Who doesn’t love saving money? During the summer it’s easy to have fun while saving money in Bristol – when my daughter was younger we lived off a strict budget but still found lots of ways to have thrifty fun!
Whether you live in Bristol or you’re planning a trip to the city soon, check out my top 10 tips for saving money in Bristol – please let me know your money saving tips on the Broke in Bristol (& beyond) Facebook page.
1 Visit during one of Bristol’s big events and pray for nice weather.
If I didn’t already live in Bristol I would visit during the Bristol Harbour Festival (15 to 17 July) or the Balloon Fiesta usually at the beginning of August. There are so many free events taking place during the summer where you can bring your own pre-packed picnic. However, they do get busy – an insider tip is that the Balloon Fiesta is more enjoyable from a park or garden with a view.
2 Spend a day at one of Bristol’s parks or outdoor spaces.
There are so many to choose from that this too has it’s own separate post! I love Brandon Hill, Ashton Court, Perretts Park and Victoria Park. This post on Bristol’s best walks might provide some inspiration.
3 Visit one of Bristol’s free museum.
Thankfully – one that doesn’t need sunshine! When Little Miss Diva was younger we often visited the M Shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and the Arnolfini. These are free entry or pay what you think – special events take place during the summer which I cover on this blog.
4 Bristol Free Walking tour.
There are historic walks that are pay what you think and include a Banksy tour – which might excite teens a bit more.
5 Eat out on the cheap.
If you’re going to eat out – why not check out the deals on Groupon first. Or visit Clifton – it’s the city’s student area so will have offers on food and drink to entice students. If you’re not too concerned about saving money, check out my post on the best dog friendly eateries in Bristol.
6 Take the kids to a city farm.
Also free, although some events are paid for. Windmill Hill City Farm was popular with my little one and sometimes they run events like pizza making during the school holidays.
7 Get arty.
There are often free arts and crafts at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Spike Island and the city’s churches. Follow Broke in Bristol on Facebook to find out first.
8 Visit on your birthday.
Plan your visit early enough and you could eat and drink out all day with the family and get your own food and drink free. There are so many options to choose from that this also has it’s own post: 25 freebies and offers for your birthday.
9 Go for a swim!
Bristol and the surrounding countryside has some fantastic outdoor swimming options or you could take a trip to Portishead Open Air Pool.
10 Let someone else do all the hard work for you.
Check out Broke in Bristol at the beginning of the school holidays – I research all the free and affordable events for you and can sometimes find more than 50. I also feature all the venues with promotions like Kids Eat Free. Follow the Broke in Bristol (& beyond) Facebook page to be one of the first in the know.
