Bristol on a budget

How I end up spending my free time inevitably has something to do with how heavy or light my pockets are. If (as has become more and more frequent recently) they are empty, I have a list of things I can do to take my mind off my impending bank statement.

There are two free city farms in Bristol, one in Windmill Hill and another in St Werburghs - the latter has a friendly café with children's play area serving delicious hot and cold food. The farm is surrounded by green allotments dotted with friendly locals and pens with happily grazing goats and sheep. 

If it's a Sunday afternoon and the sun makes one of its surprise appearances I try to get some people together and with my dog and head up to The Downs, Ashton Court or Brandon Hill for some sandwiches, wine and Frisbee.

It's more likely that the weather will remain against us frolicking in the outdoors, but luckily I'm a history buff too so I like to lose the odd afternoon in the city's preserved or restored historical buildings while taking advantage of the free entry. Try imagining yourself as an 18^th century powdered lady or gent at Georgian House or a 16^th century pampered socialite at Red Lodge. Check out the museum, woodland, paths and trails at Blaise Castle Estate or take the time for a guided tour around our fair city's cathedral.

Or if you prefer the arts, check out the ever changing temporary exhibits and the Festival of Ideas for free at The Arnolfini Contemporary Arts Centre on the harbourside. Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery has no admission charge and a Government awarded collection including a freshwater aquarium, paintings by Old Masters and a Chinese glass gallery.

If you fancy eating out but don't want to splurge on a restaurant or slum it in a pub go to Howard's on Avon Crescent for Sunday roast lunch. It is absolutely outstanding quality, and the puddings are gorgeous too. The Lounge chain of bar/restaurants serve food all day, they have a massive selection with daily specials and a tapas menu. The atmosphere is lively, relaxed and fun with low lighting and I'm always pleasantly surprised by how little it costs. You can find them in North Street, Cotham Hill, Gloucester Road, Wells Road and Fishponds Road.

This is all assuming you're as hard up as most people seem to be, if the opposite is true and you're finding it difficult to get around because of all that cash and plastic weighing you down, relieve some of the strain with a £275 bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut at Attix Lounge Bar on Park Street. If you're peckish spend almost £80 per head grazing on oysters and foie gras with the tasting menu and wine flight at Bell's Diner in Montpelier. Try taking to the skies with an evening champagne balloon ride across the city with Baileys Balloons (you never know, perhaps the danger created by your heavy pockets will add an extra thrill to the experience).