A family staycation in Bristol gives you museums, outdoor spaces, historic attractions and activities for children of all ages. The city is compact enough for a short break, but there is plenty to fill several days. When you stay at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe, you also have a central base with the space and facilities your family needs.
Bristol suits families who want a mix of planned days out and time to explore. You can visit a science centre in the morning, take a boat trip in the afternoon and enjoy dinner beside the harbour in the evening. There are also free attractions and parks that can help you manage the cost of your break.
Here are some of the reasons Bristol is a good choice for your family staycation this summer.
Explore Bristol Harbourside
Bristol Harbourside is one of the best places to begin your family break. You can walk beside the water, watch the boats and stop at the cafés and restaurants around the harbour.
The wide paths make the area suitable for families with prams, while older children can enjoy spotting boats, cranes and street art. You can walk across Pero’s Bridge, spend time in Millennium Square or take a ferry across the harbour.
Boat trips offer a different view of Bristol and can give tired legs a break. Some services operate as harbour tours, while others help you travel between different attractions.
Bring a picnic on a dry day or choose one of the many places to eat beside the water. You can spend a full afternoon around the Harbourside without needing to follow a strict schedule.
Get Curious About Science
We The Curious is a strong choice for families visiting Bristol. The science centre has more than 200 interactive exhibits across two floors, covering subjects such as the human body, space, weather and technology.
Children are encouraged to touch, test and experiment. This makes the attraction suitable for curious toddlers, primary school children and teenagers who prefer an active experience.
We The Curious is also home to the United Kingdom’s only public 3D Planetarium. You can add a planetarium show to your day and take the family on a trip through space.
Its Summer of Imagination programme runs from 23 July to 1 September 2026. It includes live shows, stories, practical activities and creative sessions. School holiday dates can become busy, so it is worth booking your tickets before you arrive.
Learn About the City at M Shed
M Shed tells the story of Bristol from prehistoric times to the present day. Its displays cover the people, places, industries and events that shaped the city.
Families can explore large objects, historic vehicles, photographs and interactive displays. The museum also runs trails, workshops and family activities throughout the year.
This summer, M Shed is hosting Cracking Exhibition, Gromit! 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol. The exhibition runs from 20 June to 13 September 2026 and celebrates the Bristol studio behind Wallace and Gromit, Morph and Shaun the Sheep.
Historic boat trips around the harbour are also scheduled from July to October. Check the current programme before your visit, as some activities and exhibitions require tickets.
M Shed’s main permanent galleries are free to enter, making it useful when you want to balance paid attractions with lower cost activities.
Step Aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Brunel’s SS Great Britain offers families the chance to explore one of the world’s most important historic ships.
You can walk across the weather deck, explore the cabins and learn what life was like for passengers and crew. The attraction uses sound, displays and recreated spaces to bring the ship’s history to life.
Children can follow trails and take part in activities while adults learn about the work of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Give yourself several hours to explore the ship, dockyard and museum.
The attraction sits on the Harbourside, so you can combine it with a ferry trip, lunch beside the water or a visit to M Shed.
Find Free Family Activities
A family staycation in Bristol does not need to involve a paid attraction every day. The city has parks, walks, street art and public spaces that are free to explore.
Walk through Brandon Hill and climb Cabot Tower for views across Bristol. You can also visit Queen Square, Castle Park or the open spaces around Clifton.
Older children and teenagers may enjoy looking for work by Banksy and other street artists. You can follow a guided tour or create your own route through areas such as Nelson Street and Stokes Croft.
Clifton Suspension Bridge is another well known Bristol sight. Walk across the bridge, stop at the viewpoint and visit the surrounding green spaces. The paths around Clifton and Leigh Woods provide more room for children to explore away from the city centre.
These free activities give your plans more flexibility. You can save them for sunny afternoons or use them to fill the time between booked attractions.
Plan for Rainy Days
British summer weather does not always cooperate, but Bristol has plenty of indoor activities.
We The Curious and M Shed can fill several hours, while Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has collections covering natural history, art and archaeology. Families can also try bowling, indoor golf, escape rooms, trampolining or arcade games.
For more active indoor fun, head to King Pins for bowling, karaoke, darts, arcade games and more, or visit Roxy Lanes for bowling, games, food and drinks. PREMIER SUITES guests can receive 20% off food, drinks and gaming at King Pins every day and at Roxy Lanes from Sunday to Friday.
Cabot Circus has shops, restaurants and entertainment under cover. It is useful for a wet afternoon or when your family wants a slower day.
Keeping one indoor option in your plans means rain does not need to disrupt your break.
Enjoy Food for Every Age
Bristol has a wide choice of places to eat, from food markets and cafés to restaurants beside the harbour. St Nicholas Market is a good place to try dishes from different cuisines, while Wapping Wharf has independent restaurants and casual places to eat close to the water.
Guests staying at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe can also make use of discounts with selected local restaurant partners. Honest Burgers currently offers PREMIER SUITES guests 20% off their bill, while Thai Express offers 15% off the total bill. Aqua offers guests 15% off every day, and Cappadocia offers 10% off from Sunday to Thursday.
For something sweet or a coffee stop, Ruby Hue offers PREMIER SUITES Bristol guests 10% off drinks and chocolate products. Harbour House and Granary Restaurant also offer 15% off when booked through their dedicated partner links, giving you more options for lunch or dinner during your stay.
You can view the latest restaurant partners, offers and redemption details on the PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe Neighbourhood page.
Partner discounts and offers may be subject to availability, selected days and individual terms and conditions. Speak with the reception team during your stay for the latest information and details on how to redeem each offer.
You do not need to eat every meal out. Staying in a serviced apartment gives you the choice to prepare breakfast, pack snacks or cook dinner after a busy day.
Take a Day Trip Beyond the City
Bristol also works well as a base for family day trips.
You could visit Bristol Zoo Project, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm or Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park. Families looking for outdoor activities can travel to The Wave for surfing and play sessions.
Weston super Mare is another option for a traditional day beside the sea. The beach and pier are within reach of Bristol, so you can enjoy the coast before returning to your apartment that evening.
Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole and the countryside around Bristol provide further options when you are staying for more than a weekend.
Stay Together at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe
Family accommodation should give you room to live as well as sleep. PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe offers one and two bedroom serviced apartments, with the two bedroom option sleeping up to four guests.
Each apartment has separate living and sleeping spaces. This means children can go to bed while adults continue to relax in the living area.
Your fitted kitchen includes a fridge freezer, oven, hob, microwave, kettle and toaster. You can store baby food, prepare bottles, make breakfast and keep family snacks close at hand.
Cots and high chairs are available on request and subject to availability. Complimentary WiFi is also included, which can help during quiet evenings or when children need some screen time after a busy day.
The apartments are around an eight minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Train Station and about ten minutes from the historic centre. This central location makes it easier to reach the Harbourside, local restaurants and many of the city’s attractions.
Book Your Family Staycation in Bristol
Bristol offers enough variety to keep different age groups entertained. You can explore ships, science, street art and museums, then slow things down with a harbour walk or afternoon in the park.
PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe gives you a central location and the freedom of your own apartment. You have space to relax, cook and follow your family’s routine without being limited to one hotel room.
Book your family staycation at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Redcliffe and enjoy more space while exploring Bristol this summer.
