One of the best things about a city break is that even in winter, with the British weather at its worst, you can always find fun and entertainment. Unlike rural holidays there’s no need to shelter indoors if it’s pelting down with rain or the wind is blowing a hoolie. If you want something fun and lively or sedate and relaxing there are plenty of fun things to do on a rainy day in Bristol. Here are some suggestions.
- Grab Your Wallet. Shopping is the classic bad weather standby and in Bristol there’s no shortage of options. The city is crammed full of the usual high street brands, as well as high end boutiques and quirky independent retailers dealing in locally produced goods. For a one stop shopping experience there are several large malls, with Cabot Circus in the middle of Bristol a popular destination for shopaholics. You can browse and buy from a staggering collection of shops, from Apple to Zara, grab a meal from one of the many restaurants and cafes and even take in a film at the luxury cinema on site.
- See The Animals. Bristol is home to one of the country’s most varied and celebrated zoos, and with nine animal houses dotted around the park there is a huge amount you can see with minimal exposure to the drizzle. There’s a beautiful aquarium that is home to over 70 species of fish, while Bugworld contains tarantulas, stick insects and other creepy crawlies. Twilight World is the centrepiece as it takes you on a guided tour of the dark side of nature, from underground caverns to night time forests you’ll see all kinds of animals that come out to play while you’re asleep.
- Moving On Up. If you’d prefer something a little more active then why not try your hand at climbing. Bristol Climbing Centre is housed in an old church and is one of the country’s leading tuition centres. You don’t need any experience, because the centre offers tuition sessions for total beginners. They’ll take you through all the basics to keep you safe and then guide you through your first route. If you’ve already got some experience then you can hire equipment and get stuck in. Rather keep your feet on the ground? The Lanes is a bowling alley that offers ten pin bowling, karaoke and a fully licensed bar and pizzeria, so you can relax and enjoy a leisurely game or two without worrying about dashing out for lunch.
