The Local's Guide: Keynsham

This rural market town is nestled on the south-eastern borders of Bristol. We asked local resident Monika Komar to tell us some of the best spots to seek out...

The River Avon, Source: The Lock Keeper

Hop on a train from Bristol Temple Meads, and a mere eight minutes away is Keynsham; part Bristol suburb, part independent market town; since I moved here a year ago I’ve been trying to work out its true identity. There are also regular bus services to the town from central Bristol.

Formerly home to the Cadbury factory and - according to a local legend - the place where a certain St Keyna saved the locals by killing serpents in the fifth century, Keynsham is a pretty little town which has plenty to offer visitors and day trippers.

Chew Valley

What you first notice about Keynsham - and what remains my favourite thing about this area - is how green it is. You can see hills and woods from wherever you are in the town, and there are plenty of beautiful walks to enjoy at any time of the year.

Following the River Chew south out of the town, the footpath takes you through the woods and fields of the valley, to neighbouring villages such as the lovely Compton Dando. 

Source: Monika Komar

Following the river in the opposite direction to where it joins River Avon, the woodland walk takes you to the Bristol suburbs of Broomhill and Brislington. Pick up the cycle path in the other direction and you end up in the Roman city of Bath, via the picturesque Saltford. 

Whichever route you take, there are miles and miles of rolling hills, golden fields and fluffy sheep to spot, as well as good pubs to take a break in. 

>>>Read our local's guide to Brislington

The Lock Keeper

The Lock Keeper is my personal favourite when it comes to a Sunday roast or post-hiking snacks.

This old pub has it all: a leafy riverside location, a large beer garden and a burger shack. It also boasts its very own pétanque pitch, if that’s the sort of thing that rocks your boat. 

The garden at The Lock Keeper, Source: The Lock Keeper

Bonzo Lounge

From a traditional pub to the trendiest place to be in town. Bonzo Lounge is one of Keynsham’s newer additions to its foodie scene. 

Located just off the high street, Bonzo Lounge has a quirky, industrial decor; homage to the empty unit it used to be before its revamp into one of the town’s busiest spots. It’s the perfect place for a lazy brunch, after-work drinks or a quick coffee break.

Bonzo Lounge, Source: Monika Komar

Memorial Park

Just behind the high street there’s Bath Hill and Keynsham Memorial Park; a large green space with a playground, cafe and small area for local events.

Beautifully maintained, the park hosts the annual Festival of Music and Festival of Nature, as well as lots of smaller activities in between. Popular for picnics and dog walking, it’s one of the prettiest parts of Keynsham.

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

One of the town’s key attractions, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park offers various outdoor and indoor activities for kids, as well as wildlife enclosures with reindeers, pygmy goats and chickens, among many others.

The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year and is surrounded by stunning countryside. So, not just for kids!

>>>See our other tips for things to do with the kids this summer

Keynsham Church and Abbey

A treat for architecture lovers, the Church of St John the Baptist is one of the first things you’ll see if driving into town from Bristol.

Dating back to the 13th century, the church was originally closely associated with Keynsham Abbey, built in the 12th century, until its dissolution in 1539.

There isn’t much left of the Abbey itself, as after it surrendered in the 16th century the site was disassembled and robbed for building materials. 

Keynsham Abbey, Source: Monika Komar

Read more of our local guides to Fishponds and St George, or see how many of our Top Ten Things to do in Bristol you've managed to tick off!

About the author

Monika Komar is a journalist, travel blogger and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter for more travel tips and civic pride.

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