11 of the best walks in Bristol - from Leigh Woods to Blaise Castle

Whether you are after a gentle stroll with the family, a hard-hitting hike to appreciate scenic views, or a tour of some marvellous structures and locales - Bristol has something for everyone. Bristol is a beautiful city that boasts the most breathtaking of trails and walks that you should try to take advantage of.

So make sure you have kitted yourself out with a good pair of walking trainers and a waterproof coat, get out there and enjoy these magical walks!

Leigh Woods

Wrap yourself in the sights and sounds of wildlife when you glide through Bristol’s glorious Leigh Woods.

Found as you make your way over the Clifton Suspension Bridge, this trail - which stretches across two square kilometres - is perfect for dog walkers, mountain bikers and kids!

The woodlands offer breathtaking views of sights such as the Avon Gorge, as well as a variety of terrains to cater to walkers of all abilities.

Parking at this site is limited, so Forestry England have advised potential visitors to turn around if it looks too busy.

Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3QB, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods

Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower

Lying just behind one of Bristol’s most popular shopping centres - Park Street - Brandon Hill Nature Park is a hilly haven full of flowers.

Cabot Tower is waiting to be climbed by adventurous folk.

You can not prepare yourself enough for the breathtaking views of Bristol once you reach the top.

Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR, www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/brandon-hill

Westonbirt Arboretum

In what is one of the finest and most stunning collections of trees and shrubs, Westonbirt Arboretum is at its peak during the spring.

Pastel and bluebells are two of 20,000 species of flora that this site boasts.

In order to visit this site, you need a ticket which can be purchased online.

Westonbirt, Tetbury, GL8 8QS, www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum

Frome Walkway

An 18-mile-long path following the River Frome that begins in the centre of Bristol before making its way into South Gloucestershire, Frome Walkway is visually magnificent.

Not only is it a celebration of the wildlife and heritage of the site, but the pathway gives you a calming stroll past areas such as the mediaeval town of Chipping Sodbury.

www.fromewalkway.org.uk

Blaise Castle

With acres of land at your disposal, the Blaise Castle Estate allows visitors to wander and explore one of the most glorious castles in the country.

Make your way up one of its hills to bask in the remarkable stretching views in and around the 19th century mansion.

You can even bring your own furry friends with you, as the site holds a substantially sized dog-friendly play area.

Kings Weston Road, Bristol, BS10 7QS, www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/blaise-castle-estate

Bristol Harbourside

Bristol Harbourside is known for the multi-coloured housing that lines a waterfront crowded with iconic ships.

As you venture around the site, you will eventually find yourself in Wapping Wharf, which is a huge and trendy retail yard where you can grab a bite to eat.

For visitors that love to be educated, pop into Underfall Yard’s visitor centre to learn more about the historic docks.

10 Canons Way, Bristol, Avon,

The Downs

The Downs is a pristine open area that stretches across 440 acres of land, making it one of the largest green areas in the entire city of Bristol.

Enjoy its many far-reaching views towards Leigh Woods and the majestic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

It’s open all day, every day and all year - meaning you can go whenever you like, but it is especially beautiful during the spring.

Stoke Road, Bristol, BS9 1FG, www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/the-downs

Ashton Court

This huge and spectacular estate is easy to reach from the city as it stands on the other side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The gardens of the Ashton Court Estate are often littered by glistening daffodils.

Perfect for a family day out, there are a number of cafes on site where you can enjoy a meal - as well as a miniature train which runs on selected dates!

Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

Tyntesfield

Surrounded by hundreds of rare and beautiful trees, Tyntesfield is a National Trust Victorian country house and estate that is particularly gorgeous.

Keep an eye out for bluebells and daffodils, which love to make an appearance during the springtime.

Enjoy a calming stroll in and around the property - even Easter Egg Hunts take place on these grounds!

Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1NX, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

River Avon Trail

Running from North Somerset to the Pulteney Bridge in Bath, the River Avon Trail stretches 23 miles and is perfect for walkers, cyclists and dogs.

Passing through the historic harbour village of Pill, regular visitors recommend Trooper’s Hill - which is a reserve that delivers a picturesque overlook of the River Avon - as an ideal stopping point.

Arnos Vale Cemetery

This Victorian garden cemetery not only covers 45 acres of land, but is a testament to stunning architecture and majestic wildlife.

Situated just off Bath Road, normally gates are open from 9 am to 4pm every day.

The site also offers an in-depth look into the darker side of Arnos Vale Cemetery, but you need to book tickets and they often sell fast!

Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol, BS4 3EW, www.arnosvale.org.uk