9 Cheap Things To Do in Bristol
Posted on: 24 Jan 2020We're all feeling the pinch in January, but being skint certainly doesn't mean you can't have a good time.
We know the score; Christmas was expensive, you've had to stretch your paycheck over six weeks and the bills are coming thick and fast.
A lot of us are consigned to staying in and eating beans on toast for the last few days of the month, but there's plenty to do in Bristol on a budget.
Check out our rundown of free (or at least very cheap) things to do in Bristol, for when your pockets are empty but you've run out of things to watch on the telly.
Go for a walk (or a run!)
One of Bristol's biggest draws is that it's full of beauty spots that are, for the most part, easy to get to.
Go for a walk through Leigh Woods, see the deer at Ashton Court, stroll through Clifton Village or hit some charity shops in Bedminster.
Those of you feeling ambitious could even go for a run, with several non-hilly routes to take along the river or into North Bristol, all of which are, of course, completely free.
.jpg "Running in Bristol.")
See a film at Watershed or The Cube
Going to the cinema has become a frustratingly expensive activity at the big chain theatres, but, this being Bristol, there are a good few independents in the city to choose from that won't break the bank.
Independent cinema The Cube and harbourside spot Watershed still offer some tickets for a fiver apiece, screening a mix of acclaimed independent films and big-time blockbusters.
See new material from quality comedians at Smoke & Mirrors
Want to see brand-new material from some of the country’s best stand-up comedians – at a fraction of the usual cost?
Well, now you can. Every week, Smoke & Mirrors’ weekly Bunch of Japes comedy night welcomes budding and established comics alike to test out brand-new material.
Even better, advance tickets for Bunch of Japes cost just £3.50. You can bag yours on their website.
A chance to get ahead of the comedy curve, Bunch of Japes is a no-brainer for Bristol-based fans of stand-up..jpg "9 Cheap Things To Do in Bristol")
Take part in The Prince Street Social's brand-new Sunday pub quiz
There aren't many better ways to spend an evening than at a pub quiz, and with very little investment you could even make money on this one.
The Prince Street Social's weekly Sunday quiz costs just £1 per person, with 50% of the night's takings donated to charity. Even better, a huge £50 bar tab will be awarded to the winning team.
Head down from 17:00 to enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails, too!
Grab a drink at The Coronation
Pubs in Bristol can be notoriously expensive, but there are a few still knocking about that put a middle finger up to those rising drinks prices.
The Coronation in Southville is certainly one of those pubs, with single spirit and mixers on offer for less than £2 and pints priced at around £2.50.
If you're strapped for cash but still can't resist a drink, you could get a round in here for less than a tenner.
See some art at Spike Island
Art doesn't always have to be exclusive, and in fact, there are several galleries in Bristol that will let you have a look around for free.
Spike Island is one of our favourites, and right now, you can find Life in the Margins; a collection of work by Filipino-American artist Pacita Abad that explores image-making across a range of cultures, histories and styles.
.jpg "Spike Island in Bristol.")
Take part in a Open Mic Night
You never know who or what you might discover at an open mic night, and Bristol's got them in abundance.
Head to The Lion or Blue Lagoon on Tuesdays, Leftbank on Wednesdays, The Lazy Dog's comedy open mic on Thursdays or check out The Gallimaufry's monthly open collaborations for some live improvisation.
Enjoy live music at The Canteen
Gigs are rarely free, but more often than not you can expect to see some live music at The Canteen in Stokes Croft for absolutely nothing.
Expect jazz, folk, funk and soul and much more almost every night of the week.
.jpg "Live music at The Canteen.")
Visit the M Shed
From annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibitions to tattoo conventions to Aardman Animations showcases, there's always something good on at the M Shed.
Tickets generally tend to be pretty cheap, but students can get free entry every Wednesday, and National Art Pass holders are entitled to 50% off a booking.
.jpg "Outside M Shed on Bristol's Harbourside.")
Read more:
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Theatre in Bristol: 12 huge musicals coming to the Hippodrome in 2020
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Burns Night 2020: Where to celebrate the occasion in Bristol
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
