Good afternoon Bristol – I hope everyone is feeling healthy and OK. Regular readers will know that this time of year I usually publish a popular post on 10 free & cheap things to do in and around Bristol on Mother’s Day which is a great opportunity to shout out all the fabulous Mother’s Day offers taking place at our pubs, restaurants and family attractions.
However, as we’ve been asked not to meet in small or large groups and many pubs and restaurants are closing their doors to protect the public, instead I’ll be focussing on outdoor walks where we can enjoy a bit of fresh air and still meet up with other if we keep two meters apart from each other. And one of the best bits of good news I heard this week was that the National Trust will be keeping as many of its gardens and parks open as it can for free during the coronavirus crisis, but please do check its website before setting off.
1. I’m planning on taking Little Miss Diva and Caramel the dog to Brean Down on Sunday, as the beach, down and car park are still open and it will certainly make a nice change after we’ve been stuck in the house more than usual. The car park will be free and it’ll be the first time our eight-month-old pup has been to the beach.
2. If I want to escape the city, Arnos Vale is the perfect getaway as it feels like you’re in a completely different world. Although it’s not a million miles away (just off the Bath Road) this stunning woodland walk feels ‘other worldly’ and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with the family or just your own thoughts.
3. When I first moved to Bristol, I spent a lot of time at Blaise Castle Estate – so this part of the city will always hold a place in my heart. There’s something for everyone – lots of adventures to be had and peaceful walks along the river. If the weather’s not too bad you can spend the whole day here.
4. One of my favourite walks is through Wapping Wharf with its eclectic mix of independent restaurants and cafes. From there you can pass through the dockside by the iconic M Shed cranes and take a stroll up Brandon Hill. At the top, you can take the steps up to Cabot Tower where you can finally relax and enjoy stunning views of the city.
5. Little Miss Diva and I love to join the River Avon Trail at Netham Lock and take a walk along the river through St Anne’s. There are lots of lovely places to walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal including Conham River Park and Hanham lock.
6. You can’t beat going for a walk around Bristol’s harbourside on a sunny spring day – it’s a view that never gets boring. I often pass just by the Arnolfini and over Pero’s Bridge through to Millennium Square on my travels, but when I get the chance, it’s lovely to walk all the way around the harbour through Baltic Wharf and Underfall Yard.
7. Ashton Court Estate is another firm favourite of mine because there is just so much green space whether you want to relax in the grounds and just breathe in the scenery or amble through the 850 acres of woodland.
8. Another lovely walk is Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court Estate where you can take your pooch for a walk, meander along the river and enjoy the picture postcard views.
9. One of the first things I did when I came to Bristol was to walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge. However, I can’t say I enjoyed it and I will never do it again! If you’re not scared of heights though it really is worth doing and Leigh Woods, with all it’s natural beauty, welcomes you the other side.
10. A post on Bristol’s best walks wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Downs. This open space often plays host to festivals and bigger events but right now it will be much quieter and the place to enjoy a leisurely walk in the spring sunshine.
What are your favourite places to take a walk in and around Bristol? Please feel free to share your ideas – Broke in Bristol – & beyond is on Facebook, Instagramand Twitter pages. More from Broke in Bristol:
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