Bristol experience gift ideas for families
Stuck for present ideas? Reluctant to buy people stuff they can’t fit in their houses? This blog on the best Bristol experience gift ideas for families is for you!
Nobody needs mores stuff, in fact I spend most of my life trying to sell as much as I can from our house on Vinted, or offload it at the charity shop when the kids aren’t looking. I’ve always much preferred buying someone something that’ll create lasting memories. From incredible adventures in the great outdoors, to bargain family memberships at Bristol attractions, thrilling days out from the city, to surfing and street art vouchers – if you’re looking for inspiration for family day out vouchers and Bristol gift experiences for families, they’re all here!
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This post on present ideas experiences contains affiliate links, should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission which goes towards the upkeep of this blog.
Table of Contents
Best annual family memberships for families in Bristol
Gift family memberships to one of Bristol’s attractions, or to somewhere that’s an easy day trip from the city. Memberships for families are always fantastic value, make parents’ lives easier and mean a year’s worth of free days out for parents and their offspring.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Former passenger steamship, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, is now a fascinating, immersive museum ship, which shows visitors what it was like to sail across the Atlantic in Victorian times. Visitors can explore the magnificent vessel, as well as the Being Brunel museum, which takes a look into the mind of the man behind some extraordinary feats of engineering.
A family pass costs £62 (2 adults and 2 children) and includes unlimited visits for one year.
Bristol Aquarium
Located in the heart of the city, Bristol Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals from across the World, including sharks, rays, a giant octopus, tropical fish, native Harbour fish, plus lots more in huge tanks with underwater tunnels and an Urban Jungle to discover.
If you’re looking for Bristol gift experiences, annual membership is £186.45 for a family of four and includes:
- 10% discount in the Bristol Aquarium gift shop and cafe
- 10% discount on full price admission for any guests you bring with you (on production of annual pass card)
- 10% discount off the total cost of Bristol Aquarium Birthday Parties
- 10% discount for renewing your Bristol Aquarium membership before the expiry date
Buy Bristol Aquarium days out membership tickets here
We The Curious
We The Curious is Bristol’s curiosity-igniting science centre with a Planetarium, and one of the city’s best experience days for kids in the city. Inside you’ll find two floors of interactive activities designed to get all ages excited about how, and why things happen in the world around them.
Annual membership gives you year-round access to We The Curious for approximately twice the cost of a one-off visit. You can build the package that you need, up to a maximum of 6 people. This can include adults and children (aged 3-15). Children aged 0-2 are included free of charge. There’s a range of ways to pay too – either as a one-off annual payment, or by monthly/annual Direct Debit. Membership for 2 adults and 2 children costs £124.60 and includes:
- Year-round access to We The Curious – as long as they’re not fully booked
- 50% off Planetarium Shows
- Monthly Members’ e-newsletter: keeping you up to date on all things We The Curious
- The chance to contribute to We The Curious through workshops and surveys
Bristol Zoo Project
A day out at this outdoor animal attraction is on one of the best experience presents. Home to animals from all over the world including European brown bears, lynx, wolves, wolverine, giraffes, zebras and cheetahs. It’s an incredible place to see animals roaming freely, in themed zones, and there are several play areas for kids to discover, including my own childrens’ favourite, the Barefoot Trail.
Bristol Zoo Project membership gives you unlimited visits to the attraction, plus amazing benefits, including:
- Free entry to 10 other zoos across the UK*
- 10% discount on animal experiences and adoptions
- 10% discount on purchases in the Bristol Zoo Project shop*
- Monthly member newsletter by email, keeping you fully updated with exclusive animal news, offers and events
- Invitation to members-only events
Adult membership is £54 and child membership is £42.
*Restrictions apply
Aerospace Bristol
Looking for a family days out gifts in Bristol for plane-mad youngsters? This aeronautical museum houses historical memorabilia from over a century of powered flight, including the last Concorde ever to be built and fly.
A ticket to Aerospace Bristol costs £55 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) and is valid for a year.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
This countryside attraction in North Somerset is the place for big zoo animals as well as smaller, pet-able creatures, adventure playgrounds and ginormous indoor soft play complete with beehive maze, slides, ball pit and ride-on tractor area.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm annual family membership for a family of four costs £308, with unlimited entry and discounts in the cafe and gift shop. Benefits include 10% off Keeper Experiences and adoptions, 10% off at the cafe and free entry to Jungle Tots.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Slimbridge is most famous for its birds, but aside from feathered friends, there are also otters, field mice, water voles and other local wildlife to spot, plus an awesome Welly Boot Land with fun water play for youngsters.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre annual family membership starts at £87 for two adults and up to six named children. You’ll get unlimited visits to nine wetland sites across the UK as well as supporting these superpowered ecosystems. In addition, with your Slimbridge membership, you’ll receive a Welcome pack including discounted entry vouchers for family and friends and a Waterlife magazine for the latest news and in-depth wetland conservation features.
Westonbirt The National Arboretum
Westonbirt is a magical tree garden, with acres of beautiful walks, a Gruffalo sculpture trail, outdoor playgrounds and an amazing treetop walkway. Seeing the trees in different seasons is the real joy of experience presents like Westonbirt.
Westonbirt prices for an annual ticket for two adults and up to four of your children/grandchildren will set you back £85. For this you get:
- Unlimited entry to the arboretum
- Kids go free all year round (up to four children/grandchildren aged 18 and under)
- 10% discount on Westonbirt Shop products (minimum £10 spend)
- Pre-sale tickets to Westonbirt events plus free event parking for one car (worth £8)
- Discounted entry into partner gardens
Bristol National Trust family gifts
National Trust membership will gain you entry to over 500 places across the UK, including Tyntesfield, Dyrham Park and Newark Park near Bristol. A family membership with 2 adults starts from £133.80 per year.
Old Down Country Park
Old Down Country Park is set in 66 acres of countryside and features beautiful gardens, woodlands, adventure play areas and an animal park. A membership for a family of 2 adults and 2 children costs £214. Member benefits include:
- 10% off Cafe food and drink
- 10% off Gift Shop
- 10% off Bell Tent stays (Seasonal)
- 10% off Sunday Lunch (Member’s food only, show membership card at time of payment)
- 10% off Afternoon Tea
- 10% off at Foxhills Spa at Old Down Estate
- Discounts on selected Old Down Events both internal and external*
- *2-3 times a year Old Down hold big external and internal ticketed events in the park. These are not covered by Annual Membership Passes but annual ,embers are entitled to discounted tickets. These events can restrict access to some areas. All the information is clearly advertised in advance on the website and Facebook.
Longleat Safari Park
Longleat Safari Park is 30 miles from Bristol and well worth the investment for wildlife lovers, as there are tons of exotic creature experiences to be had. In terms of value for family day out gifts, it might seem expensive, but bear in mind the price of a family day ticket price to Longleat, and the fact you are essentially getting two memberships for the price of one (Cheddar Gorge & Caves is included).
A Longleat annual pass for 2 adults and 2 children costs £507.50 and includes the Drive Through Safari experience, the chance to meet their famous animal residents on foot with a Walking or Boat Safari, attractions including Longleat Railway, Adventure Castle, Rockin’ Rhino and the Hedge Maze and special seasonal events. Members also receive:
- Unlimited entry to Longleat Main Season* (excluding 14 and 15 September)
- Unlimited entry to The Festival of Light*
- Unlimited entry to Cheddar Gorge & Caves
- Exclusive membership nights for The Festival of Light and Icons of the Sky
- Fast Entry Lane throughout the summer
- 10% discount in gift shops
- 10% discount in food outlets
- 20% discount on VIP experiences
- 20% discount on Cheddar Gorge & Caves Rocksport activities
- 20% discount on Day Tickets for friends & family including Cheddar Gorge & Caves.
*subject to availability, pre-booking is required on some peak dates.
Perrygrove Railway
Perrygrove Railway Adventure is a heritage railway of 15 in gauge located at Perrygrove Farm in the Forest of Dean, near Coleford, Gloucestershire. Passengers may alight on the 30-minute return journey at the various stations in order to enjoy exciting play areas and woodland walks.
Annual passes are valid for one year from the day you purchase the pass. Annual passes for adults: £44, annual passes for kids (2-15): £35.50, Disabled adult, child or carer: £32.50.
Bristol day out vouchers for kids
Avon Valley Wildlife Park
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park between Bristol and Bath has indoor and outdoor play areas, animal handling activities, rides and over 90 acres to explore.
Gift family day out gift vouchers to be used for park entry or at an event (such as pumpkin picking or Christmas) at the park. Valid for 12 months from date of purchase with online bookings.
Wake The Tiger
Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set (with a twist), a visit to Wake The Tiger feels like stepping through a portal to another world. All ages are welcome.
A must-do for locals or those visiting Bristol, if you’re looking for gift ideas for family, get tickets for this other-worldly experience in Bristol. Tickets cost £15 (adult) and £12.50 (child) off-peak and if you book online, a family of 4 (2 Adults 16+ & 2 Children 5-15)* is £55 off-peak, £83 in peak hours. Book more than 2 days in advance for 20% off.
Cattle Country
South Gloucestershire’s Cattle Country Adventure Farm Park offers animal encounters with guinea pigs, rabbits, deer and ducks, a splash park and a huge indoor play barn, about 25 minutes north of Bristol.
A ticket for kids aged 4-17 is £18, toddlers aged 1-3 are £14.50 and adults, £12.50. Buy gift days out for families here.
The Matthew
Give them a trip to remember with family days out gift vouchers for The Matthew. The recipient can use their voucher towards any advertised public trip during their sailing season, which runs between April and October (all trips are subject to availability). Each gift voucher purchased is valid for two years from the date of purchase. Buy family gift vouchers for The Matthew here.
Energy-burning family activity gift vouchers
Ninja Warrior Bristol
Know a fan of the hit ITV show? Grant them the gift of climbing, balancing, jumping and swinging across different obstacles using their Ninja skills at Bristol’s Ninja Warrior UK, based at Cribbs Causeway.
Vouchers start from £14.95. Buy family activity vouchers here.
AirHop Bristol
Seeking the perfect gift for a mini Tigger? At AirHop they can bounce across over 140 interconnected trampolines, take on an Obstacle Course, Wipeout Zone, Dodgeball court, Slam Dunk with Battle Baskets, Battle Beams or the AR Trampolines. There’s also an under 5s area for mini-hoppers.
You can buy gift cards for family days out at AirHop Bristol, as well as goodie bags featuring a bounce ball, premium grip socks, stickers and more.
Freedog
Known for its gigantic trampoline park, foam pits, ninja course, dodgeball courts and slam dunk lane, Freedog also has a three-storey high soft play for kids aged 0-10 years, PLUS a ‘Puppy Pen’ – an area of the soft play suitable for babies.
Gift voucher codes are delivered via email, or can be created in store, so if you’re looking for gift vouchers for family days out, avoid the shops and buy a Freedog gift card here. Gift vouchers can be used to pay for bounce sessions or soft play and also work for bouldering centre, Flashpoint Bristol.
Planet Ice Bristol
Planet Ice Bristol is a large indoor ice rink located in the Cribbs Causeway leisure. They have lessons for all abilities and ages and the venue also hosts ice hockey matches and special family-friendly performances, including ice skating shows.
The ICE CARD Membership (£19.99) gives you discounts on ice skating every time you visit any Planet Ice rink, and on selected dates you can save double when booking ice skating sessions online. You also get £5 off every Skate & Hockey Excellence course when you become an ICE CARD Member. There’s also a new NEW Family & Friends Ice Card Membership which gives you 4 individual* Ice Card Memberships for £60 per year.
Patch Membership is perfect for keen skaters who are levels 5+ in the Skate Excellence Course or equivalent, who are looking to put in some extra practice with or without their coach. Patch membership gives you unlimited use of patch ice for 12 months at a cost of £85 per month.
Planet Ice activity gift vouchers for families are also available to buy here.
The Wave
If you know a keen surfer or someone who’s always wanted to learn to surf, this has got to be one of THE best Bristol gift experiences. This little slice of ocean generates waves for people of all ages and skill levels. Their ‘Little Rippers’ sessions make the perfect introduction for kids aged 4-12 and anyone over the age of 6 years old can have a go at a lesson or session, depending on their surfing skill level and swimming ability.
For a blue health fix, bodyboard or splash around in the Play in the Bay sessions, swimmers can enjoy the lake with the waves turned off.
The instructors are fantastic (my two went from terrified tears to standing on wave after wave in the space of one lesson), the vibe is super chill and there’s also a lovely cafe/bar, surf shop, viewing deck, playground and skate park onsite. Be sure to bring a scooter/bike/skateboard if you have little ones in tow (they’re very much encouraged and it’s a bit of a walk from the car park).
Buy them The Wave gift voucher here. Vouchers come in a range of denominations, so they can use them to part-pay for a surf, book a lesson or decide to go for a set of surfs.
West Country Water Park
West Country Water Park is an outdoor water sports venue with swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, waterskiing and aqua park, based in Winterbourne just outside Bristol.
Buy VIP memberships from £33 per month or family memberships or treat someone to Water Park tickets of various combinations, starting from £5. More information here.
Wookey Hole
Give the gift of caves, legends, and an unforgettable adventure when you buy a Wookey Hole voucher. Based two miles away from Wells, Wookey Hole is a spectacular series of limestone caverns. Above ground there are animatronic dinosaurs, circus shows, a big soft play, Victorian-style arcade and a fairy garden.
Wookey Hole vouchers can be used for day tickets including special events.
For adrenaline-seekers, check out days out gift vouchers for Wild Wookey. Not for the faint-hearted, this physically and psychologically challenging adventure caving experience is only suitable for active, capable, adventurous explorers who are at ease with rigorous exercise, enclosed spaces, heights, climbing, abseiling, crawling and who have good leg and upper body strength. All adventurers must be physically fit and fulfil the minimum and maximum criteria.
Pedal Progression
Pedal Progression is a skills coaching and mountain bike hire company based in Ashton Court Estate, Bristol. You can purchase gift vouchers towards hire, skills sessions and private tuition.
Mendip Activity Centre
Treat someone to A Year of Adventure! At £296, these Mendip Activity Centre vouchers work out to be £25 per session and make fantastic children’s gift experience days. Lucky recipients will be able to choose any 12 activities from the following:
– Kayaking
– Caving
– Climbing
– Abseiling
– Bushcraft & Survival skills
– Canoeing
– Assault Course
– Raft Building
– Stand Up Paddle Boarding
– Axe Throwing
– Archery
– Air Rifles
– Skiing
– Snowboarding
If you’re buying November time, don’t miss their brilliant Black Friday deals. Vouchers are also available for singular activities, click here for more information.
Gift experiences Bristol: theatre tickets
Buy a gift experience for family in the form of a perfomance at Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world.
Give someone a special experience to look forward to with Bristol Hippodrome vouchers. Choose from Broadway musicals, comedy, pantomime and more!
Gift vouchers are available for Redgrave Theatre, Clifton College’s purpose-built theatre which regularly presents plays from amateur groups and Old Vic Theatre School.
Buy family days out vouchers for Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bedminster, an intimate space, with a programme of in-house and touring theatre.
DragonBird Theatre’s Early Years sessions explore exciting worlds through immersive theatrical play and song for children aged 0-5. Tickets for DragonBird Theatre make a great day out in Bristol.
National and international award-winning performances for young people and their families take place at The Egg Theatre, Bath. Buy gift vouchers here for Theatre Royal family experience days in Bath.
Bristol gift ideas: Unusual things to do in Bristol
Yuup experience gifts Bristol
With a Yuup gift card, your favourite person can choose from hundreds of authentic, unique Bath and Bristol experiences. From delicious food and drink experiences, to exciting date nights to ice baths, axe throwing and pottery making to paddleboarding, wine tasting or a jewellery masterclass!
Choose to download the gift card, or it can be emailed to them on a day of your choice; they’ll have 12 months from date of purchase to redeem their gift for something wonderful.
Alpaca walk
Cadbury Alpacas is a private working alpaca farm situated at the foot of the Iron Age hill fort Cadbury Camp in North Somerset. They run alpaca and llama walking experience vouchers for 2 people (children over 14) which usually last 2-3 hours and include a tour of the small-holding, meeting and feeding the alpacas and walking an alpaca of your choice. For younger children and larger groups, call to book.
An alpaca and llama half day experience for two voucher costs around £80-£135. Adoption gift packs and alpaca conference calls are also available to purchase! Click here to see voucher options.
Hot air balloon ride
For the ultimate in Bristol experience days, book a balloon flight for your beloved. Soar over Bristol (read what it’s like here!), for unforgettable shared memories, then, who knows, perhaps in the quiet that comes with floating gently above the Earth, sacrifice those views for a moment to get down on one knee..!
A celebratory glass of Champers will be awaiting on touch down. Virgin balloon flights and Elite Air UK both offer Champagne packages, or you could take off in a fleet of balloons during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
<<Where to take cracking photos of hot air balloons in Bristol>>
Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults
Did you know the Leigh Woods tower is built on top of 12 massive vaults? Experience the Clifton Suspension Bridge like never before and delve under Bristol’s most iconic landmark on a hard hat tour. Tour tickets are released throughout the year and visitors can explore two of these unique, cavernous underground chambers.
Street art
If you’re looking for a fun, creative and truly Bristol experience, how about a graffiti workshop? Graft run workshops at the Island which you can buy tickets for.
Gift experience presents for parents of young children
Little Town Adventures, Weston-super-Mare
Little Town Adventures is an interactive roleplay and live entertainment experience designed for children aged 1-10. Combining imaginative play with live theatre, music, and songs, each two-hour session immerses young adventurers in Weston-themed role play town with specially-selected toys and equipment, allowing little ones to unleash their creativity in a police station, vets, fire station, supermarket, cafe, ice cream van, house, beach, beauty salon and more! Buy gift vouchers here.
Puddle Ducks Baby swimming classes
If you’re looking for family voucher ideas, why not gift something that will last a lifetime. Grant someone an amazing experience to share with their baby with a swimming lessons eGift voucher. Puddle Ducks teachers are highly-trained and the swimming programme is developed by leading experts in the baby and child swimming industry.
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