Take in the urban sites, beautiful countryside parks and historic estates in and around Bristol with The Doyle Collection’s pick of Bristol’s best walks

Eastville Park, by Walt Jabsco

1.  Eastville Park and the River Frome

This is a lovely place to stroll near to Bristol city centre. You could walk from The Bristol to Eastville Park but the route becomes a little urban in places. Instead head there by car or public transport and then, if you want a more than just a gentle amble, follow the often-overlooked River Frome north. You’ll pass by a few parks, including Eastville Park, which is a prime example of a grand Victorian city park, and the relics of a working stone sawmill at Snuff Mills. If you want to keep going, five-minutes from Snuff Mills is Stoke Park (the other side of the M32), which is 102 hectares of grade 11-registered landscape and historic monuments, or head to Oldbury Court Estate, where you’ll find lovely picnic spots, a children’s playground and fishing. In total the walk from Eastville Park to Oldbury Court is about 2 miles. 

Leigh Woods, by Graham Duerden

2.  Leigh Woods

The walk to Leigh Woods from The Bristol will take you past Bristol docks, Spike Island and along the River Avon. It’s about a 4-mile walk in total. Start by heading south on Prince Street and over the Prince Street Bridge. Turn right along the harbourside and follow the signs for the Harbourside Walk. This will take you along the harbour and through Underfall Yard – a working boat yard.  At the end of this section of the river cross over the Ashton Avenue Bridge and continue north along the River Avon towards Clifton Suspension Bridge and you’ll get to Leigh Woods. Once there you can simply enjoy the views or tackle one of the mountain biking trails. 

Banksy Graffiti, by Lindsay Scott

3.  Bristol City Centre

As the birthplace of Banksy and home other iconic artists, Bristol boasts an incredible street art culture and street art tours have become established as one of the must-do cultural experiences in the city. Expert guides from the street art community at Where the Wall provide insights into the life and work of Banksy and others, revealing the stories behind the ever-changing paintings that adorn Bristol. Tours usually focus on the art around central Bristol and the creative quarter of Stokes Croft.  

Blaise Castle Mansion House, by Kurt Thomas Hunt

4.  Blaise Castle Estate

Blaise Castle Estate includes a 650-acre Grade II* registered parkland, children’s play area, museum and castle. There are five lovely walking routes to follow around Blaise Castle Estate. For those not so keen on a walk, the children’s play areas are brilliant, they are split into sections for older and younger kids and both located right next to the café. There is a sand pit, climbing frames, a slide and swings for the youngsters, while the more adventurous will love the climbing towers, tube slides, zip wire, high swings, tree house, basket swing, roundabout, seesaw and trampoline. 

Avon River Trail, by Ian Haskins

5.  Avon River Trail

The traditional Avon River trail takes ramblers from Pill to Bath on a 32-mile trek along the Avon. However, The Bristol is perfectly-placed to pick up the route in Bristol and follow the river towards Bath, if not all the way! Track the Avon as it meanders west and passes through nature reserves like Eastwood Farm, which houses Beeses Tea Room, a favourite riverside spot in spring and summer. The route is about 7 miles.

All images from Flickr