The great outdoors is calling our name as winter approaches. Surrounded by the rolling countryside, spectacular views and majestic estates, Bristol is the perfect location for a frosty winter walk. Wrap up warm for your ramble before retreating to your cosy room at The Bristol and sip on a warming hot chocolate tucked up in bed. What better way to enjoy the icy season?

Blaise Castle Estate

Head to the north of Bristol city centre to Blaise Castle. Here you’ll find the shell of a castle built by Thomas Farr in 1766, a majestic 19^thCentury mansion, and the surrounding 400 acres of beautiful green parkland. Follow a series of woodland paths and experience incredible views of the Avon Gorge and South Wales. The mansion is also home to a fascinating museum, where you can marvel at paintings, old toy collections, a Victorian schoolroom and period costume. There’s plenty to do on this afternoon out.

The Harbourside

Walk right outside The Bristol doors, and amble along the Harbourside, which was once a busy dock where sailors set out to sea and returned to trade goods. Today, the area is a buzzing and modern development, replete with restaurants, bars and shops. Enjoy the crisp weather as you stroll along the docks and pop into some famous attractions along the way to escape the cold, including Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Aquarium and M Shed. 

Ashton Court Estate

Located just on the other side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Ashton Court Estate boasts 850 acres of sweeping fields and green space for you to enjoy. Here, walkers, cyclists and horse riders are welcomed to relish in the fresh winter air and stunning countryside. Perhaps you’ll spot a deer or two, stumble across old oak trees or join in a round of golf at one of the two 18-hole golf courses. And once you’ve successfully explored the great outdoors, warm your cockles at one of the on-site cafés, with a hearty bowl of soup and a cup of tea.

The Downs

This relatively flat 440 acres offers the perfect walk for the whole family. The Downs becomes a gloriously magical spectacle when blanketed in frost and can be found to the north west of Bristol. This protected parkland is within walking range of Clifton Suspension Bridge, which means you’ll be graced with stunning views and open countryside.

Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve

Sheltered by trees and woodland, this National Trust location is perfect for when the winter weather isn’t quite on your side. Take shelter under old oak trees and pines after following one of the colour-coded paths. And once you’re done, head back to The Bristol to dry off and enjoy a warming and delicious dinner at The River Grille. Rump of lamb, anyone? 

All images from Flickr.