Brandon Hill

Si vous souhaitez croiser les fameux petits écureuils anglais, c’est ici qu’il faut vous rendre !
Ça, et l’espace verdoyant proposé, très grand et reposant. L’autre grand plus est la vue impressionnante de la ville quand vous monter tout en haut de la Cabot Tower ! A faire des le premier jour pour avoir le soufflé coupé.

I love this place. It’s central, pretty, it’s got the tower and has great views.
A lovely place for a date!

This is a very concealed park, despite it being quite large, and having a beautiful tower at the top of it! Seemingly only known by the locals, I feel there should be more signs towards it so the tourists can find it easier, as it really is a park not to be missed when visiting Bristol.
The park is a big hill that gets higher and higher till you get to the top, which is where Cabot Tower is. Perfect for summer barbeques, leisurely walks, or sitting on one of the benches staring out into the amazing view. You can see for miles out, on a clear day.
It is a wonderful park that everyone should visit at least once, and after that once, I’m pretty sure you’ll keep coming back!

You completely would not expect this little grassy knowle to be there but it is a much welcome addition to the urban landscape. Tucked behind the grand and terrific St George’s Hall, off Park Street, the grassy area is teaming with office workers and students on a hot day and with young boozers and couples enjoying a romantic walk on warm summer evenings. However, as with all open spaces, especially in cities, it can have its darker side. There have been a few reports of sexual and violent attacks in the area but thankfully these are few and far between. It is also home to the distinctive Cabot Tower, a must see in Bristol.

This is one of the most fantastic green lungs in Bristol’s ample bosom. I only discovered it a couple of years ago having often wondered what that tower on the horizon was. Then when we finally decided to find out I was totally awestruck by the incredible views. Brandon Hill is really steep but the rolling hills make for a lovely place to park yourself on a sunny day and read a book, entwine with a lover or enjoy a picnic. You can also look out over this fabulous city and marvel at how beautiful it is. The hill is dominated by Cabot tower which has been closed and covered with scaffolding for some months. It’s hoped the restoration has been hurried along by a concerted Evening Post campaign. The squirrels round here are also really friendly and eat out of your hand.

A five minute (uphill) walk into Brandon Hill and you will forget that you are in the heart of the city. By far and away one of Bristol’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, Brandon Hill is a delightful place to come for a leisurely lunch or a weekend picnic.
If lounging around on the grass isn’t your thing then you can climb the steep steps of Cabot Tower, that sits at the top of the hill. From here you can see across the whole of Bristol. A word of advice though, it my look quite small, but there are a hundred or so steep and narrow steps rotating around the tower and there is only room to move in single file to go up or down at anyone time. If heights or confined spaces don’t do it for you then steer clear.
If you have small children then you can take them to the enclosed play area towards the far end of the park. This is the only real flat area in the park so it can get popular with people looking to have a kick around or play Frisbee. If all the hill walking feels like hard work then you can reward yourself with an ice cream as there is usually a van parked on the tarmac area by the benches throughout the summer months.

Brandon Hill is a lovely little park bringing a leafy corner to this part of Bristol, not far from Park Street (off to the left, as you’re climbing uphill).
The well-​kept park is on a steep slope, with ponds and tarmac pathways, so while it’s not ideal for playing football it’s a great place for a stroll or a spot of sunbathing, with far-​reaching views over the south of the city, including the docks and the floating harbour.
Cabot Tower, a landmark monument at the heart of the park, is currently closed because the structure has been deemed unsafe — although I’ve heard rumours it’s likely to be opening again in the near future. If it does, it’s well worth the climb up hundreds of steps to the top, where you get a fantastic view of Bristol.
Just on the edge of the park you’ll also find one of Bristol’s best music venues, St George’s Hall, which has a calendar of concerts covering jazz, classical and world music.

For quick lunch breaks, lazy afternoons, nighttime forays or morning strolls, Brandon Hill is always worth a visit. Its city centre location makes it a welcome green lung in an otherwise heavily urbanised part of town and its hillside vantage point offers up some of the best views of the city.
From the coloured houses of Totterdown, to countryside hills in the distance, to pretty Clifton village or Cabot tower itself, Brandon Hill takes in a panoramic sweep of a lot of the best of Bristol.
The park is also extremely well kept, with a pleasant pond and stream area, fringed by a multitude of flowers and blossoming trees. Unlike so many inner-​city green spaces, it’s actually very, very pleasant.
It never seems to be ridiculously busy either, even in the height of summer, and when the barbeques start grilling and the kids bring out their soundsystems, Brandon Hill is one of the most atmospheric places to be in town.

The park that surrounds the Cabot tower is in danger of drawing more people than the actual tower. The grounds are plush and well kept, something that you rarely find in public parks. It is a great place to take young children learning to cycle, all the roads are covered in tarmac, I wouldn’t however recommend it for a kick about, the hill is not very receptive to ball games. It is a beautiful place to go throughout the year, but a particular favourite of mine when the blossom starts falling off the trees creating a carpet over the grass. This is complimented by the stunning views and the tower perched atop the hill.

Brandon Hill is a park right in the heart of the city centre between Jacobs Wells Road and Park Street, and so I’ve heard, is one of the oldest parks in the country. I can believe this because nobody in their right mind would plan to clear a space for a park here today. The reason I say this is because the «Hill» part of Brandon Hill is steep. Very, very steep. If you’re a little infirm or a bit lazy you’ll probably find it a bit of a nightmare.
That said, it has absolutely amazing views of the south of the city which is worth the effort. Unfortunately, being the south of the city there isn’t a great deal to look at except the old tobacco factories, but hey, you can’t have everything.
The park itself has a lot of character as there are various things to do, such as climb Cabot Tower (when it’s open), play on the basketball court, have a look at the butterfly enclosure or simply lay down on one of the grassy slopes and have a nap. Something I did during my lunch break in the summer and was late back to the office.

This is another ideally situated park in central Bristol, hiding behind Park Street (on the left if you are heading up). It’s a pretty steep climb to the top, but the view is definitely worth it (save looking over your shoulder til you’re right to the top!). Up there, you can see across the South of the city, most prominently the tobacco buildings as well as the landmark coloured houses on the opposite hill. For any Skins fans out there, the top of Brandon Hill is also where Carrie (series 1 & 2) spins around on a bench after taking goodness knows what — you’d know what I mean if you’ve seen it…
Also in the Park are two great buildings; Cabot Tower, which I hear is open sometimes, but have never actually seen open, and ST George’s Hall, one of the smaller music venues in Bristol, showing all sorts of Classical and World music.

To brush off the cobwebs and fill your lungs with (relatively) fresh air on a Sunday afternoon head up to Brandon Hill with the kids/​dog/​partner/​friend/​on your own (delete as appropriate). Two hectares of nature, greenary, ponds and some darn impressive views, right in the middle of the concrete and stone of Clifton.
Cabot Tower isn’t often open now — so check their website for when they’re planning to open this week. If it’s really bad weather or windy they also tend to keep it closed.
The nature reserve areas are enchanting, there’s even a butterfly garden, which in spring and summer comes alive with the winged critters — aahhh.

Brandon Hill is a patch of greenery between Jacobs Wells Road and Park Street. A blessing for Bristol it has got a little bit of everything. At the peak is Cabot Tower, for your dose of history. This is free to enter and well worth the climb for the incredible views of Bristol. Although you only have to get half way up the hill to see South Bristol spread out before you like a tablecloth — an doable climb even if you’re not the fittest of people.
As well as getting an education, you can have some fun and experience a bit of a nature. There’s a children’s play area and a basketball hoop (which are few and far between in Bristol). There’s usually someone on the basketball court and I’ve had a few good games, mostly with students. The only downside is that the courts very small, and you’ll often find yourself losing your ball in the buses down the side.
Nature comes courtesy of various little reserves that have been set up. They’ve got a little pond that’s chock-​a-​block with frogs spawn in the spring. I think it’s a sight of special scientific interest for something or other too, but I’m afraid exactly what escapes me at the moment. Either way, it’s nice to have something really wild right in the centre of the city.

Brandon Hill is a gem of a park right in the city centre between Jacob Wells Road and Park St and is thought to be one of the oldest parks in the country!
It has absolutely amazing views of the south of the city which are even better if you climb up the quirky Cabot Tower. It’s a great place to go for a picnic especially in the summer as there are loads of places to sit and it is nice and peaceful.
There is also a wildlife area with wildflowers and a pond and a children’s play area. The park also has a huge number of squirrels running around.

Perhaps it’s just me. but I always forget this park exists. I only ever go to Park Street for shopping purposes and really should remember that Brandon Hill Park is a great place to spend some time, whether just lazing about on the grass chatting to friends or hiking up the spiralling steps of Cabot Tower to look across the city to every direction possiblea definite must-​see for people living in, and visiting Bristol.

A lovely hilly expanse of green space right in the heart of Bristol city. The views from the top are gorgeous and look out across the city with an even better view from the top of Cabot Tower. There are benches everywhere to sit on and enjoy the peace or you can just plonk youtself down and watch the squirrels bounce around. Overall, a lovely place to enjoy a sunny afternoon.

Close to Park Street, Brandon Hill is a great place for students and families alike to relax in the sun or go for a chilly walk along the beautifully landscaped paths across the top of the hill. The squirrels are extremely tame, so don’t be alarmed if they get up close and personal to ask for a bit of your ice cream cone.
One of the best parts about Brandon Hill is undoubtedly Cabot Tower, which was built in memory of John Cabot for discovering Newfoundland 400 years earlier in 1497. The same structure was also built at the same time in Newfoundland for the same reason. History lesson aside though — its bloody brilliant from the top! Despite being very cold and windy, the view is fantastic and gives a great lookout point to all of Bristols best points, including Saint Mary Redcliffe, the bridge, the downs, and the Avon river winding through Bristol. Its a perfect photo opportunity.
If you fancy a peaceful scenic stroll, or a bit of a break from bustling park street, then this is the perfect place to go.

Squirrel filled and peaceful, Brandon Hill is the best park in the city. Wether you want to sunbathe, sit or snooze, have lunch, play basketball or watch fireworks, this is the place to plonk yourself. Check out the tower during the day, where you can get some totally brilliant free views of Bristol.
Video link:

I think it’s a testimony to how great and beautiful a city Bristol is that there are so many parks and green spaces right in the heart of town. Brandon Park is just behind Park Street, you walk from the hustle ad bustle of park street and bang you’re in Brandon Park. It’s a hilly green space that is very popular for barbeques in the summer and a bit of outside drinking so it can get a bit dirty and rowdy later on.

I see there are a few reviews about Brandon Hill already, so clearly this is a favourite.
But no one has talked about how great this place is at night. Just a staggering distance from Park Street’s bars and clubs, it is great for some quiet, fresh air. Escape the street lights to see the stars and city-​by-​night views, but watch out for the gargoyles, they are a bit scary in the shadows!
There is a stream running through the landscaped gardens and we have a great memory, racing paper boats down this one happy evening.

Brandon hill is my favourite park because of the gorgeous near-​panoramic views, benches (so you can enjoy the views without getting sore feet), and a small playground… with swings (if you get bored of the views). Apparently its 260 feet above the Harbourside, and if you climb Cabot Tower then you will get an even better view. Cabot Tower was built as a celebration for the 400^th year anniversary of John Cabot discovering North America after having set sail from Bristol.
If you don’t believe me about how pretty it is, all you need to do is check out these photos —

p. s. I’ve been told that there is still a sign at Brandon Hill somewhere that says you’re allowed to beat your carpet there! If anyone knows where it is, please let me know! :)