After a day of indulgence, with too much turkey and pudding having been eaten, today is the best day to start to walk off some of those calories.
So grab your wellies, blow off the cobwebs and get out to make the most of some of the city’s festive scenery with your nearest and dearest. Here are some ideas for some great Boxing Day walks in the Bristol area:
Wonderful woodlands
Leigh Woods
Stretching over two square kilometres, Leigh Woods is an ideal place to see the wonders of winter, with glorious walks and stunning views of the south west side of the Avon Gorge.
With a variety of terrains and gradients, the inner city woods are an excellent place for walkers of all abilities.
Blaise Castle Estate
It’s hard to beat Blaise Castle Estate at any time of year – but in winter it looks particularly magical. The Estate features a 19th century mansion, set in 400 acres of stunning parkland that looks glorious at this time of year.
Head off into the woods for an adventure, where you’ll discover the giant’s footprint, the magical castle and glorious views. With over 5000 years of history, dozens of natural and man-made attractions and a substantial dog-free play area, Blaise remains a firm favourite.
Kings Weston Estate
An absolutely wonderful setting for a winter wander. Kings Weston Estate will prove a hit with children because of the many fascinating historic features that abound the 300 acres of woodlands and gardens which make up the estate.
Venture into the woods and search out the sundial, Penpole Lodge ruins, the grotto and, of course, King Weston House.
Perfect parks
Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills
Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills has it all. A picturesque and diverse estate, it combines woodland and riverside paths with historic parkland and excellent children’s play facilities.
Three miles from Bristol city centre, on Oldbury Court Road, Fishponds, the estate is the ideal place for a family day out, featuring big green spaces and picnic areas, and is popular with walkers for its varied landscape and panoramic views.
Brandon Hill
A couple of minutes walk from the city centre, Brandon Hill is one of Bristol’s most popular summer picnic spots – but it also makes a magical spot for a stunning winter walk.
Wrap up warm and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city as well as spectacular early sunsets. You can even scale the icon of Bristol’s skyline, Cabot Tower.
Ashton Court
Just two miles from the centre of Bristol, the fantastic Ashton Court Estate remains almost entirely surrounded by Somerset countryside.
The estate boasts 850 acres of open park land and woodland as well as a miniature railway, a large mansion, deer keeper’s cottage, a pond and a golfcourse.
There’s also a cafe where you can get your breath back and warm your cockles with a hot chocolate and bite to eat.
St. Georges Park
St. Georges Park is one of Bristol’s finest suburban Victorian parks and a lovely place for a winter stroll with the family.
At its centre, the park has its famous lake to take a stroll around, as well as many mature trees and a play area, which was completely refurbished in 2009.
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Mud-free city walks
Banksy walk
Banksy is the enigmatic street artist synonymous with Bristol and his work can be found on walls across the city. Something for teenagers and art lovers – grab a map and guide yourself.
You’ll discover the Paint-Pot Angel at Bristol Museum, the Well Hung Lover on Frogmore Street, The Mild, Mild West in Stokes Croft and more.
It’s like a walking treasure hunt of famous art! For more information, visit banksytours.co.uk
Treasure Island Trail
A self-guided walking and cycling trail around the city’s historic Floating Harbour, which takes in some of the rich heritage which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic swashbuckling tale.
It’s made up of eight recycled 54 gallon wine barrels from Bordeaux, which incorporate cycle stands as well as further information about each site and its relevance to the story.
The trail was devised by Bristol-based Long John Silver Trust. Visit www.longjohnsilvertrust.co.uk
The Suspension Bridge
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol.
For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. Yet many of us Bristolians often forget it’s there and rarely take advantage of it!
Take a bracing stroll over the bridge this winter, taking in the amazing panoramic views of the city and remembering why it is we all love to live here.
This article was first published in 2017 and was republished in 2024.