My Bristol Favourites: Polly Ho-Yen

Before becoming a children’s author, Polly Ho-Yen was a primary school teacher and librarian.

Her debut novel, Boy in the Tower was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2015 and Blue Peter Book Award 2015; while her latest novel, The Boy Who Grew a Tree, was inspired by her passion for nature and love for public libraries.

These are Polly’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Bristol Central Library

Designed by Charles Holden, Bristol Central Library opened in 1906 – photo: Martin Booth

“When I first moved to the city, I worked at Bristol Central Library which is easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Aside from the marvellous team working there, who are the friendliest most helpful crew you could ever hope to meet, it’s a fantastic library, boasting the most glorious reading room, a stellar children’s library, an incredible reference library and everything in between. Escape the bustle of the centre with a trip to the Bristol Central Library and you will leave refreshed, tranquil and inspired.”

The allotments at Windmill Hill City Farm

Windmill Hill City Farm Allotments is an entirely volunteer-led project – photo: Visit Bristol

“I love that you can wander into Windmill Hill City Farm after shopping in Asda and find yourself in an oasis of green amongst pigs and sheep. The city farm is such a gem in the community. I love trying to draw the kid goats as they leap around but my favourite spot is the allotments where I can watch everything growing. There’s been a tunnel of squashes in the last few growing seasons which is something to behold. It’s a perfect place to visit with young kids too, my daughter has her own favourite spots: the fairy houses, the trucks in the stone pit and, most importantly, the sinks at her level.”

Severn Beach Line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-atDYEOETto

“I’ve only recently discovered the train ride to Severn Beach thanks to my friend, Maggie. It costs a mere £3 from Temple Meads and takes you through St Paul’s, Montpelier and Clifton and out of the centre where you can view the river winding across lush countryside. Past Avonmouth and you come to the end of the line at Severn Beach where you can grab a drink at Shirley’s Cafe or a bun from Down’s Bakery before skimming stones in the shadow of the Severn Bridge to head home again. Admittedly I don’t get out much but a trip to Severn Beach feels like a mini adventure!”

Redcatch Community Garden

Go to Redcatch Community Garden’s cafe for homemade kimchi and cakes – photo: Redcatch Community Garden

“Redcatch Community Garden is a magic little place to spend time just off the Broadwalk in Knowle. There’s growing, good food at the lovely Roots Cafe and a wealth of community events happening all the time. Another green oasis, bringing people together.”

A bench in Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a great spot to admire some of Bristol’s many colourful terraced houses – photo: Ellie Pipe

“OK, I have a favourite bench and I obviously don’t want to tell you exactly where it is or I might find that I won’t be able to sit there because it’ll be occupied. So all I’ll say is that it’s in Victoria Park, it’s a bit hidden away and you get a great view across the city. All the views from Victoria Park are pretty fantastic and so most of the benches there are pretty high-end, in my opinion. A great place to go to people watch or just to have a good old think.”

Main photo: Polly Ho Yen

Read more: My Bristol Favourites: Mia Vines Booth

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