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.

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. 

Axe throwing

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Whistle Punks on All Saints St. have taking 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. 

The Harbourside Market

The Harbourside Market is a collection of the best jewellery, clothing, books, art, produce, soaps and trinkets that you can get your hands on. The perfect place for a conversation and a dance. If that wasn’t enough it’s also known as the best location for street food in the south-west. The market is open every weekend from 11:00-16:00.

Airhop

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.

Mrs Potts Chocolate House

If you’re a chocoholic, then this is the place for you. Miss Potts Chocolate House is more than your standard bakery, think chocolate fondue, sundaes, brownies and more! Plus, they are open until 21:00, so if you need your late night chocolate fix, then this is the place for you! 

Check out Cabot Tower

The famous tower is set in the gorgeous parkland of Brandon Hill just off of Park Street. It offers great views over the city and is well worth walking up all of the steps! 

Pottery Painting

Why not get crafty and try something new? Kiln on Gloucester Road offers pottery classes and pottery painting. Prices range from £6, so it’s easy on the wallet too! 

St Nick's Market

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 just 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!

Ice cream

Cowbee is a new dessert parlour on the bottom of Park Street, which offers waffles, and an array of ice creams – there are vegan and dairy free options too! 

Play ping-pong at Kongs

Kongs of King Street is a game-lovers paradise and it has a ping-pong table, foosball table and an array of arcade games including Pac-Man.

Free Museums

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. 

Get your brunch on!

There are hundreds of brunch spots in Bristol. Here are some of our favourites:

• The Crafty Egg: Stokes Croft
• Bakers & co: Gloucester Road
• The Bristolian: Picton Street
• Ironworks Supply Co: Broad street
• Beets n Roots: Cotham Hill

Get creative at Café Kino

Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a flat outing, Café Kino is a great place to drink, eat and relax. Their extensive menu, which is all vegan, mainly uses produce that is both local and organic so you can eat happily in the knowledge that you are helping independent businesses. Don’t miss their homemade falafel – it’s a rite of passage. Also, they have a great programme of artsy evening activities on offer. Why not try their weekly life-drawing and yoga classes, or their performances from local bands.

Bristol Improv Theatre

Learn new skills, explore, and have fun. Open to everyone, these 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 a load of fantastic people.

Catch a film at the Watershed

The Watershed offers three cinemas, a Pervasive Media Studio and 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.

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 of the furry things 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.

Do a 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!

Comedy nights

There are lots of places to watch comedy sets across Bristol, one of which being the Hen and Chicken in Bedminster who host a range of comedy nights and live music – check out their website for their ‘What’s on’.

St Werburghs 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.

Smoke and Mirrors

This unique venue with a secret magic theatre behind a velvet curtain, they offer live music, close-up magic, stand-up comedy, burlesque, comedy and magic shows.

Pirate Bay Adventure Golf

Situated next to Frenchay Campus, this 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 are 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 exciting, diverse shows, which are affordable for audiences. At the Wardrobe theatre, their programme is a curated mix of theatre, 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.

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!