As the half-term holiday is approaching, many parents will probably be already scouring for fun things to do with their kids.
Here in Bristol, there are undoubtedly plenty of ways to spend some quality time with the little ones, as there are plenty of local attractions to offer.
The best part? You wouldn’t need to spend a penny. Whether you’ll be spending the day embarking on outdoor family trails or visiting some of the city’s most illustrious museums, there is always something for everyone.
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TripAdvisor has ranked the highest-rated cultural spots in Bristol that are entirely free to do with the family, so you wouldn’t have to hurry to compile your own ideas for the holidays.
We’ve compiled a list of the best free days for children across the city, where you can begin planning the ultimate half-term adventure full of fun and laughs, while not hurting your pockets either.
10. Blaise Castle
With 152 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, this picturesque 19th-century housing project in Henbury, that is a part of Blaise Castle Estate is, to many who visit, a stunning secret setting full of history and jaw-dropping views. Best approached by foot, this hamlet contains nine cottages to explore with the family that are surrounded by walls and woodland that give life to the grey passing traffic of the modern world.
One TripAdvisor user commented to rave that it’s a ‘beautiful little excursion’ for the family and is free entry. They also added that it is “tiny and picture-perfect, absolutely chocolate-box pretty, but it’s an added extra in a visit to Blaise Castle Estate rather than a destination of its own.”
Hallen Rd, Henbury, Bristol BS10 7QY
9. Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre
Made to accompany the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, this visitor centre has set a path to equally become of high calibre according to visitors, by receiving 154 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Set as an educational hub to learn the history of the bridge and how Brunel had been established as one of Britain’s greatest engineers, it has been remarked as an excellent visitor centre for the curious.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor recommended the family visit by writing: “It is well worth going to visit, very friendly staff. They take parties around and they have things for the children to do.”
Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA England
8. The New Room
Known as the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world, The New Room is fully accessible to the public, and with 201 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, it has been highlighted as a well-presented and informative museum to visit.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor advised families to make this a top priority to see in Bristol, writing: “Such a beautiful, peaceful place to visit with such a history to it. We enjoyed visiting here and left a few prayers for family members no longer with us.”
36 The Horsefair, Bristol BS1 3JE England
7. Arnos Vale Cemetery
With 323 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, the Arnos Vale Cemetery is deemed as the beating heart of Bristol that consists of the city’s history filled with rich architecture, wildlife and nature walks. For many who have visited, Arnos Vale Cemetery has been regarded as the ‘best example’ of what a cemetery is and it additionally offers free admissions.
One parent submitted their review on Tripadvisor, who wrote that they loved “exploring a few of the paths” and that it also gave “a good opportunity to talk to the kids about losing people we love and having somewhere to go to remember them”
West Lodge Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EW England
6. Bristol City Docks
Referred today as the ‘Harbourside’, the Bristol Docks are viewed to many visitors as worth seeing, as the area is scattered with history, art and several places to sightsee, as The Harbourside has gained 534 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
One TripAdvisor user hailed The Docks as making “Bristol what it is” by writing that it’s “great for the kids” for having a wide range of options such as “a science museum and an aquarium within a short walk” as well as simply being able to stroll “across on the banks of the docks, seeing some lovely boats parked up, and just enjoy the lovely scenery.”
Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SP
Where's your favourite place to take your kids? Leave your comments below
5. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
With 547 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery boast free collections of art, history, archaeology and nature that may be perfect for the family on a day out.
Highlighted by visitors as a family favourite to discover well-curated artefacts and exhibitions, one TripAdvisor user even wrote:
“The artwork and pieces are amazing and we love walking around as a family. We live locally so pop in for a cuppa and a look around but you can easily spend all day here if you take your time and enjoy it.”
Queens Road Clifton, Bristol BS8 1RL England
4. St Mary Redcliffe Church
Not only is St. Mary Redcliffe praised as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it is renowned to be open daily for everyone of all ages to visit, pray or merely reflect in peace. While the parish church has endured for over 800 years, today it has opened to communities of all backgrounds, with many finding solace in the Church as one of Bristol’s core safe spaces.
It also helps that on TripAdvisor, St. Mary Redcliffe has been given 578 five-star reviews.
One TripAdvisor user stated that visiting the Church is a ‘welcoming and beautiful’ experience for the family by writing:
“There is no entrance fee and you can walk around to see everything. Take time to watch the organ and the glass windows, including a picture of John Cabot's ship The Matthew.”
Parish Office 12 Colston Parade Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6RA England
3. Bristol Cathedral
With 717 five star reviews on TripAdvisor, Bristol Cathedral is well-known for being centrally located between the Harbourside and main Broadmead shopping area.
Many have praised the Cathedral as bearing a ‘beautiful and ornate’ building that is free to enter and has been stated to be an attraction worth exploring both on the outside and inside.
One TripAdvisor user called visiting Bristol Cathedral ‘a highlight of a recent family trip’ as they stated that “the Chapter House and Cloister are standouts and the garden is spectacular and very quiet.”
College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ England
2. Cabot Tower
Set in the parkland of Brandon Hill, known to be the oldest park in Bristol, Cabot Tower was built in 1897 to commemorate John Cabot’s documented voyage from Bristol and North America.
In modern times, the tower is visited by both locals and tourists to climb the famous spiral staircase inside to take advantage of the panoramic views of the city and its City Docks. Ideal for a fun day out to play with kids, Cabot Tower is seen as a conventional but essential outdoors spot for the whole family, as it boasts 870 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor called Cabot Tower owning “the best view of Bristol” writing:
“My favourite view of Bristol from this beautiful smallish park near Park St. Climb the tower for breathtaking vistas. Take in St George’s Hall nearby - great coffees and lunches. Nice play area includes a massive sand pit for younger kids. Trim trail and climbing frame offers exercise for older kids. Dogs are welcome. Ice cream van on sunny days so there really is something for everyone.”
Brandon Hill Park, Great George St Brandon Hill near Park Street in the West End, Bristol BS1 5RR England
1. Clifton Suspension Bridge
Reaching first place for the highest reviewed local attraction in Bristol for free is none other than the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Need we say more?
With a whopping 5,208 five-star reviews, the iconic Bristol landmark represents everything you need to know about why it ranks top for being the best free place to visit in the city with kids.
Famously designed in 1836 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this 702-foot-long, 250-foot-high suspension bridge symbolises Bristol’s independent and revolutionary spirit that never fails to take your breath away upon first sight.
The Bridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and yes, also 365 days a year. Moreover, it’s free access for all to aim to visit.
One TripAdvisor user reviewed the Bridge to share that the area is marvellous for the family and a must-see, writing:
“There are plenty of large grassed areas on the downs for you to let the kids burn off some energy. There are also play parks which our kids loved playing in when we visited”
Suspension Bridge Road Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 4AP England
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