Ashton Court Estate Blaise Castle Estate The Downs Oldbury Court Estate With over 1.6 million visits annually, Ashton Court Estate is England's Blaise Castle Estate is a magnificent 300 acre Grade II* registered Clifton and Durdham Downs (the Downs) are a fascinating Oldbury Court Estate is a beautiful and diverse 120 acre site, second busiest country park. Its Grade II* registered landscape, with landscape with over 5,000 years of history. A deep wooded 442-acre green space perched on the edge of Avon Gorge. It was combining woodland valleys, historic parkland and surfaced paths 850 acres of woodland and grassland and, Grade I listed mansion limestone gorge, dramatic scenery and ancient monuments secured as an area for public use and enjoyment through an Act alongside the River Frome. It makes a great place for a family day rank amongst the country's finest. Once the home of the Smyth steeped in folklore, makes this estate one of the most magical of Parliament in May 1861. Established in November 1861, the out with large green spaces, sports pitches and an exciting family, Ashton Court Estate is now an easily accessible historic estate and romantic landscapes in the west country. With plenty to do present day Downs Committee comprising representatives of the innovative play area. only two miles from the centre of Bristol, much of which was for children as well as adults, it is easily possible to spend a Merchant Venturers and city council, is responsible for overseeing The Humphrey Repton influenced landscape and panoramic views designed by the great landscape designer Humphrey Repton. whole day enjoying its varied features and many facilities. management of the area. provide interesting short walks. For those seeking a longer A £6 million Heritage Lottery Fund supported project restored much Guided walk leaflets assist in exploring the estate. Visit the folly The wide open expanse of downland provides easy going access, challenge, the estate serves as the gateway to the adjacent Frome of this heritage, and created new visitor facilities including: café and castle, relax on the grasslands or wander through the gorge with opportunities to walk to features such as the Clifton Valley Walkway. This 19-mile path follows the wildlife rich River bistro, toilets, car parking, information/visitor centre and function with its gurgling brook, lakes and woodlands. The estate house Suspension Bridge, Observatory Tower, Bristol Zoo, and Frome upstream to the Cotswold Hills in South Gloucestershire. rooms for hire. During 2011, onsite maps, signage and information contains a museum of social history and an exhibition of the spectacular views of the Gorge. The Downs is a great place to A short walk downstream, crossing the Halfpenny Bridge leads leaflets will be developed, together with the launch of a new disc estate and adjacent Blaise Hamlet. There is an extensive play relax and a popular area for jogging. It also plays host to big into Snuff Mills, a tranquil area with picturesque former golf course, graded mountain bike trails and mobility buggies. area on site for children of all ages to enjoy. public events such as funfairs, circuses, sponsored runs and has 32 quarrymen’s cottages facing the river. The partial restoration of football pitches providing home to the Downs Football League, Discover the restored formal gardens, historic parkland and deer Established originally to help restore the castle folly, the estate Whitwood Mill provides the opportunity to view a working water one of the oldest in the country. parks with the magnificent old oak trees, all fantastic settings for is very fortunate in enjoying the support of the Friends of Blaise. wheel and unique egg ended boiler. relaxing, games and picnics. There are two 18-hole golf courses with This manifests itself through consultation, management of the International and national designations highlight the importance The Snuff Mills Action Group is an active local organisation stunning views across the city and a network of trails for walking, castle and financial contributions to specific projects. Practical of the wildlife and geology within the Avon Gorge. The Avon and working to improve Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills for people and mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering and other activities. work sessions are regularly held and anyone is welcome to Downs Wildlife Project was established in 1999 to conserve, wildlife. It campaigns on related issues, organises events and The estate is a venue for international events such as the Balloon attend. protect and increase peoples’ understanding of the wildlife in the practical tasks. Gorge and on the Downs. The Friends of the Downs and Avon Fiesta and International Kite Festival, and hosts a huge programme www.bristol.gov.uk/blaisecastleestate www.bristol.gov.uk/oldburycourtestate of charity and sporting events, theatre, exhibitions and guided walks Gorge are a well-established and active group who carry out and talks. important works across the Downs. www.ashtoncourtestate.com and www.bristol.gov.uk/thedowns www.ashtoncourtgolf.co.uk Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN. Kings Weston Road, Bristol BS10 7QS. Stoke Road, Durdham Down, Bristol BS9 1PG. Oldbury Court Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2JH. Tel: 0117 963 9174 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0117 353 2266 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0117 922 3719 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0117 922 3719 Email: [email protected] Family fun at Ashton Sit back and relax in Bristol’s parks this Court Golf Course summer Enjoy a round of golf with our summer family ticket offer, which is available from Friday, 1 July to Thursday, 1 September 2011 . Hengrove Play Park A family ticket costs: • £10.50 - one adult and one junior This four acre site contains the biggest free play park in the South • £15 - one adult and two juniors of England. Located in the south of Bristol, the park is open throughout the year from 10am to dusk or 6pm/7pm depending on • £15.50 - two adults and one junior and time of year. • £20 - two adults and two juniors. The standout feature is the 12 metre high net dome containing slides, suspended web tunnels, cages and basket swings. Other zones contain challenging activity equipment such as zip wire, hamster wheel and spinning disc. There is a well-equipped toddler area in addition to sand and water play activities. The wheels park contains half pipes, ramps, bowls, boxes and rails. Grass and picnic Love Parks Week is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the areas provide for less energetic relaxation. summer. We’re celebrating all that parks have to offer, so why not The park always has staff in attendance. In the school holidays a visit your local park during the campaign to show what it means to range of activities are organised such as egg hunts and face you? Visitors to six of Bristol’s most popular parks this summer painting to wheels events. A parent and toddler group meet In Bristol, park visitors can find special ‘Love Parks Week’ activities on can now hire a park deckchair, offering a new opportunity for regularly during term time on Thursday mornings from April to July. offer as well as award-winning parks to visit and a host of exciting family and friends to sit back, relax and enjoy the great outdoors and natural beauty of Bristol’s parks. www.bristol.gov.uk/hengrovepark play parks to explore. Activities include an Inspired Furniture Exhibition at Ashton Court Estate; hunt around Castle Hill at Blaise Bring the family and enjoy some great savings. We also offer free Deckchairs are just £1 to hire for an hour, £2.50 for Hengrove Way, Bristol BS14 0HR. Castle; an Islamic Cultural Fayre in Eastville Park; and £1 off a round club hire, so there has never been a better time to give golf a try at half day (up to 4 hours) or £4 for the full day (up to 9.5 hours) Tel: 01275 836 946 Email: [email protected] of golf at Ashton Court Estate - Quote LOVEPARKS1OFF to receive the Ashton Court Estate. and are available for hire through to September 2011. discount during Love Parks Week. Offer valid from Saturday, 23 to Don’t forget, Ashton Court Estate has lots for all the family to see Over 400 deckchairs will be available for hire across six parks - Key to icons Sunday, 31 July 2011. Terms and conditions apply. and do, including the miniature railway and deer parks, so why not Canford Park, Castle Park, College Green, Oldbury Court Estate, Toilet facilities Dogs welcome Horse riding trails make it a great family day out for everyone? St George’s Park and Queen Square. Diamond Catering, who For more information on Love Parks Week, have refreshment kiosks in the parks, will manage the Disabled toilet Café Play area including details of events happening in www.ashtoncourtgolf.co.uk deckchair hire in partnership with “Get Decked” on behalf of Cycle racks Car parking Baby changing parks during the week, please visit Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS8 3PX. Tel: 0117 973 8508 the city council. Buggy friendly paths Cycle trails Coach parking www.loveparksweek.org.uk www.goplacestoplay.org.uk (Enter the estate through Clifton Lodge situated on the A369 Bristol - Portishead Road.) To find out more visit www.bristol.gov.uk/deckchairs Useful telephone numbers Other event highlights How to find us Oldbury Court Estate s The Downs Westbury-on-Trym s and websites across Bristol’s parks N N Po Frenchay rt Key ish Directions: Located in ea s Blaise Castle House Museum Pride 2011 d ge Bus stop Ashton Court Estate rid northwest Bristol.