A family Christmas in Bristol gives you time to enjoy the season together, with shopping, days out and plenty of places to stop for something to eat. Spend a morning browsing for presents, explore the harbourside or book a show that the whole family can enjoy. You can fit your plans around your children’s ages and leave room for breaks along the way.

PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus gives you a city centre base in Quakers Friars, close to shops and restaurants. With your own kitchen and separate living and sleeping areas, you can keep familiar routines while making the most of your Christmas break.

Here are some things to do and places to visit during your family stay in Bristol.

Start with Christmas Shopping at Cabot Circus

Cabot Circus is a handy starting point for your Christmas shopping. You can browse clothing, toys, books and gifts without travelling far from your apartment.

Let the children help choose a present for someone at home, or give older children a small budget to pick gifts for each other. It turns shopping into something everyone can take part in.

Break up your visit with lunch or a hot chocolate. The glass roof covers much of the shopping area, making it a useful option when the weather turns wet. You will also find restaurants nearby, so you can stay for dinner if everyone still has energy.

Being close to PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus means you can drop off your shopping bags and take a break before heading out again.

Enjoy a Game of Mini Golf or Bowling

You do not have to spend your whole visit browsing the shops. Cabot Circus also offers activities that give children and adults something to enjoy together.

Treetop Golf is an option for indoor mini golf, while King Pins offers bowling. These can work well when you need a break from shopping or want an activity away from the winter weather.

Pick something that suits your children’s ages and attention spans. A single game followed by lunch may be enough for younger visitors, while older children might enjoy making an afternoon of it.

Check booking arrangements before you go, particularly at weekends and during the school holidays.

Visit Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium is a choice for a family outing when you want to spend time indoors. It also gives you a reason to explore another part of the city beyond the shopping streets.

Take your time looking at the displays and let the children set the pace. You could ask everyone to choose their favourite creature or see who can spot something they have never seen before.

Plan your visit around meal times and leave space for a snack afterwards. If the weather is dry, combine your aquarium visit with a walk around the harbourside.

Check opening hours and ticket options before travelling, as Christmas schedules may differ from the rest of the year.

Get Curious at We The Curious

For children who enjoy asking questions and trying things for themselves, We The Curious is another place to consider during your Bristol break.

This science centre gives families the chance to explore ideas through exhibits and activities. It can be a welcome change from Christmas shopping, particularly if your children prefer doing something hands on.

Give yourselves time to explore rather than squeezing the visit between several other bookings. Follow the children’s interests and take breaks when you need them.

Check admission arrangements and any separate booking requirements for experiences you would like to include.

Take a Walk Around Bristol’s Harbourside

A walk around the harbourside gives everyone a chance to get outside between indoor attractions. Look at the boats, watch what is happening on the water and stop for a family photograph.

Keep your route manageable if you have younger children. A short walk with a café stop can be more enjoyable than trying to cover the whole area.

You can include a visit to M Shed to learn about Bristol and the people who have shaped the city. It gives your outing another focus and a place to spend time indoors if the weather changes.

Bring coats and shoes suitable for rain. Plan your outdoor time during daylight and leave the evening free for dinner or a show.

Book a Christmas Theatre Trip

A theatre visit can become one of the highlights of a family Christmas in Bristol. Look at the seasonal programmes at the Bristol Hippodrome and Bristol Old Vic to find a performance that suits your family.

A pantomime can be a fun introduction to theatre, with music, comedy and audience participation. Other productions may suit older children who would prefer a different kind of show.

Check the recommended age, running time and start time before booking. An afternoon performance may work better for younger children than a late evening finish.

Book ahead if there is a show you want to see. Allow time to arrive without rushing and plan a meal or snack around the performance.

Leave Room for Christmas Events

Seasonal markets, craft activities and Christmas experiences can add to your stay. Once you know your travel dates, check what is taking place in Bristol and choose an event that fits your family.

Look at age guidance and booking requirements before making plans. Some activities need advance tickets, while others may run only on selected days.

Try to keep one main activity as the focus of each day. You can then add shopping, a café visit or a short walk depending on how everyone feels.

A family Christmas break should leave room to enjoy yourselves without watching the clock all day.

Make Time for Meals Together

Bristol offers plenty of places to stop for lunch or dinner, including restaurants around Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars. Choose somewhere with a menu that works for everyone and book ahead if you have a particular restaurant in mind.

Eating earlier can help you avoid tired children at the end of a busy day. Keep snacks with you while sightseeing, especially if you are unsure when you will next stop.

Your apartment kitchen also gives you flexibility. Have breakfast before heading out, prepare something familiar for the children or enjoy dinner in after a day of exploring.

You can balance meals out with evenings around your own table.

Verblijf bij PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus

PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus offers one and two bedroom apartments, giving families space to spend time together and relax during their stay.

Kitchen facilities let you keep drinks, snacks and breakfast supplies ready. Separate living and sleeping areas make it easier to settle children for the night while adults enjoy some time to unwind.

If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, ask about cots and high chairs when making your reservation. These are subject to availability and should be arranged in advance.

From Christmas shopping to theatre trips and afternoons exploring the harbourside, you can build a break around what your family enjoys. Book your family Christmas in Bristol at PREMIER SUITES Bristol Cabot Circus and make time for a few days together this December.