It’s that time of year again. It’s now warm enough to realise there’s a whole world of green space waiting for you outside. From bike rides to Sunday strolls, games of football and frisbee, or even a cute picnic, now’s the time to discover somewhere more scenic. Step outside and head to these green parks, gardens, estates and nature reserves in and around Bristol.
1. Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill is one of the oldest parks in Bristol, where you can enjoy great views over the city and the Harbourside area. Located just off Park Street, Brandon Hill even features a children’s play area, beautiful paths and a nature conservation area, and of course, the icon of Bristol’s skyline, Cabot Tower.
Made from red sandstone and covered with cream Bath stone, the 105ft tower was built to commemorate John Cabot’s famous voyage from Bristol and the continent of North America four hundred years earlier. Usually open daily, you’ll find Cabot Tower in the centre of the park, and it’s free to climb up the steep, twisting steps of the tower, to then be rewarded with panoramic views.
Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, BS1 5RR
2. Arnos Vale Cemetery
Arnos Vale is internationally recognised as one of Britain’s best examples of a Victorian garden cemetery, set in a leafy 45-acre Arcadian landscape dotted with classical buildings, historic monuments, sweeping carriage drives and leafy walks lined with wildflowers. The first burial took place here in 1839, and remained popular until it fell into disrepair during the 20th century.
It’s found new life since the start of the 21st century, however, and is often described as a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity in an otherwise busy part of a bustling Bristol. You’ll only tend to hear the sounds of wildlife here, with 45 green acres to discover. Plus, you’ll find guided tours, on-site exhibitions and a cafe. Entry is free, but the cemetery welcomes donations.
Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, BS4 3EW
3. Snuff Mills
Home to an old quarry and a stone mill, the park’s name is attributed to one of the former millers, ‘Snuffy Jack’, who was always covered in snuff. Silly name aside, Snuff Mills is home to numerous lovely walks and even its own little waterfall. Perfect a long stretch of the legs without leaving Bristol.
It’s also connected to Oldbury Court, a beautiful and diverse estate, combining woodland and riverside paths with historic parkland and children’s play facilities. The estate is a great place for a day out, featuring big green spaces and picnic areas, and is popular with walkers for its varied landscape and panoramic views. You’ll also find a nature trail, an orienteering path and lots of bird and squirrel life, despite only being around three miles out of the city centre.
Oldbury Court Estate, Oldbury Court Road, Fishponds, BS16 2JH
4. Troopers Hill
Troopers Hill is a local nature reserve in St George; its hillside has been quarried and mined in the past and overlooks the River Avon. With history, wild plants, animals, stunning views and two listed chimneys, Troopers Hill is one of the most spectacular wildlife spots in the city. And to top this all off, it has won the prestigious Green Flag Award every year since 2007. With free, unrestricted access every day, there are various trails that you can explore on Troopers Hill, including one through the woodland. It also happens to be a great place for kite flying as it’s pretty much always windy there.
Trooper’s Hill, off Trooper’s Hill Road, BS5 8XX
5. Birdcage Walk
It won’t beat any other gorgeous green space in Bristol in size, but Birdcage Walk is undeniably stunning – and even inspired a book. This legendary walkway, lined with pleached lime trees through the old St. Andrew’s churchyard that was bombed during WWII, leads to a small, but perfect patch of grass for a picnic.
Birdcage Walk, Clifton, Bristol
6. Blaise Castle Estate
The 18th-century folly is near-iconic at this point, but it’s its surrounding 650 acres of parkland that should capture your attention. Blaise Castle Estate is dominated by a steep-sided wooded gorge, through which runs the babbling Hazel Brook, and is home to stunning viewpoints like Goram’s Chair (he’s a Bristol giant you may have heard of) and Lover’s Leap. You should also keep an eye out for the Beech Cathedral, Butcher’s Cave, Tarn Lake, and so much more mystery to uncover.
Blaise Castle Estate, Kings Weston Rd, Bristol BS10 7QS
7. The Downs
Everyone’s heard of Clifton Down, but The Downs is actually two downs, with Durdham Down occupying everything north of Stoke Road. It’s arguably the more underutilized of the two halves, and it’s pretty flat too, which makes it suitable for everything from huge family picnics to frisbee hangouts.
Together, The Downs are whopping 440 acres in size. There are some beautiful houses to admire as well as tree-lined avenues and stunning views over the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the distant Severn Bridge. Extend your walk towards Clifton Village and warm yourself up with a takeaway hot chocolate from one of the many cafés there.
The Downs, Stoke Road, Clifton, BS9 1FG
8. Ashton Court Estate
Get some fresh air at Ashton Court Estate, a massive stretch of green space that encompasses the west of Bristol. You know it as the venue for the famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, but with 850 acres of wide-open green space and woodland welcoming cyclists, horse riders, golfers, families and walkers, there are so many secrets to discover.
Ashton Court Estate has been home to deer for over 600 years, making it one of the oldest deer parks in the country, with around 200 red and fallow deer. Plus, there are breathtaking views across the city, as well as wildflower grasslands, woodlands, ponds and ancient oak trees – some of which are over 700 years old. Behind the stately home, there’s a dog-friendly café in the old stables too.
Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN
9. Greville Smyth Park
Greville Smyth Park was originally part of Ashton Court Estate, but is now a very popular local community park in south Bristol, next door to Bristol City’s football ground, Ashton Gate. The park, formerly named ‘The People’s Park at Bedminster,‘ is well known for its splendid trees (there are around 46 different species of trees in the park), fine views, exciting children’s play area and varied community-led activity programme. You will also find tennis courts, football pitches, playing areas, a ping pong table, five outdoor exercise stations and a bowling green within the park.
Greville Smyth Park, Ashton Road, BS3 2EA