Bristol Quiet Areas

Bristol has quieter, calmer spaces where people can pause, rest and recharge. These areas have less noise than the surrounding area and are more likely to include natural sounds, such as birdsong, leaves rustling or water nearby.

These spaces are often less crowded, though they may be busier at certain times of day, such as during sunny weekday lunchtimes.

We have found and mapped these spaces to help more people feel confident accessing them.

  • Quiet: Quieter than the surrounding areas
  • Cool: Often includes shaded or green areas or near water
  • Best for: Pausing, resting, and building confidence in the city

Using this page

You can use the maps and information to:

  • find a quieter place to pause or sit
  • understand what each space is like before you visit
  • feel more confident navigating and using the space

There are different ways to access the information:

What the maps show

The maps highlight key features to help you plan ahead, including:

  • quieter and busier areas
  • seating and places to rest
  • types of paths and if there are uneven surfaces
  • shaded and green areas that may feel cooler
  • entrances and routes through the space
  • nearby facilities such as toilet

About the spaces

These spaces are free to visit and open to everyone.

The project was co-created with neurodivergent people and accessibility partners.

The information provided reflects a typical experience of each space. Conditions may vary depending on the time of day and how many people are there.

 

 

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About the project

The Bristol Quiet Areas Plan is a citizen-led project exploring and defining what makes quiet, nature-rich urban spaces meaningful, accessible and restorative. Working with neurodivergent people, it co-creates an inclusive, open-access map to improve access to Bristol city centre for those who benefit from sensory-friendly environments.

By promoting quieter, cooler routes and spaces, the project helps create a more inclusive and welcoming city centre, supporting health, tourism, local businesses and longer dwell time, while contributing to climate resilience.

Delivered by the University of Gloucestershire in collaboration with Disability Inc, Visit West and Bristol BID, with partners including Hush City, Tranquil City and Place Changers.

More information here.

This project was supported by a grant from the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+, an EPSRC funded Network, EP/W020610/1.