Ten Things to do in Bristol on a Sunny Day

Ten Things to do in Bristol on a Sunny Day

As the warm weather arrives (sort of) and, as British-based holidays appear to be popular this summer for cash-starved families, may I present the following recession-busting options for a Grand Day Out here in Bristol.

 

1. River Cruise

The Bristol Packet and Number Seven both offer a range of cruises on weekends and school holidays, including trips to Bath, tours of the Avon Gorge and trips to faraway Wales. The Bristol Ferry Co also runs frequent water taxi services around the floating harbour.

2. Round of Golf

Apologies to serious golfers, but what I mean is pitch and putt. A good walk ruined costs less than a fiver (including club hire) at the Ashton Court golf course. Some fine views and a chance to sink a birdie or two while pretending you know what you're doing.

 

3. Blaise Castle Estate 

 

Tucked away in north-west Bristol, this public parkland contains 650 acres of woodland, grassland, riverside walks and dramatic scenery. Recent improvements mean that there are more places for paddling (if streams are your thing) and the large playground by the main entrance is well maintained. Did I mention that there is a folly castle in the middle of the estate?

 

4. Whitchurch Car Boot Sale
 

Despite rarely advertising its existence, this giant event attracts thousands of bargain hunters on Saturday afternoons from May to September. Located on the former airfield in Whitchurch, gates open 12.00 noon.

5. Hengrove Wheels Park

On the subject of Whitchurch, were you aware that the largest skateboard park in the south of England is located in south Bristol? Hengrove Wheels Park contains world class resources for skateboard and BMX and also contains a massive play ground, including an 11 meter high climbing dome. Mostly for the youngsters, then. Oh, and it's free.

 

6. A Festival

The subject of a future post, the summer is the festival season and Bristol has a ton of them, from live music to food, via poetry, kids' events and ballooning. Check next week's blog for the definitive list.

7. Snuff Mills and Oldbury Estate 

East Bristol's equivalent of Blaise, the best way to enjoy this riverside woodland is by starting at the car park near Blackberry Hill and walking up the Frome from there. There was a great rope swing last time I looked and there's plenty of climbing and scrambling for those wanting to head off the beaten track.

 

 

8. Open Top Bus Tour

OK, it's mainly for the visitors, but for an unusual take on the familiar, the City Sightseeing Tour has its charms. The full tour lasts 75 minutes but the ticket allows passengers to jump on and off at any point. 

9. The Downs

Great for picnics, football, frisbee, sunbathing, rounders or kite flying. I said it all in a previous post, so just enjoy it.

10. Bristol Lido

Visitors won't know about this one yet, but the recently re-opened Bristol Lido in Clifton is a gem, complete with sauna, steam rooms, and all those other funny things that healthy unbanites love but which I don't really understand. Anyway, nice for a posh open air dip at least.

 

 

Al Shaw is a freelance writer and runs the Kumon maths and English study centre in Redland

 
Posted by: Al Shaw on 27 April 2009