16 Free Things to Do in Bristol (That Are Actually Worth Doing)

Race Across The World: The Experience is the official live experience of the award-winning hit TV show, brought to life in a high-stakes adventure across Bristol.

This 2-3 hour footrace involves budgeting, strategising, and visiting plenty of hidden gems and iconic landmarks in a bid to reach the final checkpoint first. To get there, you’ll need to work together and make vital decisions that will impact your overall score. 

Important Info: You must be 18+ to purchase tickets. The experience is designed to be accessible and inclusive. See FAQs for details. Tickets from £20 per adult player.

First up on our list of free things to do in Bristol, something that might strike you as oddly macabre (but stick with us, it’s worth it!).

It wouldn’t be the first place you’d think of to go for a stroll through these wooded grounds, but they offer a unique blend of architecture, nature and local history (and a good chance to get your steps in!). Spanning 45 acres, Arnos Vale Cemetery is big enough to give you a whole day out if you fancy it, or a neat escape just outside the city centre.

As any Bristolian will tell you, Bristol is the birthplace of many legends and you can visit them for free. Well, their statues, at least.

If you’re looking for some inspo to soak up some cultural heritage, you’re in luck: we have lots of recommendations.

• Pay your respects to Henrietta Lacks at Royal Fort House. Lacks, although a true pioneer and icon, was not a Bristolian, but this statue is believed to be the first public statue of a Black woman created by a Black woman in the UK so it’s well-worth seeing.
  
• The statue of Hollywood icon Cary Grant in Millennium Square. Grant was born here in Bristol and ended up starring in 70 movies across the pond, and helped pioneer the Mid-Atlantic accent.
  
• Finally, don’t miss Nipper, the famous HMV dog, now immortalised on Park Row.

For the ultimate panoramic view of the city and the Harbourside, head to Brandon Hill, Bristol’s oldest park. 

Its major attraction makes itself immediately obvious, given it’s 105ft-tall. We’re talking about Cabot Tower, of course, and if you haven’t been yet, it’s time to change that, especially if you’re a photographer.

Climb the narrow spiral staircase and see the city from a new perspective.

Gym bro/bunny or not, if you think you’ve got stamina made of steel, this is for you. 

Test your legs on Vale Street in Totterdown, officially the steepest residential street in England. It’s so steep that cars have to be parked at an angle to prevent them from sliding! 

This activity is pretty much one of those quirky (and exhausting) Bristol rites of passage that won't cost you a penny (just the ability to feel your calves the next day). Worth it though, just to say you have!

Located on the historic wharf, M Shed is a world-class museum dedicated to the story of Bristol itself. 

A brilliant family-friendly option for those seeking educational and free things to do in Bristol’s Harbourside, the main galleries are completely free to enter, featuring everything from vintage buses and cranes to moving accounts of the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Bristol is full of architectural enigmas, and many of them are entirely free to visit because they lurk in plain sight. 

Start at Pero’s Bridge, the iconic horn-shaped footbridge named after Pero Jones, an enslaved man who lived in Bristol in the 18th century. From there, wander in pretty much any direction and seek out the hidden gems that lurk in plain sight. Perfect for anyone who wants to explore the Harbourside’s industrial history without spending a penny.

In need of some fresh country air? It won’t have escaped your attention that Bristol is literally surrounded by countryside, so luckily, that’s one of the easiest things to do for free in Bristol.

Leigh Woods is a National Trust site with stunning woodland trails and dramatic views of the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. And if you’re not much of a hiker, it’s also a great quiet place for a picnic.

Ever wish you could pause time? Well, you sort of can in Bristol. 

Back when trains became a thing, Bristol used to have its own time zone. If you head to the Corn Exchange on Corn Street, look up to see the famous clock with two minute hands. One shows GMT, and the other shows "Bristol Time," which is exactly 10 minutes behind. And yes, those 10 minutes make all the difference in winter when we have just a touch more daylight!

You just can’t visit Bristol without stumbling across this local icon, and while climbing aboard requires a ticket, you can admire Brunel’s masterpiece, the SS Great Britain, from the Harbourside for free. 

Take a walk around the perimeter of the Great Western Dockyard and get a sense of the sheer scale of this iron-hulled steamship. It’s also pretty much obligatory to post it on your socials these days, too!

If you’re in need of some culture, head to the Arnolfini.

Situated in a restored warehouse, the Arnolfini is Bristol’s international contemporary arts centre and it’s stuffed with all kinds of exhibitions and activities. 

Most of its exhibitions are free to the public, showcasing cutting-edge visual arts, performance, and dance. Make sure you check out what’s on in case there’s a neat workshop or a class you want to attend!

A slice of the countryside in the heart of Bedminster, Windmill Hill City Farm is free to enter (although do consider donating, because it keeps it going for Bristolians and visitors alike). 

Any excuse to meet the goats, pigs, and sheep, or explore the award-winning community gardens is fine with me, but if you’re looking for wholesome free things to do in Bristol while supporting a vital local charity, this is absolutely it.

As the UK's first designated "cycling city," Bristol offers incredible routes for every skill level (but you’d be wise to stay away from Vale Street unless you’re a proper pro). 

Take the Pier to Pier route for coastal views or hop on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path—a flat, 13-mile traffic-free route that follows the old train line. The ultimate way to see the surrounding countryside for free and get some exercise, you just can’t go wrong.

You can’t visit Bristol without seeing the work of its most famous anonymous son. I don’t make the rules. 

If you’re looking for one of the coolest free things to do in Bristol, why not embark on a DIY street art tour to find "The Well Hung Lover" on Park Street or "The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum" near the Marina? Banksy’s satirical stencils are dotted all over the city and it’s great fun tracking them down (even for those of us who’ve seen them time and again). 

For affordable evening entertainment, check out The Fleece. For us locals, this legendary music venue is an icon that has hosted the likes of Oasis and Radiohead. 

And yes, I’ll be honest, while some big-name acts require pricier tickets, you can often find local band nights and music nights for a very low entry fee (we’re talking maybe £5 or £6) and don’t worry, everyone’s music tastes are covered.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, fun way to explore Bristol this is for you. 

Structured but self-guided, this treasure hunt is a fantastic way to see the city with friends, family or even colleagues. 

Work together to solve riddles you receive on your phone that lead you to hidden statues, historic pubs, and secret viewpoints (including a Banksy!).

Located in the heart of the Old City, "St Nicks" is a maze of quirky stalls and independent retailers where you never really know what you’ll find. 

In my opinion, it’s one of the best places in town to soak up the local atmosphere on a budget. Browsing the glass-roofed Georgian arcade is free, but you’ll likely be tempted by the affordable street food and vintage bargains.