Fancy making this year’s summer party an al fresco affair? There’s an excellent selection of venues in and around Bristol with outdoor space, where you can plan barbecues, summery cocktails and team building activities.
From unique city centre terraces to venues with acres of land, find the perfect outdoor space for your party here.
We The Curious
Host a rooftop party at We The Curious, the city’s interactive science museum on the Harbourside. This year, their summer package includes exclusive access to Project What If, an exhibition which uses questions asked by real people to delve into the real world of science.
As well as exploring the exhibition, guests can enjoy views over Bristol from the terrace, kick back in a deckchair with drinks from the private bar and tuck into food from a summer buffet.
Image - We The Curious, Evoke Pictures
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Bristol Zoo Gardens is a fun and versatile setting for a summer party. Choose between hosting a large event on the grounds, which can accommodate up to 2000 people, or in one of the two venues with outdoor space. The Clifton Pavilion is a 1920s building with a private terrace area attached to its Garden Room, while The Hide is an animal-themed restaurant offering an immersive experience for guests.
Of course, a highlight of a party here is getting to wander the zoo after-hours and say hello to the animals that live there. You can even book a drinks reception in some of the animal houses, such as the aquarium and the reptile house.
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Image - The Hide at Bristol Zoo Gardens, credit Barbara Evripidou
Bambalan
With one of Bristol’s best rooftop terraces, Harbourside views, a Middle Eastern-inspired buffet menu and a lengthy cocktail list, Bambalam has all the ingredients for a fabulous summer party. There’s also outside entertainment on the games terrace, which includes foosball tables, ping-pong and a photobooth. The restaurant is located right in the city centre and can host 250 guests, plus an additional 150 outdoors depending on the weather.
Image - Bambalan
Clifton Observatory
How about a summer party backdropped by Bristol’s most famous landmark? Clifton Observatory has a 360-degree roof terrace with panoramic views of Brunel’s magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge. It's undoubtedly a memorable setting. The terrace hosts up to 100 guests as does the William West Room, the Observatory's indoor event space.
Image - Clifton Observatory, credit Roger Harris
Racks Bar and Kitchen
Located in Clifton, just off Whiteladies Road, Racks Bar and Kitchen is a stand-out summer party venue thanks to the spacious and sunny terrace. The terrace is heated too, so even when the sun is hiding your guests can keep warm.
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Image - Racks, credit Evoke Pictures
No.4 Clifton Village
Part of The Rodney Hotel, find restaurant No.4 Clifton Village inside a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, behind which there’s a beautiful walled English garden. Ideal for an elegant outdoors get-together, this space is available to hire on Thursdays and Saturdays. Let the chefs prepare you a summer barbecue – menus range from a classic BBQ to a bottomless prosecco package, with all including excellent vegetarian and vegan options.
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Image - No.4 Clifton Village
The Square Club
The Square Club is another Clifton restaurant with an amazing al fresco space – The Secret Garden. This is a new covered and heated terrace with stylish furniture and décor, where your guests can sip on cocktails and enjoy delicious food.
Image - The Square Club, credit Evoke Pictures
University of Bristol
Based at Goldney House, University of Bristol's The Orangery is a graceful, light-filled event space. It opens out on to stunning landscaped gardens with a shell studded grotto, a rotunda and ornamental canal. Arrange a feast of freshly barbecued food from the catering team or champagne and canapes, served while guests watch the sunset over the gardens.
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Image - Goldney Hall, University of Bristol
The Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
With an unbeatable view of the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge, this hotel has one of the most enviable terraces in the city. The private terrace area is an ideal space for BBQs, drinks from the outdoor bar and photos. You can also make use of the elegant indoor space for more formal food, drinks and entertainment.
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Image - Hotel du Vin Avon Gorge, credit Amy Murrell
Klosterhaus
In the iconic Quakers Friars Grade I-listed building, Klosterhaus provides the height of elegant entertaining. Boasting a two-storey restaurant with central staircase and feature bar, three stunning private event spaces and an outdoor sunken terrace. The Sunken Terrace is the perfect outdoor spot for alfresco networking events or drinks parties for up to 100 guests. You can enjoy exclusivity of this private area equipped with its own bar, heaters and large parasols.
Image - Klosterhaus
M Shed
M Shed is based in a 1950s transit shed from the days when Bristol’s working docks were based on the Harbourside. Today, it’s an innovative museum that tells the city’s story through thought-provoking and fun exhibits. It’s also a sought-after event space, with a fabulous rooftop terrace overlooking the harbour that’s ideal for summer parties.
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Image - M Shed
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
Entertain your guests with a game of cricket from the comfort of your own private balcony or roof terrace. Enjoy locally inspired cuisine and refreshing drinks throughout the day or indulge in a sit-down meal.
Image - Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
Eastwood Park
Eastwood Park is a charming residential conference centre based in the Gloucestershire countryside, conveniently located just minutes away from the M4 and M5. With around 200 acres of stunning gardens and meadows, there’s ample outdoor space for summer parties as well as a host of function rooms inside the house. Arrange your drinks reception, evening event or barbecue on the large terrace with views of the surrounding countryside.
Image - Eastwood Park
Aldwick Estate
Another charming countryside venue is Aldwick Estate, a working Somerset vineyard set in the rolling Mendip Hills – a secluded location that’s still easily accessible from Bristol and Bath. The two light and charming converted barns and the extensive outdoor grounds here are perfect for summer events. Vineyard tours can be arranged as part of your party package, as can fun games and activities led by ACF Teambuilding, who are based at the vineyard.
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Image - Aldwick Estate
Folly Farm Centre
As part of a 250-acre nature reserve, Folly Farm Centre is surrounded by green space with views across Chew Valley Lake and the Mendip Hills. It makes an inspiring setting for summer parties, barbecues and teambuilding, with activities such as woodland crafts, sheep herding and mindfulness sessions on offer. Conveniently located between Bristol and Bath, this is an environmentally friendly venue owned by Avon Wildlife Trust, with all profits supporting their work.
Image - Folly Farm Centre
De Vere Tortworth Court
De Vere Tortworth Court is a historic hotel in the countryside, just a 20-minute drive from Bristol city centre and conveniently close to the M5. The Orangery, an impressive Victorian conservatory with a stunning ornamental ceiling, is a beautiful setting for summer parties. There’s an outdoor dining and seating area directly outside, as well as 30 acres of grounds with Wi-Fi to make the most of too.
For delegates staying the night, De Vere Tortworth Court has a wide range of inviting, country-inspired bedrooms and luxurious suites available.
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Image - De Vere Tortworth Court
Mercure Bristol North The Grange
Based on the edge of Bristol and easily accessible via the M4, M5 and M32, this country house hotel is an elegant setting for a summer party. Delegates will be met with a sweeping driveway, immaculate lawns and pretty Bath stone manor house on arrival. You can host your event in the secret garden or the courtyard and make use of the 18 acres of landscaped gardens – ideal if you're planning some outdoor teambuilding activities at your event.
Image - Mercure Bristol North The Grange
Berwick Lodge
A short drive from Clifton and surprisingly close to the M5/M4 motorway links at Cribbs Causeway is the boutique hotel, Berwick Lodge. Whether you’re after a garden party with afternoon tea, live pianist and croquet on the lawn or a barbecue accomonied by a bar and dancing, their charaterful garden can accommodate. A gazebo can be erected to hold groups of 40-400.
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Image - Berwick Lodge
Penny Brohn
Located just 20 minutes from Bristol city centre and only 10 minutes off junction 19 on the M5, Penny Brohn has views across the south bank of the River Avon. The extensive grounds are perfect for marquees and their in-house chefs can offer tailor-made menus. There is ample on-site parking and if you wish to continue the party into the evening you have 26 en-suite bedrooms to choose from.
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Image - Penny Brohn
Thornbury Castle
Built during the Tudor era, Thornbury Castle is a former royal residence just outside Bristol where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked the grounds and rooms. Stunning period features and beautiful landscaped grounds make this a memorable summer party venue, with plenty of space for teambuilding activities and BBQs. While Thornbury Castle is tucked away on a private estate, it’s still easily accessible via the M4, M5 and Bristol.
Image - Thornbury Castle
To discuss hosting your event in Bristol or the surrounding areas contact the Meet Bristol and Bath team on events@meetbristolbath.co.uk or make an enquiry.
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