Regardless of how cold, wet or windy it is – even all three – there is always something to do in Bristol during winter.

Whether you’re a sporty type, pub socialiser, love shopping, or fancy yourself as a bit of a culture vulture, you’re sure to find something to make the colder months fly past. If you haven’t already booked yourself up for lots of shows and day outs, here are some ideas right here:

Go for a bounce

Enjoy yourself and get in plenty of exercise at the same time at the AirHop trampoline and adventure park. There are 140 trampolines, so you don’t have to queue for long. As well as trampolines, you can mess about in the foam pit, have a go at Slam Dunk, and take part in a game of Wipeout or Dodgeball. Wee ones can get in their exercise at MiniHoppers.

See a pantomime

There are plenty of places to watch a pantomime in and around Bristol, but the city’s Hippodrome theatre is undoubtedly one of the best venues. This year it’s Cinderella (Dec 4 to Dec 31). You can also see The Nutcracker (Dec 2 to Dec 31) at the Old Vic and starring Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood. The Snow Queen (Dec 1 to Jan 15)  is at the Tobacco Factory, and Dick Whittington (7 Dec to 10 Dec) at the Newman Hall.

Learn to play padel

Lockleaze Centre is the latest new venue opening for the growing UK sports company Padel4all. All ages are invited to come along and try out the sport. Who knows – you may just end up loving it. A bit of a cross between tennis and squash, the game is already very popular in Spain and spreading to other European nations. It has a scoring system like tennis, a smaller bat and is played inside a netted court (like squash, you can hit the ball off the wall).

Buy presents at the Christmas Markets

There’s not one, but several, Christmas markets in Bristol. The colourful stalls of the Harbourside Christmas Market look lovely reflected in the water, while there’s the main Bristol Local Christmas market with plenty of artisan offerings and also Broadmead Christmas market and the little festive stalls on Corn Street.

Warm yourself in front of a roasting log fire

The place to get toasty with friends this winter is in one of the city’s older cosy pubs. Try the Cadbury pub in Montpelier, the well-named Pipe and Slippers and the Red Lion. All are guaranteed to have an impressive fire going for warmth and atmosphere. If you’re there at Sunday lunchtime, you might also find yourself tucking into a delicious roast.

@Total_Bristol: “Bristol has an abundance of cosy pubs and hangouts where you can see out the cold snap. So, whether you’re a fan of an old-school boozer or a trendy gastropub, there’s a roaring fire and a comfy armchair waiting for you out there.”

Image Source: Bristol, https://unsplash.com/photos/pfNmRvoeDtM