The blooms are out in Bristol as the city springs into life this season with new festivals, tours and Easter activities as well as music, culture and foodie events. See Visit Bristol’s ultimate guide to what’s on this spring!
New tours, redevelopments and exhibitions
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – redevelopments NEW
Spring 2025
The ambitious Project Carnivora at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will open its first phase this spring, with the redeveloped lion habitat. The project which focuses on welfare, conservation as well as enhanced visitor experience and accessibility will also see a brand new habitat for tigers, Arctic foxes and vultures, opening in later phases.
Aerospace Bristol - WWII-themed tour to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day - NEW
8 May 2025, onwards
Aerospace Bristol is preparing something special for May, launching exclusive WWII-themed tours to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Explore newly opened spaces and uncover hidden wartime history in this new, permanent tour, with more exciting details to be shared soon.
Rebel Curators: GRIOT at M Shed – NEW and FREE
From 25 March
M Shed, Bristol, presents GRIOT, a powerful intervention in the Transatlantic Traffic of Enslaved Africans Gallery by the ‘Rebel Curators’. Through films, poems, illustrations, and sound, GRIOT explores reparations, resistance, and resilience.
Gender Stories at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery – NEW and FREE
31 May – 12 October
Gender Stories is a thought-provoking exhibition at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery which sensitively explores the fluid, multifaceted world of gender across cultures, eras, and personal experiences. Discover how ideas of gender and sexuality have been mythologised, stereotyped, expressed—and sometimes concealed—through art, history, politics, and daily life over time.
Wolf Hall: the mirror and light costume exhibition at Berkeley Castle - NEW
April
Step into history ‘as seen on screen’ at Berkeley Castle this April with Wolf Hall: The Mirror & the Light. See six exquisite costumes from the 2024 BBC production and a stunning mural, all included with castle entry.
Family-friendly Easter and spring events
Easter Eggsplorers Trail at Bristol Zoo Project
5-27 April
Join the Easter Eggsplorers trail at Bristol Zoo Project where you can solve puzzles, discover amazing animal facts, and claim a sweet prize. Plus, find the golden egg for a chance to win big!
Locals go Half price at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
5-21 April
As a thank you to Bristol locals, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is offering half-price tickets this Easter to those with a BS postcode. Explore the ship, museums, interactive shows, and family activities. Tickets are limited and must be booked online, where you can also upgrade for a year of visits.
Big Easter Event at Wookey Hole Caves
5-21 April
Experience the ultimate Easter adventure at Wookey Hole where you can find stilt walkers, giant butterflies, fun fairies and a special spring wizard as well as enjoy cave explorations, egg hunts, live entertainment, circus shows, a 4D cinema, and more at this fun-for all ages attraction in North Somerset.
Easter Holidays at We The Curious
5-21 April
Celebrate spring with We The Curious through hands-on activities, from making giant bubbles to exploring time. Create pollinator homes, discover the Nature Rising exhibition, and journey through the night sky in the Planetarium.
Titans of Time at Bristol Aquarium
5-27 April
Step through a space-time portal at Bristol Aquarium this April and explore prehistoric Earth. Meet a time-travelling palaeontologist, discover fossils, join a Tour Through Time, follow a dino egg trail, and create Portholes Through Time, all included with entry price.
Various dates
Get ready to surf, explore the free Easter trail (5-21 April) and enjoy the free play park and skate ramp at The Wave. Plus, the popular Play in the Bay sessions, Little Ripper lessons and Sister Sessions (for women only, on 13 April) are back this spring.
Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit at Westonbirt Arboretum
Now – 31 May
Join Wallace and Gromit for a dog-friendly adventure at Westonbirt Arboretum. Solve clues, tackle fun challenges, and explore Silk Wood with your pooch. Grab an activity pack for £5 and enjoy the ultimate forest walkies experience.
South West Attractions VIP Pass
The South West Attractions VIP Pass is back, making family days out even more exciting and affordable this spring. Book a ticket to Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Mendip Activity Centre, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Puxton Park or West Country Water Park to receive discount codes for the other attractions in the list. Offer valid on tickets purchased and used between 1 March – 1 June 2025, visit https://www.southwestvip.co.uk/ to find out more.
6 April
Experience an unforgettable Live Show with Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Dinomania. Meet a roaring T-Rex, Spike the Spinosaurus, and adorable baby dinosaurs in a thrilling, family-friendly adventure by the sea.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/dinomania-at-the-grand-pier-at-weston-super-mare/364555301/
Dyrham Park and Tyntesfield National Trust
Various dates
This spring at Dyrham Park National Trust, you can immerse yourself in a world of beautiful tulips at Tulip Mania, or make your way through ten activity stations at the Easter Adventures trail (5-21 April). Or head to Tyntesfield National Trust for extensive parklands and gardens, flower-filled terraces and play area.
Easter EGGstravaganza at Avon Valley Adventure Park
5-21 April
This Easter, Avon Valley Adventure Park offers a magical mix of springtime fun, from the UK’s first Candy Cannon to Lambing Live. Enjoy treasure hunts, seasonal crafts, a bunny parade, thrilling encounters, and endless adventures across the park for all ages.
Wonderful Water Festival - FREE
9-12 and 16-19 April
Visit Wonderful Water Festival at Sparks Bristol and John Wesley’s New Room, created in collaboration with Broadmead Business Improvement District. Celebrate water’s power with free exhibitions, crafts, dance, talks, and street performances featuring mermaids, water skiers, and a deep-sea diver.
Spring Fayre at Old Down Country Park
5 May
Join Old Down Country Park this bank holiday for a fun-filled Spring Fayre. Meet adorable baby animals, enjoy ferret racing, classic fete games, craft sessions, and live steel drum music. Plus, explore garden games and the Playbus.
1-31 May
This May sees the return of the annual Bristol Walk Fest, featuring inclusive walks showcasing the best of the city for people of all ages, abilities and interests. Most walks are free to attend and are a great way to experience some of the 400 green spaces in and around Bristol.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-walk-fest-p2412853
Music and Cultural events in Spring
24-25 May
Love Saves The Day returns to Ashton Court on 24–25 May for an electrifying bank holiday weekend. Expect top DJs, live performers, and unstoppable energy with acts like Overmono, Nia Archives, Skream & Benga, Giggs, and more.
23-25 May
New to this year’s line-up of music festivals in and around Bristol is Back to Mine (23-25 May). Panoramic views of the stunning Chew Valley and luxurious glamping will provide the backdrop for curated DJ sets, captivating dancers, and live instrumental performances. Expect an atmosphere that blends music and magic seamlessly - this intimate, boutique and exclusive festival has very limited tickets and is for over 21s only.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/back-to-mine-the-secret-valley-in-chew-valley/366961301/
EGGSCELLENT: Easter Family Dance Party at Bristol Beacon
10 April
Jump into spring with a family dance party at Bristol Beacon. DJ Quest and Lotte Norgaard bring music, movement, and surprises for kids aged 3–8. A quiet space is available for sensory needs. Fun for all, so get ready to bounce and groove.
5 April
While Wake the Tiger is an all-year-round incredible place to visit as the UK’s largest immersive art experience, its after-hours Mixtape event on 5 April is for adults only and promises to be a highlight. From singalong mash-ups to disco-dancing classics, this is your chance to celebrate the joy of being unapologetically you!
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/mixtape-at-wake-the-tiger/367335301/
2-4 May
Returning again this year and bringing a stellar line-up for early May Bank Holiday Weekend is Bristol Folk Festival at St Geroge’s Bristol, Clifton Cathedral, Bristol Folk House and The Architect.
25 April – 4 May
Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival returns 25 April–4 May 2025 with readings, workshops, slams, and more. The ‘Weird and Wild’ theme explores nature and otherness, celebrating poetry past and present. Events are in-person and live-streamed, ensuring accessibility with BSL, captioned events, and wheelchair-friendly venues.
Forbidden Worlds Film Festival at Bristol Megascreen
29 May -1 June
Taking place in Bristol Megascreen - the former IMAX theatre - in Bristol Aquarium (the biggest screen in the southwest), Forbidden Worlds Film Festival returns this May with its mix of classic and obscure genres from fantasy to action, sci-fi to horror. Cinephiles unite, this will be another great year for Forbidden Worlds.
Food and drink events
12 April
Now in its 22nd year (having started before Veganism was a trend), Bristol Vegan Fayre is back for an inspiring one-day festival of comedy, music, activism talks and panels, workshops, a kids’ area, and – of course – some of the best vegan street food to be had! All held at DOCUMENT in St Jude’s.
5 April
Join TV wine expert Oz Clarke and Telegraph writer Susy Atkins at the Great Bristol Wine Fest at Paintworks. Enjoy hundreds of wines, from red to sparkling, with experts sharing insights—all included in the £30-£55 ticket price.
Dial M for Menu At Old Market Assembly
17 April and 23 May
Step into 1950s LA at Dial M For Menu, an interactive mystery dinner at The Old Market Assembly. Solve clues, enjoy improvised comedy by Closer Each Day Company, and savour a delicious three-course meal. Vegan, vegetarian, and meat options available.
For more information on spring events in and around Bristol, head to https://visitbristol.co.uk/discover/ideas-inspiration/seasons/spring/
Related
Comments
Comments are disabled for this post.
