What’s On in Bristol This Summer

Summer has officially arrived, and if you’re searching for what’s on in Bristol, the city is packed with world-class exhibitions, outdoor thrill trails, and hands-on family adventures.

Whether you’re a local looking to entertain the kids or planning a day trip to the South West, here is your ultimate roundup of the best events and attractions across Bristol and the surrounding area this season.

 Cultural Hits & Iconic Bristol Characters

• Cracking Exhibition Gromit (M Shed & Bristol Museum and Art Gallery)

  Running until 13 September

  Celebrate 50 years of Bristol’s famous Aardman animations. Head to M Shed for original models and behind-the-scenes displays, then hop over to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for a miniature Aardman treasure hunt and themed character afternoon teas.

• Ships and Giggles (Bristol Dockyards & SS Great Britain)

  New Museum opens 18 July – running all summer

  Step aboard the legendary SS Great Britain and explore the expanded Bristol Dockyards. Kids can take part in the “Ships and Giggles” summer challenges, and with one child entering free per paying adult—plus tickets valid for a full 12 months—it offers unbeatable value.

• Shaun the Sheep Wildlife Mission (Bristol Zoo Project)

  Running until 31 October

  Continuing Aardman’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, follow a brand-new Shaun the Sheep trail alongside familiar faces like Wallace, Gromit, and Feathers McGraw. Summer Passes are available online, offering unlimited visits through August for less than the price of two single trips.

 

 

 

Interactive Science & Mind-Blowing Immersion

• Summer of Imagination (We The Curious)

  23 July – 1 September

  Uncover optical illusions, fly through Saturn’s rings, and whip up fruit sorbets at the Theatre of Curiosity. Book by 22 July for an extra 20% off admission on top of summer VAT savings.

• The Dream Factory (Wake The Tiger)

  Throughout summer

  Explore the UK’s largest amazement park, complete with immersive fantasy rooms and the new outdoor “Junk Yard” space. Kids under five go free, and visitors can score 20% off tickets during the holidays.

• Dome Club Planetarium (Aerospace Bristol)

  1–16 August

  Get up close to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot before stepping into an immersive 360° digital dome for celestial stargazing and flight shows.

 Wildlife Encounters & Nature Trails

• Conservation Carnival (Bristol Aquarium): Features ocean talks, sandpit searches, and 10% savings via the Great British Summer Savings scheme (18 July – 31 August).

• Dragonfly Festival (WWT Slimbridge): Offers stilt walkers, pond dipping, and guided canoe safaris (18 July – 3 September).

• Pokémon TCG Trail (Dyrham Park): Search for Mega Evolution Pokémon along an interactive trail in the historic parkland (Running until 2 September).

• Big Days Out: Meet African elephants and lions at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (save 10% by booking 5+ days early) or head to Avon Valley Adventure Park for Summertopia—featuring giant slip ‘n slides and mini Jeep safaris.

 

 

 Outdoor Thrills & Day Trips

Looking to get active outdoors? Take to the canopy with high-ropes at Adventure Bristol (Ashton Court Estate), enjoy outdoor games at Tyntesfield’s Summer of Play, or check out live music and camping at the Mendip Mini-Fests.

If you fancy a trip to the coast, enjoy £15 unlimited ride wristbands at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare (23 July – 3 September), or marvel at the new immersive cave projections and circus shows at Wookey Hole (23 July – 31 August).

Top Money-Saving Tip: Children can travel for free on buses across the region from 1–31 August, making getting out and about across Bristol easier and cheaper than ever!

See the latest What’s on in Bristol at https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/whats-on-bristol/