Bristol is a vibrant city and a top destination for stag and hen parties. As a first class venue for outdoor go karting in Bristol, we can of course highly recommend this adrenaline pumping activity for a pre-wedding celebration to remember. However, if you want to make a whole day or even a weekend of it, here are other cool things to do in and around the city.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Isambard Kingdom Brunel may be most famous for his design of the Clifton Suspension Bridge that spans the River Avon, but he was also a nautical engineer who pioneered the steamship. You can visit his SS Great Britain at the Great Western Dockyard, the world’s first steam powered ocean liner when it was launched in 1843.

The ship is preserved in the dry dock as a visitor attraction, and contains an interactive museum where you can virtually look underwater in the glass sided dry dock to see the original iron hull and screw propeller. You can step aboard the ship’s deck and experience what life was really like on board all those years ago.

The story behind the passenger ship is brought to life with imaginative exhibits and information, explaining how the vessel eventually became a cargo ship and nearly ended its life as an abandoned ship in the Falkland Islands. It was rescued in 1970, and the restoration and maintenance process remains an ongoing challenge.

Tour Banksy’s Street Art

The enigmatic street artist Banksy began his career in Bristol, rising from unknown graffitist who had his work routinely cleaned away, to an artist whose work sells for millions of pounds at global auctions. Find out more about where and how it all began with a guided walking tour of Bristol street art, including some of Banksy’s most iconic pieces.

His influences are visible throughout the city, with walls and buildings providing the canvas for a new generation of street artists. During the tour, you’ll be able to see some of Banksy’s most famous works, including Well Hung Lover on Park Street, and The Mild Mild West, featuring a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail, in the cultural quarter of Stokes Croft. 

The tour concludes with a visit to The Canteen in Stokes Croft, a popular venue for food, live music, and of course a few murals. It’s the perfect place to finish off your day with some refreshments and take in some culture after the thrills of go karting earlier on!

Tips for getting the most out of your day

To get the most out of your day or weekend packed full of exciting activities, make sure that you dress comfortably and plan in some breaks to top up on your energy levels. For go-karting, wear comfortable clothing that is not too loose or baggy to avoid it getting caught up in the kart. 

Footwear should have a good grip and closed toes for protection, and long legwear and long sleeves are advisable to protect your skin from cuts.