Millions of people visit Bristol every year! Many tourists come to Bristol to visit the famous pieces of street art created by Banksy, a renowned modern artist. As well as visiting Banksy’s impressive street art, there are many creative and fun things to do in Bristol. From artistic graffiti workshops to photography classes around the city, we have rounded up the top 10 things to do in Bristol to explore the city and exercise your creativity.
Top 10 Things to Do in Bristol in 2022:
- Beginners Graffiti Workshop with Graft
- Upfest
- Lampshade Making Workshop with Hannah Redden
- Banksy and Street Art Walking Tour
- Wood Carving Course with Bristol Tree Craft
- Linocut Workshop with Kaylene Alder
- Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
- Jewellery Making Course with Aimee Winstone Jewellery
- Bristol Craft Beer Festival
- Street Photography Class with Photo School Bristol
Beginners Graffiti Workshop with Graft
Location: Bristol City Centre
If you're looking for a unique - and uniquely Bristol - creative experience, how about a graffiti workshop? This workshop takes place in a former police station where you can master graffiti in the cells!
From creating an A4 stencil canvas to discovering the origins of graffiti in the USA, in this workshop you'll have the opportunity to learn everything you need to know about graffiti and the modern Bristol street art scene.
Whether you need ideas for the next work social, stag group, family birthday or get together with friends, this workshop with Graft is an exciting activity to celebrate any occasion.
Book now on ObbyUpfest
Location: Bedminster, Bristol
Upfest is Europe's biggest street art festival! This year this vibrant celebration of street art will be taking place on the 28th and 29th May. If you are interested in exploring the work of some of the best street artists and you happen to be visiting Bristol this summer, Upfest should definitely be on your list of things to do in Bristol.
Lampshade Making Workshop with Hannah Redden
Location: Ashton Gate, Bristol
In this beginners workshop students will learn how to create their very own small drum lampshade, perfect for a bedside table lamp or pendant shade.
Your encouraging tutor will give all students step by step guidance in this relaxed and welcoming workshop! Discover how to effortlessly trim fabrics and experiment with different print styles when designing your personalised lampshade.
Hannah Redden has a wealth of experience creating and designing lampshades which makes her workshops the best place to learn how to make your own personalised drum lampshades!
Book now on ObbyBanksy and Street Art Walking Tour
Location: Across Bristol
A walking tour of the city is one of the best ways to explore Bristol. From the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the colourful harbourside, sometimes getting the best view of sightseeing attractions is on foot.
As well as the main tourist spots, why not explore the best Banksy walking tour routes? There is a wide selection of Banksy's stimulating graffiti on the streets of Bristol, making a walking tour of this city a must-do activity.
Wood Carving Course with Bristol Tree Craft
Location: Eastville, Bristol
Start with a stump, end with a bowl! Come and carve your very own unique soup, salad or fruit bowl from a log using an axe, adze, gouge and draw knife.
This course is more physically demanding than carving a spoon, so would be better suited to those who already have some wood carving experience. However, if you want top jump straight in with a bowl, Bristol Tree Craft cater for all abilities.
This day long course will take place in the beautiful courtyard of Bridge Farm Community, giving you a slice of Somerset in the heart of Bristol, surrounded by stone barns and meadows!
Bristol Tree Craft believes that woodcraft can help students build a connection with the natural world. Their workshops are designed to help everyone experience the accomplished feeling of creating something with their own two hands.
Book now on ObbyLinocut Workshop with Kaylene Alder
Location: Across Bristol
Love a bold print? Then this workshop is for you! From start to finish, you will learn how to draw, cut and print your own A5 lino-printed design.
This workshop offers beginners plenty of practise as you will print your design several times using different inks and papers. Students can take their printing block with them at the end of the workshop to continue their printing adventure!
Kaylene Alder is so determined to share her knowledge and expertise with enthusiastic students, that she is prepared to go to a location of the students choice for this workshop.
Book now on ObbyBristol Museum and Art Gallery
Location: Tyndalls Park, Bristol
Exploring the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a great family day out. For those who enjoy a bargain, entry into the museum is free, so exploring a wide range of exhibitions won't cost you a penny! From unique pieces of artwork to historical collections, discover a broad selection of engaging exhibitions.
Jewellery Making Course with Aimee Winstone Jewellery
Location: Easter Compton, South Gloucestershire
This creative jewellery making course is made up of six relaxed workshops, where students will learn three different fascinating methods of working with wax to make personalised jewellery.
This course gives you the opportunity to create your chosen design in the company of lovely creatives, amateur makers and keens crafters just like you! There will be a chance to have your wax carvings cast in your chosen metal so you can wear your personalised jewellery with pride.
Aimee Winstone is a successful jeweller who runs informative and fun workshops that are suitable for crafters of all abilities, from absolute beginners to those with some knowledge of silversmithing.
Book now on ObbyBristol Craft Beer Festival
Location: Harbourside, Bristol
Calling all beer lovers! If you're looking for an activity in Bristol that is equal parts boozy and tasty, then you should definitely visit the Bristol Craft Beer Festival this year. In 2022, the Bristol Craft Beer Festival will take place on the 10th and 11th of June. Don't miss your chance to enjoy delicious craft beer by Bristol harbourside this summer!
Street Photography Class with Photo School Bristol
Location: Bristol City Centre
Bristol city centre with its lively markets and harbourside could have been made especially for street photography! Discover everything you need to know to set up your camera, so you're always ready to grab the best shots.
Almost any camera is suitable for this course, even your phone! So whether you're a beginner without a professional camera or an avid photographer, this workshop will help all students no matter where they are in their photography journey.
Alan at Photo School Bristol has been teaching for several years and aims to help students demystify the whole process of producing great images in his interactive workshops.
Book now on ObbyNeed more advice?
Whether you are looking for artistic activities by the harbourside or the best wood working workshop to help you feel connected to nature, you are sure to find fun and creative things to do in Bristol. Get inspired by famous street art by the likes of Banksy and learn how to make your own graffiti! From jewellery making courses to photography workshop, the list of fun things to do in Bristol is never-ending.
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