Shake out your picnic blankets, give your sunglasses a wipe, and dig around for that two-year-old bottle of suncream because it’s official – summer is back!
Having reached the summer solstice, the U.K. is now basking in 16+ hours of natural light. Get ready to catch those delicious wafts of freshly cut grass and soak up the sun with drinks and friends by the harbour. There’s something really special about this time of year isn’t there?
Summer is also the ideal time to get out and explore the city and surrounding countryside. You can find fun activities near you in every nook and cranny of Bristol! From the bustling areas of Bedminster, Southville and Totterdown, to the quirky streets of Stokes Croft or the class of Clifton– you won’t be lost for choice.
So whether you’re looking for fun summer activities to do by yourself, unforgettable days with your best friends, school holiday outings with the kids, or even lovely experiences with your grandparents- you'll find something for everyone on Yuup!
Why not go out and have a fun night playing board games and drinking cocktails at replay! Have you ever tried paddleboarding around Bristol’s iconic harbourside?Well, this year’s your year! Grab your sunhat, turn on your summer playlist, and get out there!
1. Stand-up paddleboarding in Bristol’s harbourside
Have you ever witnessed the hustle and bustle of Bristol's harbourside whilst standing on the water? Well, now is your chance! Get a whole new perspective of the city when you try this stand-up paddleboarding experience with SUP Bristol.
Paddleboarding is a refreshing summer activity that just keeps on growing in popularity! With celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Katy Perry gracing the waves, it isn’t hard to see why.
Enjoy the breeze in your hair and Bristol’s twinkling harbour whizzing by you in this unforgettable experience will be sure to get your summer vibes tingling.
2. Forest Of Dean Evening Wildlife Safari
The Forest of Dean is an ancient woodland home to all kinds of mighty and mysterious creatures. Take a stroll through this magical wood to witness all kinds of wildlife including boar, deer, bats and foxes! If you are lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of an otter or even a pine marten.
During the spring and early summer, your ears fill with the sound of bird song from robins, blackbirds and song thrushes. You may hear the hoot of an owl echo through the canopy of lush trees.
Cannop Ponds come alive with waterbirds: mandarin ducks, mute swans, little grebes, kingfishers, dippers and grey wagtails. Safaris a little earlier in the day may reveal the local Forest of Dean birds: crossbills, siskins and hawfinches. While you're taking in all of these, don't forget to pay attention to all the butterflies, lizards, glow worms and woodland flowers. This experience is a feast of the eyes.
Take a summer stroll through the forest of dean on a evening wildlife safari 🦊🦉
3. Revitalise Your Mind & Body With Smile & Stroll
Stroll & chat: Build new friendships along this scenic walk. Discover ways to build your mental resilience aided by a seasoned therapist. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or simply wanting to go on a stunning walk then this is the right activity for you.
You will indulge in meaningful conversations to share life experiences and feel support in a welcoming community.
You will gain practical tips from an expert on how to learn powerful mindfulness and well-being techniques along with a refill of natures beauty. Breathe in fresh air and reconnect with the planet you live on.
If you want to walk your way to a joyful summer; join Smile and stroll 🚶♀️😆
4. Axe Throwing With Whistle Punks
Whistle Punks has taken axe throwing out of the forest and into the centre of Bristol, making it easier for you to come, give it a go and see how well you can throw!
In this experience, you will receive a quick demonstration of how to correctly throw an axe and once you have all got the hang of it, it's time for a bit of competition. You can play a tournament with all your friends and family to crown the ultimate axe thrower.
You don’t have to have any experience in axe throwing to take part, it’s all designed for complete beginners. An instructor will help you get the basics down but when that becomes the
case it’s all up to you. Afterwards, you will be ready for some delicious pizza and ice cream to re-fuel.
So, if you want some great summer competition go Axe throwing with Whistle Punks 🪓🎯
5. PADI Discover Scuba Diving
Calling all water babies. This is the perfect skill to learn in summer, you can dip into the water with an instructor to build up your confidence in scuba diving.
Before your evening dive begins, an experienced instructor will brief you on all the diving equipment you will be using, they will tell you what kind of things to expect and feel while diving and then it’s time to suit up!
An introduction to basic diving skills and breathing techniques will make you feel comfortable. Your instructor will tell you about the best techniques for even the little things like clearing your mask underwater. You will also learn a new language to communicate underwater with only your hands.
Hidden Depth Scuba School have a strong focus on diving ability and buoyancy control – they believe this makes diving safer and much more fun! All this experience will create a strong foundation for your diving knowledge.
Continue with PADI discover scuba diving to further improve your skills🤿
6. Fun Family Day Out By Bike
You can’t beat a wholesome family bike ride with scenic views, a stop-off point to have an idyllic picnic and general family fun on a hot summer's day.
Your hosts will provide you with a map of the Strawberry Line in which details your route, or you can map out your own route and just see where your wheels take you – it’s all part of the fun.
Your hosts will give you a safety induction and guidance on your desired route (if you’ve chosen one). They’ll be available on the phone throughout; in case you have any problems with your bikes. The peaceful Strawberry Line route runs for 9 miles from Yatton station to Cheddar offering an 18-mile round trip - the perfect day out!
A picnic will be provided so you can stop off anywhere you want to either have a couple snacks or take one big stop to tuck into a big feast.
Another perfect family day out by bike for a scorching summer’s day🚴♂️🚴♀️
7. Board games and cocktails at replay
Ready to get your game on? Take someone special on a summer night out to Replay where you can get chatting, drinking and playing.
Replay has over 300 games for you to choose from, ranging from classics to all the modern ones. Your host at the venue is an expert and will help you find a board game to match your vibe. If you're feeling competitive take yourself down the stairs to the cellar of replay where you will find games like table tennis and foosball. Play to see who can score the most points and see who comes out victorious.
On summer night, board games and cocktails at replay is the place for you and one more 🎲
8. Yoga Massage And Sound Ceremony
Looking for a way to escape into a state of deep relaxation? Well look no further as this session of yoga workshops, aromatherapy, massages, singing bowls and guided meditation will nourish your mind and soul.
After a short gentle yin yoga practice, you are able to choose between a soothing shiatsu face and head massage or a shiatsu acupressure foot massage. While doing this you will be being guided through meditation to really treat your soul.
Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy originating from Japan. It uses a combination of kneading, pressing, tapping and stretching techniques. Along with this, singing bowls will be placed on your body and as they vibrate deep into you, it guides the brain into a meditative alpha to heal you.
The last thing you need is to be hurting all summer with everyone else playing around in the sun so this is the most perfect activity to do throughout summer to ensure you don't miss out on anything.
Start summer off with yoga, a massage and sound ceremony to relax your body🧘♀️💆♂️
9. Summer Garden Pottery Session
There's nothing better than spending a sunny summer's afternoon in the pub garden, takin a sip on an ice-cold drink and soaking up all the sun. Why not add in a splash of creativity?
Create your own ceramic mug to go home with you, with help from ceramicists Naomi and Meridith you will be creating beautiful piece of art in no time. You can be a complete beginner as everything you need to become an expert will be covered on the day. You can completely customize your ceramic with whatever you want, your imagination is the limit.
Once formed, you can spend any remaining time decorating your piece with coloured slips or creating impressions with tools. This is a chance to really personalise your piece and express your creativity!
It's time for you to get creative and go to a summer garden pottery session☕️🎨
10. Archery In The Countryside
Pick up a bow & arrow and focus up because it’s time to get some bullseye! When you arrive you will be greeted by a Great British qualified instructor who will show you every skill and piece of knowledge you need to become a pro at archery. They will explain to you the rules on the range and all you need to know about your weapon.
Once all bases are covered, it’s your time to let one fly! With your newly learned skills you can engage in some friendly competition and see who can shoot as many water balloons as possible. On a nice warm summers day is there anything better than getting out the house with some friends and having a lot of fun. When the sun is shining I know I would want to go do some archery in the countryside, would you?
If yes then come do some archery with your friends & family in the countryside🏹
