We know that Bristol has one of the best ‘night-out’ cultures in the country with a huge variety of events and venues to choose from. However, Bristol doesn’t have to be all about drinking and nights out. This city has so much to offer which won’t end up in nursing a hangover the next day.
We may be in Lockdown, but below you’ll find a list of Lockdown-friendly activities AND ones to remember after lockdown!
Bristol has a range of incredible green spaces just about everywhere in the city. These are great for an Autumn walk, bike ride, a chilly picnic or a socially distant jog with a friend. These include:
Stoke Park
On Frenchay Campus’s doorstep is a yellow house on the hill surrounded by a large parkland area. It’s also accessible via the M1 and M3 buses from the city centre.
Eastville Park
This park really has it all – space for sports, bike rides, a cute Victorian park, and it’s just a short bus (48, 48A) or bike ride from Frenchay, Glenside, or the city centre.
Blaise Castle Grounds
Loads of open space and woodland walks for you to explore and even a medieval-style castle on a hill to discover. Blaise Castle is a 30 min bike ride from Frenchay and you can also get there by bus on M1/M3 and then the 1/2/3.
Ashton Court
If you haven’t seen Ashton Court with its woodland walks, deer park, and beautiful grounds, you’re really missing out. It’s perfect for biking, walks, and picnics. It’s walking distance from City Campus, and you can get there with the 71 and 72 bus from the city centre.
Snuff Mills
On Glenside’s doorstep, Snuff Mills is a must-see spot with walking trails, riverside walks, and an old mill building. It’s walking distance from Glenside or Frenchay (about 30-40 minutes), and you can also get there via the 48A bus.
Leigh Woods
Further out than any of the others but definitely worth a visit, Leigh Woods lies beyond the Suspension Bridge and has something for everyone. It’s got hiking trails, woodland walks, mountain bike routes, an arboretum, and insta-worthy views. You can get there by X3 or X4 bus from the city centre.
Whether you’re in Lockdown or not, there is always some fantastic independent business who offer tasty takeaway and delivery. Here are our top recommendations.
The Athenian – This has delicious Greek food and a Greek market! You can find them on Deliveroo or at BS1 6WD.
Caribbean Croft – Tasty Caribbean food for takeaway and collection. Check them out here or at BS1 3QD
The Coconut Tree – Sri Lankan food with takeaway discounts! Check them out here or at BS6 5QP
Eat a Pita – tasty falafel and Mediterranean food in several locations across Bristol. Grab delivery from Deliveroo.
Boston Tea Party – A West Country born and run business with tasty meals perfect for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Delivery on Deliveroo and your nearest branch is in Cheswick Village for Frenchay and Glenside.
And that’s not all! Check out the full list of recommendations here.
Bristol’s home to some great street art and now’s the time to meet a friend outside and check it out. ‘Where the Wall’ has self-guided tours you can buy for £10, which gives you 30 years of street art history over 13 different locations. Check it out here. Otherwise, why not take a wander through Stokes Croft, North Street in Bedminster, Nelson St, and more!
North Bristol Arts Trail – Lockdown friendly
A virtual event running from 27 November till 6 December you’ll be able to find work from local Bristol artists. Check it out here.
The Lanes
The Lanes is Bristol’s boutique bowling experience. With five vintage lanes, Italian cuisine courtesy of Ray’s Pizza, and even its own karaoke room; a night at The Lanes will always be eventful. You’ll even get a student discount on bowling walk-in rates. Find out more here.
Axe Throwing – Add to your post-lockdown list!
Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Whistle Punks on All Saints Street. have taken axe throwing out of the woods and brought it to the city. You will get taught how to safely and successfully throw an axe, then it’s your turn to compete against your friends. Book here.
Airhop – Book for after lockdown!
You have probably heard that Bristol is now home to the world’s largest trampoline park. Airhop is great for all ages and abilities and even features a gladiator-style ring, assault course and trampoline-floored basketball court. As a student, you will also receive a 20% discount when you present your student card. Check them out near Cribbs Causeway.
St Nicks Market – Check out after lockdown
With over 60 stalls this market is a must-visit in Bristol. St Nicks Market has been named as one of the ten best markets in the UK and is home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol.
In addition to the permanent businesses at St Nick’s, you'll also have the choice of several street food traders every Tuesday and Friday on Corn Street and Wine Street, which are outside the main market building. There is also a vegan food market every Monday, so you'll never be short of choice when it comes to tasty local food!
Free Museums – Lockdown Friendly
Bristol is a hub for art galleries and museums, a lot of which are free. Go and check out an exhibition at the Arnolfini or Spike island or go and find out about the history of Bristol at M-shed. Additionally, at the top of Park Street is the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
Missing museums in lockdown? Check these out!
Get your brunch on!
There are hundreds of brunch spots in Bristol. Here are some of our favourites:
Bristol Improv Theatre
Learn new skills, explore, and have fun. Open to everyone, there are drop-in workshops are suitable for all abilities and are taught by local and visiting instructors. Each week brings a new workshop which will stretch your improv muscles, teach you new skills and will help you meet some fantastic people. During Lockdown, there will still be several online events including online workshops, which you can check out here.
Catch a film at the Watershed
The Watershed offers three cinemas, a pervasive media studio, a café and bar. They present a diverse programme of films, events, festivals and workshops. Check out their online ‘what’s on’ section to see the great selection of films and documentaries they show. Click here for more information. You can still check out independent films at during Lockdown, so grab your flatmates and some popcorn!
Check out We The Curious
The amazing science centre is full of interactive exhibits where you can enjoy science in a range of creative ways. There’s even an amazing planetarium right on Millennium Square. Check them out again once Lockdown’s over.
Cat Café
Missing your cat? You & Meow is Bristol’s very own cat café and will not only give you a chance to meet some furry friends but will also provide you with all the cat puns you could want. Catte or Cat White? You & Meow has got your coffee order covered. Click here for more information about re-opening after Lockdown.
Parkrun
Parkrun organises free, weekly 5km timed runs every Saturday at 09:00, which are open to everyone. Bristol locations include Ashton Court, Eastville Park and Pomphrey Hill. All you need to do is register beforehand and turn up before 09:00.
St Werburgh’s City Farm
Escape the busy city life and visit St Werburghs City Farm, where you can see sheep, goats, pigs and more. They’ve also got a café where you can get a bite to eat or a drink. When it comes to ingredients, the City Farm café is provided with meat, vegetables, salad and other wild ingredients all from the grounds of the Farm.
Pirate Bay Adventure Golf
Situated next to Frenchay Campus, Pirate Bay Adventure Golf is a great activity for you and your housemates to get out and do something fun. The 18-hole course is open until late every day, seven days a week.
Go to the theatre
There is a wealth of theatres in Bristol. From the Hippodrome who host the latest touring west-end shows, to the Wardrobe Theatre who offer a programme of diverse shows that are affordable for audiences. At the Wardrobe Theatre, their programme is a curated mix, comedy, storytelling, live music, poetry/spoken word, dance, puppetry, cabaret, drag, improvisation, new writing and family shows, with an emphasis on emerging artists and Bristol-based work.
During Lockdown, many theatres are running live streams and online events so grab your flatmates, some snacks, and settle in!
So next time you and your housemates are wondering what to do, don’t default and go to the pub – do something new and exciting!
Harm reduction is UWE’s approach to Drugs and Alcohol and it’s all about staying safe. The Late Nigh
