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Warm summer weather calls for al fresco eating at some of Bristol's best picnic spots...
1. The Downs
The Downs is an enormous expanse of green up in Clifton and is loved year-round by runners, dog walkers, Nordic walkers and all. But in the summertime it really comes into its own as a place for picnics.
2. Ashton Court Estate
Image - Tamany Baker
For wide open space and the feeling of being out in the countryside, you can’t beat Ashton Court. The historic estate is made up of 850 acres of ancient woodland and parkland. You can watch the resident deer roam the grounds and find beautiful views of the city.
3. Brandon Hill
Image - Paul Box
The oldest park in Bristol affords some of the finest views in the city from Cabot Tower (which is free to enter when open). After lunch, if you’re still hungry for more, you can explore the nature reserve or go on a tree trail.
4. St Andrew's Park
Image - Paul Box
This classic Victorian beauty is a great place to soak up summer vibes thanks to its gorgeous wildflower meadow, blooming right about now.
5. College Green
Image - Destination Bristol
Located at the bottom of Park Street, College Green is a truly urban oasis. Whilst you sit here tucking into your cheese and pickle sandwiches, consider that there has been a green space here since the 1100s – owned by Bristol Cathedral, a rare example of a city centre cathedral.
6. Castle Park
Image - Tamany Baker
This central park, found between the Old City and Bristol Shopping Quarter, has a lot of stories to tell. It was the site of Bristol Castle, then the city’s bustling shopping mecca and in more recent years various celebrations and events.
7. Victoria Park
Victoria Park in Bedminster is a lovely relaxed space for a bite to eat with friends. And if you want to burn off the excess energy from all those mini pork pies and cocktail sausages then there are tennis courts, nine exercise stations including hurdles and leap frogs plus a 1700m route for walkers and joggers. There’s a nice playground to keep the little ones busy too.*
*open subject to current government guidelines, please check before attending.
8. St George’s Park
At St George’s you can feed the ducks as well as yourselves as there’s a lovely lake to wander round. There’s also a large wheels park for BMX, skateboards and scooters.
Other great local spots for a picnic:
Queen Square - An elegant Georgian square where you can relax in the heart of the city.
Eastville Park - Home of Love Saves the Day festival, plus a fishing lake and basketball courts.
Chew Valley Lake - A big reservoir great for bird watching with cosy picnic areas.
Read next:
Lesser-known walking routes in Bristol
Instagram picks: Bristol Green Spaces
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Consisting of Clifton Down and Durdham Down, this is a huge area of protected parkland on the edge of the city
Historic 850-acre parkland with mansion, two pitch-and-putt golf courses, deer park, miniature railway, orienteering and nature trails
A picturesque park offering a quiet place to sit or stroll, right alongside the tranquil waters of the city harbour
A magnificent Georgian park area in the heart of Bristol, surrounded by trees and cobbled streets.
Much more than a fascinating building, being a fine example of a hall church, it is a centre of Bristol's history, civic life and culture.
Brandon Hill Nature Park is located in the city-centre and is a haven for wildlife. During spring and summer there are many beautiful flowers that blossom here in the park, which give the park some colour.
There is plenty of choice in Victoria Park since the park has 3 separate play areas, 1 on the northern end of Nutgrove Avenue, 1 at St Lukes Road and 1 at Fraser Street.
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