Family / family activites

10 walks to do with the family in and around Bristol

By Maria Newman  Friday Jun 26, 2020

One of the things many families love about Bristol is how green the city is. There lots open spaces to go with the family. Here are ten places to explore:

Abbots Pool
A great place to go for a little adventure and walk with the family is Abbots Pool. Explore the woodlands before heading to the pools to feed the ducks, if they aren’t already full from lots of feeding from visitors.

Arnos Vale Cemetery
Located in south Bristol, Arnos Vale Cemetery is set in 45 acres and is a stunning Victorian Garden Cemetery. It might not be the first place families might consider going for a walk, but it is a hidden gem and a great place for an adventure.

Blaise Castle
Located north of the city, Blaise Castle estate is set among 650 acres of parkland. There are several walks available, starting from 35 minutes long, that lead through the woodland to some beautiful views.

Discover trails at Blaise Castle. Photo: Gareth Richards/Facebook

Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower
Nestled between Park Street and Jacob’s Wells Road, this park is perfect for taking in the stunning views and taking a leisurely walk around the grounds.

Bristol Harbourside
Located in the city centre, the harbourside is bursting with so many interesting things to see on a family walk. Whether it’s admiring the changing architecture of the buildings or having a glimpse at historical structures, it’s definitely worth taking a stroll.

Taking in the view of the harbour. Photo: Maria Newman

Cleeve Hill and Common
For something a bit more challenging or for a walk that provides hilltops views, head to Cleeve Hill. It’s a six mile route, so take a picnic and make a great day out with the family.

Frome Valley Walkway
If you want to explore the beautiful villages that sit by the River Frome, then try the Frome Valley Walkway. The 18-mile path stretches from Castle Park to Old Sodbury, and is a chance to take in the beautiful countryside north of Bristol.

Leigh Woods
Immerse yourself in nature by visiting Leigh Woods. It’s great for a family walk and exploring the woods, although the best bit for lots of families is building a den. And if you just need to hug a tree, there are plenty.

Hours of fun building dens in Leigh Woods

Hours of fun building dens in Leigh Woods. Photo: Maria Newman

Prior’s Wood
Located near Tyntesfield, Prior’s Wood is an ancient woodland that is home to wildlife, plantations, streams and stunning bluebells. A beautiful place for a family walk with plenty of opportunities to spot birds, insects and plants.

Weston Woods
Nestled just outside Weston super mare, Weston Woods covers 321 acres on Worlebury Hill. The trail leads towards the coast and there’s the opportunity to extend the walk and take in some of the stunning coastal views.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Maria Newman is a writer for Bristol24/7 and runs her own blog, Mummy On A Break.

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