10 walks to go on in and around Bristol in autumn

Some of the best outdoor walks to go on during the autumn months.

The Downs 
This large green space consists of Durdham Down and Clifton Down, and is more than 400 acres in size. A great place to let the children run free or go for a dog walk, head to Clifton Down Avenue for piles of leaves to kick around, or Saville Row for a spot of conker hunting.

Arnos Vale Cemetery 
With its main entrance located on Bath Road, Arnos Vale Cemetery is perfect for a peaceful walk. Filled with extravagant Victorian gravestones and with paths weaving throughout woodland, the cemetery is a place to truly escape the rest of the world for a few hours.

Tyntesfield 
A National Trust property with a sweeping estate and Gothic house, a day can easily while away at Tyntesfield. Hunt for more than 1000 different types of fungi, follow the natural play trail or gander at the seasonal squash display, which runs until November 15. The house is open, but slots need to be booked in advance. The Cow Barn cafe is open for diners and the Pavilion cafe is open for takeaway.

Harbourside 
Take a stroll through the city centre and take in the sights. Pass by the Arnolfini, head over Pero’s Bridge and through Millennium Square. Catch a ferry over to Spike Island and visit Underfall Yard – the outside area is now open, as is the café for takeaway – and head to a pub for lunch. The Pump House, Nova Scotia, the Cottage Inn and Grain Barge all have great views across the harbour.

Take in the waterfront views. Photo: Simon Strange

Oldbury Court Estate 
Head to east Bristol for an autumnal walk around Oldbury Court Estate. Explore the river and playground, and then follow the Frome Valley Walkway to Snuff Mills for a brisk walk that takes around an hour there and back.

Troopers Hill 
For views across the city, visit Troopers Hill in St George. Brimming with wild heather and bright plants, this nature reserve is perfect for feeling like you’re in the countryside.

Leigh Woods 
As well as a good excuse to cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Leigh Woods is great for children, with a woodland play area and den building opportunities galore.

Blaise Castle Estate 
Even though the museum and castle remain closed, the grounds of the estate are still open to explore. With a play area, picnic benches and grass to play sports, Blaise Castle Estate is still a great place to visit during the changing seasons. The cafe is open for takeaway, so you can warm yourself up with a hot chocolate.

The grounds of Blaise Castle Estate are open. Photo: Martin Booth

Goblin Combe 
Just a short drive outside the city, Goblin Combe is a magical spot managed by Avon Wildlife Spot. Enjoy views across the Mendips, as well as a myriad of footpaths to explore. A home for hazel dormice, unrivalled heathland and rare moonwort fern which grows under old yew trees, this gorge is an enchanting place to visit.

Please note that there is very limited parking available.

Ashton Court Estate
Ashton Court Estate’s 850 acres is perfect to hop on your bikes for a cycling trip suitable for all ages, pr take the dog for an extended walk and meander around the grassy slopes slopes.

Westonbirt Arboretum 
A 30-minute drive from Bristol’s city centre is one of the best spots in the UK for catching an array of autumn colours. From Black Walnuts to Japanese Maples it’s a feast of red, yellow and orange tones. The, now one-way, treetop walkway offers stunning views, play areas allow children to use up their abounding energy, and the restaurant is open for food and drink to consume outdoors.

Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the best places to see the changing leaves. Photo: Westonbirt Arboretum

Main photo: Maria Newman

Read more: 6 things to do in Bristol during October half term