Brandon Hill Park is Bristol’s oldest park and an iconic and historic one at that. Located just off Park Street in West End, Brandon Hill Park not only features two children’s play areas and a sandpit, but also a nature conservation area, beautiful paths for walking around, and also the icon of Bristol’s skyline, Cabot Tower at its summit. In fact, the Hill was an important defensive point during the Civil War. Interestingly, when one stands at the top of Brandon Hill, they can catch the stunning views of Bristol and the sparkling River Avon. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Brandon Hill Park.
Things to do / highlights
Explore Cabot Tower
Brandon Hill Park is home to the city’s tallest lookout, the Cabot Tower. Designed by Bristolian architect William Venn Gough, the red sandstone, cream bath stone-covered tower was built way back in 1897. It commemorated the 400th anniversary of the Italian explorer and navigator John Cabot making it to Newfoundland, Canada. In fact, a Bristolian named Richard Amerike funded a large part of John Cabot’s voyage, and legend says that America was actually named after him!
Located in the centre of the park, the 105-feet-tall (32 metres) Cabot Tower features twisting, steep steps to climb to the top. Plus, it is free to climb. Cabot Tower is open between 8am and 7pm during summers and between 8 am and 4 pm during winters.
Go birdwatching
Brandon Hill is somewhat of a green oasis and on-the-way stop for migrating birds as they fly along the valley of the River Avon. It is an absolute birdwatchers’ and wildlife lovers’ paradise, no matter the season. Spring sees loads of migrating toads and frogspawn in the wildlife pond. The woodland edges see breeding warblers, thrushes, tits, and finches, as well as pipistrelle bats and foxes. Summers see the park brimming with gorgeous knapweed, oxeye daisies, and cowslips. These attract bees and butterflies in droves. Come winters, one can see flocks of fieldfares and redwings escaping Northern Europe’s freezing conditions.
Enjoy a picnic
Pack a picnic basket with lovely treats and drinks and enjoy a sunny day out in Brandon Hill Park. Whether you’re on a romantic date with your partner or with your family, Brandon Hill Park is a fantastic springtime and summertime picnicking spot in Bristol. Plus, it’s a great way for families with children to spend some time outdoors, as the park has two play areas and even a sandpit.
What to eat
Moltobueno
A huge glass vase which is chock-full of used wine corks is probably the best indicator of just how busy Moltobuono is all the time. The Park Street-based Italian eatery has been a raging hit since it opened its doors in 2018. The family-run, two-level restaurant features an open kitchen and a bar downstairs and a dining room decked out in verdant foliage and fairy lights upstairs. Dough recipes for pizzas here have been passed down through generations, which makes Moltobueno extremely fun to grab a bite at. Do try the diavolo, the all-time favourite traditional margherita, the pesto pasta, and the decadent profiteroles.
Pinkmans Bakery
Located at the top of Park Street, the extremely popular Pinkman’s even made it to the Sunday Times’ list of UK’s top 30 bakeries. Large floor-to-ceiling glass windows open up to lively, buzzing interiors. The delish-looking counter groans under the weight of a cornucopia of salads, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and whatnot. Plus, there’s a decadent-looking bread counter behind, complete with walnut loaves, rye bread, baguettes, croissants, and more. On the beverages front, there are spirits, ciders, beers, cocktails, and even bottled/cold-pressed juices. The bakery is great for sitting down and enjoying this treats and is peppered with comfy high stools and long bench-style tables.
Travelers tips
Accessibility
The steps to Cabot Tower are extremely steep, and might not be suitable for everyone. Plus, the park itself has wheelchair access for Berkeley Square and Great George Street only.
Weather
The best time to explore and enjoy Brandon Hill Nature Park is on a sunny day. However, one needs to keep an eye out for the weather as Cabot Tower is closed when there are heavy rains since it makes the steps very unsafe and slippery. In fact, even if people are up there on the tower, park rangers arrive to close the tower. So, do check the weather forecast before visiting the park so that your plan for the day doesn’t go awry.
How to get there
Brandon Hill Park can be accessed from numerous points. While there are some slopes and steps, access is mainly easy. The main entrance to Brandon Hill Park is from Great George Street off the main Park Street. This is also the most popular access point for wheelchair users as well. Another point of access is from Berkeley Square, which is also the only other point of access for wheelchair users. Other points of access are via stairs on Upper Byron Place and Jacob Wells Road.
Car
From the centre of the town, you can take a private car via A4018.
Bus
You can also avail the buses that ply from the centre of Bristol and reach Gasferry Road or Park Street Top and walk the rest of the distance.
Bike
Interestingly, you may also take a bicycle ride of about 15 to 20 minutes if you are putting up near the centre of Bristol.
Brandon Hill Park information
Brandon Hill Park
Address: Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Cost: Free
Official website: Brandon Hill Park
Department of tourism: Visit Bristol
History
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