7 Free and Affordable Things to Do in Bristol

Located in the southwest of England, the bustling university town of Bristol has a diverse choice of things to see and do, including lots of cheap – and even free – options among them.

Boasting a rich maritime heritage, Bristol has experienced something of a renaissance over the past couple of decades and is now firmly established as one of the UK’s most youthfully energetic, culturally vibrant and politically progressive destinations. Needless to say, there are tons of great attractions and places of interest to explore, with several that won’t blow a hole in the budget. Here are 7 of the best free and affordable things to do in Bristol.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

There’s no Bristol landmark more recognisable than the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a masterpiece of engineering dating back to 1864. Spanning the Avon Gorge, the stunning bridge is fully open to the public and there’s no charge to cross, so you can take your time ,snap some photos and appreciate the genius of its design from up close. On the North Somerset side of the bridge, there’s also a free-to-enter museum where you can learn about the bridge’s construction and how it’s maintained today.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol is home to a smattering of exceptional cultural venues and among the very finest is the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Founded in 1823, the free-to-enter museum is packed full of fascinating collections that chronicle the cultural and artistic history of civilisation. Among them are everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art by one of Bristol’s most cherished sons, the anonymous British artist known as Banksy.

Queens Road, Clifton / Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Mon

Clifton Observatory

Situated high above the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Observatory offers up panoramic views of the city, its iconic suspension bridge and the surrounding landscape. Dating back to the 18th century, the historic site attracts large numbers of visitors who come to explore the observatory, learn about its history and venture into the nearby cave for a unique viewpoint deep within the gorge. The observatory itself features s historic tower once used for astronomical observations, a rare 200-year old camera obscura that can be sampled for an extra charge, and a small museum that recounts the site’s role in early astronomy. Admission starts at £5.

Litfield Place, Clifton / Mon-Sun 10am-4pm

Bristol Cathedral

A mesmerising example of Gothic design, the imposing Bristol Cathedral is one of the jewel’s in the already-glistening Bristolian crown. Constructed way back in the mid-12^th century and situated on the western side of the River Avon, about a 10-minute walk from the city centre, the cathedral boasts soaring arches, intricate stained glass windows and a grand nave that simply take the breath away from everyone who witnesses them. Entrance is free, although donations are welcomed.

College Green / Mon-Sun 8am-5pm

Vale Street

One of Bristol’s claims to fame is that it’s home to England’s steepest street. With an astonishing 22-degree incline, Vale Street is a challenge for even the fittest visitor to climb. a dramatic slope. Locals park their cars perpendicular to the road just in case their handbrake lets them down, and during icy conditions some even tie their vehicles to lampposts to keep them from sliding to the bottom. Despite the difficulty, cyclists can often be found tackling the hill as the ultimate test of their leg power. The steepness has also inspired an annual Easter egg race, where residents roll eggs down the hill to see whose travels the furthest.

M Shed

Another renowned – and free of charge – Bristol cultural attraction is M Shed, which serves up a quirky look at the city’s history from its perch on the harbourside. Housed in a former warehouse, the museum showcases everything from the city’s industrial past to its buzzing modern cultural scene. There are thought-provoking exhibits about Bristol’s role in the slave trade, the famous Bristol Bus Boycott and even the rise of Bristolian street art. An on-site museum café stands ready with refreshments.

Princes Wharf, Wapping Road / Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Mon

St Nicholas Market

There are few better ways of getting to know a place than by taking in the sights, sounds and aromas of a local market. In St Nicholas Market, tucked away in the heart of the Old City and dating back to 1743, Bristol has one of the oldest still-running markets anywhere in the UK. Visitors can peruse and purchase fresh produce and local artisanal goods from a wide choice of independent stalls while surrounded by historic architecture and a buzzing atmosphere. The market is free to enter.

The Corn Exchange, Corn Street / Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm Closed Sun