Go Karting Bristol – The Best Bristol Go Karting Venues

Go Karting in Bristol – The Best Bristol Go Kart Venues

Go karting in Bristol is a sport in its own right but is also a popular commercialised activity and comes in a variety of types including mini sports cars, open-wheeled cars, quadracycles, non-motorised karts and high-performance drag racing karts.

Originally invested by the company Art Ingels back in 1956, go karts originated in Los Angeles but is now a go-to pastime and occasional activity worldwide.

Our Top Venue Picks...

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Bristol Go Karting History

Go karting is a sport in its own right but is also a popular commercialised activity and comes in a variety of types including mini sports cars, open-wheeled cars, quadracycles, non-motorised karts and high-performance drag racing karts.

Originally invested by the company Art Ingels back in 1956, go karts originated in Los Angeles but is now a go-to pastime and occasional activity worldwide.

Traditionally, small two-stroke and four-strokes internal combustion engines are used in the motorised varieties of go karts, with power transmitted from the engine to the rear axle by way of a chain or belt.

These are often air-cooled engines and are manufactured by well-known motor producers such as Yamaha, Aixro, Biland and KTM. Most such engines are built to design and are intended only for go kart usage.

High Octane Go Karting

Of course, given society’s continued increasing appetite toward greener alternatives for non-sustainable vehicles, there are now a number of electric go karts available: and these tend to be the ones found at commercialised go kart centres and tracks.

As such models are pollution-free and don’t emit any smoke or toxins, they’re ideal for indoor usage and so work well for amusement parks and indoor electricity centres. Generally speaking, these are powered by lead-acid batteries or lithium batteries but some are fitted with hydrogen fuel cells.

Lots of electric go kart models allow for remote control, allowing a track attendant or race referee to slow or halt a kart in the event of unsafe driving or another hazard. It also makes for a great safety protocol for younger riders, widening accessibility to go karting to those of most ages.

In some countries, go karts can be used on public roads but this is not the case in the UK. In the European Union, however, they may be permitted provided they are modified for safe road use through the installation of high and low beam headlights, tail lights, indicators, an engine not exceeding 15kW and a horn.

Bristol Karting Tips

Today, go karts are primarily used for commercial enterprises, either on indoor or outdoor tracks. These are usually rented for timeslots or daily and can be used recreationally just to practice or in an informal race situation.

In most instances, users can ‘arrive and drive’ with just a short safety briefing before helmets, gloves and driver outfits are supplied and they’re left to give it a go.

Both indoor and outdoor go karting tracks can be found around the world; and for those who enjoy the experience, they can choose to take the hobby a little more seriously and work their way up to the Indoor Karting World Championship (IKWC) to compete!

Go karting in Bristol is popular amongst both those looking to pass a few hours and those celebrating a big birthday, hen do, stag do or other occasion.

There’s a great variety of venues throughout the city and if you’re looking to do some other activities alongside your attempt to go kart, Bristol makes for a great choice!

Top Picks for Go Karting in Bristol

Bristol is a great place for a break away and so is a top choice amongst those looking to celebrate an occasion or try something new. Generally speaking, when it comes to your Bristol go kart experience you’ll find two types of track: indoor and outdoor.

While not prescriptive, it’s standard for indoor tracks to be a little shorter and smaller, although they may be split across different levels. Outdoor tracks tend to be longer and wider and are usually either made up of a traditional concrete circuit or a purpose-built off-road course for added difficulty and a different type of rally practice.

Most Bristol go kart tracks are recreational, but several offer additional tuition should you wish to hone your skills and work your way up the ranks of a league.

Indoor Go Karting Bristol

Check out our pick of the best indoor karting venues in Bristol. Choosing an indoor venue suddenly opens up a lot more flexibility for the time of year and time of day you might want to race.

Perhaps you're planning a Bristol stag weekend in the winter, or maybe you just don't want to deal with the unpredictability of the British climate, either way, indoor karting can be a great option as an all weather activity!

Team Sport

Team Sport is the Bristol go kart site of this chain brand, which offers drivers the chance to put pedal-to-the-metal in a multi-level state-of-the-art circuit measuring 800m. A fully National Karting Association (NKA) compliant track, this indoor circuit is wider and more competitive than most recreational venues of this type.

The karts are specifically lightweight to be accessible to as many ages and abilities of driver as possible, and expert Racing Hosts brief and coach all drivers throughout their Bristol go karting experience.

Team Sport Bristol offer go karting for anyone over the age of 8, providing they have an inside leg measurement of 25 inches (in order to reach the pedals!). Adult karts are bigger and accommodate anyone aged 12+.

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Absolute Karting Bristol

Absolute Karting Bristol is home to the longest double-level track in the city and one of the longest in the South West! 1,000m of exhilarating bends, chicanes, straights and ramps sees drivers race their go karts up to 45mph (although this is limited for children).

Younger drivers can even partake in a six-day Race Academy programme to receive tuition from professionals to learn to become the ultimate racer – or there are family race experience days that can pit drivers of all ages against one another in a competitive environment.

Absolute Karting Bristol also has the facility for ‘glow karting’; that is an evening of them turning off the lights around the track and cranking up UV, neon and light shows with music to provide an unforgettable night out! Karts vary from 270cc LPG Honda-powered engines for adults and between 120cc-160cc for children.

Absolute Karting Bristol stipulate a minimum age of 8 years old for a cadet (child) go kart, and 14 for an adult go kart. No upper age limit exists but all drivers must be able to get in and out of the kart unaided and be of reasonable health. Everyone driving must be at least 130cm in height.

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JDR Karting

JDR Karting offers Bristol go kart experiences alongside other indoor activities including laser tag, segways and axe throwing.

A smaller track best suited for children, the circuit features three high-speed banking corners and go kart slots can be booked alongside other activities as part of a package.

JDR Karting has a minimum age for go karting of 12 years old and a minimum height of 1.45m.

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Outdoor Go Karting Bristol

If you fancy the real F1 experience, it's got to be an outdoor track come rain or shine! Who knows, perhaps you can earn the Hamilton title and even perform better in the wet! Don that helmet and suit and get down to one of our top outdoor karting venues.

Drive Tech

Drive Tech is somewhat of a Bristol go kart legend, situated just down the room in Castle Combe. Their 350m long MSA-approved track is suited to all weathers and with 200cc karts sees drivers race up to 40mph; considerably faster than most indoor Bristol go kart venues can accommodate for!

Drive Tech offer adult and junior karting sessions as well as 1:1 tuition for those looking to learn to race to a decent league standard.

Hen and stag parties can be catered for bespoke. Drive Tech boasts custom-made go-karts by manufacturer Biz, featuring Honda GX200RH wet clutch engines.

Drive Tech accommodates children aged 10+ but stipulates a minimum height of 142cm for safety purposes.

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Weston Shooting Lodge

Weston Shooting Lodge offers a different Bristol go karting experience: off-road karting! Boasting a 600m off-road circuit, the track is twice the length of most other recreational centres and includes rough terrain for drivers to try out overtaking, twisting, turning and racing in 400cc karts built specifically to spring and ride smoothly on difficult ground. Each driver competes in 4 races (each 5 laps in total), with 5 drivers on track at a time and 5 more waiting in the pits.

Each race is individually times and these are added together to find the fastest overall. Once all complete, a medal ceremony takes place and the winners are awarded!

Weston Shooting Lodge can only accommodate drivers aged 16+. Their track is, however, closed from October – March due to the possibility of wet and muddy conditions that could render racing unsafe.

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Max Events

Max Events offers go karting in Bristol alongside archery, assault rifle shooting, axe throwing, blind driving, clay shooting, crossbox, human table football, knife-throwing, paintballing, quad biking and zombie apocalypse challenges.

The most popular activity is undoubtedly the go karting, which offer ‘off-road rebel buggies; which drive brilliantly across rough ground in rally driving conditions – the perfect opportunity to get competitive amongst a group or just give your skills the ultimate test!

Max Events only offer Bristol go kart experiences to those aged 18+, although no driving license is required (it’s not a legal stipulation for karts of this size or type).

There is no minimum or maximum size of driver but the team do advise that those weighing over 20st may find it tricky to get in and out of their karts due to the size of them. The track is open year-round but may be closed in the event of inclement weather; in which case your session will be rescheduled when hopefully conditions are a little safer.

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The Best Total Wipeout Courses In The UK

The Best Total Wipeout Courses in the UK

The game show Total Wipeout debuted in 2009 and with its first episode set to change the landscape of not just this genre of television but also of hen parties, stag parties, corporate team bonding sessions and birthday occasions.

Hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, each episode saw contestants compete in a series of challenges with the goal of winning a prize pot of £10,000. The challenges mainly involved large assault courses set in vast pools of water and/or mud, and contestants competed across four elimination rounds until just one remained; with that person claiming the money and a special Total Wipeout charity.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Choosing your Total Wipeout Course

Originally an Endemol show from the US, it was adapted for British television and speedily gained a passionate audience of viewers and was commissioned for six series including a winter-themed edition and alongside several celebrity versions. While the programme ceased in 2012, it was picked up again for re-runs in 2020 with Top Gear presenters Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff narrating over some of the most popular and shocking classic episodes in a series named Total Wipeout: Freddie and Paddy Takeover.

The fun of the show alongside the loyal following of viewers it gained had a real “I could do this!” feel-good factor for those at home on the sofa, and as a result a myriad of Total Wipeout courses based on the programme opened to glorious commercial success across the world. These courses are available for visitors of all ages to give the assault courses made famous on the show a go and are extremely popular amongst those celebrating occasions such as stag dos, hen dos and birthdays, as well as corporate team bonding and building sessions.

Total Wipeout Stages...

The first round of any Total Wipeout course is known as ‘The Qualifier’ and involves participants attempting to finish a short obstacle course in the quickest time. 20 contestants begin but the 8 with the slowest times are eliminated, so 12 remain. Obstacles in The Qualifier vary but always include the Sucker Punch, Big Balls, and a swing to the goal at the end.

A Total Wipeout course’s second stage varies, as it changed every two series throughout the show, but these were named The Sweeper, Crash Mountain, Double Cross and Ski Lift (for the special winter edition).

As the Total Wipeout course furthers and fewer contestants stay in the game, the obstacles get more difficult. Stage three again changed between series of the show but these included Dizzy Dummies, The Dreadmill, The Terror-Go-Round and Winter Blunderland (again, for the winter edition).

Wipeout Contestants

Only a few contestants (usually two or three) make it to the final round of any Total Wipeout course, The Wipeout Zone. Nicknamed ‘the toughest obstacle course in the world’, the winner must complete this section in the quickest time possible to claim the prize. Made up of five or six obstacles, this is designed specifically to be tricky and, of course, to make the best possible television.

While the show was filmed in California and Argentina, most of us don’t have quite the same budget when it comes to planning a team or friend outing. Instead, a Total Wipeout course in the UK can make for an experience everyone will remember… and you’re not likely to pick up sunburn or jet lag along the way!

Total Wipeout Bristol

For those looking for a course to try Total Wipeout, Bristol is the ideal city to visit: as there’s a locationally-themed version of the assault courses open to the public as well as a myriad of other activities to try, places to visit, restaurants to eat at and bars to sample drinks at. If you’re planning an event, Brizzle makes for a fantastic destination surrounded by tourist amenities, great transport links and plenty of places to stay.

Total Wipeout Courses

With a variety of games themed around Total Wipeout, Bristol’s West Country Games makes for a comprehensive day out with something for everyone! Indeed they have a whopping NINE games on offer for visitors to try:

Cider Run – Get your pint as far down the bar as you can before the bungee pings you back!
Pitchfork Duel – Knock your farmer rival off their podium with your pitchfork!
Wurzel Knockout – Hit those Wurzels with your apple firing slingshot!
West Country Wipeout – Jump on the pedal powered sweeper arm and knock ‘em down! Total Wipeout, West Country Style!
Pull the Pig - Get the stag, hen or VIP to ride that muddy pig and fight to pull them over the line in a game of tug o' war with a difference!
Welly Wangin' – Lob your wellies into the targets, it's harder than it looks!
Drunk Pub Skittles – Spin round the pole and then try bowling a few rounds.
Mangold Danglin' – Human skittles with a bag on a bungee... ooh err!
Farmer's Shower – Like Mastermind for the Stag or hen but with a big old bucket of Somerset's finest slurry.

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Total Wipeout Cardiff

If you’re a little further west and would like to try a Total Wipeout course, Bristol needn’t mean you have to travel a long way. Our sister centre, The Welsh Games is situated near Cardiff.

The Welsh Games also comprises of nine games, and locally themed; designed for every member of the group to take part in all of them.

Sheep Shenanigans - Sheep jokes will become a distant memory as you struggle to hold on tight for the Sheep Rodeo!
Drunk Dragons - A relay race in giant dragon costumes!
Welsh Celebrity Knockout - Slingshot those limelight-hogging stars like Tom Jones and Charlotte Church!
Duffin Daffyd - Don your enormous sumo suit and take on your opponent armed only with a daffodil!
Across the Taff - Can you ferry your team across the River Taff and back before the other side? Careful not to slip in!
Leek Duel - Give your opponent a proper walloping with a giant leek and knock them off their podium!
Pull the Pit Pony - Saddle up the hen/stag/VIP and try and pull them into the pit in a twist on the classic tug o'war!
Rugby Run - Can you score a try before you get twanged back by the bungee cord!?
Miner’s Shower - Finish the games with a special treat for the VIP...

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Of course, for your experience at Total Wipeout, Bristol could always be the second destination on your list after Cardiff. There’s plenty to do, see, eat and drink in the Welsh capital and with Bristol just down the round you can even fit both in a weekend. Staff at both centres can help advise on things to do in the local area and of the best transport options between the two sites.

The sites are both so memorable and make for such a laugh it’s not uncommon for us to see groups attend one and then the other – so as soon as you find an excuse to come visit, be sure to book it in!

Escape Rooms In Bristol – The Best Bristol Escape Rooms

Escape Rooms in Bristol – The Best Bristol Escape Rooms

Escape rooms in Bristol offer an exhilarating blend of challenge and fun. These immersive experiences are perfect for groups seeking adventure. From intricate puzzles to captivating themes, Bristol's escape rooms promise an unforgettable experience.

At the heart of every Bristol escape room is its puzzles. These range from logical riddles to physical tasks. Solving these puzzles requires teamwork, making escape rooms ideal for team-building events. Cracking a tough puzzle offers an unmatched sense of satisfaction.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Choosing your Bristol Escape Room...

Escape rooms first gained popularity in the early 00s across Asia and Europe but quickly hit commercial success across the world and spread to North America and the Middle East too.

Designed originally as family-friendly activities focused on problem-solving, they usually come in the format of a themed room or rooms that require a group of people to work together to ‘escape’.

Through the solving of a series of puzzles, the team can work through the stages of the activity and finally gain a code or method with which they can leave.

Players typically complete these tasks against the clock, often within sessions of an hour or 90 minutes. Those who manage to leave the room within the set time are declared winners. Their escape time is then displayed on a league table, compared to other groups who have participated.

In reality, escape rooms aren’t actually locked and there is usually a games-keeper on-site at all times.

If participants become ‘stuck’ on a puzzle, there’s often a method with which to feed them hints to keep the game going, and of course, if the group are unable to complete the puzzles in the time frame, the games-keeper releases them from site.

Top Bristol Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are actually based on the gaming genre of ‘escape the room’ which were initially Flash-based games for PC web browsers before the advent of smartphone and apps upon them.

In these games, players must locate clues and objects within a single room or building and solve puzzles based on them. Similar formats that struck mainstream attention appear in various TV gameshows including The Crystal Maze, The Adventure Game, Knightmare and Fort Bovard.

Today, there’s a variety of different types of escape room; for differing audiences and different types of gameplay. These include gameplay featuring word puzzles, substitution cyphers, riddles, Sudoku, mathematical problems, jigsaw puzzles, matchstick puzzles, chess, or searching or assembling a physical product.

Depending on their theme, people often refer to escape rooms as riddle rooms, puzzle rooms, escape games, or exit rooms.

For those in or visiting the West Country, there’s lots of choice for escape rooms in Bristol. Alongside a city bustling with great places to visit, eat and drink, it’s easy to make a great day, weekend or even week away full of memorable activities and mischief for all ages and appetites of your group!

Locked In A Room

Locked In A Room is a chain escape room in Bristol that also has locations in Exeter, London, Milton Keynes and Southampton. Each escape room in Bristol presents a distinct story and atmosphere, ranging from mysterious to thrilling.

You can even find 'A Grand Way Out', where Aardman bring Wallace & Gromit's first escape room to their home town. Wallace has forgotten the code to his workshop but with the help of the Memory-O-Matic helmet, participants will help him remember.

Parallax sees participants strive to rescue a time-travelling super genius through his last known location, the Parallax Military Bunker. But of course, security is at an all-time high so they must bypass protocol and be fast about it.

Jungle encourages players to retrieve the landscape’s most dangerous treasure as they discover it has been failed by a secret agent.

Infinity and Parallax available as a multi-player experience across all four rooms for larger groups looking to compete at the same puzzles.

Locked In A Room allows players of all ages (including babies!) but anyone under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Building 11, Explore Lane, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TY

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Escape Hunt

Escape Hunt is a chain Bristol escape room, with sites in 19 locations across the UK. With four escape rooms run by expert games-masters, you’ll find something for everyone at this venue.

Whovians will love the Doctor Who Bristol escape room ‘When World’s Collide’, which sees participants enter the offices of ChronosCorp HQ, where they must repair a tear in the fabric of space and time to avoid the Cybermen coming through and attacking Earth to invade.

History buffs will enjoy ‘Our Finest Hour’, which transforms players to MI6 agents in wartime year 1943, ready to locate and destroy Nazi superweapons in order to protect the continent.

In ‘The Fourth Samurai’, players are based in ancient Japan and are primed to defeat the evil warlord Tanaka Masamune who is protected by an powerful curse held in the magic stone of his sword.

Finally, ‘Blackbeard’s Treasure’ sees pirates serving Captain Blackbeard defect and help themselves to his treasures before jumping ship – but the cabin door has jammed shut and sharks are circling hungrily!

Escape Hunt permits players aged 8+ but everyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Games last 60 mins as standard and all rooms are wheelchair accessible but due to space constraints it’s generally recommended that there are no more than two wheelchair users per group. All rooms are suitable for between 2-6 players.

Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3BX

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Riddlr Bristol

Ranked #1 as Bristol escape rooms on TripAdvisor and Google at time of writing! They boast of four escape rooms in Bristol city centre and one play-at-home game.

The horror-themed room Séance sees players investigate the disappearance of paranormal investigator Clarissa Stubbs. Retracing her steps and performing a séance is critical to awaken the same phantoms she did the night she vanished; but is by no means easy.

The Wizard’s Apprentice is a favourite amongst Harry Potter fans and finds participants to track down Professor Harry Halfsickle who has been kidnapped by dark witch Dharma Deceptrix!

Wizarding students must search for him and return him safely, making sure they don't become trapped in another portal themselves.

Nautilus finds players locked in the brig of a submarine with a missing captain, stalled engines and rapidly-running-out oxygen supplies, and Decade Runner immerses participants in the 1980s to face a Zoltar machine, direct Pac Man and answer Zork troll’s riddles.

Riddlr’s play-at-home game can be downloaded and printed to play anywhere and includes similar puzzles and engaging narratives for those looking to join in without leaving the comfort of their sofa!

Riddlr warn that their Bristol escape rooms do include flashing lights. Players aged 13 and above find the rooms appropriate, but any players under 18 must have a responsible adult present on the premises.

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City Mazes Bristol

The City Mazes is an exciting and innovative escape game experience located in Bristol and other venues around the country.

This attraction offers a unique blend of challenges and puzzles, designed to test the problem-solving skills and teamwork of its participants. Each game room within City Mazes presents a distinct theme and storyline, requiring players to decipher clues, solve puzzles, and unlock secrets to escape the room within a set time limit.

Rooms on offer include, Abandoned Office, Bunker Blowout, Hostage Hostel, The Runner & Subject 11.

The immersive environments, creative storylines, and intricate puzzles make City Mazes Bristol a thrilling destination for friends, families, and team-building events.

This engaging experience not only provides entertainment but also fosters communication, collaboration, and critical thinking among its participants.

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Clue HQ

Clue HQ's Bristol escape rooms have three activities for players; each suitable for up to six players and lasting 60 mins.

In Bunker 38, players are granted one hour to find their way out of the underground bunker they’ve been living in for years due to a radiation leak.

Now the air outside is believed to be clean, it’s time to resurface: but the lock isn’t working and oxygen levels are running low.

In "The Betrayal of Cluetankhamun," explorers have discovered a long-lost tomb, but the team sent to excavate the Cluetan Crystal from it has vanished. It’s now time to send a new expedition in to retrieve the jewel.

In A-I-9, a world with robots integrated into society exists – but it seems that the AI peacekeeping program has failed and as a result, the 9bots are set to destroy humankind. Can they be saved?!

Clue HQ advise that one player from each team must be able to safely crawl for both Bunker 38 and The Betrayal of Cluetankhamun in order to complete the game.

The operators welcome anyone over the age of 7 to play, but they ideally design the games for players aged 10 and above. Players aged 16 or under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

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Hell in a Cell Escape Rooms Bristol

Hell in a Cell Escape Rooms Bristol offer three toe-curling, terrifying horror-themed rooms that are sure to spook. The most popular, Hell In A Cellar, follows a serial killer known as Pig Face who is on the run as the police discover his lair.

Now forced to the confines of a cellar below a disused theatre, he strives to possess his latest victim’s skin… and you must escape.

The Execution follows Pig Face as he discovers a portal to another dimension in the same cellar, which leads straight to an execution chamber in a dystopian society; and The Ward eerily finds players waking up in a hospital ward remembering nothing and faced with a Doctor who kidnaps new subjects for experiments.

The escape rooms, featuring horror themes, claim to rank among the scariest escape room experiences nationwide.

The operators recommend these games for players aged 18 and above, but they may accommodate players as young as 12 with prior consultation.

Groups of up to 10 people are ideal for these rooms. However, players should be aware that the facilities do not accommodate wheelchairs.

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Houdini's Bristol

Houdini's Escape Room in Bristol offers a thrilling and immersive experience, inspired by the legendary escapologist Harry Houdini.

This escape room challenges participants to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries within a time limit, echoing Houdini's famous escapades.

Set in meticulously designed, themed rooms, it offers an exciting blend of history and adventure. In Houdini's Last Secret, you play the part of a member of the audience at one of the great escapologist's shows.

But just where did he disappear to!? Alternatively, dive into the jungle for a dose of Indiana Jones in the Temple Raider game.

Teams must work together, using clues and their wits to escape, making it a perfect activity for friends, family, or team-building events.

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Winter Weddings – Group Weekends in and around Bath

Winter Wedding Stag & Hen Weekends In And Around Bath

Everybody wants a stag or hen weekend they’ll never forget (if they can remember it in the first place). But when it’s cold and the winter weather threatens to dampen the party spirit, how do you go about planning the perfect Bath hen weekend or stag do?

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Talk To The Guest Of Honour

There tends to be two types of people when it comes to winter: those who don’t mind the cold and carry on as usual and those who, if human hibernation was an option, you wouldn’t see for six months of the year. This being the case, it’s important that you plan something that your stag or hen is going to enjoy. There’s no point in planning an outdoor adventure if they live in fear of frostbite through the winter months.

Planning A Brilliant Bath Stag Weekend In The Winter

If you’re planning a Bath stag weekend as your stag’s final weekend as a single man, you’ll be spoilt for choice whatever the weather. If you’re looking for something active and exciting, we can provide you with an unforgettable afternoon as you compete in West Country Games. We move indoors for the coldest months too, so if your stag gets the shivers at even the thought of being outside, we’ve got you covered.

With nine hilarious games to banish any fuzzy heads from the night before and plenty of opportunity to stitch the stag up we will set you up perfectly for the rest of the weekend.

Heading into the evening, if you fancy another fun activity, you can't go wrong with Boom Battle Bar in Bath city centre. Choose from Axe Throwing, Darts, Beer Pong, Crazy Golf, or Pool. All activities are indoors and you can enjoy a few beers in the onsite bar, giving you the ideal transition onto the rest of the night.

Alternatively, if the stag is game for a laugh without being the laugh himself, comedy clubs often attract established and up-and-coming talent throughout the year.

Don’t forget to feed the party. The city has a wide selection of gourmet eateries and high-street restaurants so whatever appeals to your appetite, Bath has you covered.

Graze, just by the train station, offers top class steak dinners and has plenty of space to fit in a large group. The Grand Eastern is a great shout for a traditional curry in opulent surroundings. Hall and Woodhouse is the spot for high end pub food, offering delicious burgers and fish and chips as well as a buzzing atmosphere that will keep you ordering beers long after the plates have been cleared.

To finish off the night, check out some of Bath's quirky club offerings; Moles is a proper institution and a great spot to check out a live band. Opium is a classy underground cocktail bar that gets increasingly raucous as the night goes on! Opa! is one of our favourite spots for a boogie on the dancefloor, hidden underneath the quiet streets above. Wherever you choose, don't forget to end the night as Schwartz Burger!

Planning A Winter Wonderland Bath Hen Weekend

There’s plenty to do in Bath during the winter months that will keep your whole hen party entertained and give the bride-to-be a weekend to remember. If you’re visiting in the later part of the year, the famous Bath Christmas markets are a fabulous addition to the extensive luxury shopping you’ll find in and around the city centre.

If your hen is more Lara Croft than Carrie Bradshaw, there’s a variety of outdoor adventures close to the city too. From zip lining to quad biking and everything in between.

Of course, it is best to check if the rest of the group is as keen on outdoor activity in the heart of winter. While stag dos are more dictatorial affairs, hen weekends tend to be a bit more democratic and cater for all attendees!

Keeping Warm And Cosy

Or if you prefer to do something totally different and energetic indoors, then there is always West Country Indoor Games running from November to February in a cosy barn themed indoor space.

Have a proper giggle and compete against each other on big inflatables including the West Country Wipeout and Sheep Rodeo!

After your day of action and adventure or exploring the city’s designer destinations, warm up and unwind in a natural thermal water spa and finish your afternoon with high tea in the elegant and historic Pump Room.

If you’re planning on partying into the night, Bath has a number of well-placed boutique cocktail bars as well as a selection of livelier clubs for you to dance the night away.

If you like the sound of this then we do recommend you head to Five Guys for a very large burger to line your stomach beforehand! Trust us, you’ll be thanking us in the morning!

Other great dining options include; Greek taverna Opa! which later turns into a subterranean nightclub, Cosy Club for a restaurant that has every type of cuisine on the menu to suit all tastes or The Ivy for an altogether classier affair.

Have A Backup Plan

If you’re planning a stag or hen weekend in Bath we can guarantee you’ll find plenty to do and the whole party will have the time of their lives. The only thing we can’t guarantee? The weather. If you are planning on doing something outdoors it’s always worth looking into alternatives just in case Mother Nature isn’t on your side.

And if she is, make sure you wrap up warm!

Bristol firework displays – The best fireworks displays in Bristol

Our best pick of the best Bristol firework displays

It’s that time of year when we huddle around a fire and watch as the skies are lit with fireworks to celebrate Bonfire Night, watching some of the best Bristol firework displays.

This of course is a celebration of the famous foiled Gun Power Plot, following Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. And as we enter one of the most worrying political climates of recent times, perhaps you too will find yourself wondering whether we just might have been better off letting our mate Guy finish the job!

But put that to one side for the time being and get yourselves out to one of the organised Bristol fireworks displays or bonfires in your area of. After all, with BBQ’s, mulled cider and hog roasts accompanying various other live entertainment for the whole family, you’ll be missing out otherwise!

Here’s a round-up of all the best of what’s happening in Bristol. Local schools and communities may have even more shows lined up.

What is West Country Games?

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West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

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Here is our Bristol firework display guide for 2022

Downend Round Table Fireworks – Friday 4th November 2022

Bristol’s biggest firework display, Downend Round Table never fail to deliver a spectacular show!

Head over to King George V playing fields early as not only is there a super long musically coordinated pyrotechnic masterpiece but are also fairground rides, a stage with live music and performances and, perhaps most importantly, a bar.. I mean hotdog stand!

The children’s display starts at 6:30pm and the main display at 8:00pm. This is a very popular event so make sure to pre-order your tickets to avoid disappointment and try to arrive by public transport to avoid the nightmare parking situation.

Friday 4th November 2022
17:30pm - 21:00pm
King George V playing fields, Downend, BS16 6QW
£7 adults, £5 children (under 16), under 3 free

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DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House – Friday 4th November 2022

Cadbury House always put on a great firework display and it’s open to everyone whether you are a member or not .

It is well worth driving out of town for this one, there’s plenty of parking, food and drink stalls and fairground rides as well as the epic display! Fireworks start at 19:30.

Friday 4th November 2022
17:30 - 20:00
DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, Congresbury, BS49 5AD
£5.50 adults

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Canford Park Charity Fireworks Fiesta – Saturday 5th November 2022

One of the best Bristol fireworks displays, we definitely recommend a visit to Canford Park! This is our top tip for the Saturday night. This is a simple but great affair, with no fairground rides, just some food and drink stalls and a band to entertain everyone before the display begins.

It’s perfect for those who just want to go and watch a spectacular fireworks display and then go home! Run by the Bristol Round Table and Rotary Club, the money goes to some amazing local causes too so make sure you snap up a ticket and get involved! Fireworks display begins at 19:00

Saturday 5th November 2022
17:30pm - 19:30pm
Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3NX
£7.50 in advance £9 on the gate, under 3 free

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Bishop Road Fireworks Extravaganza – Saturday 5th November 2022

For a proper family fun evening, this display, hosted by Bishop Road Primary School, ticks all the boxes.

Run by the school’s PFTA, expect a super friendly atmosphere and, of course, lots of wild children high on sugar from the tuck shop sweets! There are drinks at the bar for the adults too and a cracking display to round the evening off. You must purchase your tickets in advance as none will be available to buy on the door

Saturday 5th November 2022
17:00pm - 20:00pm
School Field, Off Bishop Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8LQ
£8 adults, £5 children, under 3 free

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Fireworks to Music at Avon Valley – Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November 2022

Fireworks are always brilliant when timed to music especially when done well like they are at Avon Valley! A firm favourite on the calendar, this event is so popular they are now running two nights!

This is another large display complete with funfair, sparkler zone and plenty of food and drink. Fear not, the furry residents of the park are kept well away from the loud bangs!

This is another event that sells out fast so pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment. Parking is also only available by pre-booking so make sure to add that to your cart too! Fireworks start at 19:00

Friday 4th & Saturday 5th November 2022
17:00 - 21:00
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Pixash Lane, Keynsham, BS31 1TP
From £9.50

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Puxton Park Bonfire Night Fireworks Display – Saturday 12th November 2022

This is a proper professional affair with fireworks display team Fire Magic returning to put on an absolute corker of a night!

This award-winning company will blow your socks off with their pyrotechnical wizardry! Not only that but you can also go on many of the park attractions along with children’s rides and the giant soft-play barn.

There will be stalls, a hog roast and a BBQ to top it all off! Make sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time as there will be no tickets available on the door. Fireworks display begins at 19:00pm.

Saturday 12th November 2022
17:30pm - 21:00pm
Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Weston Super Mare, BS24 6AH
£10 adults/children, £36 family of four, under 2 free

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Fireworks at Sea at The Grand Pier – Friday 18th November 2022

You can’t beat watching fireworks over water so where better to catch a display than on the pier at Weston-Super-Mare looking out to sea (okay, Severn Estuary!).

Grab the best spot by booking tickets on the pier itself so truly appreciate the beautiful reflections cast into the water below. This is definitely a display with a bit of a difference and one to remember forever!

Tickets include unlimited rides Fireworks will start at approximately 8pm.

Friday 18th November 2022
18:30pm
The Grand Pier, Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1AL
From £12.50

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Victoria Park Bonfire Night – Tuesday 5th November 2022

There are no fireworks at this local event, but it is still worth mentioning as one not to miss! There is always an enormous bonfire to gather around and a build a guy competition to draw everyone together.

Take a stroll around the series of great stalls offering delicious food and drinks (cocktails, hot chocolate, mulled wine, whatever your poison, they have it covered!) A truly community driven family friendly affair where you will bump into at least 10 people you know.

Watch out for the rogue fireworks being let off over the park (please don’t set any off yourselves though!) Guy competition at 18:00, fire lighting at 18:30

Saturday 5th November 2022
18:00pm - 21:00pm
Victoria Park, Totterdown, Bristol, BS3 4DP
Free!

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Bonfire Night Party at Clifton Observatory – Friday 4th November 2022

Long have we pined for fireworks at Clifton Suspension Bridge – well, our wishes haven’t quite come true but nearly! The hill above the bridge has always been a gathering spot to watch the fireworks explode all across the city below. Now there is a far classier way to enjoy the display than huddled up with a can of Red Stripe freezing your hands off.

Buy a ticket to gain access to the rooftop terrace at Clifton Observatory for the ultimate city view. You’ll also get a free welcome drink and sparklers and will be able to enjoy fire performers, woodfired pizza, a cocktail bar and live DJ set. Surely this must be the most stylish fireworks event in Bristol!?

Friday 4th November 2022
18:00 - late
Clifton Observatory, Bristol, Bristol, BS8 3LT
£20, over 18’s only

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Bradley Stoke Fireworks Display – Sunday 6th November 2022

Fancy a good old local, traditional bonfire night? Then this evening in Bradley Stoke will be right up your street! This is a free event run by the town council, although charitable donations are encouraged.

Come along with your neighbours and friends and enjoy a great community spirited night. Grab a hot dog from the barbecue, and some doughnuts for the kids and settle down to watch the fab fireworks display.

Saturday 6th November 2022
TBC
Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke
Free - donations welcome

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Fireworks Display at Gloucestershire Country Cricket Club – Friday 4th November 2022

Another absolute belter of a fireworks display is due to take place at Gloucestershire Country Cricket Club in Bishopston. Long term residents will remember the amazing annual shows of the past which were sadly stopped for 7 years.

Making it’s return with a bang, this event will have plenty of food and drinks on offer along with music, games and stalls to keep you entertained before the main draw. The fireworks display begins at the family friendly time of 18:45.

Friday 4th November 2022
17:00
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Road, Bristol, BS7
£8 adults, £5 children, under 4’s free

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Our Favourite Magic & Comedy Bars in Bristol & Bath

Our Favourite Magic & Comedy Bars In Bristol & Bath

There’s plenty of activities on offer when you’re looking for ways to spend an evening in Bristol or Bath but if you’re planning a big night out, sometimes it’s worth looking for something a little bit different.

Luckily, we have a few tricks up our sleeves.

We’ve waved our West Country wand and conjured up this list of the best magic and comedy bars in Bristol and Bath that’ll leave you laughing or open-mouthed with amazement. maybe even both.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

The Best 5 Magic and Comedy Nights in Bristol and Bath

Whether you're planning a date night, hen or stag party, or simply just a fun evening out, read on to discover our favourite magic and comedy bars in Bath and Bristol.

Comedy clubs are always a sure bet for great entertainment. There's nothing quite like laughing along with your friends whether you think the comedian is hilarious or cringe-worthy! Even better if you're going for a special occasion and you can embarrass the birthday boy or bride-to-be by handing them over as canon fodder for the compere!

Many people have never been to a magic show, bar that entertainer you had at your sixth birthday party who produced foam balls from your ears! Visiting a magic bar can be a great unique night out and something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Take your pick from a venue with a more formal show or a bar with close up magic you can sit down to enjoy for 10 minutes of the evening. Read on to discover our top picks to find a night that will fill you with excitement and wonder.

Regardless of whether you plump for comedy or magic, they are fabulous group activities, just be prepared for some audience participation!

Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre, Bath

If you are looking for some great magic in Bath, then you should consider going to hidden secret, Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre. This is a small magic bar that is based at the Ale House Pub where shows happen every Friday and Saturday evening at 8pm.

With the intimate venue, the magicians really have to be on their game with the audience so nearby. But we bet you won’t be able to figure out any of their tricks, as they book some really top notch acts!

Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol

Smoke & Mirrors is home to some of the most exciting live magic and comedy that the city has to offer.

The venue is open throughout the week, but really comes to life on Fridays and Saturdays for the House Magicians’ Comedy and Magic Show.

If you’re looking for Bristol activities to entertain you in the evening this should be near the top of your list. Tickets are available through the venue’s online box office and we’d recommend booking in advance as the shows often sell out.

Sleight Bar, Bath

Tucked away in the basement of The Ale House, Sleight Bar is the place to be for an evening of close-up magic and cocktails.

Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, the bar hosts magicians who will leave even the most sceptical of people scratching their heads.

If you’re looking for Bath activities that are a little bit different for a stag, hen or birthday party, Sleight is great for groups. Private seating is available to hire which includes a free bottle of bubbly on arrival as well as a private magic show at your table.

Komedia, Bath

If you ask anybody from Bath for the best place to catch a comedy show, they’ll all tell you to head to Komedia. The venue has a calendar that’s packed full of comedy, music and cabaret and is also home to the best comedy night in the city.

Krater Comedy Club welcomes an eclectic mix of comedians from across the country every Saturday.

Line ups often feature famous faces alongside fresh new talent, so you’re guaranteed to find something to make you giggle.

The Comedy Box, Bristol

The Comedy Box hosts a variety of familiar faces from the comedy circuit alongside some of the most exciting up-and-comers from the UK and further afield.

With shows scheduled throughout the week, it’s worth checking out their website if you’re trying to find Bristol activities for after work.

As well as their mid-week entertainment, their regular comedy night, ‘Stand Up for The Weekend’ takes place on Saturday evenings. It showcases some of the brightest talent in Bristol guaranteed to keep you laughing all the way until Monday.

Whether you’re visiting the South West or you’re just looking for something to do on your doorstep that’s a little bit different, there’s plenty of evening entertainment full of wit and wizardry that’ll make your night out in Bristol or Bath both memorable and magical.

Top 7 Secret Spots for Students in Bristol

Bristol has long been known as being a great city to come to university. During Fresher’s Week, pretty much every bar from Whiteladies Road all the way down to Park Street is rammed the moment students return from the summer.

Whilst this is likely to be your first port of call when it comes to planning a night out, you’ll need to do a bit more digging to find a wealth of hidden gems any student worth his salt should check out.

David Pope, currently studying in his 2nd year at UWE and working at West Country Games on his Saturdays, shares his inside knowledge on Bristol’s Secret spots for students. Pay attention now Freshers!

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

1. The Lanes

Filled with five bowling alleys, pool tables, a dining area, bar and karaoke room, this is the perfect place to have a fun evening with your mates. Or why not bring that special someone here on a first date? Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their events and student deals.

Clifton Suspension Bridge & Observatory

This is definitely a landmark not to be missed whilst in Bristol. When the sun is out, a fantastic little outing is up to this beautiful bridge where you can have a picnic and admire the stunning sights of Bristol whilst costing you nothing. Be sure to do a quick detour to the camera obscura and caves at Clifton Observatory.

3. 20th Century Flicks

20^th Century Flicks boasts an incredibly wide selection of films for you to borrow including vintage VHS. Plus, there is a small cinema which is available for you and ten of your friends to hire out for less than a fiver each!

4. The Apple

Hang out with the local Bristolians at The Apple, Bristol’s favourite cider boat, which offers a huge range of ciders at great prices. Add in all the other great bars and a jazz club around the Beermuda Triangle and you’ve got a fantastic night out on your hands. You would be a fool not to include this in your weekend plans.

5. AirHop

Located a stone throw away from Cribb’s Causeway, this is the world’s biggest indoor trampoline park. It’s is a great place to go to have a laugh with all your friends at a reasonable price. To avoid the chaos of hundreds of school children running around, look out for student offers and book a time slot later on in the evening.

6. Urban Fox

If, like many students in Bristol, you love vintage clothing then this the place for you! A beautifully quirky and quaint shop with friendly staff, this is a shop you should definitely visit on your next shopping trip.

7. St. Nicholas Markets

Sandwiched between Corn Street and St. Nicholas Street in the heart of Bristol’s Old City, St Nicholas Market plays host to many great independent stalls and retailers and is much loved by all Bristolians. You can be sure to find a lovely array of gifts, artwork, jewellery and clothing here. What’s more, you can also buy Bristol Pounds to spend with any independent retailer. Look out for their monthly Night Market, which is hugely popular featuring tasty bites and bands playing in the street.

David has lived in Bristol as a student for just over a year. Having grown up in Brighton, David chose Bristol because it shares a similar vibe so felt like home.

On Saturdays, David works at West Country Games as an Activity Instructor, escorting hen groups around the games. He confesses that this has been one of the most enjoyable jobs he has ever done!

Bristol Booze Cruise Guide

Straddling the River Avon, Bristol is a brilliant city for events, occasions and party getaways with loads to see and do. Its unique waterside areas are beautiful in sunny weather and play host to a huge range of restaurants, bars and venues. A booze cruise in Bristol will make a memorable trip no matter the occasion for your city visit and with so much on offer, can be adapted to suit any group type, size or budget.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Make the Most of your Boozy Bristol Boat Trip

There’s a range of Bristol boat trips available to be booked through various venues and companies, each with a slightly different angle and theme. Bristol booze cruises do get booked up in advance by tourists as well as by locals so it’s best to find the trip you want and make sure you’ve paid for your party’s place at least a month beforehand. Book as early as possible to confirm your Bristol boat party!

Boozy Bristol Boat Trips

As with any city that attracts lots of visitors, there’s plenty of companies catering for tour and party groups. Bristol boat trips comes in all shapes and sizes but the most widely available format is a pub tour… by water!

These Bristol boat party trips incorporate sailing between pitstops to pubs, and usually three of them. You can find Bristol boat hire firms in both the city centre ready to sail out (and sometimes loop round back), or further out to then transport into the city. Most travel down the Avon stopping along the way and ending up at Cascade Steps in the city centre.

Providing that you’re aged over 18, in good health and have appropriate ID, there’s no limit to attending a Bristol booze cruise. Bristol boat hire companies report stag parties and hen parties as their most popular booze cruise customers, but these trips also work well for birthdays, leaving dos and celebrations!

The Best Pubs to Visit...

Bristol is home to some fantastic pubs, both traditional and a bit newer, but there’s three along the River Avon that we really rate. Look out for a Bristol boat party route that includes these three, and if it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to ask – lots of Bristol booze cruises can be amended and adapted to suit your preferences.

Pump House

The Pump House is an absolutely stunning building and it’ll take your breath away as you approach it by boat… have your camera ready for some social media pics! Situated where the city docks meets the River Avon, its now owned by a chef so you can enjoy some of the city’s best ales and beers as well as some great pub grub. It even has two rosettes for culinary excellence!

The Cottage Inn

Sitting on the historic harbour at Baltic Wharf, The Cottage Inn is run by a local brewery who specialise in beer and cider. It’s right on the river and was used as a dockside timber storage building before the docks closed and was then restored and refurbished into the pub that sits there today. You can sit outside or in, and this pub too had a kitchen full of top-notch chefs working on an ever-changing seasonal menu.

The Ostrich Inn

The Ostrich public house is nestled back in the centre of the harbourside, surrounded by hotels and restaurants. Fairly informal, its family and dog friendly, and deck chairs line the riverside for casual drinkers stopping for a break and a beverage. There’s free Wi-Fi for a quick check in on your social media profiles, and plenty of local and international beers on tap as well as an impressive spirits and wine menu. The Ostrich really does cater for everyone and makes for a great stop to continue your party without any pressure or formalities.

Where to finish off your Bristol Booze Cruise…

Once you’ve alighted and recovered from your sea legs, it’s time to find another bar to continue the celebrations. There’s no shortage of places to choose from within easy walking (or even stumbling distance) from your Bristol boat hire, but these are some of our favourites.

Millennium Square

If your group are likely to gravitate toward chain restaurants and pubs and are looking for comfort and value, Millennium Square is the right district to head toward for you. This development is home to several venues and is very commercial. You’re very likely to find a chain that you know from home so it’s the perfect place for those members of your party who may like to opt for something a little less adventurous.

King Street

King Street is a well-renowned party area with a reputation for giving celebratory groups a good time. A little more boozy than elsewhere in the city, the street is full of pubs and so is ideal for a further pub crawl; albeit this time on land! In the middle of it you’ll find King Street Brewpub, which brews beer on-site so you can really get stuck in to sampling something local.

The Waterfront

After having visited so many pubs, you’ll be needing to re-line your stomach, and the Waterfront area of the city has lots of food options; from takeaways to sit-down meals and pub grub along the way. You’ll also find several nightclubs in the Waterfront district so once your evening meal has been polished off, you can end the night in style by dancing the night away!

Sail Into the Sunset

Whatever you choose to do for your Bristol boat trip, there’s no doubt you’ll have a fantastic time. We recommend planning your trip in advance and drafting up a rough itinerary; if you don’t quite stick to schedule, so be it, but it’s always good to have an idea of favoured venues so that you know you’re not wasting your precious time away anywhere sub-par, and keep your Bristol trip memorable for all the right reasons!

It’s Cider Making Time – West Country Style

Friends… Romans… Country Bumpkins, lend me your beers (and more importantly, ciders!), jump off your haystacks and come with us on a little tour of the finest drink known to man in these ‘ere parts. Lovely, home-grown Scrumpy Cider.

Nearly half the apples grown in the UK are now used to make cider. Thousands of orchards have been planted to keep up with the demand. And this is the time of year farmers the land over will be harvesting their apples to make your favourite Amber Nectar.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

Imagine the scene, it’s a lovely sunny day, you’re reclining on a deckchair in the garden and sipping on your next pint of cider, total bliss. But what you might not realise is that there’s a just a little bit of history and folklore that went into that gulp.

The old Somerset custom called Wassailing talks of cider being poured over tree roots to bless the trees and produce a bumper crop for the forthcoming season. Then, (this is my favourite bit) there’s the ‘Apple Tree Man’, the spirit of the oldest tree in the whole orchard. There’s an old West Country tale where a man leaves his last mug of mulled cider to the trees, and the spirit of the Apple Tree Man takes him straight to the buried treasure. I mean, come on, what more incentive do you need to believe in the power of the Scrumpy?

Even better news is that the best time to believe in that power is now. Why now you may ask? Well, this year’s cider harvest is upon us and the freshest apples are there, begging to be picked and made into cider. In fact, it’s very easy to make it yourself and there are lots of great recipes out there. What’s more rewarding and cheaper than pressing your own cider?

I’ve bought a cider making kit this year and have the feverish determination of a rampant Wassailer. I’ve carefully picked the best apples from our garden and will be looking forward to the bit where I get to throw them into a big bucket and punish them with a pole. After the therapeutic fun bits comes the waiting, the long wait. But there is good news, if you let the cider ferment now it should allow for the best taste in time for Christmas. And let’s be honest, what better present to receive than seeing Auntie Pat writhing on the living room floor after three pints of homemade cider and a friendly game of twenty questions?

On the other hand, if you, like most sane people, just love drinking homegrown cider then there are lots of cider tours around. Here at West Country Games, we offer a traditional tour with the best in homegrown cider without having to make any effort at all. We’ll transport you to two countryside pubs, a cider farm (where you taste a further four ciders with a fine selection of cheese), and then get driven back to your humble abode. Life doesn’t get much sweeter than this, even the ‘Apple Tree Man’ leading you to buried treasure sounds a bit rubbish in comparison.

If, for some strange reason I haven’t managed to sway your opinion on the humble West County cider then I feel there’s no hope left for you. And as for you James Lavis, you’re dismissed. Mainly because I am tired, and incredibly pissed.

For almost 8 years I’ve called Bristol home and 5 of those have been spent out in the West Country Games field with a scoreboard and camera and groups of fun, feisty and often very hungover stags and hens. West Country Games sums up one of the things I love most about Bristol, there’s always something different and often slightly crazy going on.

Anyway, must go, I can hear the last track of ‘The Best of the Wurzels’ playing.

Katie has worked as an Activity Instructor, Site Manager and Event Assistant over the 5 years she’s been working at West Country Games.

Simple Things Festival, Bristol – All You Need to Know!

Simple Things Festival, Bristol – All You Need To Know!

We love Bristol's Simple Things Festival, it's one of the better underground festivals on offer in the UK, highlighting the best in homegrown and imported electronic music from all backgrounds.

This year is no different, current Mixmag cover star Helena Hauff headlines the main room with her hyper in-demand blend of uncompromising electro, EBM and techno clatter. A perfect accompaniment, Detroit electro mainstay and Drexciya affiliate DJ Stingray appears alongside.

Room Two showcases one of the most revered contemporary labels operating today – Whities. Nic Tasker’s label is defined by a spirit of imagination and innovation, specialising in unique, curveball records that expertly toe the line between experimentalism and functionality.

Alongside Tasker will be a special live performance from Bristol favourites Giant Swan, plus DJ set from Minor Science, Coby Sey and Deena Abdelwahed.

Elsewhere in Lakota, where the old skool Simple Things Festival is thriving, Bristol label Wisdom Teeth curates Room 3 with a line-up of psychedelic, broken-beat and sub-heavy techno.

The bill is topped by rising US star DJ Python, whose 2017 debut album Dulce Compañia introduced the world to his singular ‘deep reggaeton’ sound.

Python is joined by Björk-endorsed club experimentalist LOFT, local heroine Anina, and Wisdom Teeth label-head Facta, whose most recent release saw him joining the ranks at kindred Bristol imprint, Livity Sound.

Futureboogie return to the Coroners Court with Glasgow selectors supreme Optimo and the brilliant Jane Fitz, with Studio 89 also taking up their usual space in the second Coroners Court with rising talent Mafalda headlining.

The rest of the nighttime line-up is completed by Gramrcy, Em Williams, Dave Harvey, Eris Drew and Studio 89 DJs.

What is West Country Games?

Play Video

West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.

If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?

Find out more...

COLSTON HALL FOYER, Simple Things Festival lineup

Although the rest of the venue is shut for the Simple Things Festival, the Foyer is being opened for some of the day time performances, starting at 14:00 with Chaouche. Don’t miss Jun Kamoda the Japanese DJ who will be spinning some eclectic dance tunes that will get you on your feet!

Who can I catch there then?

Jun Kamoda (DJ), The Mauskovic Dance Band, Helena Deland, Emma-Jean Thackray, Dena, Haiku Hands, Connie Constance, Alaskalaska, Halo Maud, Chaouche

LAKOTA – 6 Rooms Of Music – DJs And Dance Music

Any Bristolian worth his or her salt can admit to a misspent youth here. Once Bristol’s self-acclaimed ‘Superclub’, Lakota has gone through many changes over the years. The club and adjoining former Courthouse set the scene for the majority of the late-night festivities of Simple Things.

There will be a proper battle between rooms as each is curated by someone different, ranging from Crack Magazine to the record label Wisdom Teeth, who will be banging out some experimental psychedelic club music!

There are too many great acts playing to mention them all, but we’ll see you down the front for Björk-endorsed club experimentalist Loft, followed by DJ Python’s unique mix of deep house, shoegaze trance and reggaeton!

Who can I catch there then?

Lakota, Room 1 – Gramrcy, DJ Stingray, Helena Hauff, Em Williams

Lakota Room 2 – Tasker, Minor Science, Giant Swan (Live), Deena Abdelwahed, Coby Sey

Lakota Room 3 – Facta, Anina, DJ Python, Loft, Facta B2B Anina

Coroners Court – Optimo, Jane Fitz, Dave Harvey, Christophe, Eris Drew, Mafalda, David J Bull

ROUGH TRADE

Newly popped up on the Bristol records scene, Rough Trade hosts regular live performances and signings, but they’re stepping it up a gear for Simple Things with a great line up from 3pm right through to 11:30pm! Check out post-punk Irish band Fontaines DC, championed by Steve Lamacq.

Who can I catch there then?

Parrots, Current Joys, Yassassin, Self Esteems, Great News, Fontaines DC, & Mellah

SWX

Better known as a club than a venue, SWX have opened their doors up to gigs in recent years. It’s a great space to see live acts with a slightly sloping floor giving good visibility to the more vertically challenged of us!

Make sure to see exciting new break out rapper Octavian from South London, his UK tour has sold out so this might be the only chance you’d get to see him!

Preceded by jazz fusion artist Kamaal Williams, this sums up all that is great about the variety of performers at Simple Things!

Who can I catch there then?

Octavian, Kamaal Williams, Rival Consoles, Iglooghost, Tirzah, Wooze.

O2 Academy

As Colston Hall is shut for refurbishment this year (normally the hub of the festival), the O2 Academy takes on the artists who would normally play there.

One of the largest venues on the Simple Things circuit this year, it also provides the climax to the weekend’s day time performances with Slowdive on from 23:00 – 00:30.

Get there early for a spot close to the stage to hear this legendary guitar band! It may not be known as the most atmospheric of venues in the city but fear not as Crack Magazine is taking over proceedings for the day!

Who can I catch there then?

Slowdive, Rolling Blackouts, James Holden, Black Midi, Jimothy Lacoste, Scalping and Lice

BEST OF THE REST

The Sportsmans host an intimate back room serving up a mix of live bands and electronica. Muso-run basement venue, Zed Alley, will also be stepping up for the Simple Things Festival so make sure you head down into the vaults too!

Round the corner, The Christmas Steps will be hosting the Independent Label Market with performances from midday.

All just down the road from the O2 Academy and Colston Hall Foyer, they serve as a very handy pit stop en route to other city centre venues

Who can I catch there then?

Sportsman – Warmduscher, Meat Raffle, Sorry, Rascalton, Bilk, Sistertalk, Haze, Wych Elm, Sans

Zed Alley – Tamu Massif, 404, Tungz, Herbal Tea, Denzel Himself, Last Hyena, Poisonous Birds, Tara Clerkin, Ebu

The Christmas Steps – Rough Trade DJ’s, Ellie Stokes, Kiia, Matt Sainsbury, Western Soul, Kokoro (Ambient Set)

Moving on to the night time venues and listings..

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on the Simple Things Festival, please visit the Simple Things Festival website.

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