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 Bristol's favourite bit of countryside |
Long Ashton Near Clifton Suspension Bridge Bristol BS41 9JN United Kingdom +44 117 963 9174 |
A short hop across the Suspension Bridge and you're in this beautiful estate, with its 850 magnificent acres of park and woodland, with superb views across Bristol. There are excellent nature trails, red deer grazing close by, a pitch and putt golf course, a miniature railway, a cafe inside the Mansion House, plus plenty of open space for flying a kite or just enjoying a walk. Various events are held here throughout the summer including Bristol Community Festival and the Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloons launch from near the mansion House in the grounds every week - go on a Sunday afternoon, when the weather is fine and you may well see them being inflated and taking-off. There's partial disabled access—some trails would be tricky, but many of the paths are fine for wheelchairs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Take a walk on the wild side |
Leigh Woods Abbots Leigh Bristol BS8 United Kingdom |
Situated on the western side of the gorge, and with spectacular views of Brunel's famous suspension bridge, this reserve is a wonderful and dramatic slice of the countryside, visited by locals and tourists alike. Encompassing over a mile of the 300ft-high limestone cliffs, much of the broad reserve is devoted to woodland and is noted for its rare plants, particularly the Bristol whitebeam which is unique to the locality. Also here is Stokeleigh Fort, a Celtic hill fort whose embankments are still clearly visible. Sadly, due to climate changes, picturesque Nightingale Valley is no longer home to its namesake song bird. But it's still a wonderful place for a walk and is permanently open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Family day out in the country |
Pixash Lane Bath Road, Keynsham Bristol BS31 1TP United Kingdom +44 117 986 4929 http://www.avonvalleycountrypa... |
Situated between Bristol and Bath (four and a half miles from the city centre), this park is an excellent place to take your kids for a day out. They'll love it as everything has been geared towards youngsters. So, you'll find plenty of animals for them to watch and pet - Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, kangaroos, Shetland ponies, goats etc. There's an outdoor adventure playground and junior assault course, plus a riverside trail which tells you all about the animals, plants and birds you'll spot along the way. There's also a boating pond, a lake where you can fish (rods for hire), barbecue and picnic areas and a shop. Still not tired? OK, you still haven't tried the quad bikes, mini steam train or the undercover soft play area, complete with bouncy castle - perfect for any rainy interludes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Panorama from an historic hilltop |
Brandon Steep Bristol BS15QT United Kingdom +44 117 926 0767 |
Rising from the summit of Brandon Hill, this famous landmark was built in 1897 to commemorate the fourth centenary of John Cabot's epic voyage of discovery to North America. The spiral stairs of this 105-foot tower climb to around 350 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city center and surrounding countryside. The hill is also the site of a Nature Park which includes woodland, a butterfly garden, meadow, pond and Wildlife Trust Center. Look out too for the remains of a Civil War hillfort, built to defend the north-west flank of Bristol against the Royalists during the siege of 1643. And don't forget to feed the extremely tame squirrels! There is no disabled access to the tower, but many of the park's paths are wheelchair accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Ancient, fortified manor house and gardens |
Tickenham Road Clevedon Bristol BS21 6QU United Kingdom +44 1275 87 2257 http://www.clevedon.gov.uk |
Located some 12 miles from Bristol city centre, this National Trust property is one for the more cultured and architecturally-minded amongst you, and is where you can see various styles from throughout the ages, all coming together rather beautifully in one place. It's actually a 14th century Manor House, but contains and is particularly noted for its large 12th century tower and 13th century Great Hall, along with its terraced garden, a fine example of 18th century style and taste. A fine collection of Nailsea Glass is on display, and many examples of Eltonware vases and pots are also exhibited. Those interested in literature might also like to know that Alfred, Lord Tennyson and W M Thackery stayed here. To get a proper feel for the place and discover more, ask for a guided tour (these must be pre-booked). Unfortunately, only parts of the ground floor are wheelchair accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wildlife haven with stunning views |
Stowey Pensford Bishop Sutton Bristol BS39 4DW United Kingdom |
This 250 acre site is located approximately eight miles south of Bristol and is just one mile from the popular tourist attraction of Chew Valley Lake, a visit to both would make for a great day out in the countryside. The Nature Reserve incorporates both new and ancient woodland and is particularly rich in a wide variety of wildlife. There are also traditionally managed wildlife meadows and old farm buildings, plus a badger-watching platform (wheelchair accessible) and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. If you fancy a longer walk there are marked trails, including an 800 meter circular one which is wheelchair-accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Sacred Sight |
Magdalene Street Bristol BA6 9EL United Kingdom +44 145 883 2267 http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/ |
Set in the quaint town of Glastonbury, the legendary ruins of Glastonbury Abbey draw tourists to take a trip back in time as they roam the grounds of this centuries-old site. Still a living church, the Abbey has served as an important epicenter for Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years. From April to October, the Abbey's Living History characters are present to aid visitors in creating a vision of life at the Abbey hundreds of years ago. The Abbey has an orchard, lily pond, and herb garden, and legend has it that the grave of King Arthur lies somewhere on the Abbey grounds. Various concerts, performances, and workshops are held at the Abbey throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Boating lake, walks and more |
Esplanade Road and Lake Road Portishead Bristol BS20 7HD United Kingdom |
These lake grounds are a popular place for adults and children alike and are perfect for lots of fresh air activities that cost little or nothing. Located right on the River Severn estuary, there is a constant succession of enormous ships to watch coming in and out of the busy industrial docks at Avonmouth, and also a small pebbled beach for children to play on. During the summer months, the boating lake hires out rowing boats and on certain days, model boat enthusiasts gather with their radio controlled boats to sail them across the lake. Nearby are tennis courts and there are woodland walks on the headland which has some excellent views. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stroll around a world of plants |
Bracken Hill, North Road Bristol BS8 3PF United Kingdom +44 117 973 3682 |
Located in the select suburb of Leigh Woods, this well-established collection of exotic plants offers plenty to interest nature-lovers of all ages. There are upwards of 4,500 species crammed into this late Victorian garden, with glass houses protecting the more delicate specimens, such as orchids, succulents and everyone's favourite, Venus Fly Trap! There is also a kitchen garden and a rock garden. Disabled access is rather limited, as some of the paths are very narrow. The gardens are within a few minutes walk of the western end of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Water mill in a wildlife valley |
Willsbridge Hill Willsbridge Bristol BS30 6EX United Kingdom +44 117 932 6885 |
A visit to this 19th century corn mill, located between Bristol and Bath, makes for a wonderful day out in the country. It's situated in a wooded valley Nature Reserve and houses hands-on historical and wildlife exhibits, plus a wildlife garden containing two ponds and a butterfly area. Those wanting to stretch their legs should try the trail, about one kilometre in length, around the reserve, along which there are many sculptures. There is a wealth of countryside information available here at the Forest of Avon Gateway Centre, ample parking, wheelchair access to all areas (plus use of electric scooter) a shop and a café, selling vegetarian snacks and hot and cold drinks. As it is manned by volunteers, opening times tend to vary - although the reserve itself is always open, cafe and shop areas may be closed at various times - so it's always best to call before visiting. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |