Queen’s funeral: 8 things to do in Bristol if you don’t want to watch the ceremony

The Queen’s funeral is set to be the ‘largest international event’ this country has held in decades, possibly ever, with a combined UK audience expected of more than 20 million.

And with a 2020 population of just shy of 70 million, that means more than one in four people will be watching the occasion at Wesminster Abbey on their televisions, phones, tablets (etc) from 11am on Monday.

But what about the 40-50-odd million people deciding not to watch the state funeral? With many attractions, services and even supermarkets closing, the options for doing anything are limited, but there still things you can do.

Just for those looking to avoid the funeral, here’s our list of eight activities or places to visit:

Shopping

Ok, so many High Street retailers such as Waterstones, Curry’s and River Island are closed, if you visit The Galleries in Bristol city centre or even take a stroll down Gloucester Road, the likelihood is you will still find some places open.

On Gloucester Road, Gloucester Road Books will be open if you wanted to browse for a read, for example.

Go out for a bite to eat or a drink

Yes, McDonald’s will be closed. But there are other options for a coffee or a bite to eat. Bishopston Fish bar will be open from 4.30pm to 9pm, while The Gallimaufry (12noon-4pm) and Blue Lagoon (3pm-) on Gloucester Road will both be open in the afternoon.

Wetherspoon will also open its pubs - there are 10 in Bristol - from 1pm.

Go for a walk

Bristol simply has some of the best outdoors to go out walking. Whether that be a stroll to look at some of the city’s best street art in Stokes Croft or a hike up to Ashton Court to take in the views from the top.

Back in July we put together a list of walks to help. You can find it by clicking here.

Pick something else on the telly

Alright, it is going to be warm tomorrow - but not everyone wants to go outside, and there’s plenty of television on catch-up you can watch. Just avoid pretty much every live television channel!

There are plenty of box sets you could indulge yourself in via streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime or Apple TV.

Following Her Majesty’s death, The Crown has been trending again. This might be a good time to watch for the first time or re-watch the TV phenomenon that documents the ups and downs of the Royal Family.

Do some exercise

They say the mind works better after some exercise - so why not free yourself from the funeral coverage by visiting one of the many outdoor free-to-use gyms in Bristol.

One popular location is Brandon Hill, where you can also take a look at Cabot Tower.

Visit a farm

Bristol has plenty of open farms where families can learn more about where their food comes from, while also having fun.

And while Windmill Hill City Farm in Bedminster may have its cafe and nursery closed on Monday, the farm and gardens will remain open for visits to spend time in the green and open-air surroundings.

Hop on your bike

After British Cycling apologised for issuing guidance that told cyclists they should not use their bikes during the Queen’s funeral, some of us will have breathed a sigh of relief.

And so come 11am tomorrow, expect to see some lycra-clad cyclists on the roads. And why not join them?

There are plenty of good routes across and around the city, not to mention the Bath to Bristol cycle track. Here’s some routes to pick from.

Sustainable Fashion Week

The week-long event started on September 16 and rolls on through Monday, September 19 with an online workshop planned called Zine Making and Discussion: Reconnecting With Our Clothes Workshop Session.

It will see people share stories of where their clothes are from, where they have worn them and their own relationship with them. The second half will be turning these stories into visual pieces of work such as poems and images.

For more, click here.