Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Table of Contents
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Bristol with Kids
Bristol is one of the most family-friendly cities you’ll find in the UK. It’s full of attractions, family-friendly activities, playgrounds, galleries and entertainment for all age groups. Most attractions in Bristol are also toddler friendly, so this gives your little ones some time to burn off some energy.Bristol has plenty of countryside, seasides and green spaces to offer too. So don’t think twice, and book your ticket to visit Bristol with kids for some fun packed family fun!
How to Get to Bristol with Kids
Getting to Bristol with kids is quite easy. Bristol has great road, rail, bus and coach and air links.
By Train
Bristol Temple Meads railway station is the largest rail hub in the west of England. This offers direct services from London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham. You can also travel to and from London Paddington and to destinations across the South of England, South West and South Wales with Great Western Railway (GWR). Plan your trip, check timetables and book tickets at GWR.com.
By Car
This city is also easily reached by car as it sits near the M4 and M5 motorways.
By Coach
There are quite a few numbers of national and regional coaches, running services from across the country to Bristol.
Get more information on how to get to Bristol on your next trip.
The Best Time to Visit Bristol with Kids
Thanks to the vast array of attractions around Bristol, you can visit at any time of year and get a lot out of your stay in Bristol as a family. If you are keen on events and festivals, there is Bristol Light Festival in February, many half term and Easter events, as well as summer festivals such as Harbour Festival, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and Valley Fest (among many more!).
Must Dos When in Bristol with Kids
Our top 3 attractions to explore in Bristol with kids:
LOCATION
Hotels in Bristol
Our top family-friendly hotels when visiting Bristol with kids:
DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North 4* – They offer a Family King Guest Room with One Double and One Sofabed which sleeps up to 4 persons. The hotel restaurant also has a kid’s menu.
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel 4* – Modern and ,comfortable. This hotel offers a Deluxe Double Room with Two Double Beds which sleeps up to 4 people. An extra bed can also be added upon request.
Novotel Bristol Centre 4* – Located in the historic area of Bristol, close to the grassy Castle Park.
Future Inn Bristol 4* – Children under 12 stay free of charge when sharing a room. Their Superior King Room offers a Canadian king-size bed, soft seating area or double sofa bed.
Other Family Accommodations in Bristol:
Self-Catering properties:
Brooke House – Located in Berkeley, this is a great rental for a large family or those who a looking for a country retreat. The perfect rental for a large group of family or friends looking for a country retreat. It boasts views of the rivers Severn and Wales.
Clifton Short Lets – Located in the centre of Clifton.
Your Stay Bristol Hamilton Court – Luxurious apartments in 6 prime locations across Bristol.
Camping in Bristol:
Quirky Campers – If your family is the adventurous type looking to rent a camper, then look no further.
Find more family-friendly accommodations in Bristol.
PLAY
Activities for children ages 0-5
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
Bristol Aquarium – Located in the Harbourside area – discover an underwater adventure from the British coast and other tropical seas.
Bristol Zoo Project – Say hello to animals from all over the world – from zebras, cheetahs, lemurs and many others! Toddlers can burn some steam off at the play areas: the Fun Fort, Congo Bongo and Barefoot Trail. You will also find a pizzeria here for a quick snack.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – Home to the big zoo animals like lions, tigers, and giraffes. There are also various play areas here: Elephant Slide, Wallaby Hill Adventure Playground, Bigger Diggers, Sand Pit,Termite Mound, Zip Wire,Trampolines and Welly Splash. There is also indoor play areas for under 5s: Soft Play, Arkiventure Playground, Rainbow Slide, Trampoline and Drop Slide. Drop by the café for some scrumptious treats.
Newark Park – Lots of garden strolls and woodland walks.
Chew Valley Animal Park – A zoo with many animals that the kids will love to explore.
AirHop Bristol – Visit and let your kids have the time of their lives bouncing up and down on trampolines.
Avon Valley Railway – Enjoy a steam train ride with the kids.
SS Great Britain – Located on Bristol’s harbourside. This is a great interactive and engaging museum ship for younger children and adults alike.
Blaise Castle Estate – A great outdoor option for kids to play around.
PLAY
Activities for older kids
Keeping the older kids happy, entertained, and reducing the amount of times they ask for a screen or complain about being bored.
West Country Water Park – Outdoor water sports including swimming, paddle sports and more.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery – Discover collections of art, archaeology, Egyptology and learn more about natural history.
Leap of Faith – A great adventure park. Kids can climb, swing and leap your way through the day.
Go Ape – Forest of Dean – Take up the Tree Top Challenge or the Tree Top Adventure. You can also explore the forest floor with the all-terrain Forest Segways.
Roxy Lanes – Under 18s are allowed in with adult supervision before 5pm. Activities include 8 full size bowling lanes, batting cages, shuffleboard, duck pin bowling, karaoke, ice-free curling, arcade games and pool.
Treasure Trail – The Bristol Old City self-guided detective mystery Trail leads you through the culture and heritage of this city.
Bristol Ferry Boats – Take a boat tour and discover Bristol’s history and maritime heritage.
The Wave – For the adventerous kids – This is an inland-surfing destination where everyone can surf on safe waves.
Aerospace Bristol – Discover the story of Bristol’s world class aerospace industry.
Bristol Aquarium – Located in the Harbourside area – discover an underwater adventure from the British coast and other tropical seas.
Bristol Zoo Project – Say hello to animals from all over the world – from zebras, cheetahs, lemurs and many others! You will also find a pizzeria here for a quick snack.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – Home to the big zoo animals like lions, tigers, and giraffes. There are also various play areas here: Elephant Slide, Wallaby Hill Adventure Playground, Bigger Diggers, Sand Pit,Termite Mound, Zip Wire,Trampolines and Welly Splash. Drop by the café for some scrumptious treats.
Chew Valley Animal Park – A zoo with many animals that the kids will love to explore.
AirHop Bristol – Visit and let your kids have the time of their lives bouncing up and down on trampolines.
SS Great Britain – Located on Bristol’s harbourside. This is a great interactive and engaging museum ship for younger children and adults alike.
MShed – Located on the Harbourside, you’ll find this museum about Bristol.
We The Curious – A great way for kids to ask questions and learn. There are also exhibits, events and activities taking place.
Find out more family-friendly activities in Bristol.
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
The best parks to visit when in Bristol with kids:
Fun Play
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park – With indoor and outdoor play areas, animal handling activities much more to explore!
Leap of Faith – Adventurous activities with climbing walls and climbing ropes.
AirHop Bristol – Bouncing fun for both young and older kids.
Zoos and Farms
Adventure Play at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – This place has 15 indoor and outdoor play zones complete with slides, swings, zip lines, trampolines, mazes, climbing nets and walls.
Bristol Zoo Project – Say hello to the many animals here.
Parks & Playgrounds
Greville Smyth Park Playground – This park also features playing structures for teenagers.
Blaise Castle Estate Playground – Apart from the castle and museum, there is also a children’s playground.
St.George Park Playground – Large green area, featuring a pond. This is a great place if your kids want to bring their skates with them!
Brandon Hill Park Playground – Featuring a climbing frame, and a climb Cabot tower. You can also enjoy a picnic on the grass.
St.Andrew’s Park Playground – An area enjoyed by the whole family, a huge green space and a children’s playground.
Victoria Park Playground – This park has 3 separate play areas: 1 on the northern end of Nutgrove Avenue, 1 at St Lukes Road and 1 at Fraser Street.
Canford Park Playground – Featuring a children’s playground, football pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green!
Eastville Park Playground – A children’s playground, green space and a fishing lake too.
Felix Road Adventure Playground – Children’s play and family time.
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Bristol
Top family-friendly cafés and restaurants in Bristol:
Pieminister – Stokes Croft – This is very popular as it makes some of the best pies that are truly loved by all families.
Mollie’s Diner Bistro – Located off the M5 at Cribbs Causeway, inspired by American retro. For kids, they have their special Mini Mollie’s kids’ menu.
Black Sheep Kitchen – An award winning eatery, so you’ll surely must try this one. They also have a kids’ menu.
Pizza on the Park – They cater for vegan and gluten free dishes.They have a kids meal and they also serve pizza for kids.
Three Brothers Burgers – If you fancy a burger whilst here, then this is the place to go. They offer burgers and hot dogs with shakes, sundaes and floats.
Café at the New Room – Freshly prepared home-baked goodies including chocolate brownies and shortbread, that are also locally sourced.They also cater for vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dishes.
Skyboat Café – It offers healthy and tasty food. It also has a beautiful soft-play area designed for kids to have fun. Play sessions need to be booked separately from their website and a ticket needs to be purchased for anyone entering the play space. This is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee whilst your kids play.
Gossip Play Café – Located in Bedminster, this is a sweet Montessori-inspired play café. This café serves vegan and vegetarian food. Whilst parents enjoy their meal, kids will have a blast in the play space. The play space was designed for kids aged between 0-4 years.
Windmill Hill City Farm Cafe is the heart of the city farm and it offers home-cooked meals, with sourced fresh farm products. The menu is always changing depending on the seasonality of the farm produce itself. There is also lots of outdoor, green space with picnic tables, making it a super kid-friendly place.
Find more family-friendly cafés and restaurants in Bristol.
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get Around in Bristol with Kids
Public Transport
By Bus – Getting around Bristol with kids by bus is very easy. The bus offers services to all main locations. You can also have a look at the First Bus journey planner to plan your day out. The First Bus App allows you to purchase the tickets beforehand too.
Park & Ride – If you’re driving around Bristol, take advantage of the Bristol Park & Ride.
By Train – You can find local, regional and inter-city services.
Purchase a GWR Freedom Travel Pass and get unlimited travel on all trains and most buses in Bristol.
By Taxi – There are 2 types of taxis in Bristol: hackney carriages (vehicles can be flagged up in the street) and private hire (vehicles must be pre-booked).Bristol taxi ranks can be found across the city on this map. You can also use the BRAXI app to book your taxi.
Car Hire – Car Hire companies in Bristol include Sixt Car Hire, Auto Europe or Rhino Car Hire. These have many locations across the city including Bristol Airport.
By Car – If you’re driving around Bristol, there are many city centre car parks. Find out more information about travelling by car in Bristol.
TOYS
Kids Stores in Bristol
Toy Shops in Bristol:
There are many toy shops across Bristol. Our favourite ones are:
Smyths Toys – Located in Cribbs Causeway. Shop for toys for kids of all ages from 0-18 months to 12+ years. Apart from toys, you can also find items for the baby room, biikes, trikers and more for outdoor activities and gaming gifts.
LEGO store – Located in Cabot Circus, find a huge selection of the latest LEGO sets. In-store play and activities are also something that kids look forward too, when visiting this store.
Visit Cabot Circus – one of Bristol’s shopping centres.
Kids Clothing Stores in Bristol:
Cribbs Causeway – If you’re looking to buying clothing for kids, visit the Cribbs Causeway – the best indoor shopping mall experience in Bristol. Cribbs Causeway is located on the M4 and M5 interchange.
Insider Tips
Explore the City & the Wider Region
We say Bristol is the gateway to the southwest and you can stay here and explore the city and the wider region (eg Bath, Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Longleat, as well as coastal places nearby such as south Wales, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon etc).
4 Day Stay
You need at least 4 days to get the most of your stay in Bristol itself.
Travelling by Car
You don’t need a car to get around in Bristol (and parking can be challenging in city centre), but if you do come by car, there are many attractions slightly outside of city centre too, such as The Wave inland surfing lake, Wild Place Project, Aerospace Bristol, Tyntesfield National Trust, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm etc.
TRAVEL TO BRISTOL
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Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
