discover a factory that was once thriving but has been left abandoned due to a climate crisis caused by the exploitation of natural resources. The surviving Meridians have formed 4 elemental Guilds within the factory, known as The Dream Factory, and are working together to save their world.
Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder and imagination that awakens all your senses. From the underground mycelium networks and big trippy neon mushrooms to the submarine room and the vivid elder forest, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on their regular special events and adult-only evenings where you can immerse yourself in music from ska, hip-hop, jazz and Latin to drum ‘n’ bass and theatrical performers – your inner child will thank you for it!
9. Hunting for vintage gems
Bristol is the place to be if you’re up for some vintage clothes shopping! How about a relaxed Saturday morning brunch, coffee shop-hopping and whiling away a few hours happily browsing the vintage clothes racks? You’ll find a great selection of vintage shops like Beyond Retro and Loot Vintage.
And they even have these cool regular vintage kilo sales! If you want to stay updated on future sales, just head over to the Eventbrite website. Happy sustainable shopping!
10. Want something different from your usual Friday night takeout?
Check out All About the Cooks! They’ve got some amazing homemade food from talented chefs in your area.
Whether you’re craving a pizza, seasonal vegan food, traditional Greek or a Sunday Roast, they’ve got something for you. And guess what? They even have regular super clubs and can supply food for events.
I love that one of the first home cooks on their platform now owns a Vietnamese restaurant called The Saigon Kitchen.
11. Get off the couch and on the wall!
If you’re into climbing or bouldering, or even if you’re just looking for a new hobby or want to conquer a fear, there’s a session out there for you! You’re spoilt for choice in Bristol as there are quite a few climbing centres to choose from.
Check out Bloc Climbing, Redpoint Bristol, and The Climbing Academy (which is in a converted church, how cool is that?).
They’ve got taster sessions, beginner courses, and even private coaching. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and get toned (have you seen a climber’s back and arms?!), and you’ll meet some awesome people who are all super supportive in the process – what’s not to love!
I used to go to this converted peanut factory in South London for bouldering, and let me tell you, I remember getting ‘disco leg’ on the wall like it was yesterday!
