Axe Throwing In Bristol – The Best Bristol Axe Throwing Venues

Axe Throwing in Bristol – The Best Bristol Axe Throwing Venues

Axe throwing is a modern sport that originated as a lumberjack pastime in Canada and across Scandinavia; eventually becoming popular enough and considered enough of a show of strength and skill that it began to become competitive.

Today, while still a woodsman’s timbersport in its own right, axe throwing has now become an commercial experience for all to try and can be found throughout non-competitive experiential venues across the world.

With ‘Brizzle’ being such a popular locale for occasions such as stag dos, big birthdays and special occasions, axe throwing bars in Bristol are prevalent and are popular amongst those visiting the city.

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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The Best Bristol Axe Throwing Venues

If you’re looking to try a new experience such as axe throwing, Bristol is a great place to do it. There’s plenty of both indoor and outdoor urban axe throwing venues in the city, including sports centres, activity centres and specific axe throwing bars that make for a popular party destination.

So how does it all work...?

Most urban axe throwing experiences rely on participants learning the basics behind the sport before giving it a go themselves and playing a casual game to score points against one another.

There are a variety of different axe throwing board types and scoring methods, dependent either on geographical location or league.

Generally, you’ll find that the venues for Bristol axe throwing have boards made of cottonwood, poplar wood or pine wood; and that these are replaced daily (if not more often through busy periods) to ensure as few breakages as possible.

In most cases, axe throwing boards have 4-6 different scoring zones, each with a differing point allocation for the axe landing upon it.

Axe Throwing Rules

The standard throwing line distance is around 12 feet, but you may find that some axe throwing venues insist on further for safety and insurance purposes.

Ideally, an axe will rotate only once in the air before hitting its intended target – but it’s not uncommon to find the person demonstrating the sport to be able to show off something a little more impressive.

In a league or match situation, if a participant steps over the line, the officials will immediately grant them zero points, regardless of where the axe lies according to traditional scoring.

If a participant intentionally steps over the line, the staff at a commercial axe throwing venue may ask them to leave, as this would be considered a violation of safety guidelines.

What constitutes an axe scoring depends on the league or game rules. In some games, the blade must be embedded into the board for the majority of its length (i.e., over 50%). While in others, it only needs to remain in place without falling for a few seconds.

There are two main sizes of axe used in competitive settings but for urban axe throwing venues, you’ll find three or four based on weights and whatever the participant is most easily able to lift.

Top Outdoor Bristol Axe Throwing Venues

Traditionally, axe throwing in Bristol and around the world has been an outdoor sport; but of course the Great British weather doesn’t always make this the ideal setting all year round! There are, however, four main venues for urban axe throwing in Bristol and each differs in its offering.

The Bristol Activity Centre

The Bristol Activity Centre) offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, experiences and sports: with urban axe throwing just one of them.

You can also partake in paintballing, airsoft, air rifle shooting, quad biking, archery, bubble football, and crossbow shooting – and can build a package of all the experiences you’d like to try.

Bristol Activity Centre combines axe throwing with knife throwing and offers a variety of different axe weights.

With their expert tutelage, the centre’s experts say most people can throw an axe bang on target within the first five to ten throws; and once you’ve done so, you can move on to the art of throwing knives.

A Bristol axe throwing session at the Activity Centre includes a one-hour time slot with full axe instruction and a safety briefing.

All training is provided by an expert in axe throwing, and they will offer up different sizes and weights of weapon for you to practice with as well as setting games to help participants improve their aim and scores.

Quite unusually, the axe throwing Bristol Activity Centre do allow participants aged 12+. But anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and a full safety disclaimer signed.

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Battle Archery Bristol

UK Active Outdoors Bristol presents a thrilling opportunity to go axe throwing in Bristol. Nestled in the scenic outdoor setting of the Avon Valley, participants can embrace the ancient art of axe throwing, learning techniques from skilled instructors.

The activity fosters a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among friends and groups. Safety is paramount, with comprehensive guidance provided.

This exhilarating adventure offers a blend of focus, skill, and fun, making it a popular choice for group events and individual challenges. The minimum age is 16, and individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 or older.

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Max Events Bristol

Axe throwing at Max Events Bristol offers an exhilarating experience, blending skill, concentration, and a touch of adrenaline.

Participants learn to throw axes at wooden targets under expert guidance, ensuring safety and technique.

This activity, suitable for groups or individuals, fosters a competitive yet friendly environment. It's a unique way to bond, have fun, and embrace a satisfying skill.

Ideal for team-building, parties, or just a fun day out. Various packages available, participants 12+ dependant on location, see website for full details.

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Adventure Bristol

This venue is located in a woodland area and provides a diverse range of outdoor activities suitable for corporate outings, school excursions, hen and stag parties, as well as residential visits.

The site includes facilities for everything from climbing to canoeing, raft building to high ropes, and of course your urban axe throwing Bristol experience! Taking part in axe throwing in the woods lends this experience a really genuine feel that can’t be found anywhere else locally.

Participants will receive a full safety briefing and training session before they compete for the highest individual and team score on the board.

Each person has 8 throws but don’t be surprised if things continue on longer; this is the centre’s most popular activity and they claim that many a round of drinks are won and lost here.

Axe throwing can only be done by individuals who are 18 years old or older.

Top Indoor Bristol Axe Throwing Venues

If the weather isn’t looking too great, or you feel that you’d like a warmer, more party-type experience, there are also plenty of places to try axe throwing in Bristol while staying indoors, with the following two venues the most popular…

Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing Bristol

Whistle Punks is a purpose-built venue centrally in the city. A chain, you can also find branches of Whistle Punk in Manchester, Leeds and London.

This axe throwing bar allows you to grab a drink and some snacks and take part in the sport in sealed metal cages to ensure the safety of all involved. You can watch others partake and give it a go yourself while enjoying an afternoon or night out.

Sessions at Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing Bar in Bristol are 70mins long and designed for beginner’s. Each lane consists of 2 targets and can facilitate up to 10 players with a fully qualified instructor in your café at all times.

All sessions include a safety briefing, tutelage, a tournament and some tuition of trick shots including how to throw (and score) with two axes at once!

Only individuals aged 18 and older are allowed entry to Whistle Punks venues.

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Cocktail Making in Bristol

Discover the Art of Cocktail Making in Bristol!

Thanks to the wide range of cocktail making in Bristol, you can get stuck in from the start.

Bristol's bars are not just about serving drinks; they're about crafting experiences. Each cocktail tells a story, often inspired by local ingredients and the city's eclectic spirit.

From classic concoctions to contemporary twists, Bristol's mixologists are masters at infusing local character into every sip.

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?

Find out more...

Booking a Cocktail Making Class in Bristol

It doesn’t matter whether you are booking something to do on a stag or a hen, or you are organising a birthday event, cocktail making lessons in Bristol have something for everyone. In fact, cocktail making in Bristol is even popular with corporate groups and those looking for a team building activity.

It’s a fantastic way to get together and try something new. Certainly, while each venue may have its unique approach, cocktail making classes typically focus on teaching the art of crafting popular cocktails and the professional techniques behind them.

We have all seen how the experts shake things up and you’ll be able to give it your best shot when taking part in cocktail making lessons in Bristol.

Firm Favorite Bristol Cocktails

When it comes to cocktails, everyone has their firm favourite. Some people opt for a classic Mojito, whilst others like to go big with a Long Island Iced Tea. Luckily, you will find your ideal cocktail recipe at one of the cocktail making classes in Bristol.

It doesn’t matter on your spirit of choice or how fruity you like things, you will find yourself cocktail making in Bristol with your drink of choice.

While there's a wide range of cocktail options, a few consistently remain the most popular choices over time. Pina Colada, Margarita, Mojito, Martini, Long Island Iced Tea, Cosmopolitan and Mai Tai continue to make the list.

Those putting on cocktail making classes in Bristol know how to impress their guests, which is why they all focus on popular cocktails that we all know and love.

You won’t find yourself making something you won’t want to recreate again. You’ll enjoy drinking your creation just as much as you enjoy making it.

Venues Cocktail Making Classes In Bristol

Bristol’s Best Cocktail Making Venues

If you are looking for cocktail making in Bristol, you won’t find yourself short of choice. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for cocktail making classes in Bristol Harbourside or elsewhere, you will always be able to find somewhere that ticks every box for your specific group.

There are a lot of venues to choose from, but here are five of the best.

Alterego

t Alterego, you can enjoy on site and mobile cocktail making. This means that you don’t have to travel to the venue yourself as everything can come to you, which is ideal if you have a venue already in mind or other activities or plan the class around.

You can book Alterego cocktail making sessions from 11 am to 10 pm, giving you the choice to either kickstart your day with a playful drink or wrap it up with some style.

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Revolution

For those looking for cocktail making in Bristol Harbourside, Revolution is a popular choice.

Stated as being a Cocktail Masterclass, this cocktail making lesson promises to guide you through the intriguing world of mixology.

The session lasts 90 minutes, which is 90 minutes of learning and partying.

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Slug And Lettuce Cocktail Making Bristol

Slug & Lettuce

Let’s face it, sometimes you can’t go wrong with Slug & Lettuce. The Slug & Lettuce cocktail making in Bristol offers a wide variety of drinks, which means that there is something for everyone.

You'll receive a Prosecco welcome, enjoy some games, create two popular cocktails, and then taste your own creations during the class.

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Be At One

For a Bristol cocktail making class full of fun, we can't recommend Be At One enough! Well known for their wild staff and electric atmosphere, this masterclass will really start off your hen weekend off with a bang!

You'll start with a glass of prosecco, spend 90 minutes crafting two of your preferred cocktails, and master the art of flair, becoming a pro at twirling bottles and tossing shakers by the class's end.

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Milk Thistle

For the classiest cocktail making in Bristol, head down to the absolutely stunning Milk Thistle. The venue is expansive, with four floors, but it's hidden unless you know which door to knock on!

Inside, the architecture and décor is elegant and decadent, setting the tone for the evening ahead.

The cocktail masterclass happens in a private event room and can be customized to your group's preferences, allowing you to select cocktails that best suit your group.

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Blame Gloria

Blame Gloria is one of the most fun-filled venues in Bristol. A spin-off from their notorious Covent Garden bar, you can be sure of a great time here with a side of sauce!

Their cocktail masterclasses include a Razzle Dazzle cocktail, 90 minutes of shots, fun games, and a chance to mix and try your own cocktails.

Stay on for the rest of the evening if you dare!

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Aluna

The staff at Aluna are true mixologists and chemists of the cocktail world. Expect plenty of dry ice and magic along with precision pouring using flasks and beakers to measure out your spirits and mixers!

The cocktail masterclass package includes a welcome drink, three cocktails to learn, and an option for a sharing platter to enjoy with the potent elixirs.

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As you can see, there are a number of great options. It doesn’t matter if you are planning a stag or a hen, a birthday or a corporate event, there’s always going to be a cocktail making class that takes your fancy.

Bath Christmas Market – The Best of the Bath Christmas Markets

Our Guide To The Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas Market is truly a magical event. This special, award-winning market has been returning for over 20 years and will be staying in the city for a whopping 18 days this year (2023), giving its guests tonnes of time to shop around and experience that holiday feeling.

There are going to be over 150 chalets spread across Bath’s Georgian-style streets; a far cry from many, more cramped Christmas Markets that take place in town and city squares.

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?

Find out more...

Sparkling Gift Options...

The city of Bath knows how to treat its visitors and its residents. Giving them an array of sparkling gift options; from candles and crystals to homeware and house decorations.

All ages will find something to love about this mystical market event, no matter how long they spent there.

Tour the stalls during the day for some light shopping but remember to return during the darker hours to see the lights twinkling up close.

Parents, rejoice! There are plenty of hot drinks stands selling delicious treats to warm you right up while your children lovingly drag you from stall to stall.

Couples, this is the time of year for the type of romance that only cold weather can bring; share marshmallow-topped hot chocolate and treat each other to something unique.

Or, for those local to the market’s area, pop out during your lunch break and sneakily pick something up for someone you love.

No matter what brings you to Bath this winter, find a new reason to keep coming back each year with the Bath Christmas Market.

Bath Christmas Market Dates 2023

This year’s Bath Christmas Market takes place over the days between November 23^rd and December 10^th,2023.

While the market is certainly the main attraction, the city of Bath has never done anything halfway – so there’s plenty more to see and do in and around the market area.

As for opening times, just so you don’t show up when things are closed and end up waiting around in the cold, check out this quick list:

Open Dailly (Mon - Wed 10am to 7pm / Thurs-Sat 10am - 8pm / Sundays 10am to 6pm)
Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HA
Free

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As you can see, that’s between eight and ten available shopping hours every day in the lead-up to Christmas! With over two weeks of daily holiday shopping right at the heart of Bath.

The Highlights Of Bath Christmas Market

One highlight of this picturesque market is Paperstarlights, which has been making paper star lanterns for over 20 years. This Christmas Market chalet can help you bring the magic of winter right into your home; without bringing the cold in, as well. Each lantern is handcrafted using traditional techniques and the materials are responsibly sourced. They use natural dyes, too.

No Bath Christmas Market is complete without sweet-smelling food stalls. So, next, let us introduce you to Suzette's pancakes Sweet or savoury, there’s a huge range of choices of fillings and toppings for your crepes. They’re happy for you to get creative with it and the owners are very friendly.

And lastly, for the vegans among our readers: Plant.Eat.Licious. This Bath based family business offers an entire menu of delicious vegan festival food.

Base Your Hen Do Around A Visit To The Christmas Markets

How can you make a hen do around a Christmas Market, you may ask? Why with a sprinkle of glitter, some bubbles, and a bonkers activity of course!

Bath Is a fantastic destination for a hen party all year round but there is really something rather magical about the way it comes to life with all the twinkling lights in the winter months.

Start the weekend off with a real icebreaker, taking part in some hilariously silly games at West Country Indoor Games. Bounce off the inflatables and take on their Sheep Rodeo while splitting your sides with laughter!

Then seamlessly glide into a classy two-course Champagne lunch at The Ivy Bath Brasserie to share anecdotes and photos and set the tone for the rest of the day.

Feeling a little merry after a delicious lunch, wander down around the corner to a festive wreath-making workshop in the afternoon. Spend two hours getting in the Christmas zone and creating some stunning keepsakes to take home with you.

Then spill out onto the streets and meander through the Christmas markets, picking up a mulled wine here and a warm sugary doughnut there, while perusing all the beautiful stalls and soaking up the atmosphere.

A night out in Bath could take you anywhere, will you end the evening dancing on a table in an alpine ski chalet or will you be pulling all the moves in an underground Greek Taverna?

Wherever you end up, we guarantee you will feel a million times better the next morning once you spend some time soaking in the healing waters at the fantastic Thermae Bath Spa.

Things To Do In Bath After You Have Been To The Market

Bath On Ice

Bath on Ice, the infamous outdoor ice rink, is also returning to the city once again. Over 1000 square meters of rink are waiting for you and your friends, all you need is the opening hours and days below:

Open Dailly (Mon to Fri - 11:45am to 9:30pm / Sat & Sun - 10:30am to 9:30pm / Not open on Christmas Day)
Royal Pavilion, Royal Ave, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR
£12.50 for kids - £14.50 Adult - £47.00 Family of 4

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The ice rink prices vary, but an hour for an adult is just £14.50, while it’s £12.50 for an hour for a child. Skate aids are available at £5 per session, and the rink is open from 17^th November 2023 to 3^rd January 2024. Located just five minutes away (on foot) from Milsom Street’s Bath Christmas Market chalets. You’ll find the rink, and some other attractions, in Royal Victoria Park.

Glow In The Dark Mini-Golf

Right next to the ice rink, you’ll find some great glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, too! This brightly coloured game has fluorescent golf balls and a botanical course with 18 holes. Prices start from £7.50 for kids, and £8.75 for adults. Days and times below:

Just like the ice rink of Bath on Ice, the golf course is open until 3^rd January 2024. To book, head over to the Bath on Ice website. Embrace the true winter wonderland of Bath by starting with the Christmas Market and then heading straight over to Royal Victoria Park for more fun.

Everyday: 4pm to 8:45pm (except Christmas Day)
Royal Ave, Bath, BA1 2NR
£7.50 for kids - £8.75 Adult - £29.00 Family of 4

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Something Different...

If you’re looking for something a little less Christmas-themed, try roaming the streets for some of the quirky and unique cafés and restaurants of Bath. Colonna & Small’s is just a stone’s throw away from Royal Victoria Park, and has been named as one of the best coffee shops in the UK.

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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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!

Bristol Street Art – Bristol street art graffiti scene guide

Bristol Street Art

Bristol is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a vibrant past. It’s a place where old-world charm harmoniously meets urbanism – a concoction that continues to lure people from all over the world.

As well as its historic past, part of what makes Bristol’s iconic landscape so familiar (and yet ever changing) is the street art.

Evident throughout the city, Bristol’s graffiti and street art scene is one of the largest in the UK. It’s a mesmerising medley of colours, ideas, styles and cultures – a visual simile of the city itself.

If you want to experience the Bristol street art graffiti scene for yourself you can just take a walk, paint the town red (excuse the pun) and keep your eyes peeled.

But if you fancy something with a little more focus, there are several events and organisations that will help you find the best street art Bristol has to offer.

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 Bristol Street Art Graffiti Scene

Where The Wall

Inspired by the lively Bristol street art scene, Where the wall offers a cultural, artistic experience for kids and adults alike.

The award-winning company provides street art tours throughout the city, one of which is the longest running in Bristol.

For two glorious hours, Where the wall will guide you through the city streets every Saturday and Sunday, to ogle at 30 years of fantastic and visually mesmerising Bristol street art, which you may have otherwise missed.

Their intimate knowledge of the graffiti – and the artists – steams from a passion of the art form, as well as their personal expertise (some members of the team have even grown up with Banksy).

Where the wall also offers unique team-building events (either at their HQ or at your chosen location), giving your team or party the chance to make their very own street art stencils, or work together to create a giant masterpiece.

It’s a great option for any stag do or hen weekend, who are looking for a completely unique activity for their stay in Bristol.

Graft Workshop

Another great activity option for Bristol stag and hen weekends is Graft. Their customised packages will undoubtedly get all of your party involved; start with a walking tour of the best Bristol street art before you get your hands dirty and give street art a whirl!

As well as pre-nuptial parties, Graft offer workshops for all ages, for all the budding Banksy’s out there!

Banksy; Bristol’s Father Of Street Art

Recognised around the world as the master of street art, Banksy was born and bred on the streets of Bristol. He wealds a spray can like no other, and has sold his works all over the world for thousands of pounds.

Banksy’s politically fuelled art appears across the city, where he’s chosen to bless his hometown with some of his most iconic Bristol street art pieces.

Take the Banksy tour through Bristol and keep your eyes peeled for much-loved work, such as the Well Hung lover, The Mild, Mild West and the Grim Reaper.

Banksy’s hidden identity undoubtedly adds to his allure, but his popularity and success is rooted in his unquestionable talent.

Upfest

Upfest, Europe’s largest free street art and graffiti festival has called Bristol home for a number of years, and only gets more popular with the passing of time.

Take place on a biannual basis, gifted graffiti artists from 50 countries pile into the city to paint 60,000 square feet of surfaces for the Bristol street art weekend.

Spread over 50 locations south of the river, the event welcomes 50,000 visitors, who flock to the streets and enjoy live music, workshops, art sales and delicious street food.

From independent food and drink retailers, to hair graffiti, homemade produce and high quality clothing, the streets are filled stalls that offer something for everyone.

Many of the bars and pubs along Bristol’s North street in Bedminster take part in the festival-esque spirit, and welcome street artists to spruce up their walls inside and out with live spray painting (outside) and framed pictures donning the interiors.

Hen Party Ideas – How to plan a Hen Party

The Ultimate Guide To Organising A Hen Weekend

When your best friend calls you, you already have a feeling what she’s going to tell you. After discussing details of romantic proposals, talk turns to the hen do. She doesn’t even need to ask you to be her chief bridesmaid, you’ve both always known the line-up.

Here’s the ultimate guide to making sure that you do your friend proud with an unforgettable weekend of fun and bonding.

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 Lady Of The Moment

The most important place to start is to arrange a time with the hen to go through details. Although it is great to have a surprise weekend, you want to make sure that it’s a surprise weekend that she’s going to love.

What is the most important part of the hen do for her? Is it to make sure she has as many of her family and friends there to celebrate or to go abroad for a week long holiday for some pre-wedding sunshine?

You won’t want to have an itinerary from her but you need to know the style of weekend that she will enjoy, there’s no point booking a spa and cheer leading class type weekend if she is more of an outdoor events kind of a girl. It’s also important to make sure that her friends have similar tastes to her before you book anything as it only takes a couple of unhappy people to bring down the mood of the weekend.

Getting the details of the other bridesmaids at the start gives you a good opportunity to get to know her other close friends and to pool ideas so you have the perfect weekend for your bestie.

Party Goer List

The hen’s availability is obviously crucial but you want to have a range of dates so as many of her nearest and dearest can be there too. You’ll need to make sure that she gives you a full list of email addresses and phone numbers of the people she wants to invite.

If there are some key people it’s a good idea to contact them first to check that they will definitely be there and have a secondary list of people who are given less choice of the date as it might be difficult to find one that is perfect for everyone.

Getting In The Numbers

Weddings can get expensive for everyone, not just the happy couple. As the chief organiser the responsibility of getting as many people as possible to turn up to the hen weekend lies with you, no pressure! It’s worth considering the stage of life of the hen do attendees before you start planning luxury escapes if it’s going to exclude half of the guest list. The same goes for the destination, if that’s going to be a deal breaker for people maybe a venue not too far from home would tick all the boxes.

The chances are the most important aspect for the hen will be having all of her friends together for a good ol’ knees up so the more the merrier.

If you can secure a list of definite people or who will be at each part of the weekend if dipping in and out is an option, it will make the planning far easier. Having a budget planned at the start helps keep things under control and allows people to decide their limitations before committing and they might be less likely to drop out.

If you plan activities or book accommodation for a certain number and people do drop out it might be left to the other people share out the extra cost.

Accommodation

As a base for your hen weekend this needs careful consideration, you need to think about the type of weekend that you have planned.

Are you going to book a city break or an activity packed weekend with the accommodation just being used as a place to stumble back to in the early hours and sleep off a hangover before dragging yourselves back out for more action? If this is the case, maybe a hotel would be the best option. If you are you going to be looking for a place which is a feature of the hen weekend or a pad to relax and spend time together, a big house, camping or glamping might be better suited to you.

Just keep thinking back to the hen and the other types of people who will be partying with you for the weekend. If most of party goers are going to be city birds who baulk at the idea of getting mud on their pristine white stilettos, a weekend of camping and quad biking might not be the right approach.

Activities

A good hen weekend needs a fun activity in the day time. It’s a great time for everyone to get to know each other and gives the weekend some structure. There are so many different options that its worth exploring alternative ideas before going straight for the obvious activities that everyone has done before, you don’t want 12 cocktail making experts by the end of the weekend. Likewise, horse riding across Dartmoor followed by camping might not be the right activity if Great Aunt Maud is a key player.

Try to keep within the guidelines given by the hen as it is her hen weekend and it is all about making it as fun as possible for her, not planning your own ultimate weekend. Chatting to the bridesmaids throughout is a great way to rein it in and keep on track with your best buddy in mind.

Packages

If life is busy or you just like the idea of someone sorting it all out for you, you could always look to the experts and get West Country Weekends on board. Not only do you have experienced help and keep it simple but often you end up getting more for your money than booking everything individually. Additional benefits include:

Allocation on hotels meaning instant confirmation upon booking
VIP nightclub entry
VIP Casino entry
Private dining
Restaurants suitable to groups
Local knowledge of an area you might not know
Additional activities – add on a second activity you may not have thought of yourself
Only a £50 deposit to pay initially
Individual payment system – this means that you don’t need to collect money from the group, they just pay their share directly saving you all that annoying chasing

And Lift Off

You’ve done it, you’ve booked the ultimate hen weekend that will just serve to remind your friend of how close you are and that you possibly know her even better than she knows herself.

Sending an email to everyone before the weekend with the finer details such as timings, specific clothing for activities, fancy dress, how much cash people will need if its rural break for taxis etc will mean you have less questions to field and people will be more prepared. The hen will also need enough details to bring the right stuff and feel comfortable and you will need to bear in mind any spare clothes for her if it’s a messy activity and you don’t want to spoil the surprise.

Plan the finer details such as taxis and food arrangements so people aren’t hanging around and looking to you all weekend to make decisions, you want to be busy having fun and not having to arrange anything as you go.

Success List:

Always think back to the hen and other people going to the hen weekend
Know who are the most important people when arranging dates
Consider budgets and logistics when you decide on the destination
Get people to commit before securing bookings for accommodation and activities
Do as much booking as you can before the big weekend, people like to know that it’s all under control and when you’re away you’ll just have to worry about where the next tray of Jager bombs are coming from
Have her back – make yourself the responsible person for getting your friend home at the end of the night , put a pint of water by the bed and have hangover snacks ready for the morning after recovery.
Have fun!

Things To Do in Bath: Our Top 10 Things To Do in Bath

Things to do in Bath – Our Top 10 Things to do in Bath

Bath is the largest city in Somerset, and perhaps unsurprisingly with its name, is best known for… it’s Roman baths! Probably Britain’s best-known spa town, Bath is a popular tourist destination for those within the UK and those further afield.

If you’re planning a trip to the city and are looking for things to do in Bath to keep you and/or your group occupied, then you’ve come to the right place – because we love Bath and can fill you in on all the must-dos while you’re there!

Please note that dependent on the time of year of your trip, you may find some of our suggested things to do in Bath are open for limited hours or different days of the week. We can give you all of our hints and tips but be sure to check online before you travel to avoid any disappointment. After all, you want your Bath trip to be memorable for all the right reasons.

Bath was the centre of fashionable life back in the 18^th century and it continues to offer lots today too. While you’re there, be sure to try Bath Olivers and Bath Buns… we promise you won’t be disappointed in the beauty of the town and its brilliant local sweet cuisine!

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?

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Our Top 10 Picks of Fun Things to do in Bath

Bath is brimming with things to do, from the historical to the active and everything in between. The choice can be overwhelming so we've put together our top ten picks of fun things to do when you're visiting the city.

1. Get involved at the West Country Games

The West Country Games are Bath’s answer to the Olympics… only a little less athletic and a lot more fun; with no training required! A favoured activity amongst stag, hen, birthday and corporate parties, the West Country Games best suit groups and can be adapted to fit all abilities, ages and appetites.

All games are countryside themed and are more novelty than they are sporty. It takes up at least an afternoon, if not a whole day, and transfers to the countryside site for the Games can be arranged!

2. Pamper yourself at the Roman Baths and Spa

As much a history lesson as a pamper session (honest!), Bath’s Roman Baths offer a variety of spa packages. One of the most popular things to do in Bath for tourists, it’s definitely worth packing your cozzie for a dip and if you have time, enjoying afternoon tea and some extra treatments while you’re there!

The Roman Baths are the ideal venue for relaxing after more active trips and activities… and they may even cure your hangover… but we can’t guarantee anything!

3. Test gins at the Canary Bar

Gin is the new black, and you can truly experience local at the Canary Bar. Run by the local Bath Distillery, this quirky little bar is a favourite amongst gin lovers and is the home of the ‘Gin Austen’ cocktail; infamous in the town!

Challenge the mixologists behind the bar to create something bespoke for you and enjoy gin cocktails straight from a teapot. The Canary Bar is very popular on the lists of things to do in Bath at night, so book a table in advance to ensure you all fit in.

4. Shop Local at the Bath Christmas Market

Obviously only around for November and December, the Bath Christmas Market is top of our list of things to do in Bath for free!

Over 150 chalets of festive shops (mostly European themed, but lots of local retailers and brands are present too) line Bath’s beautiful Georgian streets and make for a really picturesque Christmas scene. Get snap happy for Instagram and make a start on your Christmas list… win win!

5. Set Sail on the Avon with a River Cruise

Take a different view on the spa town of Bath by admiring it from the river and cruising up and down the River Avon.

Bath isn’t as busy as its neighbour Bristol when it comes to river trips, but you’ll still find some choice of firms, so have a check online to find the trip that works best for you in length and in route. Consider adding this to your itinerary of things to do in Bath at night too; it’ll give you a unique look at the town and is a nice chilled way to spend an evening.

6. Lunch on the Lawn at the Royal Crescent

One of Bath’s most impressive landmarks, the stunning Royal Crescent looks over the beautifully kept Royal Victoria Park. Now a five-star hotel and spa with a museum of Georgian life in the town, the park is the ideal place to picnic.

You can either pack your own or have the hotel’s restaurant put something more luxurious together for you, so there’s options for all budgets. If you’re not looking to spend much, nip to the supermarket and eat what you fancy on the lawn – it’s one of the most popular things to do in Bath for free and can be enjoyed year-round (although you may need to pack blankets!).

7. Catch the Rugby at Bath Stadium

Bath Rugby Union Club is one of the most popular clubs in the country and they play at The Recreation Ground Stadium (affectionately known as ‘The Rec’), right on the River Avon.

During Rugby season, the Club have exclusive use of the stadium and through the summer, its used for cricket matches. You can book tickets in advance fairly cheaply and packages are available to include meals and drinks.

8. Go Beer Tasting at the Electric Bear Brewing Co

Not far from Bath town centre you’ll find local brewers Electric Bear Brewing Co. The taproom on their Bath brewery is a favourite amongst beer fans and those who don’t like hops as much as fruit and it’s the only place you can try Electric Bear’s full range of brews!

From IPAs to stouts, there’s something for everyone and the expert staff at the taproom can advise you on different types of beers and brews in a way you won’t ever find in a usual high street bar.

9. Take Afternoon Tea at the Pump Rooms

Built in the 1790s, the Bath Pump Rooms are one of the town’s oldest attractions. Adjacent to the Roman Baths, it serves a variety of food and drinks – including water directly from Bath’s springs!

It’s a Bath institution and the afternoon tea served at the Pump Rooms is considered the best in the west country! Dietary requirements can be catered for if advised ahead of time, and tables for groups will need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Pump Rooms is busiest around Mother’s Day and throughout December, so phone ahead.

10. Walk off your hangover in Prior Park

OK, so it’s been a few days of intense activities during your trip to the spa town, and now you need something relaxing and easy to do to rejuvenate yourself again!

One of the easiest and most accessible things to do in Bath for free is to walk around Prior Park and blow out the cobwebs. A full park as well as landscaped gardens and a house, part of the Park is owned by the National Trust, so you have the option to pay and explore the whole property if you’d like to.

Booking up your Bath Itinerary

Bath isn’t the country’s busiest tourist destination, but it’s growing in popularity and is particularly popular amongst hen, stag, birthday and occasion groups.

A quick google will bring up lots of lists of suggested things to do in Bath at night, for big parties, on a shoestring and for overseas guests… there’s no shortage of hints and tips out there, so it won’t surprise you to hear that you may find attractions and sights busy when you visit.

In order to best enjoy your trip to Bath, we recommend that you put together an itinerary of activities day by day and allow your group’s guests to pick and choose what they’d like to and what they’re able to attend. Bath is particularly busy in November and December, for Christmas shoppers, as well as between April-June before wedding season as hen parties descend upon the town.

Regardless of what time of the year you’re visiting, it’s always recommended to book ahead on activities and to make requests in advance for dietary, access or special requirements. Working under the UK discrimination legislation, Bath’s businesses will make all reasonable adjustments that they can to accommodate whoever for whatever, and most will have lots of experience in doing exactly that.

Never fear asking – go ahead, be bold and get what works best for you and your group!

Why Visit Bath?

One thing’s for sure with your trip to Bath – we just know you’re going to love the town. A picturesque Georgian street sits around every corner and with the fantastic hospitality on offer from Bath’s many businesses and locals, it will make the perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable trip away.

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