One of the world's biggest balloon festivals takes place in Bristol this year meaning the sky will be full of colourful balloons in a range of shapes.
UPDATE: The 2020 Bristol Balloon Fiesta will be a crowd-free event due to the coronavirus pandemic and people are encouraged to not congregate in traditional viewing spots. Save this link for 2021 and click here to read more about how you can enjoy the 2020 fiesta
Indeed, if the weather holds out, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns to Ashton Court this week, bringing with it some spectacular hot air ballooning displays which are sure to delight all of Bristol.
The four-day festival is taking place this year from Thursday, August 8 to Sunday, August 12 and crowds of more than 100,000 people are expected to descend on the park each day.
With such a gathering in the city, traffic is expected to be heavy and widespread so follow our guide on the best car parks and how to get there.
However you don't have to jostle with the crowds and getting stuck in traffic, especially around the mass ascents and the night glows, to actually get the best views in the city.
These are some of our favourite places to watch those incredible balloons floating over Bristol.
Clifton Downs
Somewhere to sit with a great view by the Sea Wall ensuring you can enjoy watching the balloons take flight.
Bedminster Down
Not far from the fiesta and it is higher up so you can see everything so is a perfect balloon-spotting destination.
Dundry Hill
Here you could sit near the church at the summit and look down at the balloons with a perfect view!
Victoria Park
Another great park for close ups of the balloons and the opportunity for some photos of them sky high!
Brandon Hill
You could walk to Brandon Hill just off of Park Street by the Cabot Tower and being high up on a hill gives you an even better view of the balloons.
Clifton Observatory
Go to Clifton Observatory and have a close up view of the balloons and as well as an amazing view overlooking Bristol.
Leigh Woods
If the Suspension Bridge is closed, this is a great alternative.
Stoke Park Estate
Everyone knows the yellow castle by the M32 and although this is a lot further away you can still see the balloons rising at both night time and early in the morning if you sit on the hill by the castle.
Perrett Park
Along the Knowle/Totterdown border and has good views of the balloons.
Northern Slopes
Based between Knowle, Filwood/Knowle West and Bedminster this is another great location to catch some balloons.
The best locations are just off Stockwood Crescent, behind St Barnabas Church, Daventry Road and Novers Steps behind the Knowle West Health Park.
Where's your favourite spot to watch the festival? Let us know by by emailing daniel.chipperfield@reachplc.com
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