10+ Free/Cheap Events For Kids: May Bank Holiday Weekend 2018

Hi Bristol Mum readers,

The weekend is nearly here and I know some of you are looking for fun things to do entertain the kids while not breaking the bank in the process.

So, I have compiled a list of free/cheap fun and child-friendly events from Saturday 5th May to Bank Holiday Monday to inspire you! There’s a chance to explore a real castle, miniature steam train rides, Maypole dancing, reptile handling, a scarecrow trail and more on offer!

I also have a list of 20 fantastic & free places to visit in Bristol with kids which should give you some ideas also.

Have a wonderful May bank holiday weekend!

SATURDAY 5th MAY

Steam Train Rides: Bristol Harbour Railway
Take a steam train ride on Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed. The train will be pulled by the locomotive Portbury.

Trips last approx. 20 mins. Buy tickets on board on the day.

11am – 4pm
Single £2 / Return £3 (M Shed to ss Great Britain) / Under 6s travel free
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, BS1 4RN
More details

Westbury-on-Trym Community Fair
Taking place across Westbury-on-Trym’s Parish and Methodist churches, the village hall, car park area, this annual event includes face painting, a Teddy Abseil, arts and crafts, music, live entertainment, tombola, Tower tours, beautiful music, delicious food and much more.

There will also be a Carnival Procession of decorated Pushchairs and Wheelbarrows if you fancy taking part!

If so, meet at 10.15am at The Memorial Garden, Canford Lane (between Made in Bristol and Premier Homecare).

11am-3.30pm
Westbury-on-Trym Village, BS9

Glos Rd Central Mayfest & Jack in the Green
An annual free community event and fun for everyone. Shops and businesses on the mid section of Gloucester Road (top of Pigsty Hill) come together to offer creative activities, food and drink, face painting, tasters and charity and market stalls out on the wide pavements.

The Jack in the Green procession will pass by on the way from Bristol town centre to Horfield Common, a traditional way to celebrate the start of summer. Jack will arrive on Horfield Common at about 4pm to meet his sad end, an event not to be missed!

10am – 4pm
FREE
Pigsty Hill, Gloucester Road, BS7
More details

SUNDAY 6th MAY

Miniature Steam Train Rides: Ashton Court
Wonderful miniature steam train rides suitable for all ages.

12-5pm
Ticket prices: 90p per ride / 5 tickets £4 / 10 tickets £8
Ashton Court, BS8 3PX
More details

Castle Open Day: Blaise Castle Estate
If you and your children are fascinated by castles, you will enjoy exploring Blaise Castle! Built in 1766, Blaise Castle is great fun to explore inside but it also offers some amazing King of the Castle views at the top!

2-4.30pm
FREE
Blaise Castle Estate, BS10 7QS
More details

Pucklechurch Scarecrow Trail
Pucklechurch Church is celebrating its 10th annual scarecrow competition and trail with the theme, “Something beginning with J.”

The village welcomes visitors from a wide local area to this event. Pick up your map and clue form from church, walk around the village guessing the scarecrows’ names and return your form by 4pm on Mon 7th May to win a £30 prize.

There are plenty of places to eat in the village and the church will be serving sandwiches and cream teas.

11.30am Sun 6th – 4.30pm Mon 7th May
FREE
St Thomas a Becket Church, Westerleigh Road, BS16 9RB
More details

Steam Train Rides: Bristol Harbour Railway
Take a steam train ride on Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed. The train will be pulled by the locomotive Portbury.

Trips last approx. 20 mins. Buy tickets on board on the day.

11am – 4pm
Single £2 / Return £3 (M Shed to ss Great Britain) / Under 6s travel free
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, BS1 4RN
More details

Winterbourne Down May Day Carnival
Lots of great family fun including a Tug-o-War, Treasure Hunt (Sunday 2pm), Scarecrow Trail, Maypole Dancing, live entertainment, fancy dress, Children’s Playing Out, May Queen and more. All money raised goes to charity.

Sun 6th & Mon 7th May, 2-4pm
Down Rd, Winterbourne, BS36 1BZ
More details

MONDAY 7th MAY

2-4.30pm
Blaise Castle Estate, BS10 7QS
More details

Bank Holiday Open Day: Viaduct Animal Sanctuary
All welcome along to the Viaduct Animal Sanctuary. Lots of child-friendly fun including animal handling.

11am – 3pm
Viaduct Animal Sanctuary, 114A Badminton Road, BS36 2SZ
More details

Pucklechurch Scarecrow Trail
Pucklechurch Church is celebrating its 10th annual scarecrow competition and trail with the theme, “Something beginning with J.”

There are plenty of places to eat in the village and the church will be serving sandwiches and cream teas.

11.30am Sun 6th – 4.30pm Mon 7th May
FREE
St Thomas a Becket Church, Westerleigh Road, BS16 9RB
More details

Miniature Steam Train Rides: Ashton Court
Wonderful miniature steam train rides suitable for all ages.

12-5pm
Ticket prices: 90p per ride / 5 tickets £4 / 10 tickets £8
Ashton Court, BS8 3PX
More details

Iron Acton’s May Day on the Green
A traditional May fair including performances, stalls, delicious food and drink, Maypole dancing and much more.

Mon 7th May, 10.30am-4.30pm
Iron Acton,
More details

Steam Train Rides: Bristol Harbour Railway
Take a steam train ride on Bristol Harbour Railway from M Shed. The train will be pulled by the locomotive Portbury.

Trips last approx. 20 mins. Buy tickets on board on the day.

11am – 4pm
Single £2 / Return £3 (M Shed to ss Great Britain) / Under 6s travel free
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, BS1 4RN
More details

Winterbourne Down May Day Carnival
Lots of great family fun including a Tug-o-War, Scarecrow Trail, Maypole Dancing, live entertainment, fancy dress, Children’s Playing Out, May Queen and more. All money raised goes to charity.

Sun 6th & Mon 7th May, 2-4pm
Down Rd, Winterbourne, BS36 1BZ
More details

Nailsea May Fair
A jam-packed event for all of the family including inflatables, live music, a static military vehicle and engine display, fun fair and more!