Lifestyle and Leisure / Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020
Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2020: Getting out of the house
Joining university in the time of coronavirus means the usual way of making friends and socialising has had to adapt; temporarily swapping Bristol nightlife for the great outdoors.
With Bristol’s notorious focus on the environment and access to green space, this is barely an obstacle for new students to the city.
Brandon Hill
A short walk from Park Street, Brandon Hill bridges the gap between window shopping and picnics.
Cabot Tower stands at its summit, boasting panoramic views of Bristol, perfect for watching the sunset across the city. With its outdoor gym, playground and nature conservation area, Brandon Hill has something to offer for all its visitors, no matter their age or interests.
is needed now More than ever
Harbourside
The city centre is home to the SS Great Britain, which returned to the city’s docks from the Falkland Islands 50 years ago this year.
Nowadays, it acts as both a museum and a temporary, unofficial study space for University of Bristol students. The river, also a prime sunset spot, is a quick connection to the city centre, take-out food and drink stands dotting the walk along the way; The Apple, with its varied cider selection, is a personal favourite.
Visit the harbourside for a taste of everything. Photo: Bristol BID
Queen Square
Despite being sandwiched in Bristol’s centre, Queen Square is an escape into nature, distracting from the bustling noise and traffic of city life.
A short walk from Millennium Square, home to We The Curious’ planetarium, the park is a convenient location for meeting friends. But the square’s simplistic beauty, surrounded by trees and marked by the equestrian statue of William III, is not at all compromised by its central location.
Clifton Downs
The Downs makes up one of the largest stretches of protected parkland in the city.
Boasting 200 acres of land, the Downs offers vast amounts of space for socially distanced BBQs, picnics and outdoor activities such as football and badminton, without having to worry about disturbing nearby groups.
The Downs is a perfect spot for picnics. Photo: Katie Button
Peregrine Watch Point is only a short walk away too, boasting scenic views of the River Avon and Brunel’s infamous Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol’s defining landmark.
St Andrew’s Park
St Andrew’s Park offers the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of Gloucester Road – a student favourite for being one Bristol’s longest roads, home to unique, independent shops. The Victorian park has a playground, large paddling pool, and a pop up cafe, tailoring its green space to the enjoyment of both Bristol families and students alike.
Main photo: Lowie Trevena
Read more: Instagrammable Bristol
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