Your self guided tour: Walks in Clifton
Right now, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, things are very different to life as we normally know it. With the current lockdown beginning to ease, England has now been told they are allowed to do unlimited exercise (as long you stay at least 2m from others outside of your household).
With this in mind, we thought we would give you our breakdown of all the best walks and parks in Clifton! A very historic and beautiful part of Bristol, Clifton is probably most renowned for its Clifton Suspension Bridge; however alongside this are various other beauty spots for you to explore.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
You can’t talk about Clifton without mentioning the world- famous suspension bridge. Originally created and designed by Isambard Brunel (although sadly he never got to see his masterpiece finished), the Clifton suspension bridge offers walkers the chance to walk across it; experiencing truly amazing views of the Avon Gorge. There are also various walks you can do around and below it too!
There are a number of tours that you can join in for for free via Visit Bristol: https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/clifton-suspension-bridge-tours-p1898823
The bridge itself also hosts walking tours throughout the year and cater for all different ages, including The Three Billy Goats Gruff Storywalk – Suitable for Reception & Year 1 children: https://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/visit/schools/tours
Address: Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA
Leigh Woods
Part of National Trust, but free for you to explore, Leigh Woods is a 2 square kilometre area of woodland close to the Suspension Bridge and opposite to the Ashton Court Estate.
Within it are a number of walks, mountain bike trails and routes for runners; so there really is something for everyone! And as of today, car parks are gradually being reopened across many National Trust sites so now is the best time to start exploring: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods
It was even recommended by no other than countryfile too: https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/leigh-woods-bristol/
Address: Valley Rd, Bristol BS8 3QB
Clifton Downs
Known as Bristol’s ‘Green playground’, the Downs is a vast open green space surrounding Clifton Village. Perfect for causally strolling along, the Clifton Downs also has the added bonus of offering magnificent views of the Avon Gorge.
An extremely popular place for both residents and visitors alike, this park is one of Bristol’s most famous green spaces.
Address: Stoke Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS9 1FG
Bristol Zoo and Clifton Village
Although the Zoo is currently closed, there are some magnificent walks around it. Wonderfully Victorian, Clifton Village promises historical exploring as you walk around the streets. If Georgian and Victorian architecture are your thing, then you have definitely come to right place!
Walk around the historical architecture and visit places such as the Royal York Crescent (once the longest terrace in England). For more information on all of the attractions within this village, see here: http://www.discoverclifton.co.uk/attractions/
For more information on the different types of walks available in Clifton village see here: https://explorewalks.co.uk
Clifton Observatory
This historic windmill was built circa 1766, offering some truly picturesque views. A favourite tourist attraction, the observatory features an observation tower, a camera obscure and caves. Sitting above the Avon Gorge, the views really are tremendous.
View more here: https://cliftonobservatory.com
Address: Litfield Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT
Ashton court and surroundings
Ashton Court is a country park and mansion with 850 acres of woodland and grassland. Linking to Leigh woods and over to the suspension bridge, the estate itself helps link to a number of off road cycle paths for you to carry on exploring.
Open times for the year are listed here: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/ashton-court-estate
Alongside the estate itself is a lovely trail covering long ashton to ashton court: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/bristol/long-ashton-to-ashton-court
Please note that the mansion itself may be temporarily closed due to coronavirus, so please check if you are planning on going in!
Address: Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN
Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower
Technically not in the heart of Clifton, Brandon Hill is located just off of the world-famous Park Street and is the oldest park in Bristol!
If you are looking for a park with its retained history, then this is definitely the one fo you. Set right in the middle of it is Cabot Tower; a 105ft tower that was built in 1897 to commemorate John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol and the continent of North America which happened four hundred years earlier.
Free for visitors to climb up, this tower is open daily (although please do check before doing so): https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/cabot-tower-and-brandon-hill-p24401
Address: Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR
Do you know any others? We would love to hear from you!
The Urban Creation Team
Published 13/05/2020