March has arrived, bringing longer days and the much-awaited arrival of spring. It’s time to step out and enjoy a little adventure after hibernating during the cosy winter months.

At Urban Apartments, we work hard to offer excellent recommendations for your city visits, and this month is no exception. Here’s a twist on our usual suggestions – some more unique things you can get up to in and around Bristol this March:

Party at St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Join the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday 17th March, starting from the M Shed at 1 pm and gathering in a lively party around St Nicholas Street. There are plenty of free festivities to get involved in featuring music, dance performances, giant puppets, street performers, and more. From 2 to 8 pm, St Nick’s Market glass arcade will host 12 acts (Irish jigs and river dancing welcome!). To finish the night with a bang, book tickets for the after event at Revolution Bar with live bands, dancers, and musicians.

Celebrate World Book Day in the ‘World’s First Book Town’

Literary lovers..this one is for you! Honour World Book Day on 7th March by visiting the charming Hay-on-Wye, self-proclaimed as the ‘World’s First Book Town.’ The quaint town boasts around 20 secondhand bookshops – an impressive ratio of more than one bookshop for every 100 residents! 

Six Nations Showdown

Catch the final matches of the Six Nations before it ends on 23rd March. Make sure you get in there quickly and secure the best seats in the house. Here are some of the best places to watch the Six Nations in Bristol.

Support Women-Owned Businesses for International Women’s Day

Friday 8th March marks International Women’s Day. We support women every day, but why not how some extra love by researching some new businesses run by women in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Discover more women-led independent businesses in Bristol here.

Afternoon Tea

Mother’s Day is on 10th March, treat your dear mum, mother figure, a friend or why not just yourself, to a special afternoon tea. There are plently of great places for afternoon tea in the city. Here are some good suggestions.

Surf the Tidal Bore (or you can just watch!)

Experience the world’s third-largest tidal bore on the River Severn, with the rarest and biggest natural occurring event scheduled for 12th March. Waves can rise as high as 25ft (7.5m) and reach a top speed of 27 km/h – attracting hundreds of surfers and onlookers. Learn all about it here.

Bristol Gallery Weekend

From 21st March to the 24th, indulge your artistic side at the Bristol Gallery Weekend. Nineteen galleries and spaces, including Centrespace, Hidden Gallery, and Martin Parr Foundation, will host various events, from talks to family workshops.

Enjoy a sunny pint at Beeses Riverside Pub

Uncover ‘Bristol’s best-kept secret’ as Beeses in Brislington reopens on 29th March. Located on the River Avon, this summer-only pub offers a tranquil setting for enjoying a drink with family and friends. Access it via ferry with Bristol Ferry and Bristol Packet offering scenic trips along the river.

There you have it – a diverse range of activities to consider for an exciting March in and around Bristol. What will you get up you?

Published: 01.03.24 by Phoebe Clutton