These are the best parks in Bristol

Bristol boasts some of the best green spaces in the country (not that we’re biased or anything).

But, with so much on offer, it can be tricky to know which park to visit next.

So here’s a handy guide highlighting a number of the city’s green spaces and what makes them particularly special.

Whether you want to don wellies for a wet riverside walk, see some wildlife or take in wonderful views, we’ve got you covered.

The craggy footways and heather-covered hills of Troopers Hill are home to a rich variety of wildlife – photo: Ellie Pipe

Best for wildlife: Troopers Hill
Troopers Hill (or Trooper’s Hill or Troopers’ Hill, depending on which sign you read) is a former mine in St George that has been transformed into a beautiful nature reserve. Its craggy footways and heather-covered hills are home to a rich variety of wildlife, from bees and butterflies to foxes, deer and birds of prey.
Top tip: Explore the woodland areas to find hidden dens

Brandon Hill is thought to be the oldest public park in the country – photo: Martin Booth

Best for views: Brandon Hill
With the prestigious title of Bristol’s oldest park, Brandon Hill offers unbeatable views over the city – especially if you make the twisty, steep climb up to the top of Cabot Tower. Tucked between Park Street and Jacob’s Wells Road, this hillside spot with its nature conservation area provides a perfect break from city life.
Top tip: Grab a picnic from nearby Park Street and enjoy lunch with a view

Netham Park is perfect for a kickabout – photo: Ellie Pipe

Best for sports: Netham Park
With its flat expanse of grass (a rare treat in Bristol), Netham Park has a number of football pitches, as well as a cricket pitch (the Barton Hill Park is home to Bristol Pakistani Cricket Club) and floodlit basketball court.
Top tip: Grab a coffee from nearby 3ft 6 and head down from the park to join the riverside pathway heading to Crew’s Hole in one direction and the city centre (via Temple Meads) in the other
Special mention: The Downs, bordering Clifton and Redland, also plays host to numerous pitches and is popular with runners

Perrett’s Park in Knowle, was purchased by the council from Lady Smyth of Ashton Court for £1,000 in 1923. £500 of this was provided by councillor CR Perrett, hence the park’s name – photo: Martin Booth

Best for sledding (or balloon watching): Perrett’s Park
OK, something has gone seriously wrong if we have snow in May, but it’s good to plan ahead. Set amid Knowle’s steep residential streets, Perrett’s Park is a vast sloping expanse of parkland that offers perfect tobogganing terrain when there’s a rare snowfall. In the summer, enjoy the stunning views of south Bristol.
Top tip: This is the perfect spot to watch hot air balloons high in the sky when the Fiesta is on this summer

If a child could design the ultimate park, it might look very similar to Hengrove Play Park – photo: Ellie Pipe

Best for children’s play area: Hengrove Park
If a child could design the ultimate park, it might look very similar to Hengrove Play Park. There’s something for all ages at this south Bristol site, including a giant jungle dome, climbing pyramid, ball games area, zip slide, sand and water play area, skate park, cafe, toddler area and more.
Top tip: If you can drag the kids away from the play area, the nature reserve on the former Whitchurch Airfield is well worth a look
Special mention: St Andrew’s Park and St George Park both have loads to offer for families

Visit Stoke Park’s resident goats – photo: Stephen Sumner

Best for fun walks: Stoke Park Estate
It’s a tough call this one, but Stoke Park on the edge of Lockleaze just clinches it with its woodland trails, open hills, Purdown Tower landmark, the former gun battery turned open air art gallery, Purdown Percy, and resident goats.
Top tip: Sign up for a fascinating foraging walk with local expert Steve England
Special mention: Ashton Court Estate, in the south, offers endless interesting trails and the opportunity to see deer roaming the fields

 

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Best for gardens: Redcatch Park
In a great example of grassroots action, a disused bowling green in Redcatch Park has been transformed into a thriving community garden that is a hub for people of all ages and is cared for by Friends of Redcatch Community Garden.
Top tip: Keep an eye out for upcoming events, classes and volunteering opportunities via: www.friendsofredcatchpark.com/

Victoria Park is now home to a state-of-the-art skatepark – photo: Ellie Pipe

Best for skating: Victoria Park
This historic park on the edge of Windmill Hill and Bedminster is now home to a state-of-the-art skatepark that opened in March after a major revamp. The skatepark has something for all abilities and it only adds to the many draws of Victoria Park.
Top tip: If you live further afield, hop on a train to Bedminster station and you’re a stone’s throw from Victoria Park

This rocky outcrop at Blaise Castle is known as Goram’s Seat photo George Cook

Best for history: Blaise Castle Estate
With an 18th-century mansion, museum and folly castle set in some 650 acres of parkland, Blaise Castle Estate brings history and wildlife together. It also has a children’s play area and riverside walks.
Top tip: See how many quirky and historic buildings you can find around the estate
Special mention: Arnos Vale Cemetery on the edge of Brislington and Totterdown offers a fascinating insight into Bristol’s past

Snuff Mills is a wonderful wooded valley with easy riverside walks along the Frome – photo: Martin Booth

Best for riverside fun: Snuff Mills
Linking the stunning grounds of Oldbury Court Estate and Eastville Park, Snuff Mills provides nature-rich woodland walks alongside the River Frome, with handy paths up to Fishponds along the way.
Top tip: Wear wellies! And look out for kingfishers and more wildlife making the most of the river

 

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Best hidden gem: Dame Emily Park
Tucked away by South Bristol Swimming Pool just off Dean Lane in Bedminster, this small but perfectly-formed park is easy to miss but well worth a visit with its community gardens and children’s play area.
Top tip: Grab a drink from nearby North Street and head to Dame Emily Park for a moment of peace

Main photo: Ellie Pipe

Read next: 

• ‘Central Bristol needs a new big park’
• Bristol City Council announces wildflower plans for parks
• Measures to make parks in Bristol safer