36 must-do day trips from Bristol

Living in Bristol, we’re spoilt for family days out. The West Country, South Wales, the Cotswolds and the coast are all on our doorstep and you can be at a safari park, a clifftop castle, an underground cave or a sandy beach in well under 90 minutes from the city. After more than a decade of exploring with my Bristol brood, this is my guide to the very best day trips from Bristol: 50 family-friendly days out, all within roughly two hours’ drive of BS postcodes, organised by type so you can pick the right one for the right weather, weekend or mood.

From dinosaur-filled adventure parks and toddler-friendly farms to fairytale forests, splash pads, steam trains, Harry Potter villages and the smallest city in England, here are my tried-and-tested favourites for 2026 – including the brand-new African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, what to do on a rainy day near Bristol, and the best days out from Bristol by train if you’d rather leave the car at home.

Day trips from Bristol at a glance

Skip to the section that fits your day:

• Animal attractions & wildlife days out near Bristol
• Castles & heritage days out near Bristol
• Caves & underground adventures near Bristol
• Theme parks & adventure parks near Bristol
• National Trust & countryside days out near Bristol
• Stately homes & gardens near Bristol
• Beaches & seaside day trips from Bristol
• Towns & cities near Bristol worth a day trip
• Best day trips from Bristol by train
• Day trip picker: best for…
• Tips for planning a family day trip from Bristol
• FAQs

Animal attractions & wildlife days out near Bristol

1. Bristol Zoo Project – 15 mins from the city

The wildlife conservation park, formerly known as Wild Place, has had a transformative few years and is now one of the most exciting family days out near Bristol. In 2019, Bristol Zoo Project reintroduced four species once extinct in Britain – European brown bears, wolves, Eurasian lynx and wolverines – to UK woodland for the first time in hundreds of years. A raised walkway through the trees and 180-degree glass viewing den let you watch them in what feels like a open, natural enclosure.

New for 2026: the permanent Central African Forest habitat opened on 1 April and is home to gorillas, slender-snouted crocodiles and African grey parrots – well worth a return visit if you haven’t been since the bear reintroduction. After dark, the brand-new Wild Lights illuminated trail runs in autumn 2026.

The rest of the park is themed by habitat – giraffes, red river hogs, cheetahs and zebras in a recreated Cameroon, lemurs in a “Madagascan village” you can practically reach into. Don’t miss the Barefoot Trail (bring a towel for muddy days), the indoor Fun Fort soft play, the huge grass meadow with its clock tower (made by the same dude, Dent, who created Big Ben!) and the 25ft Leap of Faith swing.

Insider tip: if you’re going to visit twice in a year, a Bristol Zoo Project membership pays for itself in two visits and is a great Christmas gift idea.

2. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall – 25 mins

One of the most fun-packed days out from Bristol with kids, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm sits in 100 acres of Somerset countryside and packs in elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, tigers, meerkats and red pandas alongside Britain’s longest hedge maze, 15 indoor and outdoor play areas, an indoor adventure barn, animal feeding sessions, daily keeper talks and a tractor ride. Realistically, you’ll need 4-6 hours to do it justice.

There’s something here for every age, from the under-5s’ soft play to climbing nets and zip lines for older kids. Save 10% by booking online at least five days ahead.

3. Longleat Safari Park – 1 hour

The UK’s number one safari park is 30 miles from Bristol and well worth the trip if you’ve got animal lovers in your brood. Beyond the world-famous drive-through safari (or air-conditioned safari bus from £5pp if you’d rather not let monkeys refashion your car), there are fairground rides, a giant maze, an enormous adventure playground with splash park, a butterfly house, farm animals and the only koalas in England.

Our favourite extras: giving the lorikeets a drink and feeding the sea lions from a boat in a hippo-filled lake. Pre-book online for the best prices and skip-the-queue tickets – last-minute on the gate can sting. Check tickets and 2026 events at Longleat.

4. Old Down Country Park – 25 mins

A lovely day out near Bristol in Gloucestershire countryside, Old Down Country Park has farm animals, wandering peacocks, a brilliant adventure playground, trampolines, an assault course, a fairy garden, a yurt (we saw Elsa in there once!) and a really good restaurant. Keep an eye out for their festive lights trail at Christmas.

5. WWT Slimbridge – 45 mins

For family days out near Bristol, WWT Slimbridge ticks every box. Famous for its birds, you can also spot otters, water voles, field mice and other British wildlife. Grab a £1.50 bag of bird feed for instant little-leg motivation, then head to Welly Boot Land (Make sure you take a swimming costume or waterproofs for little ones!) – one of the best splash parks I’ve ever been to, with a winding stream, obstacle course, slide, roundabout and picnic tables.

Older kids will love hiring a canoe for an extra charge and going on a water safari. More splash pads and outdoor water parks near Bristol.

6. Puxton Park – 35 mins

Set in 40 acres of Somerset countryside, Puxton Park is wall-to-wall fun for kids: tractor rides, bouncing pillow, trampolines, miniature train, crazy golf, playgrounds, bumper boats, pedal karts, diggers, a boating lake, dodgems-style cars, high ropes and animals. If the weather turns there’s indoor soft play, a discovery barn, two restaurants and a farm shop. Your biggest problem is trying to fit it all into one day!

For more in this corner of the county, see our sister site Down Somerset Way’s guide to things to do in North Somerset.

7. Cattle Country Adventure Park – 25 mins north

If you’re after farm-animal-themed Bristol day trips, Cattle Country Adventure Park is brilliant for under-8s. Visitors can meet calves, pigs, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs and take part in calf and lamb feeding, plus there are assault courses, jumping pillows, indoor play barns, trampolines, a boating lake with canoes, a water play area, a splash pool and a Berkeley-Castle-themed playground.

8. Avon Valley Adventure Park – 25 mins

Half an hour’s drive from Bristol, Avon Valley is mostly about the animals, a lot about the rides (tractor, train, jeeps, boats) and a good chunk about the boinging (jumpy pillows) and a good smidge about the playgrounds. (and indoor soft play). New for 2026: the expanded Dinosaur Valley is now home to the largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs in the South West, including a 15m T-Rex you can walk right up to.

School-holiday events are a real draw – enchanted trails (we’ve stroked an actual unicorn here…well, a pony with a rainbow-dyed mane, but still!), lambing events, character meet-and-greets and a Christmas extravaganza.

9. Chew Valley Animal Park – 35 mins

In the heart of Mendip countryside, this family-run “zoo” (as they call themselves) is one of the most joyous places to visit near Bristol with young animal-lovers – especially in spring when the lambs and piglets are tiny.

You can meet pygmy goats, pigs and chickens, book one-on-one animal interactions, and let kids who are a bit nervous around furry creatures build their confidence (witnessed first-hand with our creature-fearful six-year-old). There’s also a playground and beautiful views over Chew Valley Lake. More on Chew Valley Animal Park.

Castles and heritage days out near Bristol

10. Berkeley Castle – 35 mins

Princess-enthusiasts and knight-lovers will be in their element at the enchanting 12th-century Berkeley Castle. Surrounded by Gloucestershire countryside, a walled garden and a spectacular lily pond, it’s hard to believe the grizzly history this still-lived-in fortress has witnessed – a peek into the dismal dungeon where King Edward II was imprisoned and murdered will send chills down even the bravest spine.

The castle hosts regular medieval-themed days – falconry, archery, meet-and-greets with famous Tudors, plus dressing-up, a delightful Yurt Tea Room and a Butterfly House.

11. Sudeley Castle – 1 hour

Once upon a time, four Queens of England (Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I) walked the gardens of Sudeley Castle admiring the roses. Today, Katherine Parr – the last of Henry VIII’s six wives – lies entombed here, making Sudeley the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds.

The gardens are quite delightful, and include an exquisite knot garden, ancient ruins and Cotswold views. For families, there’s a huge adventure playground and brilliant school-holiday events – see my reviews of their Enchanted Halloween and festive Spectacle of Light.

12. Chepstow Castle – 25 mins

Just 25 minutes away in Monmouthshire, Chepstow Castle is a magnificent ruined fortress on the cliffs of the River Wye – one of the earliest stone castles in Britain and home to the oldest castle doors in Europe. Imagining the medieval and Tudor lords who lived here in days of yore is an incredible experience. After exploring the ramparts and gift shop, check out the lovely pub next door.

13. Tintern Abbey – 40 mins

Ten minutes north of Chepstow, the ruined Cistercian masterpiece of Tintern Abbey stands roofless against the Wye Valley – and is every bit as romantic as Turner painted it. Easy walking, a riverside picnic spot and tea at the Anchor Inn make this one of the prettiest budget-friendly days out near Bristol. Cadw membership pays for itself fast if you’re a Welsh castles family.

14. Cyfarthfa Castle, Wales – 1 hour

Over an hour away in the Welsh Valleys is Grade I-listed Cyfarthfa Castle — the best example of a 19th-century Ironmaster’s residence still standing in South Wales. The 65-hectare grounds include flower gardens, woodland, lakes, an animal trail, splash pad, miniature train, museum, adventure playground and café. Perched high above Merthyr Tydfil with views over the emerald valleys, it’s a brilliant Welsh day trip.

15. Stonehenge – 1hr 15 mins

The world’s most famous stone circle is just 46 miles from Bristol via the A36/A303, sneaking comfortably into our day trips from Bristol within 2 hours. Pre-book a timed-entry ticket directly with English Heritage (or use your membership), and pair the visit with Avebury, Lacock or Salisbury to make a full day of it. The visitor centre, neolithic houses and audio guide make this genuinely engaging for primary-aged kids.

16. Avebury – 1 hour

Not only is World Heritage Site Avebury one of the wonders of primeval Britain, it’s the largest megalithic stone circle in the world – and older than Stonehenge (and slightly closer to Bristol). Free to walk around (you can literally touch the stones), with a pretty village, a charming pub and the National Trust manor on site. A perfect free-entry pairing with a paid ticket to Stonehenge.

17. Lacock Village & Lacock Abbey – 50 mins

One of Britain’s prettiest villages and a frequent filming location for Harry Potter, Pride & Prejudice and Wolf Hall, Lacock is owned almost entirely by the National Trust. Wander the timber-framed High Street, peek into the medieval abbey (Hogwarts!), then have lunch at the Red Lion. It’s free to walk the village; the abbey, cloisters and Fox Talbot photography museum need a ticket or NT membership.

18. Castle Combe – 50 mins

Often called the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe is a tiny honey-coloured Cotswold gem with a 14th-century market cross, a Norman-towered church and a brook running through it. There’s not much to do here per se, but the walk along the By Brook to Long Dean is beautiful with kids and dogs, and a cream tea at the Castle Inn or White Hart caps it off perfectly. Pair with Lacock for a Cotswold double-bill.

19. American Museum & Gardens, Bath – 40 mins

The American Museum and Gardens at Claverton Manor near Bath is a several-hundred-year journey through American history from early settlers to the 20th century – cowboys, gold miners, pioneers, hand-made quilts, Founding Fathers, Native Americans, Civil War. Outside, you can walk through a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon garden and take in views across the Limpley Stoke Valley.

Caves and underground adventures near Bristol

20. Cheddar Gorge and Caves – 45 mins

You’ve seen the Avon Gorge – pretty good, isn’t it? But did you know England’s longest gorge is just a 45-minute drive from Bristol? Cheddar Gorge and Caves sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so above-ground views are breathtaking, and underground you’ll find spectacular rock formations, ancient caverns and mysterious chambers.

Adrenaline-junkies can pre-book caving or rock climbing; for something gentler, the Museum of Prehistory tells the tale of how our ancestors survived the Ice Age. Don’t miss the cheese cellar where the original cave-aged cheddar is still matured. For more Somerset days out worth the drive, our sister blog has the full local’s lowdown: the 50 best places to visit in Somerset.

21. Wookey Hole Caves – 45 mins

I was amazed how much my kids (then four and two) enjoyed the guided tour of Wookey Hole’s underground caverns – or perhaps they were on their best behaviour – 100% convinced of the Witch of Wookey’s existence…. A 45-minute drive from Bristol, these limestone caverns on the southern Mendips also have animatronic dinosaurs, 4D dinosaurs, circus shows, soft play, a Victorian-style arcade, fairy garden and Witchy theatrics. The caves themselves are spectacular and the extras are great fun on a rainy day.

Clearwell Caves

Another one to add to your ‘cave day trips around Bristol’ list! Clearwell Caves underneath the Forest of Dean, is a natural cave system which has been extensively mined for iron ore for more than 4500 years. There are nine atmospheric caverns for visitors to explore, descending 100ft underground.

As well as exploring the mysterious subterranean world, visitors can go delve further into the caverns with group adventure caving sessions (book in advance). Atmospheric events are also held in the caves, including film screenings, theatre, parties and their sought-after Christmas Fantasy spectacular.

Crealy Resort

Crealy Resort in Devon is the South West’s largest theme park with over 60 rides, a splash park, farm animals and adventure playgrounds that will appeal for kids aged from tots to teens. Crealy has recently transformed one area of the park into a brand new Sooty Land! This unique attraction, dedicated to the world’s longest-running TV show features daily performances of The Sooty Show, four new rides (geared towards younger kids), 10 new indoor attractions, Sooty’s Hall of Fame exhibition, Sooty’s Magic and Souvenir Shop, new Sooty-themed restaurants, a new outdoor play park and wheelchair and accessible play equipment.

If you wondering where to go for a day out, it’s a thrilling, jam-packed Bristol day out – make sure you arrive early to make the most of the park! Crealy is around an hour and a half from Bristol.

Techniquest, Cardiff 

If you’re a local, you might wonder why one would bypass Bristol’s We The Curious and head to Cardiff to experience their Science Discovery Centre, Techniquest instead. Well, on the occasion we visited, it was Bristol half term (but not Wales’ – so the attraction was much quieter) and we fancied trying somewhere new!

We opted to travel via train to Cardiff from Bristol Parkway, although this was a bit more convoluted than I’d hoped, as you have to change at Cardiff Central and take the smaller train out to Cardiff Bay.

Techniquest overlooks Cardiff Bay and has two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits – our favourites were the giant piano and augmented reality screen, placing dinosaurs and the like, supposedly right next to you. There’s also a science theatre, planetarium and lab, and it’s great for a change of scene, but we are spoiled with our own brilliant We The Curious in Bristol and it doesn’t beat it.

Avon Valley Railway

This exciting locomotive adventure choo-choos you along three miles of track through beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside. Open mainly at weekends and during school holidays, there are themed events throughout the year such as Teddy Bear’s Picnics Wizard Adventure Weekends, Chocolate Sundays and the super popular Santa Specials.

Day trips from Bristol: getting outdoors

Westonbirt Arboretum

If you’re craving countryside places to go around Bristol with a little something extra to keep the kids entertained, Westonbirt Arboretum in the Cotswolds is one of my favourite day trips from Bristol by car (30 minutes drive). As well as acres of spaces to stroll in, there are Gruffalo sculptures to hunt, natural wood playgrounds, nature activities for kids and a treetop walkway that lets you wander through the tree canopy.

The arboretum’s thousands of trees and shrubs mean it’s breathtakingly beautiful, particularly in spring with the bluebells and blossom, and autumn, when the fiery red Japanese maples appear. Come December, the woods are transformed into a magical illuminated trail for their Enchanted Christmas event – my favourite of the festive light festivals near Bristol.

National Trust Tyntesfield

We’ve done so many day trips with kids from Bristol to lovely National Trust property, Tyntesfield! For a good dollop of rolling countryside, child-friendly activities and an adventure playground all within easy reach of Bristol, Tyntesfield ticks all the boxes. 

As well as acres of space to explore, there’s a handsome Victorian mansion, a couple of cafes and seasonally-themed events all year-round. My favourite times to visit are spring for the colourful blooms, Autumn for the pumpkin display and Christmas, to see the house festooned in charming Victorian Christmas glory. So pretty much any time of the year then.

National Trust Dyrham Park

For nice places near Bristol, National Trust-owned Dyrham Park is an easy day trip away. And lucky us, because not only is it phenomenally beautiful – with its 17th century mansion nestled deep in the valley, a backdrop of Cotswold hills and elegant gardens – but it’s also brilliantly equipped for family trips near Bristol. 

I recommend heading to the Old Lodge natural play area with young children first. Here you’ll find ancient tractors, a bug hotel, old farm buildings, ride-on diggers to play on and a kiosk. Then head downhill, to the gardens behind the house.

If you’re peckish and picnic-less, the Courtyard Tea Room offers kid’s meals, cream teas, babyccinos, and a baby station complete with microwave. It’s a steep walk back to the car park, or you can hop on the free shuttle bus (always a fave with little ones) which ferries people from the house to the car park every 15 minutes.

Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

Only a one hour drive from Bristol, Puzzlewood woodland walk in the Forest of Dean feels like journeying far away to a magical fairytale world.

It’s said J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth was inspired by these woods and it’s easy to imagine goblins and mythical creatures in these parts, which is exactly what our two girls did for the entire duration of the walk. Many a fantasy film production has had the same idea and productions from Star Wars to Tree Fu Tom have filmed here.

There’s also an outdoor playground, farm animals and Perrygrove miniature steam railway across the road.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

If it’s enchanting woodland walks you’re into, the Forest of Dean has plenty. A mere 8-minutes drive from Puzzlewood is a 4.5 mile-long Sculpture Trail, which starts and ends at the Forestry England Beechenhurst picnic site. Amazing what a few sculptures dotted about the woods and a spot of chestnut foraging (in autumn) can do for the walking capabilities of a reluctant 3 year old. ⁣⁣Our favourite was a glorious stained glass window hanging mystically in the trees, like the centrepiece of some invisible church.

The trail can also be explored in a series of shorter distances, if little legs can’t manage the whole route – follow the purple ringed posts and direction arrows.

National Trust Westbury Court

Westbury Court Garden is one of the only surviving 17th-century Dutch water gardens in the UK. Originally designed to be productive as well as pretty, the gardens were planted with beautiful flowers alongside veggies and fruit trees back in the da. A canal was stocked with fish and a warren provided rabbit meat – which still exists today.

Glorious countryside surrounds the immaculate restored gardens, which are great for kids to have a run around in. If you time your visit right you can wander down to the river and watch the Severn Bore pass through.

Click to discover more National Trust days trips from Bristol and Bath

Bath Soft Cheese Company, Kelston

Nestled in idyllic countryside, Park Farm – the home of The Bath Soft Cheese Company, is one of the tastiest and scenic day trips from Bristol. If you’ve ever tasted their award-winning artisan cheese, I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s jolly delicious! The farm’s bucolic location, well-looked after Holstein Friesian cows and entirely organic methods have a lot to do with that.

But a cheese farm is a strange place to recommend for a day trip from Bristol isn’t it? Well, firstly there’s more to this place than a just a milk and cheese factory – although it’s fascinating to watch the process in action through the windows of the cafe. You can sample some of that scrumptious cheese, washed down with a cider, say, in the onsite restaurant, which has an upstairs indoor play area and outdoor playground for kids.

Make sure at least one person tries their milkshakes and take an empty bottle to fill with their super creamy milk (or purchase one in the cafe). Be sure to check out some of the fantastic country walks to do in the area – I recommend the short circular, riverside walk with young kids, before refuelling back at the cafe.

The Strawberry line

For fun day trips for kids, cycling enthusiasts and walkers should seek out the The Strawberry Line which runs between Yatton and Cheddar. The 11-mile bike route winds and wends its way through dramatically-changing landscape, from the pancake-flat Somerset levels to the soaring cliffs of the Cheddar Gorge. Look out for the Thatchers orchard and treat your pedalling legs to an authentic Somerset cider sampling…

Bowood House and Gardens

Bowood Estate is about an hour east of Bristol and is known amongst the kid-looking-after community for its mega adventure playground. The gardens, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, are great for family walks, and feature a lake, arboretum, pinetum and cascade. Finally, there’s Bowood House to explore, which hides unique trinkets like Queen Victoria’s wedding chair, Napoleon’s death mask as well as an extensive art collection.

Lydiard House and Park

This was one of those places near Bristol I discovered after many years of living in the city. A beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon, Lydiard House and Park makes quite a handy kid friendly day trip and half-way meeting point for seeing London-dwelling friends. With 260 acres of parkland to run around in, there’s masses of open green space, criss-crossed by flat cycle paths that would be perfect for a family bike-riding escapade.

There’s also a large playground, lake, walled garden, Palladian House and an snack kiosk (although not all of these were open due to pandemic restrictions when we visited, so check ahead to avoid disappointment).

Days out Bristol: beside the seaside

The beach

One of the peachiest plus points about living in Bristol is that the coast is within easy reach of the city and you can escape to the seaside often in under 90 minutes! You’ll find more beaches that make fun days out near Bristol in this blog post.

Portishead Open Air Pool

Portishead is a coastal town on the Severn Estuary, about 25 minutes from Bristol. The Portishead Open Air Pool there has become one of our favourite days out with kids near Bristol in the summer, thanks to its scenic perch overlooking the Bristol Channel. The large swimming pool is heated by green energy and there’s a shallow toddler pool for young kids. Amphitheatre-style steps are perfect for post-paddle bathing and there’s a cafe and tuck shop too.

If you’re keen for a bit of a runaround, you can walk out of the swimming pool and turn right towards Portishead Point and lighthouse. From here you can see for miles in all directions along the murky-brown estuary.

Clevedon Marine Lake and Pier

One of my favourite family friendly day trips from Bristol is the seaside town of Clevedon -there’s loads of outdoorsy stuff for kids to do there. The way Clevedon marine lake has been built, makes it look from certain angles like a giant infinity pool merging with the Bristol Channel. The 15,000m² lake is a picturesque spot for water sports – swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing or boating.

The marine lake lures locals for a toe-curlingly cold dip on New Year’s Day, but if you’d rather not freeze your nadgers off completely, I suggest going at warmer times of the year! Afterwards, soak up Victorian seaside vibes with a stroll along the seafront to the Grade 1* listed pier, hop on the miniature train (if it’s running it skirts Salthouse fields, near the bouncy castle), hunt for seaglass, play in the park or play on the arcades.

Weston-super-Mare

The North Somerset coastal town of Weston sometimes gets a bad wrap (it always makes me think of that Bottom sketch with Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson), but if you’re looking for an expansive beach to run around on, with a few classic English seaside-y shenanigans thrown in, it’s one of the best places to visit around Bristol on a sunny day.

Although you can’t swim here, there’s some great sand-castling to be done on the patch of beach just along from the Grand Pier (just watch for the sinking mud signs). You’ll also find a range of outdoor beach activities to keep the kiddos amused, if they ever tire of digging (is that possible?) – bouncy castles, swing boats, ice cream, donkey rides, a splash park, Gand low Golf await!

In bad weather, the Grand Pier, although a little on the tacky side, is quite fun for mini roller coasters, kiddy rides and arcade games.

Places to visit near Bristol: towns and cities

Cheltenham

Before visiting Cheltenham, all I knew about this spa town was that it hosts an upmarket horse-racing event and has a lot of Regency buildings (the town is the most complete Regency town in the UK – it has more than Bath!)

And don’t get me wrong, that’s reason enough to visit, but I was surprised to learn of its street art, festivals and family-friendly vibes. From a boating lake to playgrounds and kid-friendly cycle trail, make the most of your Cheltenham day trips from Bristol with my 24-hour family itinerary for Cheltenham.

Bath

We are so lucky to have some fantastic cities near Bristol to visit and I definitely don’t visit Bristol’s neighbour often enough, considering it’s only 13 minutes by train! It’s not that much further by car, and you can even cycle all the way there on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path (although this might be a bit much for little legs).

There’s a lot to fit in once you’re there, so you might have to plan multiple day trips from Bristol to see the sights. I’ve put together a separate guide to the best things to do in Bath with kids here.

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