While many people love the festive season, for others it is a stressful time of family dramas, endless cooking and frantic last-minute shopping.
And sometimes we need to get out of the house, get some fresh air and some exercise after far too much food. Luckily in Bristol there are plenty of places to enjoy a relaxing walk, get close to nature or just enjoy some quality time with the family away from the TV and presents.
Below you can find our guide to some of Bristol’s best walks across different parts of the city. Most of them can easily be adapted for those who would prefer a slightly longer or shorter version.
Eastville Park to Oldbury Court
A route of less than two miles, this short stroll is a great way to spend a day out with the family. There is a playground on either end of the trail and plenty of chances to stop and have a rest along the way, as well as a cafe at the park itself.
As you leave Eastville Park and cross over into Snuff Mills you can enjoy the woodlands and streams, which are fun for kids to have a splash about with wellies on. The trail takes you along the river Frome which continues on to Frenchay if you feel like a longer walk.
Ashton Court Estate to Clifton Down or Leigh Woods
While there is plenty to explore without leaving Ashton Court Estate, walking over to Clifton Down will give you an excuse to cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge along the way.
From start to finish the walk should be done in less than an hour but if you want to explore further you can visit Leigh Woods, a National Trust site nestled between Ashton Court and the Downs. You can get there from the suspension bridge by following the River Avon Trail and once you’re there you can explore the forest or follow one of the many walking trails.
Blaise Castle Estate
Another great walk for the family to enjoy with the option of starting and finishing the walk at the huge playground. With this circular walk, getting lost and finding different ways to find the castle at the top can be part of the fun.
It’s worth getting up there for the stunning views, but still a nice little walk even if you don’t make it to the top. If you prefer to know where you are going, you can find some Ordnance Survey maps of the Blaise Circular here.
Arnos Vale to Victoria Park
While this short walk will take you into the city as you go from the cemetery to the park, it still offers the opportunity to explore nature and you have the option of paying a visit to Perrett Park along the way. Arnos Vale itself has 45 acres of Victorian gardens to discover before arriving at Victoria Park or after if you do the walk in reverse.
Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower
Just beyond the city centre, this big hill and tower is worth the climb. You will get spectacular views and can climb up the tower itself for free. It has 108 steps in total and was built in the late 19th century. You can find out more about the walk here.
Kings Weston Estate
This historic landscape covering 300 acres is a protected area of importance for Wildlife. Kings Weston Action Group has some handy guides and walking trails to get you started.
If you are feeling more adventurous you can go through Kings Weston Estate and then along the River Avon Trail or you can walk in the opposite direction and make your way to Blaise Castle Estate.
The Severn Way
Just beyond Lawrence Weston and Shirehampton you will find Severn Beach, which is a short train ride from Bristol Temple Meads. The Severn Way is a walk along the river that will take you to Slimbridge or all the way to Wales if you wish to go the full distance. Here is a handy guide that gives you all the steps along the way.
Troopers Hill to Conham River Park
Like all the walks listed, there are extensions and variations but if you want to get close to nature without leaving the city then this walk has everything you need. There are forests, historical monuments and plenty of water. Mike’s Bristol Walks is a handy guide if you want more information on this walk, which forms part of the River Avon Trail.
The South Bristol Circular
In total this walk is 23 miles but the Bristol Ramblers has a step-by-step guide thanks to funding it received from Bristol City Council. The walk will take you from Temple Meads, along the Feeder canal and through to Netham Park before heading through to Brislington, Stockwood and then Whitchurch. Spectacular views of Chew Valley can be see from Dundry Hill and if you continue further the walk will take you to Ashton Court before taking a different route back to Temple Meads.
St Andrew’s Park to St Werburghs City Farm
This is an easier walk but very family-friendly. There are animals to see at St Werburghs City farm (subject to opening hours), and you can stop off at Narroways Nature Reserve and get some spectacular views of the city.
This article was first published in December 2023 and was republished in December 2024.