Bristol is a wonderful place, but occasionally the hustle and bustle can grow too much. Fear not, because all of these peaceful escapes are just a bus journey away.

5. Ashton Court

If you’ve heard of the Balloon Fiesta, you’ll know Ashton Court. Though it has a completely different atmosphere for the other 11 months of the year. Ashton Court is a peaceful escape, just a short walk over the Suspension Bridge. Occasionally a balloon can be spotted outside of the fiesta:

There is also a deer park in Ashton Court. If you’re lucky, you can get a photo like this:

Finally there’s a gorgeous 11th century manor house, complete with rose garden, grounds and stables (which have now been converted into a coffee shop).

 

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4. Blaise Castle

Blaise castle has something for everyone: an 18th century estate, scenic nature walk, park and castle. If you have time, head to Blaise Hamlet, a collection of National Trust cottages that will make you feel as though you’ve walked into a fairytale.

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3. Tyntesfield

Even if you don’t know it explicitly, you may have seen Tyntesfield in Sherlock or Skins. You’ll need to either buy a ticket or have a national trust membership to visit the gardens or house, but this is certainly worth it. Alternatively there are some decent and free walks in the area.

 

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2. Arnos Vale

On the face of it, a day out to a cemetery doesn’t sound that upbeat, but Arnos Vale isn’t your average cemetery. It makes for a great walk. They also have a range of weird and wonderful events, such as yoga, mindfulness and the occasional outdoor cinema.

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1. Clevedon Pier

Clevedon is home to a longstanding Victorian pier which, as you can see, is a great location if you’re into photography. On a sunny afternoon it’s a great place to pull up a deckchair and forget about the world. On a rainy afternoon it’s a great place for a cosy cup of coffee.

Do you have any secret escapes near Bristol? Let us know in the comments!