Hot air balloons over a golf course during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Sky's the limit. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Every August, the skies over Bristol get a colourful makeover, and no, it's not just the weather playing tricks. It's the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of hot air balloons rise with the sun. This annual event, which began in 1979 with a modest 27 balloons, has grown into one of Europe's largest ballooning fiestas. Held at Ashton Court Estate, the three-day fun now attracts pilots and spectators from across the globe, with skies peppered by balloons shaped like everything from traditional teardrops to flying cows and cartoon characters.

This free fiesta kicks off with mass ascents at dawn and dusk, weather permitting. If you're more of a night owl than an early bird, the Nightglows are your ticket. Balloons stay tethered on the ground but light up in time to music. Down on the ground, you'll find live music, local food stalls, vintage fairground rides and even ballooning history exhibits. And yes, there's plenty of room to picnic or lie back and balloon-spot with an ice cream in hand. So, whether you're chasing sky-high views or simply want to soak in the sights from the grass below, it's an uplifting experience in every sense.