The George Park is a very old park in suburban Bristol that still has remnants of the Edwardian era. Its lush green trees and a lake with ducks and swans offer a perfect time for a lazy day out with friends and family. There is a playground for children in the park, while for adults there are plenty of fishing options at the lake. The park hosts events around the year, including concerts, festivals and several sporting events. There is a skate park too, in its premises and tennis and bowling activities also take place here.
A short hop across the Clifton Suspension Bridge transports one to this beautiful estate, with its 850 magnificent acres (343.983 hectares) of park, woodland, and superb views across Bristol. The centerpiece of the estate is a rambling mansion that once belonged to the Smyth family. Over the years, as the pages of history turned, so did the roles of the mansion. It transformed from a residence, to a military hospital during the Great War, before finally falling under the protection of the Bristol City Council. While the main building has undergone a few alterations over the years, its sweeping surrounds reflect the original designs planned by Humphrey Repton, an acclaimed landscape designer. Amid these verdant landscapes, one can find excellent nature trails, deer grazing close by, a pitch and putt golf course, and a miniature railway, among others. The estate also hosts various events throughout the summer, including the annual Bristol Community Festival and the Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloons launch from near the grounds that surround the Baronial Mansion House every Sunday afternoon when the weather at its finest.
The Greville Smyth Park provides lots of sporting options for the young and old including tennis, football, a kids' playing area and a fitness club. It is also a good place to walk your dog. Lots of brightly colored flowers, shrubs, grass and trees make the park a pleasant place to enjoy nature at leisure. Incidentally, it is also one of the largest local parks of Bristol. Do not forget to see the Indian Bean Tree that grows here.
This zoo makes for a very enjoyable and memorable experience, featuring over 300 different species set amid very attractive gardens. The seal and penguin areas have amazing underwater views. Don't miss the Wallace Aviary where you can stroll among the beautiful plants and watch birds flying above you. With a restaurant, picnic area, gift shop and a wheelchair-friendly layout, the zoo makes for a wonderful visit with family and friends.
Cheddar Caves and Gorge is a stunning, natural wonder and attract visitors all round the year. They are simply awesome, the two show caves, formed in the Ice-Age, are festooned with stalactites and spectacular rock formations. Look out for Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest skeleton and learn all about how our cave-dwelling ancestors lived. The gorge is equally impressive. There's a bus tour, but this place is best explored on foot. The three-mile round walk is sign-posted and offers some stunning scenery, plus Jacob's Ladder, 274 steps leading to an observation tower, from which there are great views over Somerset and even away to the sea. There are shops and cafes as well for your refreshment.
The Northern Slopes is an approximately two mile expanse of greenery that is rich in biodiversity and forms the slopes of Bedminster, hence the name. It is made up of three parks- the Novers Common, Glyn Vale and the Wedmore Vale. It offers loads of opportunities for bird watching, tennis, exercise, cycling and family picnics. It has a kids' playground too. It is also good for pets. The park offers a great look-out area for the adjoining city landmarks like the Clifton Bridge and the Cabot Tower.
Weston Big Wood is stretched across 37.48 hectare (92.61 acres) of land. It borrows its name from Weston-in-Gordano village and is biological Site of Special Scientific Interest and nature reserve. The woodland has tree main entry points, and part of it is managed by Avon Wildlife Trust. So come here and experience the rare species of flora and fauna and also enjoy the ancient sites.
Cadbury Hill are the ancient hill fort existing from the Iron Age and is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument. This site forms part of Local Nature Reserve and is surrounded by rich wildlife. This dense woodland can be accessed during daylight hours. Visit the website for more.
The Sand Point and Middle Hope is a lovely place with mesmerizing views. It has wonderful picnic spots and is a nice way to spend a quiet afternoon. This place has interesting wildlife and houses a rare collection of plants like Honewort and Smallflower Buttercup. You can also watch the seabirds and other birds like swallows and larks at the Sand Point and Middle Hope. It is a nice place to spend a quiet afternoon. For more information on Sand Point and Middle Hope, please visit the website.
Uley Bury is an Iron Age hillfort located at the top of a flat topped hill. Excavations at the hillfort have uncovered pottery, currency and other artifacts which suggest that it was inhabited from around 300 BCE. The fort is protected on three sides by steep slopes and the fourth side is protected by ramparts which are still visible today. With Stunning views of Severn Vale and the surrounding grasslands, Uley Bury is a great destination for walks and hikes.
Lower woods are managed as a nature reserve and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve is formed by a collection of 23 individuals woods and coppices that are separated by thin stripes of grassy land. The origin of the woods can be traced back to medieval times and have remained untouched by human interference since. Managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the woods form a valuable natural resource and is home to a delightful variety of flora and fauna. Although beautiful throughout the year, the woods are especially stunning during spring when the landscape is awash with blooming bluebells, purple and greater butterfly orchids. You may even catch sight of a rare dormouse or two! Keep an eye out for the many species of butterflies, that flit amongst the flowers, including the white admiral, as you explore the lush ancient Lower woods.
In the lovely little village and civil parish of Wellow, Somerset, England lies the geographically important Hinton Hill. The village rests within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was marked as a Conservation Area in 1983. The site contributes significantly to stratisgraphy studies of the entire British Bathonian and has hence been marked as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An ideal place to stay near the village would be Homewood Park. The luxurious three star accommodation is home to a beautiful spa and an award-winning fine-dining restaurant. The stunning hotel is a perfect fusion of contemporary and old-world as can be seen in its elaborate interiors.