10 of the most beautiful places within an hour of central Bristol
Bristol and neighbouring villages are home to famous gardens, fantastic forests and historic ruins
Bristol and the surrounding areas are packed with world class scenery and places to visit.
Whether it’s historic castles and picture postcard villages or bustling market towns and breathtaking river views, it’s not hard to find places that you want to shout about.
With spring around the corner, what better time to get out and about to explore Bristol and beyond?
We’ve rounded up ten of the must-visit places in Bristol or within an hour’s drive of the city centre.
If you can think of more beautiful spots we need to include, let us know.
1. Suburb
Bristol has a number of desirable suburbs, but few can match the splendour of Clifton with its world famous suspension bridge, leafy squares and plethora of boutiques, restaurants and pubs. Royal York Crescent is said to be the longest crescent in Europe and offers fabulous city-wide views.
2. Ruins
Victorian-built Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare was opened in 1867 and it's the only British pier that links the mainland with an island. The pier has been closed to the public since 1994 and is included on the 'At Risk' Register compiled by English Heritage but its abandoned, ruined state still draws a crowd.
3. Urban beauty spot
In the heart of Bristol, Brandon Hill offers some of the best views of the city (especially from Cabot Tower) and is a tranquil nature reserve that’s also hugely popular for summer picnics.
4. Castle
A short drive across the Severn Bridge, Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire stands on a limestone cliff above the River Wye and is regarded as one of the best preserved castles in Wales. The oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain, construction began in 1067.