Beat the January blues with Bristol Museums

Need an uplift this January? We see you. Whether you’ve resolved to start the new year refreshed and energised, if you need to save some money after the Christmas splurge or even just need to escape from the weather (and world), here are some ideas for enriching things to enjoy this month (and beyond).

Be inspired and uplifted with a self-led art trail at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Whether or not you’re an art buff, losing yourself in a work of art can be wonderfully therapeutic. We invite you to complete a lap of our top floor art galleries and take a closer look at some gems our curators have picked out to help you unwind, smile and feel warm inside. Pick up an Uplifting Art self-led trail print-out from the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery box office. See our opening times and plan your visit.

Keep the kids entertained (for free!) at Little M Shed

We’ve given our Little M Shed play area a makeover for the new year. Come in out of the cold and enjoy some playtime with your pre-schooler. We’ve got dressing-up clothes, books to share, a pretend shop and a transport table with lots of trains and vehicles. See our opening times and plan your visit.

Enjoy an evening opening of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition

Visit between 5pm and 8.30pm on Thursday 11, 18 and 25 January and buy one ticket to Wildlife Photographer of the Year and get one free! Plus you can also take in the ground floor galleries and refreshments in the Museum Café – there’ll be sandwiches, paninis and toasties and the bar will be open until 8pm. There’s no need to book – just turn up 😊

Eat delicious and healthy comfort food at M Shed

We have a tempting ‘Veganuary’ menu (including our M Shed vegan burger, falafels with vegan tzatziki and a roasted carrot, quinoa, rose harissa and hazelnut salad. Mmmm 😋), New Year detox smoothies and a yummy kids’ menu this January at M Café. There is also a special 2 for 1 offer on pizzas so whether you’re after something healthier this new year or just a treat, we’ve got it covered.

Pick me up treats

We all deserve a little treat, right?! Especially in January. We’ve put together some of our top picks from our shops for a little bit of self care. There are Bristol Soap Company goodies, Conscious Creativity Cards and books, blankets and candles for cosy days in. Not only that, but we thought we’d give you a cheeky 10% off the ‘Pick me up’ collection in our online shop using the code PICKMEUP at the checkout until 31 January. We’ve got our eyes on a few bits ourselves 👀

Venture out on an historical walk

If you want to get out and about in 2024, join us on one of our historical walks around Bristol. Whether it’s exploring the old city, learning about the causes and consequences of the citywide riots of 1831, taking a tour of Bristol’s brilliant Floating Harbour or finding some of the most impressive remains of historical Bristol in Redcliffe and Temple – we’ve got a gently-paced walk for you to join.

We’ve added dates for the first half of 2024 for four of our walks, and are working on dates for our popular Bristol Harbour Railway, Unlocking Bristol’s Stories, Bristol Abolition and Pirates and Prejudice walks – keep an eye on our What’s on for details of those. With thanks to our amazing M Shed volunteer guides for all our historical walks.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024 and we can’t wait to see you soon!