30 mins cycle / 11 mins drive / 35 mins bus
Take a stroll through the historic centre of this vibrant town and discover independent shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. With the Cotswold Way running right through the centre of the town, the area is a magnet for walkers throughout the year.
25 mins cycle / 10 mins drive / 15 mins bus
Explore acres of parkland, play spaces and wildlife havens at this nearby town. Discover the lake at Brinsham Fields Park or spot giant redwoods in Ridge Wood. Swing, climb and bounce all day at the Witches Hat Play Area. Let your family run wild in the woodlands at Yate Common and seek out the curious ‘Road to Nowhere’ for the ultimate photo opportunity.
15 mins walk, or from Wickwar centre: 15 mins cycle along road / 8 mins drive
Sitting on Wickwar’s doorstep is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west. Lose yourself in 700 acres of beautiful nature reserve that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Journey through dappled woodlands and spot butterflies, birds and carpets of wildflowers, including bluebells and purple orchids. Ideal for families and dog-walkers, the meandering path along the river will lead you to waterfalls and bridges – perfect for paddling and pooh sticks.
View full map of Lower Woods Nature Reserve.
Stretch your legs or have a kick around at these playing fields, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Let the kids loose at the play area and see if you can spot one of the airshafts that vent the railway tunnel that runs underneath the village. Car parking is available next to the pavilion.
Get your pulse racing along the 1km trim trail at this big green space. Don’t miss The Wickwar Games in July and fruit picking days throughout autumn at the community orchard. Want to take it slower? Steal a tranquil moment at the Remembrance bench, stroll around the newt pond, and wander amongst the buzzing hives.
approx 45 mins walk / 15 mins drive
Get deep into nature at one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west. Adventure through 700 acres of beautiful nature reserve that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Journey through 23 woodlands and spot butterflies, birds and carpets of wildflowers, including bluebells and purple orchids.
View full map of Lower Woods Nature Reserve.
approx 35 mins walk / 11 mins cycle / 5 mins drive
Take part in this community project, based in South Gloucestershire, which improves lives by reconnecting people with nature, through conservation, wellbeing programmes, outdoor events, visitor days, courses and volunteering opportunities.
approx 1.5 hrs walk / 30 mins cycle / 10 mins drive
Explore this beautiful woodland that rises 220m above the breath-taking Severn Vale. Popular with walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and horse riders, experience spectacular views across the river and across to Wales. Continue to the most westerly point and discover the Tyndale Monument – a hilltop tower that commemorates local hero William Tyndall, the martyred 16th century Bible translator. Walkers should allow themselves 2 hours to climb to the top.
approx 35 mins walk / 10 mins cycle / 3 mins drive
Get your skates on and head to this 38 acre site featuring two all-weather sports pitches, a running trail, skate park, orchard and more. The Parc has been developed by Wotton Community Sports Foundation (WCSF) to provide sports and leisure facilities to Wotton and surrounding villages. You can also pick up a bargain at the regular car boot sales here here.
approx 1 hours walk / 20 mins cycle / 7 mins drive
Take a stroll through Wotton’s bustling town centre and browse a diverse range of independent shops and art galleries. You can find everything from antiques and books to toys and clothes. Don’t miss the Museum & Heritage centre and the Under the Edge Arts Centre.
Take in a movie at the cinema, a dip in the open air swimming pool or get active at the community sports centre (based at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School). There’s fantastic food and drink too – whether you’re shopping for a special dinner party of just your weekly groceries. With the Cotswold Way running right through the centre of the town, the area is a magnet for walkers throughout the year.
This community green space also offers a playground and mixed use games area (basketball and football) and tennis courts. Charfield Memorial Hall overlooks the playing field and hosts plenty of activities and clubs every week.
Approx 15 mins walk north of Charfield, escape to this secluded wildlife haven and discover lush meadows, rich with flowering plants. Throughout spring and summer, walk through spectacular daubs of colour and spot the many butterflies who congregate there.
A serene getaway for fishing fans, relax and cast-off at this idyllic spot. You could even land a whopper – a record-breaking 8.5lb eel was caught here in 1922 and held the national record for half a century! Alternatively, spend a day picnicking and relaxing beside this beautiful lake or nearby in Newmans Field.
Looking for an adventure off the beaten track? Lace up your walking boots and head to Huckford Quarry on the Frome Valley Walkway. Once mined to build the stunning Huckford viaduct that soars overhead, this area is now a vital natural habitat.
Deep, damp and dark throughout much of the year, the reserve is a haven for ferns and lichens that cling to old quarry boulders. Look up at the quarry face and spot plant fossils and ancient natural markings left in the layers of rock. Explore the peaceful woodland area along the River Frome and discover native woodland flowers, herbs and wild strawberries.
Head under the viaduct and see how many flowering plants you can spot in One Acre field. Keep dogs on a lead by the river and watch out for ledges and drops around the quarry.
Delve deeper into the area’s coal mining past as you follow The Dramway Path to the evocative Ram Hill Colliery. The Colliery dates from the early 1800’s and was the northern terminus of the Dramway. Discover where the line once split into two, each with a loading bay. Perfect for history fans and families.
A happy place for little adventurers! Blow off some steam on the turnstile carousel, a springy elephant, and seat swings. Take the weight of your feet while admiring the stunning wooden bench, carved by Andy O’Neill celebrating the local author, Dick King-Smith. He’s known for writing much loved children’s books, such as the Fox Busters and The Sheep Pig (Babe).
Let young imaginations run wild in the beautiful wooded play area, with natural equipment that blends into it’s surroundings. Or get active on the playing field with a kick-about.
This tranquil stretch of the Frome Valley Walkway provides a peaceful route through glorious countryside. The path, ideal for walkers and cyclists, is surrounded by rolling farmland and runs alongside the beautiful River Frome. Pass through parkland, Rockwell Wood, and beneath the imposing Huckford viaduct via Huckford Quarry Nature Reserve.
Grab a ball and head to the park for a quick game of tennis, rugby, cricket, football or basketball. Let your little ones loose in the well-equipped children’s play area, while older ones can enjoy the skateboard ramp.
Pack a picnic and explore this tranquil, leafy spot. Purchased in 1994 to mark 100 years of Frampton Cotterell Parish, the Centenary Field is a beautiful haven for the community. Discover the community orchard, take a wander to the red wheel sculpture which celebrates the area’s industrial past, or visit the village beacon.
Explore natural play zones nestled amongst the trees – a great space for imaginative play and engaging with nature. Hop along the tree trunk ‘stepping stones’ and find your own secret den. Don’t miss the summertime Frampton Festival which has been delighting locals since 2012.
Well-loved by local residents, this area is an important green-belt space for wildlife and the surrounding community. There are a number of footpaths to meander along, with some leading towards woodland and longer walking routes.
This green space is home to Hanham Community Play Area and is good for dog walking, picnics and having a kick-about.
The official village green for Hanham includes a children’s play area, shelter, pavilion, and football pitches. The Common is the venue for the annual fayre which features a dog show, stalls, car-boot sale, music, children’s fairground rides and vintage car display.
There are many pathways to explore through these woodlands. You may come across the ruins of old buildings, like the ‘powder house’ at the bottom of Hencliff Wood, which housed dynamite for local quarries and the railway. Stone for the piers of the Clifton Suspension bridge was quarried here.
Originally part of Kingswood Chase – a royal hunting forest – the park is now a public green space. The moat is bordered by the ruins of the large mansion that stood there until around 1740. One of the original outbuildings, the large cruciform tithe barn, was converted in the late 1980s into a public house.
This home ground for AEK-BOCO F.C. has grass pitches for football, cricket and mini soccer as well as being an open space for all to enjoy.
Dundridge Park sits on a large plateau and offers big open spaces for walking, picnicking and play. Stroll through the beautiful tree-lined pathway and spot squirrels and birds among the branches.
The river path and surrounding woodland is home to kingfishers, cormorants, owls, foxes, deer and a bat cave.
Lush and green, the south-east facing slope of the Ridge is a hidden oasis of pleasant walks and unrivalled views over Bristol. Discover grassland, woodland and two ponds which are home to birds, butterflies, badgers and foxes.
Hanham Mount commemorates the persecution of the Baptist community in the 1600s. John Wesley, inspired by George Whit eld’s open-air preaching style, gave the city’s first al fresco sermon on Hanham Mount in 1739. A beacon was installed in 1951 (replaced in 2007).
Magpie Bottom, so called because of the families of magpies that roost here, runs along the Stradbrook. There are several woodland trails and overgrown paths in addition to the main pathways that cross from north to south and east to west. There is a green with goal posts and other, smaller grassy areas dotted around. Towards the bottom of Magpie Bottom you will find a fresh water spring that flows into a pond – a haven for wildlife.
A perfect escape for quiet strolls and peaceful picnics, this nature reserve is a haven for wildlife. Visit the colourful wildflower meadows that are a sanctuary for butterflies, bees and birds throughout the warmer months. The serene woods are home to oak, ash, hawthorn and hazel.
Search out secret spots like the Lower Pond that is hidden in a copse, and the ancient Dragon Tree. The reserve is volunteer-run with support from Avon Wildlife Trust.
Come for a clamber in the ‘Iron Age fort’ playground with trampoline, fantastic sand pit, ‘jungle maze’ ropeways and of course the ‘Witches Hat’ spinning climbing net and climbing frame. Bring your wheels to the skate park and halfpipe, or burn off some energy at the football and basketball mini-courts. The park is accessible via the footpath running parallel to Westerleigh Road.
This local green space with a small community orchard is a perfect spot for meeting friends or stretching your legs – quite literally if you jump on the adult exercise equipment! The park and its green-fingered Friends were awarded the 2016 RHS Britain in Bloom award for community gardening.
The park was originally the ornamental garden of Lilliput Court – a grand house that once stood here. You will find the original house’s steps and terraces at the east end of the site, and in the top field, in the Winter sun, you can spot the old ‘ridge and furrow’ marks from when this land was used for crop cultivation.
Stretch your legs and relax in this beautiful parkland. Run riot inthe playground, spot wildlife and native trees in the nature reserve, marvel at Andy Neill’s new tree carving or sail a model boat across the lake.
Ready for a spot of lunch? There are plenty of picnic tables dotted around, or you can visit the historic Stanshawes Court and Stables, built in the 13th Century, with it’s well-loved pub and cafe.
The park is a much-loved hub for community activities and the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Music Festival are not to be missed! The playground has a range of activities suitable for all ages, including adult exercise equipment, and the site offers easy access for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
When exploring these 124 acres of green space, you and your family will find ponds, a stream, woodland and football pitches with an 800m running course. Teeming with local wildlife, the common is perfect for ball games, walks, picnics and kite-flying. Much of this land was used during both WWI and WWII as a Prisoner of War encampment,and was levelled in WWII to grow crops.
During your visit, you might also discover the famous ‘Road to Nowhere’ – a curious, unfinished stretch of tarmac that was abandoned by the council in the 1970s and never completed. The ‘road’ is still a regular filming location for the BBC television drama Casualty and other productions. Visitors are still drawn to its eerie strangeness and an unmissable photo opportunity!
Take a peaceful walk through this ancient woodland and discover a stunning variety of flora and fauna. As you wander through the dappled shade, look up and discover native trees alongside huge, exotic parkland specimens like giant redwoods and corsican pines. The woods are home to wild flowers, woodpeckers, hawks, badgers, deer and many species of butterfly. Take one of the clearly-marked paths and explore ornamental stonework remains that hint at Ridge Wood’s former life – a history that is still shrouded in mystery!
A great place for adventures and learning about nature.
This green, open space is a great spot for a kick-about, a picnic with friends, or for sitting in the shade of a tree at the Community Orchard and watching the world go by.
This tranquil stretch of the Frome Valley Walkway provides a peaceful walking route from the foot of the Cotswolds in Old Sodbury, through the medieval town of Chipping Sodbury, Yate, and all the way out to Castle Park in Bristol. The footpath is surrounded by woodland and runs alongside the beautiful river Frome (otters have recently been spotted in the stretch in Yate).
Skate, scoot or wheel your way over to this community park. The ‘bowls’, ramps and rails on offer are good for beginners and those looking to hone their skills.
This community woodland was planted by local residents, schools and the Avon Wildlife Trust. Walk the dog, fly a kite, and soak up the spectacular views of the Severn and its two crossings.
There’s lots for families to explore in this green space, including play equipment and wooden carvings by local sculptor Andy O’Neill. Andy travels across the country, collecting storm damaged and diseased trees, and carving intricate and beautiful sculptures with his chainsaw. Take a wander to the pond and see how many characters you can spot on the way. Keep an eye out for the octopus, a local favourite!
As well as being a popular local fishing site, Coopers Lake and the surrounding marshland are an important habitat for wildlife. Enjoy a stroll through the park, visit the wildlife pond just off the walking trail around the water, or set your little ones loose in the children’s play area.
This museum holds a variety of fascinating displays that give an insight into local industry and social history of the area. Housed inside the 18th Century brass mill at Warmley there’s an icehouse and windmill tower to explore, plus gardens nearby with grottoes, an echo pond and a huge statue of Neptune.
Lush and green, the south-east facing slope of the Ridge is a
hidden oasis of pleasant walks, with a diverse range of wildlife and unrivalled views over Bristol and towards Bath. Have a wander among the grassland and scrub, and discover the woodland and two ponds, which are home to a variety of birds, butterflies and the occasional badger and fox.
Cock Road may have got its name from the old practice of trapping wild birds – such as woodcock – along the forest’s narrow pathways. The Great Oak by the pond is possibly one of the original trees. There is a wheel chair and footpath access point at the north-east end plus a footpath access point leading from Wraxall Road.
A large open space, perfect for those wanting a kick about (there are goal posts) and ideal for dog walkers.
Tucked away and surrounded by trees, this sprawling park contains a play area for younger children. There’s a balance beam, slides and swings.
Magpie Bottom, so called because of the abundance of magpies that roost there throughout the year, runs along the Stradbrook. There are several woodland trails, and many hidden and overgrown paths, in addition to the main pathways going north to south and east to west. A large green has goal posts at the centre and smaller grassy areas are dotted around the site.
The farm has a variety of animals, a duck pond, nature walks, a playground, picnic area and a café; perfect for a day out or just an hour if you’re passing. Open every day (9am–6pm) throughout the year, the farm is enjoyed by families and couples, old and young alike. Admission and parking is free.
For children and young adults with disabilities and SEN, there’s the nearby Hop Skip & Jump Bristol, who provide high quality respite care. There are two fully-equipped sensory rooms, a games room and a music room, plus an extensive outside space, with a sports court, adventure play equipment and a selection of castles and forts!
Kingswood Park offers children’s play areas, a bowling green with pavilion and tennis courts. There’s plenty of places to sit back and escape the hustle and bustle of the high street.
Catch the occasional performance on the central band-stand at one of the park’s special events. Admire the large wooden sculpture near the park’s main entrance. See if you can spot the sign-post tribute to Professor Colin Pillinger, who is best known as the principal investigator and driving force behind the British Beagle 2 Mars Lander Project.
An area of new woodland, scrub and open grassland, with lots of paths to explore and wildlife to spot. There are also ponds and the Siston Brook rushes along the woodland’s eastern boundary. Some of the pathways are suitable for wheelchairs. The orienteering trail, installed by Wildways Project, has five courses of differing challenge levels and accompanying downloadable maps and information.
See if you can find the ‘waymarker’ engraved steel plaques, along the route, which illustrate a plant or animal found at the Forest Park. Why not take a rubbing of the plaques, while you’re there? The park was once the site of clay pits and a pipe works next to a railway line and a coal mine. If you look among the bushes you may find fragments of glazed ceramic pipe of the sort once used for drains.
Criss-crossed by bridleways, foot and cycle paths you are sure to encounter a mixture of people and animals in this ancient farmland space. Once used by local farmers for the grazing of cattle, goats, horses, ducks and chickens, Siston Common is now accessible to all.
Everyone is welcome and no gardening experience necessary. Sessions normally take place weekly (Tuesday–Thursday) from 10am–3pm with an experienced gardener to facilitate and provide support.
The storage container is decorated by local illustrator and graffiti artist Andy Council and has been transformed into a community cinema.
An important community park for its local residents, there is a playground and skatepark, plus a number of benches to sit and enjoy the view from. Bristol Rovers Supporters Juniors Football Club is also based here. The wide, open, green space is perfect for a stroll or jog around.
Surrounding a small pond, this wildlife corridor is an important nature reserve and a peaceful escape from the city. The grassland and wild flower meadow are home to pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies. Relax on the pond-side bench and see if you can spot moor hens, coots, water voles or the occasional visiting heron.
This tucked-away green space is a local haven of calm, with carved bench seating and lush planting and trees. Have a kickabout or try out the outdoor gym, slide, roundabout and basket swing.
An ideal jogging circuit, the 500m track around the outside of this large open space is an easy route for first time runners. There is a playground, tennis and basketball courts too. The central space is used by a local football group.
Home to the lodge of King John, this hill used to be within the King’s Woodland and offered a good vantage point for the royal hunting party to look out across the surrounding forest which spread over an area of 18 square miles.
Children and young people from school years 5 to 13 can get involved with activities including gardening, cooking, sports, arts and crafts, trips and training opportunities.
Open to everyone and providing a range of activities to all sections of the local community, there’s bound to be something to interest you whatever your age or ability.
Pop in to this vibrant, friendly and helpful centre for the community – everyone is welcome. There’s a café, a wide variety of classes and activities, plus some low cost rooms to hire.
Bristol BMX Club has been running since the early 80′s and our track is still in the same location in Patchway, Bristol. The BMX track has undergone many changes over the years and today it still continues to challenge the needs of today’s BMX racer.
This green area in Charlton Hayes is a great place to get out and see some nature and will also feature a multi-use games area.
In the heart of The Parade shopping area are a series of raised garden beds for you to enjoy – two of the beds are a community garden that you can pick food from. If you’re feeling active, then you can take part in the weekly community gardening sessions, which are free for anyone to join, or put your feet up and rest on one of the many benches and soak it all up.
This bustling allotment has a community area and wildflower meadow for those who haven’t got their own plot and want to get involved in the great outdoors. There are plots available with no waiting list, visit the allotment for more information, or pop along to a weekly community session (they’re open to all) where you can learn gardening skills, meet some new people, and relax with a cup of tea.
This thriving allotment is the oldest of two in Patchway (open since 1947), and has a useful shop which funnels its profits back into the allotment, keeping rent and charges to a minimum.
This important green space and safe, fenced play area provides an oasis in the heart of this area. There is a range of modern play equipment and plenty of seating to relax in. Discover herbs and other edible food in the planters around the park space.
Once part of the parkland surrounding Over Court, these days you can come to relax among the colourful wildflowers and bluebells in Spring, or go for an explore and see if you can spy any wildlife around the pond.
Creating a safe play space out of nothing was the idea behind this ‘pocket park’ – the only one in the area. It is a valued green space for neighbouring residents who use it for small events, football and basketball matches, or simply to relax in. Raised garden beds contain strawberries, vegetables, herbs and wildflowers for all to enjoy.
Head to this spacious green space, perfect for ball games, frisbee or kite flying. The grassy expanse is also great for dog walking, and a quiet, fenced play area with swings and a basketball hoop is a good spot for children (and their adults) to while away an afternoon.
Venture down Bevington Walk and you’ll find tucked away is this modern basketball court and decent sized play area for younger children. Easily accessible paths lead you to the play park, or you can explore a fenced woodland area for more adventurous play.
There’s lots to do in this park, which is the largest and oldest in Patchway. With outdoor gym equipment, a multi-use games area, three football pitches, a skatepark, cricket pitch, marked jogging route and basketball court, this park offers plenty of fun ways to keep fit. There is also a well-equipped children’s play area with modern, accessible equipment, and there’s more than enough room to spread out with a picnic. Don’t miss the annual Patchway Festival and other special events throughout the year.
Originally attached to the Over Court estate, this small patch of woodland was used by the Berkeley Hunt as a covert for fox and game. These days, you can wander among the trees to discover wildflowers, spy birds, and spot other local wildlife in what is now a designated nature reserve. Next door is ‘Chicken Park’, a large open field containing an adventure fitness trail, a zip wire for older children, and a fenced play area for younger children.
Named after the farmer who was once the pond’s owner, Turner’s pond is one of the few remaining links to Patchway’s history. With wildflowers dotted about the area, you can sit peacefully by the pond and, if you’re very quiet, spy some of the local wildlife coming to sip at the water.
Created from the earth dug out of the railway tunnel underneath, the satisfyingly named ‘Tumps’ are a series of large spoil heaps which are now covered in bushes and trees. They are a natural haven for wildlife, and part of the area has been adapted into a perfect set of tracks for BMX riders. Climb to the top of the largest “tump” to discover a beacon or see if you can identify a bomb crater from WW2.
Discover breathtaking views of Bristol and the Mendips and get lost in 207 acres of new woodland and open space at this Forestry Commission woodland, which forms part of the Forest of Avon. There are a range of circular walks with commanding views, or venture off the beaten path to meander through tall grasses, stalk old hunting grounds and explore carefully planted woodland. A great place to explore, in 2019 it will be linked to Lyde Green by a waymarked route, starting here. The centre of the wood is a gentle 1¾ hour ramble away.
Filnore Woods is a Community Woodland maintained by passionate volunteers, which provides a diverse range of habitats for wildlife. It is a great place to visit and learn more about the natural world.
Keen gardeners need look no further, as these allotments are a great place to grow quality organic produce and plants, meet new people, and increase your knowledge. Welcoming beginners and experienced growers alike, this friendly community allotment hosts regular socials, plant and produce swaps, and work parties to improve the site. The area is fenced off, fitted out with a storage container, and communal water collection facilities. If you are interested in what they do, or think you would like a plot, get in touch at allotments@sustainablethornbury.org
This small play park is a great place to climb, bounce, slide, and swing. Suitable for children and big kids alike. Featuring a multi-play piece, trampoline, new springer, and swings, there is lots to keep little ones entertained.
This RHS award-winning garden is the perfect place to view the classic cottage style in all its abundantly planted glory. Bursting with herbaceous perennial plants and annuals, it is a haven for bees, butterflies, and small birds, and is a wonderful place to while away a lazy afternoon in relaxed contemplation. There are also plenty of things for little ones to do; whether learning about the beautiful plants, spotting the various animals who come and go, or playing on the mosaic hopscotch. This garden is open to everyone to enjoy, has good wheelchair access, and is kept in top condition by a group of committed volunteers.
If you are interested in local history, this is the place for you – with a comprehensive collection of exhibits and artefacts about life in Thornbury throughout the ages, this museum is the place to discover more about the history of your area. Take a peek into the lives of the local people long since gone – find out who they were, and how they lived. For little historians, there are a number of educational games and activities to enjoy, with a dedicated children’s corner.
Grab your goggles, because Mundy Playing fields boasts a large open air water play area for children (and their adults) to splash around in. Bring a picnic rug and sit on one of the grassy bank slopes to get a good (and dry!) view of your children paddling in the splash area. The park also has a well-equipped children’s play area, featuring a zip wire, embankment slides, roundabout, climbing frame, and balance bars. For those looking to get or stay fit, there is a range of adult exercise equipment, football pitches, a sports ground, and tennis courts. Located just off the High Street, you can easily pop to the shops for refreshments, but there is usually an ice cream van on site.
Thornbury is known to be one of the best places to live near Bristol, and with its traditional shops and old-world feel it’s not hard to see why this bustling market town is so sought after.
With a mix of traditional shops and High Street brands, plus a shopping centre and two supermarkets, Thornbury High Street has everything you need for a day’s shopping. Be sure to visit the farmers market, which is held every Saturday (St Mary car park), Thursday fortnightly (St Mary shopping centre) and the 4th Saturday of the month Thornbury High St (temporarily relocated to St Mary car park). Hungry visitors to the town are spoilt for choice, with a large selection of very good restaurants and cafes – from high quality pub fare, to Italian cuisine, there is something to suit all tastes and wallets.
Thornbury town also has a thriving community scene, which caters to a wide-range of interests – including over a dozen musical and drama groups, sports clubs, scouts, air, and sea cadets, plus history, charity, and social organisations. Thornbury also has a leisure centre, library, doctors, dentist, opticians and medical centre. There are ample opportunities to stay or get fit, with football, rugby, cricket, badminton, tennis, golf, buggy fit and a skate park.
The numerous musical and drama groups often perform in the Armstrong Hall near the town centre (seating 350) or the adjacent Cossham Hall (seating 140). Performances also take place in church halls and occasionally in the Leisure Centre.
The High Street is one way access only for motorised vehicles. You can park on the High Street (in bays) for loading/un-loading, limited waiting and blue badge parking. Cyclists are able to access the High St in both directions.
This iconic pump would have once formed the centre of Thornbury town life, as locals gathered to collect their water.
Lots of fun events take place at this beautiful listed building venue run by The Thornbury and District Community Association. Exercise classes, quiz nights, courses and clubs, murder mystery nights, plays, and Duke of Edinburgh are just a few examples of activities which have taken place here. Located at the bottom of Castle Street, The Chantry is one of the most easily identifiable buildings in Thornbury.
This community orchard is a great place to visit – pop along at various times in the summer and autumn, and choose from a selection of apples, plums, blackcurrants, damsons, blackberries, and elderberries (just make sure you only take a couple, and leave enough for others). If you have little ones, this is a great way to teach them about different plants as you can bring them along and let them have a go at picking (and eating) some of the ripe fruits. When you sample some of the fruit in this orchard, consider that you are tasting the character of Thornbury – the literal fruits of its history, people, climate, soil, and water. Certainly food for thought!
Constructed on arable fields forming part of the field system of Kington Tything by Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, in the early 16th century (the very end of the medieval period) Thornbury’s medieval fishponds were recorded as being established in 1520. Edward Stafford was executed for treason by Henry VIII in 1521 and whilst the ponds were surveyed as being intact in 1522, when surveyed in 1583 they were described as being ‘utterly decayed’. They were scheduled as an Ancient Monument by Historic England in 2011.
The ponds are fed by the Pickedmoor Lane Rhyne and are an important habitat for local wildlife. Works to maintain the ponds are, in 2023, taking place prior to the erection of new signboards and viewing platforms to aid the public’s enjoyment & understanding of the monument.
Budding time travellers are well-advised to visit this stunning 16th century castle, which stands in 15 acres of regal splendour surrounded by vineyards and a Tudor garden.
Thornbury Castle is now renowned for being one of the finest country house hotels in England – even if you are not a guest you can join the likes of Sophia Loren and Lawrence Olivier by visiting the hotel restaurant for some fine dining, or take a stroll through its historic landscaped grounds. Be sure to check the website for details of upcoming events.
Adjacent to the castle is St Mary’s Church. It was built in the 12th Century making it the oldest surviving building in Thornbury, and one of 7 churches in the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
Elm Park features a community garden, boules court, cycle speedway and skateboard park.