Pomphrey Hill

There’s lots of ways to get active at Pomphrey Hill, with football pitches, a cricket square and artificial wicket, and 6 high spec changing rooms. In addition to this, the site is home to the Pomphrey Hill Pavillion, which is the base for 5 South Gloucestershire sport clubs. Run by the Pomphrey Hill Community Sports Association, the venue has two function rooms, and a licenced bar and kitchen.

There’s lots to do in the area – whether you are a parent with young children, a keen sportsperson, or are just looking for fun ways to get fit and lose weight. It’s a great place to get active and make friends.

Shortwood Circle & viewpoints

This modern stone circle sits upon an artificial hilltop, created when the Avon Ring Road was built. There’s a number of viewpoints on the re-sculpted landscape around this area, along with winding pathways, hidden picnic areas and a bridleway.

Rodway common

Stretching across 30 acres, Rodway Common is an open space in Mangotsfield. Beloved by dog-walkers and pigeon fanatics alike, the common is a popular place for walkies and also forms the starting point for many pigeon races. In 1899, the common was the site of Rodway Hill Golf Club, and this was just a short walk away from Mangotsfield Station, now disused. A zig-zag path connects the common to the Bristol & Bath cycle path.

Page Park

There’s lots to do for all ages at this award-winning local park (5 Star Award, South West in Bloom Best Parks). There’s a café, a selection of well-equipped play areas, a sensory garden with an aviary, a clock tower and bandstand, a bowling club, several football pitches, tennis courts with floodlights, and a cricket square.

Page Park has benefitted hugely from the Friends of Page Park, an active and passionate group of volunteers who have been awarded The Queen’s Award for their exceptional commitment to the park and community. The Queen’s Award (which is the MBE for voluntary groups) is the highest award given to voluntary groups across the UK. The group have totally transformed the park, and are highly active in organising a large variety of events for all ages.

Mangotsfield Railway Station

Now part of the Bristol & Bath Railway path, by day this old railway station is a popular sunny stop off point for a bench and refreshment break for walkers and cyclists. By night, locals know it as a particularly spooky spot – inspiration for many a ghost story.

BRANDY BOTTOM Colliery

Time travellers are advised to take a trip to the quaintly named Brandy Bottom, where they can explore the rich coal mining history of the area. Though the life of a coal miner was hard, working long hours for low wages in dangerous conditions, their work once formed the backbone of industrial Britain.

The buildings of the Brandy Bottom Colliery are rare examples of the surface layout of a 19th century steam-powered coalmine, and are considered to be of national importance. Fans of industrial architecture and those interested in history are well-advised to take a trip to this evocative place.

Lyde Green Common

The Common has been a loved spot for picnics, games and dog walks for as long as locals can remember. On Common Land you have the ‘Right to Roam’ which means you can walk, run, watch wildlife and climb about without having to stick to public footpaths.

In the Autumn the hedges around the Common are a great spot for blackberry picking (and eating). Friends of Lyde Green Common was set up by a group of residents to protect and care for the common land, and help the community get to know this special public green space.

Emersons Green skate park

Skateboarding has long been part of the history and culture of the area, and this urban sport is a fun and creative way to engage with local architecture and community. Emersons Green skate park was opened in 2011, and is a smooth concrete park located next to Emersons Green retail park.

Emersons Green village park

There’s lots for little ones to do at this park, which has a variety of equipment including swings, roundabouts, nets and webs, seesaws, spring mobiles, slides, and more.

Located in close proximity to Emersons Green Retail Park, it’s a great place to visit with children after a trip to the shops.

King George V playing fields

This is a great area to visit if you are looking to get fit and want to save money on an expensive gym membership – in addition to a variety of pitches for football and cricket, there are changing rooms and a selection of adult gym equipment.

There is a good selection of children’s play equipment, and parking is available nearby. Locals also recommend it as a good spot for watching the fireworks in the Autumn.

Lyde Green Park & BMX track

Next to the sports field you’ll find this park, which has a BMX track and a selection of playground equipment to slide, swing, climb, tunnel, and ride.

Lyde Green Community Centre

At the heart of the Lyde Green community is this welcoming hub for all offering a large variety of activities. Meet friends at the coffee shop. Take part in one of the many exercise classes, support groups, healthcare sessions, baby classes and other community initiatives. Or look into hiring a room to run your own meeting or event.

Bristol and Bath Science Park

Next door to Lyde Green, the Bristol and Bath Science Park is a world-class business hub and conferencing centre. The airy ‘Forum’ café and meeting area is open to the public and a favourite local spot for coffee – check out their innovative art and sculptures whilst you’re there, or even have a jam on the free ‘Play Me’ piano or guitar!

Outside, you can enjoy the adjacent public Lawns on a sunny day, or play a spot of ping pong on their free public table tennis table – just ask reception for the bats and ball.

Westons hill play area

There’s lots for little ones to explore in this play area in Emersons Green, with a basketball hoop, multi-activity unit, seesaw, swings, and more. Find mature trees, pathways for walking, cycling, and running, and a pond.

Leap Valley

This site is a wonderful place to view wildlife because it contains a variety of habitats – from woodland with bluebells in the spring, to wetland with snipe and water rail, a pond and stream, as well as lots of grassland and hedgerows. In the Summer it buzzes with life – come here on a sunny day and you will see lots of bees and butterflies feeding on the flowers.

Head to the ‘Pirate Park’ play area, where your little ones can swing, see-saw, explore the pirate ship, and climb giant mushrooms. Visit the website where you can view and download a copy of the Leap Valley Nature Journal which is packed full of interesting information about the plants, animals, and bugs that live in the area. The journal has ‘I-Spy’ and ‘Things to do’ pages, as well as lots of information about the habitats, seasonal changes, and all the animals and plants that can be found in Leap Valley.

Also, it’s worth keeping your eye out for events – in the past, there have been bird-box making sessions and bat walks organised by the Friends of Leap Valley.

Stoke Park Estate

Explore open grassland, semi-ancient woodland, and shaded groves with a wealth of historic features and stunning views. Stoke Park estate boasts one of the most prominent landmarks in Bristol, the ochre-coloured Dower House. The estate, which also contains the prominent Purdown BT Tower, has a fishing lake and a number of Grade II listed features dotted around the estate to explore. There is no dedicated car park, but the estate is easily accessible by bike or on foot and there are a number of places to park nearby.

Muller Road recreation ground

Muller Road recreation ground is mostly used by students of Fairfield High School, however, the site is also open to the public with a footpath around the perimeter for walking, cycling, and scootering.

Gloucester Road shops

Gloucester road is Bristol’s bohemian capital, packed full of quirky independent shops, trendy bars, and great places to eat. Here, you’ll find vintage fashion, pre-loved furniture, organic produce, and lots of live music and art. A Great British High Street finalist, locals say that you can buy anything you ever need here. A great place to spend a Saturday morning when many cafes run street food stalls outside – though you could easily lose an entire day here.

Horfield Common

Tucked away in the quiet suburbs of North Bristol, Horfield Common features two dog-free play areas, tennis courts, a bowling green, a community café, and the much-loved Ardagh, a large community, leisure, and sports centre.

Horfield park/skate park

Horfield skatepark is a big concrete skatepark with nice smooth surfaces comprised of both a street section and a transition section. The park is a favourite amongst the locals, and is floodlit for night-time skating.

Cheswick Village Centre

The Village Centre is at the heart of Cheswick Village and provides residents with all the essential local amenities including groceries, shops and cafes. Situated just off Long Down Avenue, the large pedestrianised square with trees and benches is a great quiet space to meet your neighbours and watch Cheswick life go by.

Splatts Abbey Wood

Comprising just under 5 acres of woodland, Splatts Abbey wood is located between the Ministry of Defence and the Hewlett Packard offices. The wood is maintained by local conservation groups (with links to Wallscourt Farm Academy) and students from the nearby University of the West of England. Why not take a walk to explore this beautiful historic woodland nestled on your doorstep?

Northville Millennium Green

Popular with walkers and dog owners alike, this park in Filton is a great place to enjoy a peaceful walk as it is relatively flat. There are plenty of paths, and lots of open space for dogs to run around.