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Ashton Court Estate
Location: Long Ashton
About: If a picnic with stunning views is what you're looking for then Ashton Court Estate is the place for you. The historic estate is made up of 850 acres of ancient woodland and parkland. You can watch the resident deer roam the grounds and, if you’re lucky, see hot air balloon flights lifting off next to the mansion or one of the many events they host.
Facilities: There are two 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf courses, with the Gold Cafe and stunning views across the city. Orienteering and mountain biking are catered for with special trails, a miniature railway and there’s also the Courtyard Café and the Coach House next to the picnic area if you fancy an ice cream. There aree toilets at the Mansion and Court golf.
Address: Ashton Court, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN
The Downs
Location: Clifton
About: The Downs consists of Clifton Down and Durdham Down, bordering the Clifton Village, Clifton and Redland areas of Bristol. Together they represent a huge area of protected parkland right on the edge of the city within walking distance of other major attractions such as the Clifton Susupension Bridge and in the summertime it really comes into its own as a place for picnics. Cycling is permitted on the off-road cycle path from Saville Road to Stoke Road and horse riding is permitted around the football pitches bar Sundays or bank holidays.
Facilities: Benches and picnic areas, BBQ Area, cafe, toilets, children's play area, football pitches, exercising stations, changing rooms, Avon Gorge, Clifton Down Camp, an Iron Age hillfort, Clifton Observatory, camera obscura and cave, Roman Road on Durdham Downs.
Address: Stoke Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS9 1FG
College Green
Location: West End
About: 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, a rare example of a city centre cathedral.
Facilities: You can visit the Cathedral while you are there.
Address: College Green, West End, Bristol, BS1 5TJ
Victoria Park
Location: Bedminster
About: 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 plenty of ways to do so in this park as well as keeping the kids entertained.
Facilities: There are tennis courts, nine exercise stations including hurdles and leap frogs plus a 1700m route for walkers and joggers, ping pong tables, toilets and a nice playground to keep the little ones busy too.
Address: Hill Avenue, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4SN
Queen Square
Location: Old City
About: Queen Square is a magnificent Georgian park area in the heart of Bristol, surrounded by trees and cobbled streets. Queen Square is a popular retreat for nearby workers and visitors to the city who are looking to relax and perhaps take a small picnic to relax with in the sun with family and friends.
Facilities: The square also regularly hosts outdoor theatre, concerts and other major events.
Address: Old City, Bristol, BS1 4LH
Eastville Park
Location: Eastville
About: Eastville Park is a Victorian city park with a fishing lake, lots of green space and children’s playgrounds. The park is also a popular site for community events. The perfect open space to go for a nice walk in the beautiful sunshine and take a small picnic to indulge in after a tiring walk around the lake. The fishing lake has some ducks and swans which can be fun for children too.
Facilities: There is a dog-free playground for under 15 year including a basketball hoop, sand pit, cabin slide, rockers, swings and a climbing frame with slide. Their is also a play area which has toddler and flat seat swings as well as a multi-play unit.
Address: Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6PU
Brandon Hill
Location: West End
About: This is the oldest park in Bristol, offering great views over the city and Harbourside area. The Cabot Tower is located in the centre of the park. It's free to climb up the steep, twisting steps of the tower, which is open daily. Its a perfect spot for a delicious picnic, while looking over some stunning views!
Facilities: It features a children's play area, beautiful paths and a nature conservation area, and of course the icon of Bristol's skyline, Cabot Tower.
Address: Brandon Hill Park, Just off Park Street, West End, Bristol