Bristol is a coastal city in SW England that is great for half term holidays or slow weekends away with the girls, the boys or a loved one.
Even in the Winter months, Bristol has a lot to offer travellers. Shopping is fantastic, nightlife exciting and the culture โ if youโre into it โ is plentiful ranging from art galleries to museums, old buildings, theatres, sculptures and landmarks. If you want to dig back further, remember that this city has strong links to the Romans and Paleolithic times.
If youโre looking for more up to date entertainment here are five ideas to explore this half term.
1. ย Take the family to the theatre
Cameron Mackintoshโs new production of Lionel Bartโs smash hit musical OLIVER! Is on at the Hippodrome for a month from the 22nd January to the 21st February!
2.ย Catch the Chocolate Exhibition at the M Shedย
This February the M Shed are selling golden family tickets so you can explore chocolate in all itโs forms from the history of those who make it to designing your own chocolate bar!
Yes, it is a multi sensory exhibition so you do get to taste and to see those original recipes for Turkish Delight and Vanilla Chocolates. Admission starts at ยฃ10 for a family but only ยฃ5 for singles and kids under 5 go free.
3.ย Valentineโs Love Food Festival
On the 10th Feb from 10:30 to 4pm you can experience the joy of cooking and eating with your beloved. Paintworks is hosting a love food festival during half term so you can indulge the tastebuds and feed the love!ย Try oysters, chocolates, cheeses and hot street food!
There will be plenty for the kids to do as well! Entry is free.
4.ย Bristol Zoo Bird Identification and feeding โ 14 February
Bristol Zoo is hosting a day where you and the children can spend a morning finding out about the birds that live on the Downs. Learn to identify them with our โWhich bird am I?โ and โBird bingoโ games and discover what different birds eat in the โBeaks and feedsโ activity. In the afternoon make a couple of brilliant birdfeeders to take home for your feathered friends.
10.00am โ 3.30pm ยฃ8.50 per child (Childrenโs holiday event for 8 โ 12 year olds)
Children will need to bring their own packed lunch.
5. Take your Valentine to the International Festival of Performance
This is a long weekend in February of extraordinary theatre, live art, dance, opera, parties and public art.
Over 90 artists from all over the world come to Bristol, filling four days with unique events, premieres and commissions. Over 50 artworks spill out from arts spaces (including Arnolfini and Circomedia) and into docks, streets and alleyways.
Thereโs a โfake moonโ that rises from College Green to illuminate the Bristol skyline. A spectacular piece of public art, Fake Moon is free to attend, and can be seen between 6 pm and 7.30 pm. Drop into the Festival Hub opposite for mulled wine and warm drinks.
Living Room Opera 14th โ 16th February – 9.30 pm
Meeting Point: Arnolfini. 16 Narrow Quay Bristol, Avon BS1 4QA
Tickets – Arnolfini Box Office: ยฃ10 / ยฃ7
A bespoke chamber opera made for a Bristol living room. IBT13 welcomes Chamber Made Opera (Melbourne, Australia) a company who create beautiful operas across the world.
Night Tripper – 16th February – 4.45pm
Meeting Point: Wickham Theatre. Cantock’s Close Clifton, Bristol BS8 1UP
Tickets – Arnolfini Box Office: ยฃ10 / ยฃ7
Night Tripper is a twilight walk into the trees for a special concert performance. Your companions include performers, curious instruments and an invisible choir.
We See Fireworks – ย 14th โ17th Februaryย – 11am โ 6.30pm
The Old Commonwealth Museum
Free. Donations Welcome
We See Fireworks is a haunting light and sound installation at the Old Commonwealth Museum. Based on audience memories, the installation is an unforgettable experience. It returns to Bristol after touring the world to rave reviews.
What a wonderful line up of events!ย If you know of more going on in Bristol, please post attractions and events on our site here.