Bristol picnic spots to make the most of this summer

Picnics are one of the best things about summer. Few things beat spending time with friends and family with the smell of freshly cut grass in the air and delicious food.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best picnic spots to try this summer in and around Bristol.

Three Brooks Nature Reserve, Bradley Stoke

I am very lucky to have this one on my doorstep. The name comes from the three streams connected to The Three Brooks Lake: Patchway Brook, Bradley Brook and Stoke Brook.

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Popular with dog walkers and cyclists, there are various dusty trails you can take. The reserve backs onto the main road, but the hum of traffic is completely drowned out by the twittering birds and dense forests.

I recently made some wildflower meadow inspired focaccia bread to make my last visit to the nature reserve. The time of year is approaching when there is also free fruit to pick from the communal orchard.

Victoria Square Gardens, Clifton

Clifton has some fantastic places to eat, so you don’t need to bring a picnic. The square is divided into two patches of grass separated by a cobblestone walkway in Clifton Village.

Saffron serves wonderful ciabatta and Eat a Pitta just around the corner serves colorful boxes of falafel. After lunch, Victoria Square Gardens is perfect for a game of frisbee or a quiet beach.

St Andrews Park, Bishopston

St Andrews is a large park just a short walk from Gloucester Road. The much-loved children’s pool has recently reopened, which is perfect for children to play in before enjoying an ice cream from the park’s café.

There is also a large play area with swings, a slide and a sandpit, making it a great picnic spot for families. Toilets are on site and various paths make it accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

St George’s Park, St George

St George Park is a classic example of a Victorian suburban park. The original gateposts remain, providing a grand entrance for visitors, and the banjo-shaped lake is home to many ducks and swans.

There is a skatepark, tennis courts, and a bowling alley available for rent. The dog-free children’s play area, toilets and cafe kiosk make this place another great option for families.

Brandon Hill

Probably the most spacious of all the places on the list is Brandon Hill. Like College Green, the sense of Bristol community on a sunny day at Brandon Hill is second to none.

After your picnic, you can take a trip up to Cabot Tower for free and marvel at the view of the entire city. Or, grab a bag of monkey nuts and feed the very tame squirrels, who will take them right out of your hands!