Best Outdoor Activities in Bristol | 2021 Activities Guide
Welcome to the Bookado guide of the best outdoor activities in and around Bristol.
Our free time is precious and over the last year, it’s been difficult to spend it wisely. With optimism over restrictions lifting in the Spring/Summer of 2021, now is a great time to organise some outdoor activities in Bristol. Looking for things to do, one is spoilt for choice which makes it hard to filter through the long list of activities. We at Bookado are experts in finding and booking experiences and we put together this handy guide to outdoor activities in and around Bristol. Browse through this detailed list to find your next adventure in one click, whether you’re flying solo, going out with your friends or trying to organise a team event. You’re in the right place.
As our activity partners long for your return, we’ve also highlighted some unmissable offers in Bristol.
BEST ACTIVITIES FOR ONE
Life can sometimes get a bit overwhelming, which is why we need to carve out some me-time and tune back in with our feelings. Whether you want to expand your horizons with a new experience or relax outdoors, there are lots of solo activities in Bristol available. And since it’s just you doing it, you have free choice without having to consider anyone else's wishes.
1. Bungee Jumping - UK Bungee Club
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Take the plunge as you jump off a 160ft platform overlooking Bristol city centre. Bungee Jumping is the ultimate must-do activity for every adrenaline junkie. The experienced staff will calm your nerves and ensure your jump runs smoothly. This is conveniently located at Lloyds Amphitheatre, giving you great views of the city.
Location in Bristol: Lloyds Amphitheatre Bristol
Best time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £45 per person (£36.75 for Bookado members)
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2. Avon Gorge Climbing - Dave Talbot Adventures
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The Avon Gorge is a 1.5-mile long gorge on the River Avon in Bristol, England. The gorge runs south to north through a limestone ridge 1.5 miles west of Bristol city centre. It is a great place to put your climbing skills to the test, there are over 750 routes to choose from.
Location: Avon Gorge
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £45 for a half day
3. Flying Experience - Air Experiences
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Channel your inner pilot with thrilling flying experiences. You will find yourself sitting in the cockpit, navigating the plane and listening to the instructions of the seasoned pilot next to you. Being in charge is the perfect challenge for those looking to try something new and discover Bristol from a different perspective.
Location: Over the Severn Bridge to Cardiff Airport
Best time to go: Anytime of year (just best in clear weather)
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £99 for a 30 minute flight!
4. Sailing - Baltic Wharf Sailing Club
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Experience ultimate freedom as you sail on the Baltic Wharf at Bristol Harbour. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or would like to try your hand on this, there are boats and offers for all abilities. Learn how to sail in a supportive and relaxed environment and join a sailing club to get access to regular member’s events.
Location: Bristol Harbour
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £60 per person
5. Paragliding - Cloudbase
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The ultimate adventure sports for thrill-seekers and flying enthusiasts! Enjoy scenic views and conquer your fears with an unforgettable paraglide. There are solo paraglides available, however, beginners are advised to start off with a tandem paraglide with an experienced pilot. You can’t actually paraglide in the city, so this departs from Membury Airfield to the South East.
Location: Hungerford
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £145
6. Off-Road Driving - Whitecliff 4x4
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The ultimate adventure sports for thrill-seekers and flying enthusiasts! Enjoy scenic views and conquer your fears with an unforgettable paraglide. There are solo paraglides available, however, beginners are advised to start off with a tandem paraglide with an experienced pilot. You can’t actually paraglide in the city, so this departs from Membury Airfield to the South East.
Location: Whitecliff, Gloucestershire
Best Time to Go: All year round
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £130 per driver
BEST ACTIVITIES FOR TWO OR MORE
Whether you’re looking for date ideas or spend quality time your best mate, Bristol has lots of exciting activities for two. From adventurous night canoeing watching the city lights to scenic hot air balloon rides, there are things to do for all occasions and budgets.
7. Zipwire - Zipworld
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It doesn't take a lush rainforest to enjoy a fun session of zip wiring! this flooded quarry just to the north of Bristol is a great spot for a zipline. Head up to the launch spot at the top of a high 70m cliff and you'll zip across an exhilarating 700m. Also great for: Couples & Small Groups.
Location: Chepstow, Gloucestershire
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £19 per person
8. Helicopter Ride - Adventure 001
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Take your loved ones for a very special flying experience as you spot iconic sights such as Avon Gorge, Brunel's Suspension Bridge and Cabot Tower from above. This departs from Gloucester airport, you can either experience a short flight or arrange the ultimate Bristol tour.
Location: Gloucester Airport
Best Time to Go: All year round, fair weather required
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £39 per person
9. Stand Up Paddleboarding - Adventure SUP
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The perfect refreshing activity for a hot summer day. Bristol’s two rivers Avone and Frome are great spots to try out this water sport. You will work on your balance whilst also strengthening and toning your body from head to toe. Sunset SUP sessions are particularly enjoyable allowing you to float on the calm waters and end your day peacefully.
Location: Avon Valley
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £25 per person
10. Night Canoeing - Adventurous Activity Company
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Up for a night-time adventure? Canoeing in the dark is a thrilling, unique outdoor activity to enjoy with a partner or friends group. Admire the city lights as you paddle across the water and explore Bristol’s Harbour. There are several tours operating in Bristol providing all the equipment you need for this canoeing experience.
Location: Underfall Yard, Baltic Wharf
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £37.50 per person
11. City Bike Hire - Bristol Cycle Shack
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In our opinion, this is one of the greatest ways to explore the city and great outdoors! Take the family for a cycling tour around Bristol, bring your own bikes or hire some. Cycling is not only a great physical activity but an activity that allows you to chat and take in your surroundings. Popular routes include the Route 33, Brean Down Way and Ashton Pill-Loop for those looking for a challenge!
Location: Bristol City Centre
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £25 per bike
12. Clifton Rockslide
One of the only places you’ll find a natural slide smoothed out by many Bristolians over the generations. This natural rockslide is situated right next to the Clifton suspension bridge so you’ll be sure to get a great view too.
Location: Clifton Rockside near Clifton Suspension Bridge
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: ***
Price From: FREE!
13. Hot Air Ballooning - Bristol Balloons
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Location: Ashton Court Mansion
Best Time to Go: All year round, however requires fair weather
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £110 - £125 per person
BEST ACTIVITIES FOR STAG AND HEN DOS
Want to make your stag or hen do unforgettable? Picking the right experience can be hard when different interests are clashing. However, getting active and trying something new can really bring a group together and give them a chance to get to know each other. Whether you’re planning a whole weekend or just one afternoon, our activities for stags and hens in Bristol are perfect to prepare you for the big day.
14. Go Karting - West Country Karting
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An all-time favorite outdoor activity for petrolheads of all ages is go-karting. The outdoor combat track is open at all weather conditions making it the ideal place to practice your drifting skills. Choose from different racing styles, depending on time and group size. For larger groups, we recommend the Grand Prix race where you split into teams and complete 180 laps, switching driver after every 10 laps. For those short on time, opt for a 30-minute experience of two short but sweet 15 minute sessions.
Location: The Lake, Bristol, BS36
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £20 pp for 30 minutes.
15. Clay Pigeon Shooting - Safe and Sound
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Venture out to Bristol’s beautiful countryside and get some Clay Pigeon shooting in. The skilled instructors will equip you and give valuable tips throughout the session so you can make the most of this clay pigeon shooting experience. There are different targets onsite to constantly challenge you and leave no time for boredom to creep up. Whether it’s your first time or you want to improve your shot, this experience is for all.
Location: Bristol BS39
Best Time to Go: All year round
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £45 per person
16. Segways - Segway Events
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Embark on amazing off-road segway tour in stunning woodland surrounding Kings Weston House, just outside Bristol city centre. The Segway tour takes you in and around the woodland next to the impressive 18th-century house, provides a rugged, natural and picturesque backdrop to your experience and you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities. This experience takes around 2 hours.
Location: Kings Weston House, Bristol
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer/Autumn, although winter is less busy!
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £23 per person (£18 for Bookado Members)
17. Zorb Football - Mojo Active
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Football with a twist! Rules are the same, expect all players are wrapped in a zorb suit to make this a bit more challenging. Clashing with your rivals as you make your way to the ball might not be as painful, but will set you back as you bounce off and fly across the field. Prepare for lots of laughter.
Location: Bristol BS32
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £15 per adult
BEST ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Is it half term or just a boring weekend that needs to be spiced up? Get in some much needed family time and check out the best activities in Bristol with kids. We have some great child-friendly things to do, from foot golf to adventure parks to make sure no boredom creeps up.
18. High Ropes - Mojo Active
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Reach new heights at the High Ropes course featuring 15 exciting challenges, from traverse nets and zip lines to rickety bridges and high drops. Overcoming fears and testing your coordination skills, this treetop experience is perfect for a family or team building day out.
Location: Bristol BS32
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £15 for Adults and £12 for Children
19. Footgolf - Mojo Active
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Like golf? Like football? Combining two of the most popular sports, footgolf is a fun activity to improve your aiming and strength. Explore the footgolf course in Almondsbury and complete all 9 holes. This versatile sport can suit most people, whether you choose to have a chilled afternoon activity with friends or a serious round with your colleagues, it’s totally up to you. Also great for: Small Groups.
Location: Bristol BS32
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £7.50 per person
20. Minigolf - Jungle Rumble
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This all-time weekend facourite is the perfect family activity that engages all member, from the little ones to grandpa and grandma. Make your way through this 18 holes course in your own time. If you have an hour or two to spare, mini golfing is a fun way to pass time and test your putting skills. And of course you can make the round as competitive as you want.
Location: Bristol BS16
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £8.50 per person
21. Avon Valley Adventure Park
Want a fun-packed day out with the kids? There are two Adventure Parks near Bristol that offer activities and attractions for children of all ages. The first we recommend is Avon Valley Country Park. It is located southeast of Bristol and has a range of activities for the kids. Animal handling, mini quad bike racing, bouldering, slides & much more.
Location: Bristol BS31
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer
Our Rating: ***
Price From: £11 per person
22. Cattle Country Adventure Park
Cattle Country, located to the northeast of Bristol is another great venue for the kids. It has a petting zoo and allows children to experience life on a farm. Afterward there is no shortage of things to do. Climbing, swimming, trampolining and boating are just some of the activities on offer.
Location: Gloucestershire
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer/Autumn
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £8.50 per person
BEST ACTIVITIES FOR CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING
Planning an office social and need inspiration? There are plenty of alternatives to the old boozy pub crawl, that will truly bring the team closer together. Outdoor activities will give your team a chance to get to know each other outside the office walls and show different sides of themselves. Learning how to wield a bow or forming teams for a paintball match, these days out give you a nice break from the daily grind.
23. Archery - Mojo Active
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Archery is an often overlooked traditional sport that gets you outside and improves your aiming skills. Learn how to wield a bow properly with an archery experience just outside Bristol. You will get a demonstration before trying your hand at shooting - and potentially hitting the bull’s eye! This makes for a great activity for corporate and family events as many exciting games are incorporated into the activity. Also great for: Stag & Hen Parties.
Location: Bristol BS31
Best Time to Go: All year around
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £25 per person
24. Kayaking - All-Aboard Watersports
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Whether on one of Bristol’s rivers, the nearby sea or a small lake, kayaking is an exciting water sport both suitable for beginners and advanced. Book a tour or hire a kayak and plan your own experience to spend an unforgettable day out. Kayaking is great for bigger groups, such as team-building events. Also great for: Families.
Location: Newport
Best Time to Go: Summer
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £12 per person
25. Paintballing - Delta Force
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The ultimate corporate activity! The large outdoors turn into your battleground as soon as you start the game. Hiding behind bushes before opening the fire at your enemies (or colleagues), Paintballing is not for the light-hearted. Test your abilities as a marksman with a thrilling, action-packed session of paintball. If bad weather conditions occur, opt for an indoor paintball experience or try airsoft, a more gentle alternative suitable for younger kids. You will be able to customise your experience on the day by adding more paintballs or going for some smoke grenades! Also great for: Stag & Hen Parties.
Location: Bristol BS39
Best Time to Go: Spring/Summer/Autumn
Our Rating: *****
Price From: £14.99 per person
26. Mountain Biking - Pedal Progression
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Location: Bristol BS8
Best Time to Go: All year round (but prepared to get muddy in Autumn/Winter!)
Our Rating: ****
Price From: £15 for 2 hours and £20 for a full day
HOW TO GET TO BRISTOL AND WHERE IS IT?
Bristol is the largest city in the South-West of England, situated 180 miles west from London. Nearby cities are Bath, which is about 12 miles east and Cardiff in Wales, which is 45 miles away across the Bristol Channel. Bristol has excellent transport links and can be reached by train, bus, and car. International visitors can also opt for ferries or planes.
Travelling to Bristol
Driving
Bristol is conveniently located at the intersection of the M4 and M5 motorways and easily accessible from all parts of the UK.
Public Transport: Bus to Bristol
From the South-West:
There are a number of Coach services to Bristol available running from Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The National Express also offers many direct connections from London, Wales and the North of England.
Bristol via Train
Bristol has lots of direct connections from large cities in the UK including Manchester, London and Birmingham.
Air: Bristol via plane
Bristol International Airport is located in North Somerset and has over 130 destinations. Transport systems to the city centre include buses and the Airport Flyer Express which is 7£ and takes less than 30mins.
Travel tip: Great West Way
Make your trip to Bristol a mini-break by embarking on the Great West Way, a 125-mile touring route between London and Bristol. Starting in the capital, this route invites you to explore its rich culture with charming villages and outdoor activities. Book stays and experiences along the way to create your bespoke tour.
You can do the Great West Way either by train or car, or even by narrowboat, depending on your time and budget and where you’re traveling from.
Bristol's culture:
Known for its contemporary art and culture, from street art to museums, theatres and music gigs, Bristol is a vibrant, buzzing hub for culture-lovers and trend-seekers alike. It’s home to lots of international and UK students that gives the city a young, fresh vibe.
Bristol's famous for...
- It is one of the greenest cities in Europe with a large number of parks and gardens whilst also priding itself with being the UK’s first cycling city.
- Nominated the World Vegan Capital, it’s a haven for veggies offering tasty plant-based foods, snacks and drinks.
- It’s also a haven for vegans as it has been nominated Vegan World Capital, there are lots of cafes, street food and restaurants offering tasty plant-based food.
- It has two universities with a diverse set of international and UK students that give Bristol its young, trendy vibe.
Bristol is a city in the southwest of England and has been among the country's largest and most economically and culturally important cities for eight centuries. It was granted city status in 1542 and benefited greatly from the industrial revolution and transatlantic trade. Bristol's strong links with the ocean, and its key role in the profitable trade of slavery and tobacco, inevitably lead to the city's involvement with piracy. Laws at the time stated that piracy was illegal - however, the practice of privateering was not. Privateers were meant to have a 'letter of Marque' from their government allowing them to attack and steal from merchant ships of certain countries.
FAQ's
How to book experiences in Bristol?
Bookado has a range of fantastic activities on offer in Bristol for both Winter and Summer. Many of our activities are available for instant bookings, but if you have some more bespoke requirements or can’t find activities you want, then get in touch. Our activity coordinators are online and available 24/7. Next time you’re trying to organise a day out, a birthday party, a stag/hen or even an office social. Bookado can help you with easy bookings, knowledgeable activity coordinators and great deals!
What are the best experiences in Bristol?
We think the experiences in this blog are the best in Bristol. But if you’re looking to find out more about Bristol’s history and culture, checkout Bristols SS Great Britain ship.
Where can I take a date in Bristol?
In our opinion, the best date is when you combine food & fun. Taking part in an activity is the perfect balance on a date. It gives you enough time to woo your date with your smooth chat up lines, but it also can be an entertainment lifeline if things get stale. Our top recommendations for a first date include minigolf or SUP, for those a bit further on maybe a helicopter ride or archery session.
What can you do in Bristol for free?
Bristol has many great free activities such as the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Clifton Rock Slide or see the Deer at Ashton Court. Bristol is a very vibrant city so simply walking around it should give you plenty of entertainment.
What are the effects on doing activities with Covid-19?
Covid-19 has affected the leisure industry and the way we would 'normally' do things. Nonetheless, getting out and about with friend, family or colleagues after being cooped up with over the past couple months is a great idea! There is still so much going on that not many of us know it - or perhaps we fear it. Please note, all activities stated have been certified with being ‘Covid Secure’ and have precautions in place. As long as we all respect each other and follow the guidance given we can somewhat live a ‘normal life’!
Updated 11th April 2021 - by Timothy James & Nathan Powrie
