Retiring to Nearby Hotels in Bristol

Bristol is widely acclaimed for the quality of its visitor attractions, from the myriad wildlife of Bristol Zoo to the historical discoveries aboard Brunel’s Great Britain, but its many wide open spaces also play host to lively festivals and events throughout the year - especially during the summer months.

Activities such as the Bristol Worldwide Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival draw crowds from across the UK and even further afield, while those who look deeper into the city's offerings will find a calendar packed with events to please visitors of all interests and backgrounds - from art exhibitions celebrating diverse cultures to world-class theatre shows and musical acts taking to the stage at central venues such as the Bristol Hotels.

The Bristol Harbour Festival is one of the first major events of the summer season, encompassing all two miles of the city's famous maritime harbour. The weekend festival that takes place at the start of August involves music, dance and fireworks - not to mention impressive sailing displays - and for the first time this year, Bristol's expansive Castle Park area will play host to dedicated children's events, including a circus. Elsewhere in historic Bristol, local performing troupe Old Vic's Young Company will stage exclusive shows for punters on the cobbles of King Street.

From the deep blue sea to the clear blue sky, clement weather is always on the cards when participants in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta take to the skies later in the month. Now in its 32nd year, takes place. Once again promise to be a jam-packed event, with around 250 stalls offering everything from traditional festival grub to fun fair activities for festival-goers.

New for this year is the Fiesta Activity Zone being set up on the West lawn, in front of the Mansion House, where attendees can take on assault courses and other activities before night falls and they enjoy the spectacular nightglow displays, before retiring to nearby Hotels in Bristol.

The Balloon Fiesta isn't the only airborne spectacle enticing visitors to Bristol this summer, with the Bristol International Festival of Kites and Air Creations following hot on its heels at Ashton Court Estate. A little more down-to-earth, the Bristol Half Marathon takes to the streets, boasting more than 15,000 participants, and the South Western city will also be hosting Briefest.