It’s a good Saturday to go to the park – here’s some of Bristol’s best green spaces
Posted on: 18 Apr 2024This Saturday, 20 April, is set to be bright, sunny, and full of spring verve – why not head to one of these green spaces to enjoy it?
Spring is fully springing, and the season’s joys are singing – the sun has come out to play, and we’re set for a lovely Saturday.
It’s a great time to head to the park – smack dab in the middle of the 4th month (April), spring is in full swing, there’s no doubt that greenery will abound in the parks and woods of Bristol, this 20th of April. So, don’t miss out on the fun – here’s our list of some of Bristol’s best green spaces for you to enjoy this Saturday, 20 April.
Castle Park – BS1
Starting off accessible, this city-centre, riverside park is a definite favourite among the community. As well as all the requisite greenery, Castle Park has a beautiful central church, around which is arranged a flower garden, seating, and a falafel stand – and the ruins of the titular Castle. Other features include a jetty along the canal, a bandstand, and a fountain. A park you’re likely to find plenty of fun-loving, like-minded parkgoers in!
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Queen Square – BS1
Not too far from Castle Park is the small but mighty Queen Square. Surrounded by beautiful Georgian houses and cobbled streets, the square is popular for both nearby workers and tourists alike.
Brandon Hill – BS1
For a park with a view, Brandon Hill is a perfect option. Located just off the side of Park Street, Brandon Hill is the oldest park in Bristol, and nearer the top has stunning views over the city – particularly if you head up the iconic Cabot Tower. It’s also home to some wonderfully secluded pools that sit beneath the shade of trees, and ample bench seating.
Trooper’s Hill – BS5
A great option for wildlife lovers, Trooper’s Hill has been a nature reserve for 25 years, and is home from butterflies, to heather, to various reptiles – as well as a rare tunneling solitary bee. As well as it’s unusual geological features, and commanding view, it also has two Grade-II listed chimneys that date back to the 1700s. They are no longer used, of course – so if you want smoke you’ll have to bring your own!
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Arnos Vale Cemetery – BS4
While you might think a cemetery is an odd place to spend a sunny Saturday, Arnos Vale dates back to Victorian times, and is a massive (45 acres) and gorgeous garden cemetery bursting with enough plantlife to practically make it a wood.
St Andrews Park – BS6
Another wonderful Victorian Park, St Andrews has plenty of green space and a playground, boasts park toilets, a mobile café and disabled access. Located at the heart of a community-focused residential area, the park does have a family-friendly atmosphere – but there’s plenty of space for everyone, families or otherwise.
Perrett Park – BS2
Another wonderful-view park (what can we say, Bristol is full of hills!), Perrett (or Perett’s) Park is a steep site, shaped like a natural amphitheatre; the flat terrace at the top is the perfect observation platform to view much of Bristol, including the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge. A great hidden-gem option if you’re looking for more privacy, or just a new spot to enjoy.
Eastville Park – BS5
With a wide range of facilities, this massive Victorian park in the North-East of Bristol boasts a spacious and diverse green landscape. The park features fishing and ornamental lakes, multiple tennis courts, three football pitches, a bowling green, a playground and on-site toilets.
Having hosted festivals including Love Saves the Day and Tokyo World in the past, its grounds are no stranger to fun – so party away!
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Ashton Court Estate – BS41
This sprawling park is one of Bristol’s biggest and most iconic parks – covering 850 acres total including grassland for catching the sun, and woodland for getting a bit of privacy, this park is chock-full of green, and this Saturday is sure to be no different.
The Downs - BS9
From one massive Bristol staple to another, the Downs is an extensive area of clifftop parkside, that acts as the home for regular major events such as charity runs, circuses, funfairs, music festivals and Bristol Pride. In many ways, it’ll be host to an informal event this Saturday – all of our readers going to the park!
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Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.
