One of Bristol's best-kept secrets, East Bristol is the gateway to gorgeous countryside, wildlife and walks.
East Bristol acts as the jump-off point from the city into the countryside, mixing different landscapes from park to water to woodland, bursting with wildlife and scenic views and generally being one of the best-kept secrets about the city. Bristol has more green spaces than any other city in the UK and East Bristol is a perfect example of this.
The East of Bristol is a diverse area where you can find walks, cycles, picnic opportunities, history, heritage and wildlife, from cormorants to deer. One of the best ways to explore this side of the city is by cycling or walking along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which runs from Old Market just behind Temple Meads Station, through East Bristol and out into the countryside before reaching the centre of Bath.
Discover East Bristol is a wonderful website and interactive map showing all the parks, nature reserves and other green spaces that you can discover and enjoy.
Easton
Conveniently served by rail at Stapleton Road station and regular bus services, Easton is easy to get to from Bristol City Centre. It’s also the first area you reach if you’re cycling out of the city centre on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, just ten minutes from Old Market.
World-famous street artist Banksy allegedly hails from this part of of the city, and you’ll find some of his oldest artworks here, including Cat and Dog on the corner of Robertson Road and Foster Street, as well as numerous other murals from local artists. Easton is also known for having the most street parties in the city, giving the area a strong sense of community and vibrancy.
St Marks Road is a small but thriving high street where you'll find charming restaurants, quirky independent shops and a thriving community feel. Restaurants include the award-winning Thali and plant-filled Garden of Easton. There's also some wonderful independent shopping to be had – don't miss local favourites Bristol Sweet Mart and East Bristol Bakery.
Nearby Stapleton Road is choc-full with cafes and shops too, showcasing cuisines and crafts from across the world. Some of the most popular spots include Jeevan Sweets for Indian sweets and snacks, Afghan Tasty Corner for traditional Afghan dishes, and Bikkle Island for a range of Caribbean homestyle cooking.
Despite being so central and urban, Easton also has a good selection of green spaces and playgrounds, including Eastville Park, Felix Road Adventure Playground and Royate Hill Nature Reserve, which is next to Greenbank Cemetery, another calm oasis in this busy neighbourhood.
St Werburghs
Bristol's quirky and eco-conscious enclave is nestled between the M32 and St Pauls. There are plenty of reasons to visit, from St Werburghs City Farm and its neighbouring wood-carved cafe and adventure playground, to the taprooms of local breweries Wiper and True and Fierce & Noble. Narroways Nature Reserve is a calm oasis to explore and enjoy views across the city. You'll find a whole host of independent shops, bars and restaurants in the area, mainly based on and around Mina Road, with local favourites being award-winning Indian restaurant Namak, and casual pizzeria Napolita.
The Farm pub is popular on sunny days for its large pub garden, The Miners for local beers and regular entertainment, or head to the Duke of York for some characterful pub decor - a mural out the front, local artworks throughout and pub games aplenty, from pool to skittles. The area also hosts regular community events, including seasonal fairs, markets and outdoor theatre at Boiling Wells Ampitheatre.
St George
Centred around the bustling high street of Church Road, St George is home to several popular restaurants, friendly pubs and a large, leafy park. St George’s Park is a large Victorian suburban park with a pond, grass areas, skate park and a children’s playground. Close by is Troopers Hill Nature Reserve, which has a great mix of history (the site used to be a mine and quarry), wild plants and animals – it's also a great place to watch hot air balloons! Popular local stops for a bite to eat include The Bristol Loaf bakery cafe, cosy restaurant in a former mechanics garage The Lock Up, and industrial chic venue The Red Church.
Fishponds and Staple Hill
This Bristol surburb has seen a lot of new openings and developments in the past few years, with plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink in particular. Fishponds Road is the main thoroughfare and is packed with independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Head to popular local cafe chains The Crafty Egg, FED or Porto Lounge for lighter bites, or many local pubs do a range of heartier dishes, including burgers and pizzas at The All Inn, or top quality classic dishes at The Duck & Willow in nearby Downend. If you're looking for some evening entertainment, The Star is well-known locally for regular live music and a great atmosphere, especially during their trad Irish sessions and folk jams!
If you continue east along Fishponds High Street you’ll come to Staple Hill, home to the popular Forge & Fern. If you want to stay longer in this part of town to explore more of East Bristol, book a self-catering apartment with Mint Stays.
Frome Valley
A great way to spend a day is by following the Frome Valley Walkway, which runs from Castle Park in the city centre into the Cotswolds. We recommend starting from Eastville Park, where you’ll find a large ornamental lake, tennis courts, bowling green, children’s play area and medieval Wickham Bridge, the oldest bridge in Bristol. From here you can follow the path towards Snuff Mills, a picturesque and historic section of the Frome Valley, home to a variety of birdlife, including kingfishers, as well as the lesser-spotted otters!
From here you can explore the scenic village area of Stapleton, visit Glenside Hospital Museum or continue on to Oldbury Court Estate, which combines woodland and riverside paths with historic parkland and excellent children's play facilities. Beyond the parkland you can follow the path down to the river Frome, where trails leads either towards Frenchay or a range of nature reserves and South Gloucestershire villages.
Kingswood and Hanham
On the far edges of Bristol you’ll find these leafy suburbs, each with their own high streets and selection of vibrant local businesses for you to explore.
Kingswood Heritage Museum is located in a former 18th century zinc and brass works, and has permanent exhibitions on coal mining, Douglas motorcycles, World War I and II, Edwardian Kingswood and more.
Hanham has a great selection of green spaces to explore, including Hanham Woods, Conham River Park, Hanham Hills and Avon Valley Woodland. Follow the river path to Hanham Lock to enjoy a riverside lunch at Chequers Inn or Old Lock & Weir, where you can then continue on to Keynsham and get the train back to central Bristol.
