It is time to soak up the sunshine
The Bristol Lido is the perfect place to make the most of the sun(Image: Handout)
While the sun is shining, it is time to be outdoors and see what Bristol has to offer in the warmer months of the year.
While Bristol has plenty of great indoor activities, from shopping in one of the city’s multiple shopping centres or eating your way around the city, the sunshine calls for some time outside, and we’ve compiled a list for just that.
Whether you’re looking for a day out fit for all the family or some much-needed me-time in nature, there’s so much to discover.
From parks to pools, farms and more, here are the best outdoor spots to make the most of your days in the sun:
Bristol Lido
Now it is the perfect time to take a dip in the waters of the Bristol Lido in the heart of Clifton.
Not only does this spot offer a restaurant and poolside bar, but the chance for you to swim in the sunshine and have access to its spa facilities.
You can pre-book a two hour session which includes the option to swim, cool off in the steam room and unwind in the hot tub or sauna, every day of the week. The sizeable 24 metre outdoor swimming pool allows for a comfortable swim, for both members and non-members.
If you’re hoping to book a session in the week, Monday to Thursday, two hours will cost £25 whereas booking from Friday through to Sunday will cost £30.
It’s important to note that children’s swimming access is restricted to a 2-4pm slot, and under four’s can swim with an paying adult for free.
Water Sports
All-Aboard Water Sports has been providing the city with water-based activities since 1974, making it possible for the people of Bristol to enjoy the historic harbour area from the water itself. Their aim is to ensure anyone can participate and carefully adhere to those with complex needs.
Their centre based at Baltic Wharf has specialist boats equipped to cope with both children and adults with disabilities and offers a wide range of fun activities. Nothing says summer quite like some time spent on the water, and here, you can virtually do it all.
Activities include sailing, rowing, powerboating and motor cruising, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and raft building. All water sports can be booked online through their website and start from as little as £6.
Fruit picking
With the sunshine comes a great selection of seasonal fruit, and what better way to spend a summer’s day than by picking your own produce to take home? St Aldams Nursery offers a wide range of fruit fields for you and the family to enjoy and even offers pumpkins later on in the year, when the sunshine disappears.
Their spacious farm features strawberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and raspberries for you to handpick. For the best time to visit, it’s worth noting that raspberries don’t tend to start picking until mid-July and strawberries are usually around until mid-June.
Fallow Deer Park
Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a summer’s day in the company of free-roaming deer against the charming backdrop of Ashton Court Estate. With 850 acres of woodland and grassland to explore, you can spend a whole day visiting the grounds, but a particular standout is its deer park.
The park has been sitting in Bristol for over 600 years and is one of the country’s oldest, home to around 200 red and fallow deer. But they’re not alone; the estate sees many other wildlife species take hold, including wildflowers, lesser horseshoe bats, great crested newts, skylarks and saproxylic beetles.
The Fallow Deer Park in based at Ashton Court Estate (Image: Paul Gillis/Bristol Post)Open Water Swimming
West Country Water Park, based in Bradley Stoke, is a popular natural swimming destination for those looking to take a dip in the open waters of Bristol. The outdoor natural swimming lake sits just eight miles outside of Bristol city centre and is an impressive 200 metres long.
With beautiful surrounding trees, green grass and a walking path, you can enjoy a swimming session of your choice. The site offers open water swimming for those wanting some fun or even people training for a triathlon. Not to mention, they offer buoyancy-aided swims and night glow swims under the light of a full moon.
Aqua Park
The ultimate destination for outdoor aquatic fun is at Bristol’s Aqua Park, also situated within West Country Water Park. Expect a huge inflatable obstacle course on the water, perfect for a day of laughter with the family.
You can book the space for parties, hen dos and stag dos or simply a day out with your loved ones; there’s plenty for the group to do. Decked out with obstacles, slides, challenges and more, you’ll never run out of things to do.
The park opens itself up all summer long and closes early October, so it’s best enjoyed in the sunshine. It’s best to book in advance online, before they get busy.