8 great Bristol spots to relax and unwind for free!
Posted on: 19 Nov 2018It is that time of year again where the leaves start to fall, and the cold is creeping up on us, and that means the seasonal depression will soon start to kick in. This means moods are going to swing and stress is at an all-time high! Taking walks has been proven to help reduce stress, and for that very reason I’ve compiled a list of my top 8 places to take a walk, relax, and unwind in Bristol to help you endure this winter season.
Castle Park
If you are stressed out, and in need of a short timeout, Castle Park is the perfect place to relax. Only a few minutes’ walk away from the centre, Castle Park is a small safe-haven in the city to get some fresh air and clear your mind. Whether you go on a picnic with friends, lunch during the day, or just out to read a book, Castle park is the perfect location for a quick relaxation session. Situated next to the water, the combination of flowing water and a nice crisp breeze helps immerse you into natures calm atmosphere, getting away from the thunderous sounds of the city. So, the next time you are feeling stressed out, take a deep breath, step outside, and head on over to Castle Park for a natural relaxant.
Cabot Tower - Brandon Hill
If you can’t make it to Castle Park, the Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill is another great spot to visit when life is kicking your butt a little too much. Located a minutes’ walk from Park Street, Brandon Hill offers a place of comfort, relaxation, and a great place to view the city. Looking out over Bristol, Brandon Hill is great for a quick walk, with pathways winding up and down the steep hill. Your blood starts flowing, and your lungs breathe deep, releasing endorphins turning your frown upside down. The park is a great place to take your family and friends for a day in the sun. Not only is the landscape serene, but there is a playground for the kids to play on as well!
Harbourside - Millennium Square
If you aren’t one for steep hills and nature walks, the harbourside and Millennium Square is another great place to ease your stress with a nice walk around the neighbourhood after a tough day at work. Passing by a few restaurants, the area leads you by the water and through the Millennium Square, often ripe with events. The square, much like an art exhibit itself, is decorated with bronze statues and a unique fountain feature creating an open and calm public area. Winding across bridges and walkways, this area is a wonderland for exploration, finding new areas to relax with your friends.
Street Art Bristol
Street art in Bristol is everywhere, and what more do you need than some art to relieve some of that pent-up stress from the everyday grind. Taking a walk around town in places like Stokes Croft, Park St. and the Harbourside, you can find street art from Banksy and other local artists that have decorated the canvas that is Bristol.
Bristol Cathedral
One of my all-time favourite methods of letting go of stress, is to get in touch with your spiritual self. Visiting the Bristol Cathedral, or any other religious building for that matter, is an amazing way of getting in touch with your inner self. Not only is the architecture of these buildings a wonder to look at, both the interior and exterior, but the atmosphere of the church brings forth a sense of calmness and tranquillity. The silence and echo of the open hall creates a haven, to pray or meditate in peace, without worrying about the outside world, letting your anxieties go.
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Art Galleries - Arnolfini
Art galleries are always exciting to see but are also very nice to unwind with. If you need some quality alone time to decompress, Arnolfini is the place to go.
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Window Shopping at Cabot Circus
Reducing stress doesn’t always have to be about parks, art, or being alone. In fact, decompressing with your friends and having a laugh has been proven to improve quality of life, which is why window shopping at Cabot Circus is another one of my favourite relaxation techniques. Bring along your family and friends, crack some jokes, and have a splendid time at the mall. Whether you purchase something or not, I guarantee that spending the afternoon with a couple of mates will brighten your day tenfold.
Ride the Bus
This last relaxation technique is an unconventional approach to relaxing and unwinding, although it is personally one of the most effective. Instead of heading home immediately from work or university, jump on the number 71 bus and ride up and down Gloucester Road. With the hum of the engine, the neon lights of nearby restaurants, and the winding streets, riding around without a destination allows you to let go and daydream as the world whizzes past.
If you have any other ideas, please let us know!
Article by:
Erik is a third-year student at UWE studying English and Writing. He is currently writing a short story and is an avid golf player. He enjoys the peace and quiet but is not one to turn away a good night out with his mates.
