Picnics are the best way to spend time in the sun! Whether you love sunbathing, preparing unique sandwiches, admiring beautiful scenery, or gossiping with friends, picnics are perfect for everyone. After relaxing on a blanket and indulging in picky bits, you can explore and discover new parts of Bristol!
1. The Downs
The Downs is found in Clifton at the top of Whiteladies Road and Stoke Road. It’s a massive parkland used for team sports, carnivals, cycling, and running, so you can enjoy people-watching alongside your delicious picnic! Plus, with Whiteladies nearby, you can pick up any last-minute snacks on your way.
2. College Green
Located at the bottom of Park Street, College Green is a popular hangout spot for students. Alongside a great view of Bristol Cathedral, there are bakeries, an ice-cream shop, and a grocery shop less than five minutes away.
3. Royal Fort Gardens
It’s easy to understand why the Royal Fort Gardens (RFG) are so popular with University of Bristol students. Only a small walk away from Senate House, RFG is filled with custom artworks, such as a mirror maze, grotto, and sculptures. The garden also has a pond, biodiverse habitats, and a wildflower meadow. So why not grab a meal from Source Catering (in Senate House) and relax after lectures?
4. Ashton Court Estate
The 850-acre woodland surrounding the mansion features tables and grassland for picnics. The Estate also has a deer park that was established over 600 years ago! If you need to top up your snack supplies, you can head to the Courtyard Café to try any of their freshly made sandwiches, hot or cold drinks, and locally prepared cakes.
5. Castle Park
Nestled in between the Bristol Shopping Quarter and the Old City, this scenic site is an amazing historical getaway from the urban Bristol city centre. Castle Park earns it name from 11th-century castle remains, currently protected by the government. You can also find St Peter’s Church ruins (but the interior is closed for public safety).
6. St George Park
St George Park is a mix of modernity and history. After being welcomed by the original Victorian iron gates, you can set up your picnic blanket in the procession of trees and discover the small lake inhabited by ducks. The park also have a skate and BMX park and tennis courts!
7. Queen Square
While Queen Square is often used for concerts, outdoor theatre, and comedy events, it is also a great picnic spot! This Georgian park is at the heart of Bristol, and it’s only a short walk away from the Bristol Old Vic and Watershed!
8. Clifton Observatory
Perched on top of the Avon Gorge, the Clifton Observatory offers unbelievable views of the River Avon and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Even though you have to pay to enter the Observatory, the surrounding grassland still provides beautiful viewpoints and is a great picnic spot. There is also the 360 café which you can use to top up your snacks and drinks.
9. Harbourside
Bristol Harbourside is one of my favourite hangout spots on a sunny day! The salty breeze and lively atmosphere is perfect for a picnic. Also, there are plenty of shops and bakeries around the Harbourside to help you build your picnic pantry. You can even grab a beer from any of the surrounding pubs!
10. Victoria Park
While the picturesque greenery might initially attract you to this Victorian park, Victoria Park has three separate play areas to help you burn off any sausage rolls or cupcakes! The playground on Fraser Street has a small skate and BMX area, St Lukes Road area has a basketball court, and the one on Nutgrove Avenue is more suitable for younger children.
11. Brandon Hill
Home to Cabot Tower, Brandon Hill is a picturesque park near the city centre. You can even climb all 109 stairs of the 19th century tower to get beautiful views of the Bristol skyline! The park is furnished with plenty of benches (so you can have breaks during the uphill hike!) and a fish pond!
12. Clifton Suspension Bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic and stunning Bristol landmarks. You can have a great view (and an amazing picnic!) from a small grassland near Sion Hill road near the bridge. Once you’ve finished you can head down the Zig Zag path and walk across the River Avon!
13. Conham River Park
Conham River Park is a woodland reserve near Brislington, with beautiful riverside scenery and picnic benches. The Conham River Park is part of the River Avon Trail, so you can have a relaxing walk before your picnic! You will also find Beese’s Riverside Bar and Garden which served food and drinks.
14. Tyntesfield
Tyntesfield is a National Trust estate about 20 minute drive away from Bristol city centre. The Victorian Gothic Revival house is surrounded by 540 acres of woodland and orchards. For a picnic spot you can head towards the Mendip Hills or find a spot in the woodland.
15. Stoke Park Estate
After a 20 minute drive or a 1 hour 20 minute walk from the city centre, you will arrive at the breathtaking Stoke Park Estate. The estate includes 100 hectares of ponds, woodland, and grassland. You might even see goats and cattle roam around the grounds!
Hi, I’m Kirstie! I’m a BA English student at the University of Bristol, with a passion for creative writing. In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing, and playing the flute.
