Where is best to picnic in Bristol and where’s best to get the wares

Well, the weather has certainly been getting us all in the mood for a picnic, hasn’t it? So we’re lucky that Bristol has an abundance of lovely options for a perfect picnic in the sun.

Whether you fancy something stately to surround you, or you fancy something hidden away under the trees, there are loads of different places to head to for any sort of mood. We’re also lucky in Bristol that there are so many wonderful delis to stock up on delicious food to pack in your hamper, too.

So let’s explore some of the best places in the city...

ASHTON COURT

Perhaps one of the most obvious places to head for a picnic, but the estate is huge and completely surrounded by Somerset countryside so it gives a real feeling of having escaped the city. Not only that, but it’s full to the brim with space, so you’ll be spoiled when it comes to choosing a spot. Opt for something very quintessential such as the Rose Garden and more formal areas, or head into the woods to find something more private and secluded.

Where to buy supplies

Head to The Southville Deli on nearby North Street beforehand to get your food supplies. You’ll have a hard job choosing between the pastries, fresh pies, cheeses and crackers in their deli counter. Oh, and don’t even get us started on their delightful ready-made sandwiches!

HORFIELD COMMON

A lovely little spot for a picnic for those who might not want to venture too far from home or too far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Horfield Common has a huge expanse of green space so you won’t be sort of spots to set up your blanket.

Where to buy supplies

Head to Cave, a brilliant wine bar, shop and deli. You’ll find all the charcuterie and cheese you could ever want at a picnic!

SNUFF MILLS

Snuff Mills is a pretty perfect location when it comes to a traditional picnic, with plenty of places to choose from when it comes to setting up. There’s woodland and streams for children to entertain themselves in and pretty, secluded areas to pack out the picnic.

Where to buy supplies

Head to Artichoke Wholefoods, a lovely little deli on Fishponds Road where you can stock up on organic fruit and veg, chilled snacks and drinks, and find chutneys perfect for your picnic.

VICTORIA PARK

Victoria Park is a lovely area with Totterdown, Windmill Hill and Southville all a short walk away. It’s got something for the whole family, so you can set up in one of the main areas of greenery while the children play in the park or roll down the hills.

Where to buy supplies

Head to The Bristol Loafto stock up on everything from wine or cider to cheese to fresh baked goods from the Assembly Bakery.

ST ANDREWS PARK

A convenient hop, skip and a jump from the bustling Gloucester Road, St Andrews Park is beautiful and has lots of different options within it for setting up a picnic. Hide under the shade of some of the mature trees, or head to one of the more open spaces while watching the children entertain themselves in the playpark.

Where to buy supplies

Head to El Colmado on Gloucester Road, a famous Spanish deli where you can fill your hamper with cured meats, fresh fruit and veg and delicious Spanish tapas.

BRANDON HILL

For a view over the city, you don’t get a much more ideal picnic spot than Brandon Hill. It’s got to be one of the best picnic spots in the city for this alone, but it’s also in a really convenient location only a short walk from Park Street, the Centre, Clifton or the harbourside. Sit right atop the park and look out over the water, or head to the more manicured gardens for something a bit more quaint.

Where to buy supplies

Head to Spoke and Stringer on the harbourside where they have their deli site and you can pick up fresh pastries, homemade sausage rolls (what’s a picnic without a sausage roll?), and great coffee.

THE DOWNS

Perhaps another obvious one, but it wouldn’t be a list of best places to picnic in Bristol without including the vast, open and green space, would it? The Downs has more space than you can shake a stick at, and you’re spoiled for choice between nice shaded areas under the trees, areas with incredible views of Leigh Woods and the suspension Bridge or large open greenery.

Where to buy supplies

Head to Papadeli for your picnic goods, and you’ll find all sorts from chutneys and relishes, to fresh bread, sandwiches, pies and snacks.