How to plan the perfect Bristol summer staycation


By Yuup

Last updated on Tuesday 16 April 2024


With the sun shining bright, there’s no need to leave the city to have an amazing holiday this summer. Bristol's incredible food and drink scene, fun outdoor adventures and more, mean all the ingredients for the perfect summer staycation are right on your doorstep. Throw in a whole host of incredible Bristol experiences you’ve never tried before, and you’ll be seeing the city in a whole new light.

Stand up paddleboarding in Bristol

Go on a Bristol adventure

Looking for a proper adventure? Well, you're in luck! The city is packed full of sports and adventure experiences both indoors and out, and you don't have to go far to find them...


Hot air balloon flight over Bristol

Why is it staycation-worthy?
As the Bristol Balloon Fiesta draws ever closer, here’s your chance to see Bristol from the sky, marvel at its beauty and maybe even spot your house!

What will you do?
You’ll meet at Ashton Court to watch as your balloon is prepared by the Sky High team, before you hop in your basket and gently drift upwards. Float by Bristol’s classic landmarks including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and the Harbourside, before heading out towards the countryside as the sun begins to set.
Book a hot air balloon flight over Bristol


Forage for wild edible and medicinal plants

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Folks who are fresh to foraging and want a jam-packed nature walk with lots of tips on how to make the most of this summer’s spoils will love exploring Bristol's wild side.

What will you do?
Go on a wild adventure of discovery and find your foraging feet with your host Maria. Taste, smell and touch a bounty of fresh herbs and get to know how to use them as you explore a green space you’ve likely never been to.
Book summer foraging


Paddleboarding harbourside adventure

Why is it staycation-worthy?
On a hot sunny day what better way to cool off than making a splash in Bristol’s most iconic waterway.

What will you do?
After mastering the paddleboarding basics, you’ll glide off as a group and see the spectacle of Bristol from the water. Try some tricks on the way, or simply enjoy the ride as you paddle along the floating harbour on a waterside adventure.
Book a paddleboarding harbourside adventure

Beer and cheese with Two Belly in Bristol

Tuck into the best food and drink in town

Bristol’s food scene is filled with flavour and our food and drink experiences offer a different way to taste it, whether it's on a gourmet picnic or in one of the city's amazing local indie shops...


Beer and cheese tasting with Two Belly

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Holidays are all about treating yourself and this beer and cheese tasting in Two Belly’s lovely Clifton shop makes a perfectly delicious pit stop as you explore Clifton Village like a tourist. 

What will you do?
Cool off as you taste a variety of beers with an accompanying cheeseboard to make your tastebuds sing. As you tuck in, your Two Belly host will talk you through the beauty of cheese and beer - and we can guarantee that you’ll leave converted to this tasty combo!
Book beer and cheese tasting


Picnic Pilgrims evening walk and dinner

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Explore the glorious Mendip Hills on a summer’s evening and you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you’re still in BS39! Countryside views and freshly made food tick all the boxes here. 

What will you do?
Stroll alongside streams, through picturesque villages and over rolling hills, experiencing some of the most breath-taking views in the county. Build up your appetite as your host guides you on this unique seven-mile hike, culminating in a mouthwatering BBQ. Think smoked pork belly, chargrilled padron peppers, grilled sardines with seasonal salads and freshly baked breads. 
Book an evening walk and picnic dinner


Wine and cheese flight at Kask

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Organic wines sourced from some of the best indie producers and a garden sun-trap that’ll make you feel like you’re in the South of France.
 
What will you do?
Taste a selection of Kask’s specially chosen organic wines, picked for their ‘real wine’ seal of approval from owners, Charlie and Natalie. As you sip each refreshing glass you’ll be able to accompany it with a cheeseboard of locally produced delights that perfectly match the mood of each glass. 
Book a wine and cheese flight

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Bristol cider tour

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Time to make the most of living in the world capital of cider and discover all the magic of this spectacular beverage. 

What will you do?
Get ready to explore top local haunts including the legendary Orchard pub and taste your way through some of the best ciders in the west. You’ll leave having fallen in love with the stories, heritage and craft of Bristol’s most beloved tipple. 
Book a Bristol cider tour


Make a Northern Italian pasta dish

Why is it staycation-worthy?
If you’ve been dreaming of the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany, then it’s time to bring Italy to Bristol with this private Italian cooking experience for two. 

What will you do?
Create an authentic, regional pasta dish using fresh, local ingredients and discover all the history and passion behind the dish as you cook. Finally, dig into the Italian feast you’ve created together and say saluti with a bottle of wine to share.
Book Northern Italian pasta making

Flower crown making in Bristol

Discover your hidden talents

Our city is packed full of talented makers who'll share their craft experiences with you and maybe even help you discover your own hidden talents along the way...



Flower crown making

Why is it staycation-worthy?
There’ll be summer blooms a-plenty as you make your own flower crown and experience a new appreciation of nature.

What will you do?
Create your own brightly coloured summer flower crown with a choice of blooms as you discover the promoted wellbeing and healing nature of flowers. It’s the perfect chance to tune out of the day to day and really embrace some you-time.
Book flower crown making 


Make your own silver earrings

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Bristol is known for its creativity and here you can see behind the silversmithing process as you give it a go yourself with the help of a local maker, The Silver Duck.

What will you do?
Design and create your own one-off set of silver earrings, in this one-to-one craft experience. You’ll see your creative process through from beginning to end in one day and get to take home your own bespoke piece of jewellery to impress at summer parties. 
Book making your own silver earrings

Creative harbourside walk in Bristol

Treat yourself to some relaxation

Every holiday needs some proper relaxation, and you can find yours with one of these lifestyle and wellbeing experiences...


Calming outdoor guided relaxation

Why is it staycation-worthy?
Kicking back, relaxing and recharging is on all of our summer holiday lists and this calming experience will turbo-charge your holiday relaxation. 

What will you do?
Lay under a blanket and drift away under gently swaying trees as the sun goes down. This guided relaxation is restorative and energising and you’ll leave feeling calm and ready to fully kick back for your staycation week.
Book an outdoor guided relaxation


Ignite your creativity on a harbourside walk

Why is it staycation-worthy?
A combination of picturesque harbourside walk and relaxed lifestyle coaching, this experience is the perfect way to use your break to really focus on you.

What will you do?
Using your walk as inspiration, you’ll tap into what you really want and how to achieve it. You’ll draw, write notes and work as a group to take a leap forward in whatever you want to achieve, all under the shining Bristol sun on a beautiful Harbourside walk.
Book a creative harbourside walk

Psst, these are just a handful of the amazing things to include in your own Bristol staycation - explore all summer experiences to tailor yours to you and whoever you're bringing along on your home summer holiday!

See all summer experiences in Bristol


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