Learn More. Enjoy a great family day out with woodland and riverside walks, an arboretum and large children's playground. It’s a hilly haven for wildflowers and the meadow is full of cowslips in spring. It’s wonderfully peaceful, rich in walks, wildlife and stunning architecture. In this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), walkers will find a … As well as being a vibrant and bustling city, Bristol is also immersed in beautiful greenery and countryside. Image - Berkeley Castle, credit Hannah Stuart-Leach. Image - Banksy Mild Mild West in Stokes Croft. It’s a bit of a challenge, as it’s quite a... Leigh Woods – Abbots Leigh Circular (6.38 miles). Image - part of the River Avon Trail from Pill. This estate in Stourton, at the source of the River Stour, is 1,072-hectares. The huge estate of Ashton Court is easy to reach from the city, just the other side of Clifton Suspension Bridge. Tyntesfield's outdoor spaces are open for locals during lockdown but you need to book your visit in advance. Walkers will find various marked trails, perhaps the most satisfying of which is the 2.5km purple trail that takes you to the edge of an Iron Age promontory hillfort known as Stokeleigh Camp. A National Trust Victorian country house and estate, surrounded by gardens, parkland and hundreds of rare and beautiful trees, Tyntesfield makes for a particularly gorgeous walk in spring when bluebells and daffodils are in full bloom. As capital of the South West, Bristol makes the perfect base to explore nearby walkers’ favourites such as The Severn Way, South Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, The Malverns, Exmoor, Somerset and loads more. Find and share your Bristol dog walks and dog friendly cafes, pubs. This 18-mile path begins in the centre of Bristol and wiggles its way out to the Cotswold Hills in South Gloucestershire, passing through the city’s Eastville park and Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills. We've rounded up the best parks and playgrounds in Bristol in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions and places to visit near you. Its high banks are unmistakable. Registered in England and Wales (number 3715280), Registered office: 53 Queen Square | Bristol | BS1 4LH, To provide you with the best experience on this website, cookies are used. Hop over Clifton Suspension Bridge to find glorious National Trust woodland Leigh Woods, with great views over the Avon Gorge. Alight at Clifton Village, then walk across the suspension bridge to Leigh Woods. Historic 850-acre parkland with mansion, two pitch-and-putt golf courses, deer park, miniature railway, orienteering and nature trails. An interesting, undulating walk from the delightful village of Upton Cheyney across the hills above Bath and Bristol. The car park is very busy on weekends right now, so walk or cycle instead if you can. Wander to the old lodge for a natural play park and climb-on tractors before picnicking beside the beautiful Dutch water garden. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Despite a growing population more than half a million people, Bristol is an excellent city to explore on foot with some great spots where you can escape the hustle and bustle of its many shops, restaurants, bars and offices. Once part of the Tyntesfield Estate, Prior’s Wood is home to streams, plantations and ancient woodland. For an in-depth look into Arnos Vale’s darker side, book onto an atmospheric after-hours tour which take place regularly in non-Covid times but sell out quickly! For just over 100 miles that sprawls from Chipping Camden to Bath, immerse yourself in picturesque countryside that winds through the infamous villages of the Cotswolds, with stone markers signalling the beginning and the end of the trail. To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket. 173. First X2/X3, Bristol-Portishead, departs daily from Bristol Bus Station, or by the harbourside on Anchor Road. There's acres of space and pathways to explore at Blaise Castle Estate. The Cotswolds Featuring delightful rolling hills covered in ancient stone walls, captivating valleys with lush... 2. Many are just a short train journey, car ride or cycle away! Image - view from Cabot Tower, credit Paul Box. #3 of 35 Nature & Parks in Bristol. So, here are the best 17 places to walk or have a picnic in the heart of Somerset. Reviews and advice on hotels, and lots more! There are a number of different routes you can choose to take, depending on the difficulty level you wish to challenge yourself to. Image - Weston-super-Mare seafront, credit North Somerset Council. If you like some history with your walks then this could be for you. The Downs spans 440 acres and is one of the largest areas of green in the city. Explore the latest street art where the walls change weekly, and celebrate Bristol's unique creative culture. OUR ULTIMATE COVID BOOKING GUARANTEE. Clifton Down ( Download : PDF) 1.44mi +207ft -141ft 0h50 Easy Starting point in Bristol . There’s farmland, gardens and woodland to explore as well as a Palladian mansion and the village of Stourton. This picturesque trail follows the edge of the river from the historic harbour village of Pill, through the jaw-droppingly beautiful Avon Gorge to Pulteney Bridge, Bath (23 miles). Image - Ashton Court Mansion, credit Angharad Paull. The small town that overlooks the seafront is very sweet and it has a handful of great restaurants and small-shops. Surrounded by gardens that specialise in scent, the roses are particularly splendid in June. For shorter walks, try the Tall Trees trail in Dunster, the Ancient Tarr Steps and the dramatic Valley of Rocks. They're running virtual tours while Covid-19 restrictions are in place. It’s closely neighboured by some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, offering a number of different walk trails and hikes. The trail takes you through gorgeous woodland, fields and one of the trails (The River Avon Trail) even takes you to the base of the Avon Gorge where you can gaze up at the famous Suspension Bridge. Gorgeous Countryside Walks Around Bristol Blagdon – Velvet Bottom Circular (6.8 miles). Here’s some of the must-visit locations to explore the South West by foot. The grounds, with their stunning views across the River Avon and Bristol Channel, make for a lovely spring stroll. More walks and woodland venues to be added soon! Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! FIND OUT MORE. Spring’s colourful carpets of flowers, sunny days and blossom-heavy trees make it a great time to get out and about in the city. Every May, Bristol hosts a month-long walking festival, when walkers can take part in history trails, urban exploring, walking sports, gentle park strolls and vigorous uphill hikes. We've rounded up the best lakes in Bristol in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions and places to visit near you. One of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the world, springtime hails pastel blooms and beguiling bluebell carpets. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Yellow Fields Of Wiltshire | © Angel Ganev/ Flickr. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! Cheddar Gorge A world-famous beauty spot thanks to its dramatic cliffs and caverns, it’s also a site of prehistoric discoveries. The 3-mile Cliff Top Gorge Walk is one of the finest in the country. Arnos Vale Cemetery. Leigh Woods. Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Wander through 6 miles of meadows, woodlands and valleys, taking in the incredible views of Bath and the local wildlife that greets you along the way. It is a great day-out for all the family, hosting special events on bank holidays and during school holidays. You can do this walk on your own or as part of a guided tour. The world famous bridge and the iconic symbol of Bristol, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1831 and completed in 1864 after his death, Unique mansion that houses some stunning period costumes and everyday Victorian objects, including model trains, dolls and toys. Bristol has hundreds of beautiful parks and green spaces, from magnificent municipal spaces such as the historic Queen Square to parks great for sports and picnics such as Greville Smyth. Look out for Easter egg hunts and the like in springtime. Please note, parking is limited and Forestry England asks that you turn around if the car park looks too busy or is full. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours. By using the site it's assumed that you're happy with our use of cookies. All of the following walks are free admission. Keep your eyes peeled for the sundial, lily pond, grotto and oldest avenue of lime trees in the city as you wander. Top Bristol Scenic Walking Areas: See reviews and photos of scenic walking areas in Bristol, England on Tripadvisor. Keep an eye out for famous ancient artefacts along the way. There are 4 Bristol lakes to pick from. Five great walks near Bath that show the beauty of the city and its surrounding countryside . During spring and summer there are many beautiful flowers that blossom here in the park, which give the park some colour. Hotels near Bristol Historical & Preservation Society; Hotels near Mount Hope Farm; Near Airports. A circular pub walk from The Upton Inn in Upton Cheyney, near Bitton in Somerset. First 8/8A from Bristol Temple Meads train station. Rest bay is also a popular surfing spot and beginners to the sport can benefit from booking a lesson at the nearby Porthcawl Surf School. This is a lovely place to stroll near to Bristol city centre. With a number of trail options available, you can choose the Kennet and Avon Canal tow path and even the World Heritage Site path to see the Avebury Stone Circle. Many of the city's parks, also have their own downloadable walks that you can follow, including Durdham Downs, Blaise Castle Estate, Arnos Vale Cemetery and Woodland, Ashton Court Estate, Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills, Leigh Woods, Stoke Park Estate, Trooper… Super-handy & pocket-sized, the book features 20 circular routes varying in length from 4 to 8 miles. If you have young children, Burnham-on-Sea is a really convenient option. This is one of the most popular and well-known beaches near Bristol. A level access path measuring about 1.5 miles has recently been constructed linking the main entrance at... Blagdon Lake. Dundon Beacon. 1. However, you can, Coronavirus – latest information and advice, Coronavirus in Bristol – latest information, Enjoy Leigh Woods by bike with Pedal Progression, Discover more parks and gardens in Bristol, Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Bristol – latest information and advice, Bristol food and drink businesses offering delivery, The best TV shows filmed in Bristol you can watch now, Bristol and the legacy of Transatlantic Slavery. Bristol sits on the doorstep of spectacular North Somerset coastline and where better to celebrate the first signs of spring then with a sunny stroll along the beach? Locals can visit Westonbirt for their daily exercise during lockdown but you need to book in advance. In spring the gardens near the mansion house are filled with dazzling daffodils. Hotels near (PVD) Theodore Francis Airport; Hotels near (MVY) Martha's Vineyard Airport; Hotels near (EWB) New Bedford Airport; All things to do in Bristol; Sights & Landmarks in Bristol. Walk length: 5.5 miles. Good views and variety of wildlife to enjoy. Right in the heart of Bristol, Leigh Woods is an incredible forest area that offers a number of different marked hiking trails, suitable for all levels of walkers. Simply click on one of the options to download the maps and descriptions. Burnham-on-Sea is quite close to the touristic Weston-Super-Mare, but it has a more down-to-earth feel to it. Brandon Hill Nature Park is located in the city-centre and is a haven for wildlife. Discover breath-taking countryside at the National Trust’s Dyrham Park. Dyrham Park's outdoor spaces are open for locals during lockdown but you need to book your visit in advance. You'll also find Wapping Wharf – a trendy retail yard made of converted shipping containers with lots of scrummy places to eat – as well as Underfall Yard’s visitor centre, where you can learn more about the city's historic docks. A circular pub walk from The Upton Inn in Upton Cheyney, near Bitton in Somerset. Hop over Clifton Suspension Bridge to find glorious National Trust woodland Leigh Woods, with great... 2. Arboretum with over 16,000 rare and beautiful trees, all set in 600 glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres, Berkeley Castle is a beautiful and historic Castle, begun in 1117 and still remains the home of the Berkeley family. Keep your eyes peeled for hot air balloons taking off in the early morning and evening! There's acres of space and pathways to explore at Blaise Castle Estate. A century-old 105ft tower, set in the gorgeous parkland of Brandon Hill near Park Street in the West End. A short, steep walk, taking in the 'blue plaques' and history around the centre. At its heart Tyntesfield is a Victorian country house and estate, which serves as a backdrop to the remarkable story of four generations of the Gibbs family. The Mendip Hills Located south of Bath and Bristol, the Mendip Hills feature rocky peaks, limestone hills, arresting... 3. Cabot Tower is closed due to Covid-19 restrictions but return to climb it once it reopens for spectacular views across Bristol. 20 of the best pub walks in Bristol & Bath This cracking little guide contains a selection of the best walks in Bristol and Bath, all starting and finishing at an excellent local pub. somersetlive. If you’re after incredible views of Bath, the Mendips and the other local surrounding countryside, then this walk is sure to please you. One more click to download free walks in the beautiful Bristol area. Stourhead Terrace Walk. Consisting of Clifton Down and Durdham Down, this is a huge area of protected parkland on the edge of the city. Brandon Hill Nature Park lies just behind one of Bristol’s independent shopping areas – Park Street. This beautiful waterway is a favourite family weekend escape for locals and a pleasure to discover on a day out for visitors. Popular with dog-walkers, there’s also a huge children’s play area and museum inside the 19th century mansion. Here you can walk, have a picnic, admire scenery or meet friends. Street art is one of Bristol’s most famous attractions and seeking it out is a great way to discover the city’s unique creative culture. The Harbour Heritage Trail is a great way to familiarise yourself with Bristol’s maritime history, and escaping to the countryside is easy as it surrounds the city on all sides. Image - view over the Avon Gorge & Clifton Suspension Bridge from Leigh Woods. Today, thousands of visitors enjoy boating, walking and cycling along the peaceful towpaths of the Kennet & Avon Canal, fondly known as the 'K&A'. From the nearby Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve to sweeping hills, tumbling rivers, hidden caves, ancient woodland and golden beaches; the Bristol area has it all. An award-winning local nature reserve and former mine in east Bristol that overlooks the River Avon. Good views and variety of wildlife to enjoy. Walks; Dog Friendly; Blog; My Account Wander into the woodland and wind your way to the top of the hill to discover a folly castle and glorious, stretching gorge views over the treetop canopy before making your way downhill to a babbling stream. We’ve put together our top 20 spring walks around Bristol – whether you’re a serious hiker or gentle stroller, there’s something to suit all springtime wanderers. https://www.greatbritishbucketlist.com/walks-around-bristol Alight at Beggar Bush Lane, from which it is a 10-minute level walk, via Valley Road. Home Free walks Walking: Maps Clubs Books Useful links Contact. This is one of our favourites. One of the paths leads you to stunning views across Silbury Hill, the largest manmade mound in Europe, where you can try and spot chalk white horses at certain times of the year. Much of ITV’s Broadchurch was filmed here and whether you’re a fan or not, the Broadchurch Walking Trail encompasses some stunning North Somerset landscapes with awesome views over the Bristol Channel and Wales (the likes of which have inspired poets Coleridge, Thackeray and Tennyson no less). These are five best walks near Bristol - all within a one-hour drive of the city. Top 20 Spring Walks around Bristol 1. Not only are there miles and miles of routes through coast and countryside to choose from, there are many great places to eat and stay to make your walking holiday complete in West Somerset and North Devon’s Exmoor National Park. Please note Berkeley Castle is currently closed due to lockdown. If you fancy some fresh air and nature, Bristol boasts a variety of walks and woodlands to take your children. Walk for as long as you like, Trooper’s Hill is an excellent stopping point. "A lovely walk with lots to see , well laid-out by the NT and informative , well worth avisit" "Leigh Woods is a short walk over the Clifton Suspension Bridge which means you can enjoy a city walk and the woods in one stroll." Bristol walks to download and print FREE! An interesting, undulating walk from the delightful village of Upton Cheyney across the hills above Bath and Bristol. One of the peachiest plus points about living in Bristol is that the coast is easily daytrippable from the city and you can escape to the seaside, in many cases, in under 90 minutes. There’s plenty to ogle on a potter around the Harbourside – multi-coloured houses, iconic ships (Brunel's SS Great Britain and The Matthew), stand up paddle boarders, rowers and sailing clubs out on the water. A promenade was built there to accommodate a visit from Queen Victoria in 1887, and since then it has been renowned as one of the best spots along the Sker Point and Ogmore coastline to hit the beach. In preparation for warmer days and summer escapes, I’ve put together a list of the best beaches near Bristol. Instead head there by car or public transport and then, if you want a more than just a gentle amble, follow the often-overlooked River Frome north. Book a walking tour or if freestyling is your thing, try this Banksy self-guided tour or download the Banksy Bristol Trail app to navigate your way around his artworks using interactive maps. Up St Micheals Hill and the Christmas Steps, many of the older parts of the city are on show. This is one seriously beautiful hike to take and isn’t too far from Bristol. Please follow the latest Covid-19 guidance about leaving your home for exercise and check directly with businesses for changes to their services. But right here on our doorstep are plenty of lovely and exciting walks. This can be a pretty long journey, so think about stopping in between, perhaps even for a night in one of the locals Cotswolds hotels. There is a romantic promenade where you can go for long walks … Wander through 6 miles of meadows, woodlands and valleys, taking in the incredible views of Bath and the local wildlife that greets you along the way. The Cleve Hill and Common Walk This walk takes you across the Cotswolds' highest common. Leigh Woods A designated nature reserve, Leigh Woods is … 11 stunning walking routes less than an hour's drive from Bristol Weston Woods. You can do this walk on your own or as part of a guided tour. Their tale charts the accumulation of wealth from the guano trade, transformation of a Georgian house to a Victorian Gothic masterpiece and the collection of over 50,000 objects. An impressive fortress that has been continuously inhabited by the Berkeley family for nine centuries, Berkeley Castle has been embroiled in all sorts of historic events, from a murdered king to a wedding that spawned Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Wander... 3. There are 86 Bristol parks and playgrounds to pick from. Walkers, mountain bikers, pups and little ones will love this one, with its range of trails, natural play area and Iron Age Hill fort. Walk Overview This beautiful city walk explores the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and the leafy tranquillity of Leigh Wood on the outskirts of Bristol. One of the most stunning pieces to look out for on your walk is a breathtaking stained glass window, suspended between the trees. Your guide to all the best dog friendly places and dog walks in the Bristol area. Your guide to dog friendly Bristol. Part of the mythical Bristol giants walking tour, here you'll find 'Goram’s Chair' and the ‘tantrum’ footprint, plus mysterious tunnels and a cave built into rock. Nigel Vile provides guides to some incredibly picturesque walks. Walk 1 - The Plaques of Central Bristol - a 3.2km (2 mile) walk starting at St Micheals Hill. Kings Weston House was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh (the architect for Blenheim Palace) and its beautiful gardens were once famed throughout Europe, drawing nobility from far and wide. Last updated 3/2/2021. Blaise Castle House Museum & Estate. Perfect for walkers and families, there are a couple of cafes onsite (takeaway only during lockdown), miniature trains which run on selected dates and lovely views back over Cabot Tower and Bristol's colourful houses. In spring, the bluebell displays are one of the best in the West Country. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail This is … Go to our places to visit pages now to download your free guides to: Take First 9/9A to return to train station. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is made up of open downs, chalk streams and historic woodland. You are here: Home > Blog > Top 20 Spring Walks around Bristol. The circular toute includes the village of Wraxall and also provides the opportunity to explore the grounds and parkland of the National Trust's Tyntesfield. Underfall Yard – the heart of Bristol’s harbour since 1809 and the machines that powered a port. Step into a secret world and discover 45 green acres where the history of Bristol is told in a leafy and tranquil setting. A short walk in Somerset to the southwest of Bristol. The shop and buildings are closed. The Bath Road gates are currently open from 9am to 4pm, every day. This beautiful wooded Victorian garden cemetery just off the Bath Road covers 45-acres. Head to the ‘Sea Walls’ end for spectacular far-reaching views out towards the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods and the Severn Estuary, before carrying on to nearby Clifton Village for a refuel. Image - colours of Hotwells on the Harbourside, credit Dave Page. You could walk from The Bristol to Eastville Park but the route becomes a little urban in places. 4 beautiful places to go for a walk near Bath & Bristol 1. Built in 1986, this is a visual journey that was created with work from a number of artists’ interpretation of the surrounding woodland. Share ; By.