The 5 Best Things to Do in Bristol for Free

Running a business or managing a busy schedule means finding downtime can be difficult, but exploring Bristol does not have to be expensive.

Bristol has a rich maritime history, a famous creative culture and some of the finest green spaces in the South West.

To help you explore without spending anything, we selected five of the best free things to do in Bristol, combining historic landmarks, panoramic views, museums and street art.

Here are five free activities in Bristol worth considering.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Phone: 0117 973 1572

Business hours:

• Open 24 hours

Website

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is Bristol's most recognisable landmark.

The bridge spans the Avon Gorge, linking the Clifton district of Bristol with Leigh Woods in North Somerset.

It is completely free to cross on foot, offering exceptional views of the gorge, the River Avon and the wider Bristol skyline.

The Visitor Centre on the Leigh Woods side is also free to visit, housing exhibitions about the construction and history of the bridge.

Pros

• Free to cross on foot or by bicycle
• Iconic views of Avon Gorge and the city
• Open 24 hours a day
• Free visitor centre on the Leigh Woods side

Pro tip: Walk up to the Clifton Observatory or the grassy banks nearby for the best photographic vantage points of the bridge, particularly at sunset when the lights turn on.

Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill

Phone: 0117 922 2000

Business hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to dusk

Website

Brandon Hill is Bristol's oldest park, located just off Park Street.

The park features a nature reserve, wildflower meadows, children's play areas and steep paved paths winding through mature trees.

At the centre of the park sits Cabot Tower, a 105-foot red sandstone tower built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage from Bristol to North America.

Climbing the narrow spiral staircase to the top balcony is free and provides some of the best 360-degree panoramic views of the city, the harbourside and the surrounding Somerset hills.

Pros

• Free entry to the park and Cabot Tower
• Exceptional panoramic views of the city
• Historic tower built in 1897
• Beautiful parkland and nature reserve

Pro tip: The lower section of Brandon Hill features a quiet wildflower meadow and a small pond, making it an excellent spot for a picnic away from the busy central shopping streets.

M Shed

Phone: 0117 352 6600

Business hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Monday: Closed (except bank holidays)

Website

M Shed is an innovative museum located on Bristol's historic harbourside inside a restored 1950s transit shed.

The museum tells the story of Bristol through the memories and stories of the people who shaped it.

Its permanent exhibitions cover Bristol's places, people and life, displaying historic photographs, retro vehicles, industrial machinery and interactive displays.

Exhibits also cover Bristol's role in the transatlantic slave trade and the city's creative history.

Entry to the permanent galleries is completely free, though voluntary donations are welcome.

Pros

• Free entry to all permanent galleries
• Located on the scenic harbourside
• Interactive and family-friendly displays
• Dedicated history of Bristol's people and industries

Pro tip: Take the lift or stairs to the top floor balcony for a great view across the floating harbour toward Bristol Cathedral and the colourful houses of Clifton Wood.

Harbourside Walk and Street Art Tour

Phone: Confirm details locally

Business hours:

• Open 24 hours

Website

A walk around Bristol's historic floating harbour is one of the best ways to experience the city's character.

The pedestrian-friendly route passes working boatyards, historical landmarks and iconic ships like Brunel's SS Great Britain (which is paid to enter, but free to view from the harbourside).

Bristol is also the birthplace of Banksy and a global hub for street art.

Walking along the harbourside allows you to spot several famous Banksy murals, including 'The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum' on Hanover Quay.

Pros

• Scenic, pedestrian-friendly walk
• Spot world-famous street art for free
• Passes historic ships, locks and bridges
• Active maritime atmosphere

Pro tip: Extend your walk slightly into the Stokes Croft or Nelson Street areas, which feature massive murals created by international artists during Bristol's street art festivals.

Ashton Court Estate

Phone: 0117 963 9177

Business hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to dusk

Website

Ashton Court Estate is a massive country park located just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Covering 850 acres of historic parkland, ancient woodland and landscaped gardens, the estate is completely free to enter on foot or by bicycle.

The park features two large deer parks housing red and fallow deer, alongside woodland trails, mansion gardens and open spaces.

It is a popular location for walking, running, mountain biking and spotting local wildlife.

Pros

• Massive 850-acre historic parkland
• Free entry for walkers and cyclists
• Deer parks housing red and fallow deer
• Excellent mountain bike trails and walking routes

Pro tip: Ashton Court is the venue for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August. While parking is charged, entering the estate on foot to watch the mass ascents of hot air balloons is completely free.

Our final verdict

Exploring Bristol on a budget is easy given the variety of free activities available.

For iconic landmarks and engineering heritage, Clifton Suspension Bridge is a must-visit.

For panoramic views and parkland, climb to the top of Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill.

For local history and culture, explore M Shed on the harbourside.

For street art and maritime atmosphere, take a walk around the floating harbour.

For wide open spaces, deer parks and trails, visit the Ashton Court Estate.

Before planning your day, verify opening hours for Cabot Tower and M Shed as these can change seasonally.

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