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.