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Nestled in the heart of southwest England, Bristol is a vibrant and dynamic city. A great mix of fun students at a great university, to young families still looking for the best things a city centre can offer, combined with the homely feel of Clifton Village.

If you're thinking of visiting and wonder whats on in Bristol? There's everything from learning about Bristol's history; maritime, slavery and the Romans! Culture; this is a great place for music, theatre, Bristol street art and hot air balloons! Fun activities; viewing Clifton Suspension Bridge across the River Avon and the famous Bristol Cheese Crawl! Or also worth visiting; the many independent shops.

Bristol effortlessly blends all this with a contemporary vibe, so it's not surprising that people love it and don't want to leave. This is a welcoming city that thrives on diversity and creativity. There is something to captivate every visitor, with plenty of every day activities and one-off events to make your time here special. Altogether this is not your usual city break!

If you want to rent an apartment in Bristol, once you've seen the City Museum & Art Gallery, been to the Redcliffe Caves and bought delights at St Nicholas Market. What's next?

Here's our guide to 5 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Bristol, although I'm not sure how we will keep it to just to 5!

Clifton suspension bridge with hot air balloons floating above — Credit: unsplash.

New Years Eve Masquerade

Looking for a brilliant way to see in the New Year! Bid farewell to the old and welcome the new by immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Bristol's New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball.

This glamorous event has party goers donning their most elegant attire and mysterious masks for a night of dance and allure. Held in Rumours Lounge Bar the DJ promises an evening classic RNB, Hip Hop & Garage.

Live music and club nights are a popular part of the Bristol night scene.

A bucket of champagne with glasses — Credit: UNsplash.

South West Record Fairs

For those who love vintage records, Bristol is also the perfect spot to pick up an LP from the past! Here they host the biggest record fair in the south-west over five floors with up to eighty dealers.

The next one takes place on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at Bristol Beacon.

The fair is mostly vinyl, with a few CD traders selling hard to find and discounted titles. You’ll find everything in the hall from £1 bargains to expensive rarities, and dealers specialising in most genres of music from the fifties to the present day.

Decks are available to check out tunes before you buy and there is a cafe/bar for a break from browsing. I can see I would get lost in here for hours!

Rows of vinyl records — Credit: UNsplash.

Grease vs Dirty dancing

What an amazing night out for fans of the iconic films Greace & Dirty Dancing. On Friday 23rd February 2024 there will be a chance to have the 'time of your life' with a bingo evening held at Buzz Bingo Hengrove.

There will be prizes & fun things up for grabs. Quizzes to guess your favourite songs from Grease, Dirty Dancing, the 80s and 90s.

The evening will finish with a Battle of the Bands, as a tribute act will perform all the greatest hits from the films.

An outline of a person filming a concert — Credit: unsplash.

Late Skate with X-Ray Ted

One of the hidden gems here, is Winterland's roller rink every Thursday for a clubnight 'Late Skate with X Ray Ted'. This is an adults only event, so a nice, festive evening for the grownups!

Based in Propyard, Bristol, enter a beautiful Ski Lodge, the perfect place for the Roller Disco and evening ahead. X Ray Ted is a DJ & producer from Bristol specialising in a unique blend of Party Breaks, Hip Hop, Funk, & Disco.

Grab a mulled wine and some delicious apres-skate bites to eat whilst listening to the tunes. The bar will be open for a full range of hot and cold drinks including cocktails and specialised hot chocolates.

If that wasn't enough there is an Alpine-inspired menu offering treats such as Savoie Sausages Cooked in Wine, Hotdogs with Crispy Onions, Alpine mac and Cheese Bites and Comte Fondue Dip.

A hand holding a cup of mulled wine — Credit: Unsplash.

Bristol Running Show 2024

As if we needed proof that Bristol has something for everyone, this city hosts an awesome Running Show bringing together some the best resources Bristol has to offer those who love this pastime. This event is for runners of all abilities, from novice to veteran.

Taking in place on Sunday 28th April 2024 at the BAWA Ballroom in Filton. You will need to book a ticket but it's free to attend.

Exhibitors include the top running clubs and groups in Bristol, personal trainers, coaches, sports masseurs and physiotherapists.

There will be local event hosts, running gear and equipment, workshops, guided runs (look how pretty the harbour is) and more.

A row of colourful houses in Bristol — Credit: Unsplash.

After all that we think you might need a sit down! So here's our bonus 'thing to do', which is visit The Christmas Steps Pub. This is a beautiful, historic pub in central Bristol, well known for its hearty menus, craft beers and support of local breweries. As always with Bristol music is important so drinkers indulge in a lovely meal alongside some great soundtracks from the jukebox. Grab a glass of wine and some board games and keep warm in this cosy spot while you marvel at such a vibrant city. We're guessing you will be back for a second visit!