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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Andrew McQuarrie

Some of the most relaxing places in Bristol to just sit and think

When you've had a busy week at work, there's often nothing better than carving out a couple of hours at the weekend when you can just sit down, relax, and reflect.

We all have our favourite spots in the city for a bit of 'me time', but perhaps you're open to trying out somewhere different.

Well, you're in luck - because here in the Bristol Live office, we put our heads together and came up with a list of our favourite locations for a time out.

Please do let us know if your top preference has been left out.

Troopers Hill

One of the most spectacular wildlife spots in the city, Troopers Hill, in St George, offers stunning views over the River Avon.

Oldbury Court Estate

Not only is Oldbury Court Estate excellent for walking and playing with the kids, the grade II-registered parkland presents opportunities to take a time out from the pressure of everyday life.

Clifton Observatory

Clifton Observatory (Dave Betts)

The area beside Clifton Observatory gives tremendous views of the suspension bridge and across the gorge.

Castle Park

Castle Park often presents the perfect relaxed atmosphere in which to sit down and reflect - definitely not with a drink in hand... (David Betts Photography)

Castle Park is, of course, a popular place to kick back and relax - but beware of the no-drinking policy...

Brandon Hill

The view over Bristol from Brandon Hill, by Steve Sully of Allerford (Western Daily Press)

Brandon Hill, which boats the Cabot Tower at its summit, is a steep park divided into informal gardens, a small nature reserve and open grassland.

A pond provides a breeding site for frogs, toads and smooth newts, while the butterfly garden supplies food for caterpillars and butterflies and the nature reserve allows glimpses of jay, bullfinch and blackcap.

Northern Slopes

Northern Slopes, Knowle West (Copyright unknown)

The Northern Slopes in Knowle West offer spectacular views across the city and support habitats including meadows, hedgerows and wooded areas which provide havens for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

The Lamplighters

The area around The Lamplighters pub is a hit with one of our office staff members (Google Maps)

The Lamplighters restaurant sits a stone's throw away from a attractive, quiet spot by the River Avon, the other side of which is the village of Pill, North Somerset.

Snuff Mills

Snuff Mills (Copyright Unknown)

This charming park in north Bristol allows for a pleasant walk along the River Frome, with opportunities to take a time-out and relax.

Beese's Riverside Bar

Beese's Riverside Bar in Broomhill (Bristol Live)

For those who prefer to do their thinking over a pint and grub, Beese's might just be the place to visit. Set beside a wooded stretch of the River Avon, the bar and restaurant - open in the spring and summer - has become known for lively music nights, but plenty of thirsty visitors go for the tranquility of a Sunday afternoon.

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