Who’s looking forward to a sunny bank holiday weekend outdoors? This week we’re bringing you our ultimate early May bank holiday guide, bursting with Bristol experiences you can book now and look forward to enjoying. Here are some of our top picks for your bank holiday.
Things to do on the early May bank holiday weekend in Bristol
Spring wild herb foraging walk
Shake off the working week and get straight out into a beautiful green space in Bristol on a spring wild herb foraging walk. One of the great things about this experience is that you explore a different place every time - and today it’s a wander in Avonview Cemetery and up to Troopers Hill. You’ll discover a local nature reserve filled with wild plants, getting handy tips on how to forage and most importantly, what to do with your plants afterwards!
Explore Bristol’s quirkiest corners with Martin Booth
As a local journalist and bestselling author of 111 Places in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss, Martin’s knowledge of our city is vast - especially when it comes to the quirks and hidden secrets of the Old City. Join Martin to explore Bristol's quirkiest corners in a 2 hour wander around the city centre, and discover the incredible stories and curiosities you've never noticed before! Not only will you get a personal experience hosted by Martin, you’ll also go home with a free copy of his book to carry on exploring Bristol long after your experience is over.
Create colourful photography with Porthjess
Jess Siggers’ colour-soaked shots of Bristol have seen her grow a huge Instagram following in Bristol and beyond, where she’s known as Porthjess. An experienced photographer digital content creator and self confessed colour-obsessive, Jess is the perfect host to reveal how to create colourful photography without needing expensive photography gear. Come along with your phone camera at the ready and walk some of Bristol’s iconic rainbow streets, getting the secrets to framing, setting up shots and even editing for social from Bristol’s best.
Sheep herding and wool spinning
If a break from the city sounds just the thing, get out into the countryside and meet the locals (the wooly kind!), in a baa-rilliant sheep herding and wool spinning experience! With the help of professional shepherd, Chris, you’ll put your sheep herding skills to the test and get these wooly jumpers back into their pen - harder than it sounds! You’ll have back up from Chris’ trusty sheep dog and you’ll get to see how this dream team works together to get flocks of over 100 sheep walking to their tune. In the second half of your experience you’ll find out how to spin and felt with raw wool - perfect for anyone who crafts and wants to take on this very fun challenge!
Haunted and Hidden Bristol walk
Get spooked with friends on this evening walking experience revealing the hidden secrets of Bristol’s past… Including the most haunted cinema in the UK and Bristol’s most chilling stories. Haunted and Hidden’s Bristol walk is one of the most established walking experiences in Bristol and the team have even appeared on TV’s Most Haunted. Time for a fun evening of ghost stories and gruesome history, before you can head off for a well earned drink!
Family day out by bike on the Strawberry Line
There’s a bike for everyone in this family day out by bike on the Strawberry Line, in Yatton. Once everyone has been matched with the right cycle and seats have been adjusted, you’ll find out your route for the day. Most importantly, you’ll be given your picnic to enjoy on the way! The Strawberry Line Cycles team will be on hand if you have any questions - otherwise, ride along and enjoy the stunning scenery and beautiful nature of the Strawberry Line.
Stretch and sculpt pottery retreat - at your home
Arriving on the day with everything you need for your very own stretch and sculpt pottery retreat, your Bristol hosts Aimee and Tasha will make sure this is a bank holiday experience to remember. The dreamy combination of yoga and pottery works perfectly for a fun home get-together with friends or family, a birthday party, or hen do and is guaranteed to soothe the soul and lift your mood.
Upfest street art walk with founder, Stephen Hayles
Explore Bedminster and take a street art walk with the founder of Upfest and hear the hidden meanings and history behind the art of Europe's largest street art festival - all from the person who started it! As you take in each piece you’ll hear about Bristol's own street art story as well as the past, present and future of Upfest, which attracts exciting new graffiti artists each year.
Wire and bead sculpture on a boat
Head to Portishead Marina and make your own wire and bead sculptures to share as unique gifts or decorate your home. You’ll be creating on the cosy, covered deck of a vintage Caribbean Cruiser boat in Portishead marina - away from the hustle and bustle and surrounded by inspiration for your creations!
Afrofusion dance fitness
Sequins are well and truly welcomed in this bank holiday Afrofusion dance fitness party on the Downs! The aim of this experience is to have fun while you move and discover some new dance steps along the way. Everyone is welcome as you try a variety of Afrofusion dance movements before getting down to a workout inspired session that will leave you feeling inspired and energised.
Private champagne balloon flight over Bath
Treat yourself or someone who deserves it and snap up a private champagne balloon flight over Bath. You'll have the chance to help set up your balloon, before taking off from your Royal Victoria Park launch site. You'll then drift over landmarks like the famous Roman Baths, The Royal Crescent, Pump Rooms and the spectacular Bath Abbey. Toast your flight afterwards with a glass of bubbly that’ll be waiting as you land!
Stand up paddleboarding taster
You’ve probably seen them out on the harbour already - and here’s your chance to take to the water yourself and give a stand up paddleboarding taster a go! We can promise you it’s a lot of fun and you’re sure to be standing in no time - the perfect sunny bank holiday Monday fun! It’s also useful to know that this experience is tailored to the ability of the group and everyone is welcome to join.
Pedal boosted cycle along the Strawberry Line
Love the idea of a long bike ride but not so keen on doing the hard work? We’ve got you covered with a pedal boosted cycle along the Strawberry Line! Grab your e-bike and your route from the Strawberry Line Cycles team (and don’t forget the free picnic!) - then enjoy a blissful day meandering through Yatton and beyond.
Live harp serenade
Finish off your bank holiday weekend with a captivating 30 minutes of live harp music, brought to you in any location across Bristol. Bristol Harpist, Scarlett, has an impressive repertoire and can perform classical pieces as well as songs by bands like Snow Patrol and Daft Punk and popular themes from Disney to Star Wars. Customise your performance by picking eight or nine pieces from Scarlett’s repertoire to make it an sundown to remember.
