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Bristol for Free

Looking for Things to Do for Free in Bristol? For those of you out there who want to explore Bristol on a shoe string we've compiled this free guide to the best free stuff that the city has to offer.

Discover fantastic tourist attractions and art museums with no admission fee, and be spoilt for choice with a wide range of free walking tours and exhibitions...after all "the best things in life are free". 

Ashton Court

Ashton Court

About: Once the majestic home of the Smyth family, The Ashton Court Estate is now a historic park near the centre of Bristol. The estate covers 850 acres of woods and grasslands. 

Facilities: The estate's visitor centre can be found in the mansion stable block. It provides information on the history of the Ashton Court Estate, a multimedia visitor guide, trail maps and details of activities and events.

A: Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN

T: 0117 963 3438

Cabot Tower

Cabot Tower

About: Set in Brandon Hill - one of the oldest parks in Bristol - Cabot Tower is a 105ft tower built in 1897 to commemorate John Cabot's famous voyage from Bristol to North America 400 years previous. 

Facilities: Brandon Hill Park features a children's play area, walking paths and a nature conservation area

A: Brandon Hill Park Just off Park Street, West End, Bristol

T: 0117 922 3719

Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery

Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery

About: Explore collections of art, nature and history on display in a beautiful building at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. Find out about the last billion years of Earth’s history, explore the region’s natural wonders and discover more about peoples’ lives, past and present.

Facilities: Facilities in the museum include a café, lockers, some large enough for standard size suitcases (£1 per use, non-refundable), toilets, a baby change and baby feeding room, a picnic room (available on weekends and outside of school term times) and a buggy park.

A: Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL

T: 0117 922 3571

The Downs

The Downs

About: The Downs are a large green space on the edge of the city with views of the Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods and the Severn Estuary. Perfect for picnics, exercise, sports and events.

Facilities: Visitors will be able to find all of the following on site: café, public toilets, baby changing facilities, picnic areas and a children's playground. 

A: Clifton, Bristol, BS8

T: 0117 922 3719

Queen Square

Queen Square

About:  Queen Square is a beautiful Georgian park area in the heart of the city. Surrounded by trees and cobbled streets this magnificent open space is perfect for picnics and events in the summer, including the annual Bristol Harbour Festival.

Facilities: Queen Square is part of Bristol’s City Centre Nature Trail - download the trail guide by clicking here

A: Old City Bristol, BS1 4LH

T: 0117 903 1484

Harbourside

Harbourside

About: Bristol Harbourside is a truly vibrant and unique part of Bristol with something to offer everyone. With so many great places to sit and walk by the beautiful waterfront the harbourside is second to none when it comes to enjoying the city for free. 

Facilities: The area is home to some of Bristol’s most popular events and attractions. 

A: Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5UH

T: N/A

M Shed

M Shed

About: Located on the historic dockside, M Shed is a museum dedicated to telling the amazing history of Bristol, through the objects and stories of the people who have made the city what it is today. Three galleries reveal the fascinating story of the city and its unique place in the world.

Facilities: Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink served with a harbour view in the M Shed cafe before heading over to the gift shop to stock up on quirky and creative gifts that capture the essence of Bristol.

A: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN

T: 0117 352 6600

Bristol Walking Tours

Bristol Walking Tours

About: 

Walking Bristol run a free walking tour every Tuesday Thursday and Saturday morning starting at 11am from outside the Royal Marriott Hotel at the bottom of Park Street. 

Walking Bristol's aim is teach people how Bristol became the city that it is today, as well as hear some cracking stories, laugh at some great jokes and stop for an indulgent lunch at the unique home-of-the-Bristol-pie, Pieminister (optional if you're on a budget). 

A: N/A

T: 07811 975 275

Oldbury Court Estate

Oldbury Court Estate

About: Popular with walkers, Oldbury Court Estate is a Grade II registered property surrounded by stunning parkland and woods, riverside paths and excellent children's play facilities. There's an abundance of open green spaces and picnic areas.

Facilities: There are two car parks, open 8am to dusk. 

A: Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2HH 

T: 0117 922 3719

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge

About: Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the world's greatest bridges and has been attracting visitors from all over the globe for the last 150 years. An architectural marvel, the bridge spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon, linking Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset.

Facilities: A Visitor Information Centre is situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge. 

A: Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, BS8 3PA

T: 0117 973 8008

Arnolfini

Arnolfini

About: The Arnolfini gallery is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts. Situated in the heart of Bristol’s Harbourside this converted warehouse is home to diverse mix of exhibitions, performances, talks and events.

Facilities: The Arnolfini gallery also contains one of country’s best arts bookshops and a vibrant café bar, with quayside seating. 

A: 6 Narrow Quay, Bristol, Avon, BS1 4QA

T: 0117 917 2300

 Ping Pong Parlour The Galleries

Ping Pong Parlour The Galleries

About: Ping! is the street ping pong project which provides people with opportunities to play table tennis in a variety of environments from casual play in parks to organised coaching sessions.

Their aim is to get as many people as possible across Bristol to play table tennis and provide a wide range of table tennis opportunities for all to enjoy the game.

Address: 25 Union Gallery, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3XD

T:0117 352 5632

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