Top 10 Things To Do In Bristol For The Summer Holidays In 2026

Bristol has always been a city that rewards people who explore together.

Whether your group prefers puzzle-solving, big-screen blockbusters, or a free afternoon walking through some of the UK's most celebrated street art, these activities make for a proper summer day out with friends:

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, BS1 3BX (a 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads).

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If you and your mates are the competitive type, Escape Hunt in Cabot Circus is calling your name.

The idea is simple: pick a themed room, lock yourselves in with your group of two to six, and try to crack the puzzles before the 60-minute timer runs out.

What makes it feel special is the production quality, with every room built around a convincing narrative, immersive sets, and puzzles that genuinely make you think.

It works brilliantly whether your friends are seasoned escape room fans or complete beginners.

Everyone finds their role: the one who spots the hidden clue, the one watching the clock, and the one who confidently leads the team in the wrong direction.

It can be a great way to bond with new friends or reconnect with people you haven't seen in a while.

And the buzz when your group finally solves something that had everyone stumped is the kind of moment that makes the whole day.

➡️ Once you're done, you're already inside Cabot Circus, so continuing the day with food, a few drinks, or a wander through the shops takes zero effort.

We'd recommend booking in advance to make sure you get the room you want.

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, BS1 3BX.

ODEON Luxe Bristol opened in February 2026 on the top floor of Cabot Circus, and it quickly became one of the best spots in the city for a film with friends.

This isn't your average trip to the cinema.

The seats fully recline with three times the standard legroom, and each one has a built-in table so you can eat without balancing nachos on your lap.

Bristol hadn't had an IMAX screen since 2007, so the arrival of this one is a big deal for local film fans who want that full wall-of-sound experience.

There's also iSense for immersive surround sound, and Oscar's Bar, where you can meet up for a drink before or after the screening.

It's the kind of place that makes a casual film night feel like an event.

➡️ With summer blockbusters on the schedule, it's worth checking what's showing and grabbing tickets through the ODEON app for easier booking and food collection.

Location: Stokes Croft and surrounding streets, BS2 8JP (start at the Bearpit or Cheltenham Road end).

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Stokes Croft is one of the most famous street art neighbourhoods in the UK, and summer is the best time to explore it.

The stretch is packed with large-scale murals, political pieces, and constantly rotating artwork from local and international artists.

You'll find Banksy's "The Mild Mild West", along with dozens of other striking works on Jamaica Street, Wilder Street, and the surrounding lanes. 

The area changes regularly, so even if you've walked it before, there will be something new to discover.

Your group can move at its own pace, ducking into side alleys and stopping wherever something catches your eye.

It's completely free, and it naturally leads to great conversations about art, Bristol's independent spirit, and why this city has always been different.

💡 Local tip: After the walk, pop into the PRSC gallery on Jamaica Street for locally made art, prints, and Bristol-themed souvenirs.

The summer holidays in Bristol don't have to mean climbing the walls at home.

From indoor adventures and splash zones to real farm animals and summer shopping, these activities are designed to keep children entertained and give parents a good time too:

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground, BS1 3BQ.

Treetop Golf in Cabot Circus is a brilliant family option on those days when you want something fun but don't want to worry about the weather.

The place has two 18-hole courses, Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer, both built with colourful jungle-themed designs that kids absolutely love.

The courses are imaginative enough to keep older children engaged and simple enough for younger ones to join in without frustration.

It brings out that healthy family rivalry where everyone's trying to get the ball past the same tricky obstacle.

Being indoors means it works perfectly on a rainy summer day, and the bright, immersive environment makes it feel like a proper adventure rather than just a game.

Once the scores are settled, grab a slice at Pizza Cabana or head to the Jungle Buzz Cafe for drinks and a breather.

➡️ Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also book ahead for group experiences through the Treetop Golf website.

Location: Cabot Circus, Upper Ground Floor, BS1 3BA.

A new season calls for new outfits, and New Look in Cabot Circus makes it easy to sort the whole family out in one trip.

The store stocks women's, men's, and children's clothing all in one place, with everything from breezy summer dresses and casual denim to sandals and shoes that make a statement

It's the kind of shop where you can pick up holiday essentials without spending a fortune, and there's always something new on the rails.

For parents, it takes the stress out of that pre-holiday wardrobe scramble because everyone can find what they need under one roof.

The store also offers Click and Collect, so you can order ahead and pick up in store if you'd rather skip the browsing.

It's wheelchair accessible throughout and has an accessible changing room, making it a comfortable visit for everyone.

Location: Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA.

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Windmill Hill City Farm is one of those Bristol gems that families keep coming back to.

Tucked away in Bedminster, this 4.5-acre community farm has goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, rabbits, and guinea pigs, all in a relaxed setting that feels miles from the city centre.

There are gardens to explore, a sandpit and play area where younger kids can burn off energy.

The farm is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM in summer (although we’d recommend you double-check before going), and entry is free.

It's the kind of place where you can spend a couple of unhurried hours without needing to plan much in advance.

Your kids will love getting close to the animals, and you'll enjoy the chance to sit in the sunshine with a coffee while they do.

💡 Local tip: Bedminster station is just a short walk away, making it easy to reach without a car.

Location: Millennium Square, Canon's Marsh, BS1 5DB.

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On a warm summer day, the water features in Millennium Square become Bristol's favourite free splash zone.

The Aquarena, a large water sculpture on the eastern side of the square, includes fountain walls, terraced cascades, and shallow pools that children naturally treat as their own paddling area.

It's completely free, and you can set up nearby on one of the benches while the kids run in and out of the jets.

It can be a lifesaver during the long school holidays when you need a free, easy option that tires the kids out and keeps them cool.

💡 Local tip: Bring a towel and a change of clothes. The pools aren't an official splash pad, so there are no changing facilities right at the fountains.

Bristol in summer has a way of making ordinary moments feel a bit more special.

These activities are designed for couples who want to slow down, try something different, and enjoy each other's company in some of the city's most atmospheric spots:

Share a tasting menu at Six By Nico in Cabot Circus

Location: Unit SU9, 11 Quakers Friars, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3BU.

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Six By Nico in Cabot Circus brings something genuinely different to dining in Bristol.

The restaurant works on a rotating concept: every six weeks, the entire six-course tasting menu is rebuilt from scratch around a new theme, whether that's a particular city, a childhood memory, or an abstract concept.

It means the menu you try in July won't exist by September, which gives every visit a sense of occasion.

Every dish is carefully put together, and the wine and cocktail pairings are designed to complement each course.

Whether you lean towards bold flavours or prefer something more delicate, they cater to a wide range of dietary needs.

It's more of a shared experience than a standard dinner, which makes it feel naturally romantic without trying too hard.

The restaurant is open from midday on most days, so it works just as well for a long summer lunch as it does for an evening date.

➡️ Tables fill up, so booking in advance is a good idea, especially on weekends.

Location: College Green, BS1 5TJ.

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College Green is one of the most peaceful spots in central Bristol, and on a summer evening, it feels like the whole city has slowed down.

The 1.1-hectare green sits between Bristol Cathedral and City Hall, surrounded by mature trees and historic buildings that give the area a quietly grand atmosphere.

You and your partner can spread out on the grass, people-watch, or take a stroll around the space before heading into the Cathedral itself.

Bristol Cathedral is free to enter, with almost 900 years of history packed into its stunning Gothic and Norman architecture.

Inside, the vaulted ceilings in the nave, choir, and aisles are all the same height, making it one of the finest examples of a medieval hall church in the country.

Guided tours are sometimes available and come recommended if you want to understand the stories behind what you're seeing.

Location: Redcliffe Wharf, BS1 6SR (a 10-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads).

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Redcliffe Wharf is one of those spots in Bristol that feels like a secret, even though it's right in the centre.

The west-facing waterfront catches the evening sunshine beautifully, making it one of the best places in the city for a golden-hour walk with your partner.

You'll have views across the Floating Harbour, with the striking spire of St Mary Redcliffe Church rising above the rooftops behind you.

The area is rich with history too: the red sandstone cliffs that give Redcliffe its name are honeycombed with caves that were once used for glass-making and storage.

It's thought that John Cabot's ship, The Matthew, was built somewhere on this site, adding another layer to an already atmospheric walk.

The pace here is slower than the main Harbourside, which is exactly what makes it feel right for two.

Cabot Circus in Bristol is more than just a shopping centre.

We designed it to be a proper slice of Brizzle life, a place where you can find something new and unexpected, whether you're with kids, friends, or your other half.

From escape rooms and IMAX screenings to jungle-themed mini golf and ever-changing tasting menus, our destination has a variety of experiences all under one roof.

You can plan your visit to Cabot Circus here to see how to reach us by car, taxi, train, bus, or bike.

If you're driving, our smart parking solution makes it easy to get in and out without the stress of tickets and queues.