Upcoming Events

Family art trail to find twelve ewe-nique sculptures at locations across the zoo. It’s the perfect festive activity, free for visitors and packed full of baa-rilliant adventures! In collaboration with Aardman, and in partnership with global art producer, Wild in Art, each sculpture, standing at 160cm tall, has been individually designed by artists from across the region and beyond. The Christmas sculptures include: Fleece Navidad by Jessica Perrin, Snowfall Symphony by Amrit Singh and Shaun the Tree-t by Megan Heather…

A weekly opportunity to listen to a new picture book as well as enjoy some healthy snacks and tea and coffee for the accompanying adults. Suitable for ages 2-5 years. Please sign up in advance.

The Unforgettable Behaviour exhibition showcases 39 photographs from previous Wildlife Photographer of the Year collections, displaying some of the most incredible animal behaviour moments ever captured on camera. The photos show an extraordinary range of surprising, and often deeply moving, acts by animals. They have been chosen to allow visitors to connect with animals they might never otherwise see and to inspire everyone to care about the world around us. The collection includes the works of several American photographers, with…

The snow is falling and the solstice is approaching. Ratty is getting ready. She wants everything to be really rat-tastic! But will her friends make it through the snow to the winter woodland revels? Can you help them on their journey? There’ll be excitement, adventure, play-acting, games, music, a splattering of silliness and lots of snow in this fun, relaxed play-along theatre adventure. Expect to play, move, watch and laugh. The show lasts 1 hour including a stay and play…

See the resident falcons, hawks and owls and enjoy a flying display (11am and 2:30pm), see three different species in the sky with commentary from one of the team. Tickets are valid for the whole day, to allow you to come and go as many times as you like.

Willow reindeers will be prancing around the garden, the Bakehouse will be ready for Christmas post with a letter writing station and north pole postbox, and there will be Christmas trees twinkling in every corner. The Cloister will be hosting a Community Christmas Tree festival with trees decorated by local groups using handmade and upcycled decorations. 

Featuring four Thomas Gainsborough portraits and 18 contemporary artists, the first in a new programme of contemporary art exhibitions. The paintings will be presented as key components of a group exhibition of portraiture featuring 18 contemporary British artists selected by guest curator Ingrid Swenson MBE. The exhibition is intended for reflection on the experience of artists and their sitters or subject in the act of making the artwork, and to consider what similarities and differences there may be for the…

Frenchay Forestry will be selling their Christmas trees in the Aerospace Bristol car park and as a special offer, anyone who purchases a tree can claim 15% off anything in the gift shop when they show their receipt. Similarly, those who shop in the gift store can enjoy 10% off their Christmas tree by presenting their gift shop receipt.

The perfect place to practice your skating and show off your moves! With wintery music, a cosy bar and seasonal drinks, be transported in to a winter wonderland.

The reindeer have escaped from the stables and are running riot across the estate! Father Christmas needs your help to track them down so he can round them up to pull his sleigh. Using a map of the locations they were last seen, explore the estate and see if you can find all nine reindeer. Last entry for the trail at 3pm.

Cosy up for a story read by Mother Christmas and receive a gift from Father Christmas's present sack. Session lasts 25 minutes and includes a story, present and toys for quiet play. Suitable for under 5 years.

Aa family-focused exhibition, showcasing over 60 dragon-themed objects from the Museum’s collection. Explore the stories and symbolism of dragons across China, Japan, and Korea through our family-friendly activities. Design your own dragon to hang in the ‘Dragon Gallery’; write your own dragon myth; and learn more about their history through the Fun Facts Trail and Family Activity Guide.

Aa family-focused exhibition, showcasing over 60 dragon-themed objects from the Museum’s collection. Explore the stories and symbolism of dragons across China, Japan, and Korea through our family-friendly activities. Design your own dragon to hang in the ‘Dragon Gallery’; write your own dragon myth; and learn more about their history through the Fun Facts Trail and Family Activity Guide.

Fairytales meet a Victorian Christmas in this immersive storytelling experience, perfect for both the young and the young at heart. Discover the three bears' Christmas feast, follow Hansel's trail to the tea-room and listen to some fairy tales in the Library. Throughout Christmas there will be a free activity sheet to keep little minds occupied and storytelling sessions at the weekends. 

Three gnomes, Hobby, Ivor and Toe, are terrified of winter because it’s cold and nothing happens in December.  When they fish a cracker out of their pond, a riddle tells them there used to be a thing called Christmas…. and they are charged with bringing it back to life! They take a tour through the tales and traditions behind everything we love about Christmas, only to find someone is trying to stop them.  Who is it? And can they bring…

Enjoy a magical experience, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas in an interactive experience with professional actors. Help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear a story of how they plan to make this year the best Christmas ever. Then have your photo taken with Father Christmas and his magical musical elf Sprinkles. Children and adults both receive a gift. Suitable for ages 3-12 years.

Light trail featuring giant illuminated lanterns around the grounds as well as the UK’s biggest singing Christmas tree, Santa train, safari drive-through and festive tours of the house.

Experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent after-hours. Wander around the candlelit museum and enjoy a festive experience from a fresh perspective. The house comes to life after dark with beautiful Christmas decorations and candlelit rooms. Enjoy after-hours access to the museum’s self-led immersive tour. Alcoholic and soft-drink refreshments will be available for purchase and the gift shop will be open. Booking in advance recommended.

Wander through a magical backdrop of illuminated trees, discover a trail of remarkable light art sculptures, low level soundscapes, interactive illuminations and a specially commissioned light show. This year, the route is longer, with more installations and plenty of entertainment as well as food and drink around the Bandstand. Entry via the Westlecot Road entrance; timeslots available every 15mins. In addition, there will be an accessible evening on 9 December for neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory processing issues. A…

Life in Sherwood Forest isn’t all nuts and berries for Rob, a runaway and our reluctant hero, especially when the Sheriff 's sickening soldiers are on his tail! When he stumbles upon a Very Merry Band, will they march to the beat of his drum in the fight for justice and freedom? Suitable for ages 6+. Full times and performances available online.

Fly through the rings of the gas giant, Saturn and uncover a hidden world, discover constellations of stars including Aquila the Eagle and Lyra the Harp, enjoy a spectacular meteor shower, see how the Earth compares to gigantic stars, planets and even the Milky Way Galaxy and discover the summer night sky as it appears above Bristol. The show combines knowledgeable presenters with the most advanced Planetarium system in the UK to create a truly astounding experience. Suitable for ages…

Annual family pantomime and Christmas fun!

Goldilocks' circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their friends, they need to try and save their Big Top from ruin. All seems lost until the three bears join the gang! A festive extravaganza starring Brian Conley and packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, and hair-raising stunts!

The Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines present ‘A Christmas Spectacular’ in an evening featuring all the usual festive fun and enjoyment, alongside the traditional music from one of the finest military bands in the world. See the celebrated Corps of Drums, and enjoy yuletide classics, solos, marches, overtures, and film music.

Enjoy three magical Christmas experiences at Winter Wonderland - explore enchanting caves lit by 100,000 lights, visit Santa's North Pole Grotto for a special gift, and enjoy a Grinch-inspired Christmas circus show in the Theatre.

An enchanting winter’s tale for the very young. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world. Just when they are starting to feel a bit lonely, they find a sleeping mouse buried under the soft white flakes. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, they explore the winter wonderland together and keep each other safe and warm from the winter…

The cherry orchard is Madame Ranevsky’s favourite place and tonight she’s saying goodbye to it one last time before moving house. Under the light of the silvery moon, she plays with her nocturnal friends before Midnight Mole bursts from his mound to join her. With a fascination for found objects, Mole leads her on an adventure of rediscovery, above and below ground, which allows her to see her orchard afresh and embark on her new journey. A heart-warming, moon-dancing adventure…