Bristol Leisure

Bristol boasts many spectator sports, with football being the most popular.  A range of popular sports facilities are available for visitors including several golf courses, racquet sport amenities, swimming pools and fitness centres.

Football and rugby

Football is the number one spectator sport in Bristol and you can see Bristol City play at Ashton Gate Stadium; Bristol Rovers are Bristol’s other football team. For those who enjoy rugby, the Bristol Shoguns are an established side and can be seen playing regular matches at the Memorial Stadium.

Ballooning

Hot air ballooning is a major pastime in Bristol and one of the main centres in England. Ashton Gate Park is one of the main launch points in Bristol, while there are many other venues where balloon flights can be taken from, particularly during the August Bristol International Balloon Festival. Taking a balloon flight is the best way to fully appreciate Bristol’s unique location on the stunning Avon Gorge.

Other activities

For those into water-based activities, the West Country Water Park in nearby Chipping Sodbury is a great place to visit in the summer months. Here you can take part in canoeing, sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and jet-skiing, while the curious sport of lake golf is also enjoyed here. If you don’t fancy water-related activities, there are two quad biking courses nearby, while those into walking will enjoy strolling the banks of the River Avon in the city.

Also near to Bristol and a unique sporting event is the famous Badminton Horse Trials, which are held annually at the Duke of Beaufort's Gloucestershire Park each May.