# data[].attributes.headline
Cycling trails recommended by the family cycle centre.

# data[].attributes.subject
Cycling trails recommended by the family cycle centre.

# data[].attributes.body
The harbour loop and festival way to Ashton Court are particularly good for kids and can be combined with having a go on the pumptrack under Brunel way. Use the link to plan and download routes. And post lockdown, visit the family cycle centre when it's open again.

# data[].attributes.body
Free pdf trails for Southville, Clifton, St Werburghs and Blaise.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Getting the kids outside during lockdown - download your free activity pack

# data[].attributes.headline
Join the National Star Count until 14th Feb

# data[].attributes.subject
Join the National Star Count until 14th Feb

# data[].attributes.body
Look up from your window or head to a local green space after dark and count the stars around Orion to help with the national survey. Why not take some hot choc and turn it into a night hike adventure?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Kids across the UK are being asked to help CPRE, the countryside charity, with their massive Star Count.

It is taking place between 6-14 February and anybody can take part, even if it's just from their garden or window.

The CPRE are working with the British Astronomical Association's Commission for Dark Skies.

It is hoped that recording what we see in our night skies will reveal indications of light pollution levels across the country.

The data collected will be compared to information gathered in the 2020 Star Count, to see whether lockdown had an impact too.

Last year's Star Count found that 61% of participants live with severe light pollution.

How to get involved

CPRE want the number of stars in the Orion constellation to be counted.

Step 1: Look south in the night sky and find the Orion constellation

Step 2: Count the number of stars you see in the rectangle formed by the four stars

Step 3: Do not count the corner stars, but you can count the belt

Step 4: Submit your findings to the CPRE

Why is light pollution a problem?

Light pollution means many people only experience a limited view of the night sky. Too much light at night, can affect our wellbeing, sleep and overall health.

It can also cause problems for wildlife, changing the behaviour of nocturnal animals, for example.

Another study found that artificial light is also a threat to crop pollination - an important part of growing food - because insects get confused by the light at night, when they would normally help to pollinate plants.

It could even affect the seasons. Scientific research has shown that trees, in more brightly lit areas, open their buds up to a week earlier than trees in areas with darker skies.

By showing where views are most affected by light pollution, CPRE hope to use this evidence to lobby the government to protect the nation's dark skies.

Getty Images

"A starry night sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting us to the nature we all love and the wonders of the wider universe. Dark skies are also crucial for our health and for that of wildlife. Lockdown and the coronavirus have reminded us about how good for us the countryside can be," said Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE.

"But many places suffer from light pollution, bleaching out the night sky. We want to change this. By taking part in Star Count, people will be helping us to lobby the government for more protection of this too often overlooked, but vital, part of our countryside."

Bob Mizon, UK coordinator, British Astronomical Association's Commission for Dark Skies, said:

"Turning back the tide of light pollution brings darker night skies and improvements to the well being of humans, wildlife and the environment.

"The CPRE Star Count is an important part of this work, especially in these abnormal times when we have a chance to see whether changes in our activities are having any positive effect on the atmosphere and our view of the night sky."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Environment: Kids needed to help with giant 'Star Count' - CBBC Newsround

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids across the UK are being asked to help CPRE, the countryside charity, with their massive Star Count. It is taking place between 6-14 February and anybody can take part, even if it's just from their garden or window. The CPRE are working with the British Astronomical Association's Commission for Dark Skies.

# data[].attributes.body
Ashton Court Circular is a 10.3 kilometer loop trail located near Bristol. Beautiful woods for walking and cycling. Please visit for more details:https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/bristol/ashton-court

# data[].attributes.body
Use the free triffids website to identify the trees in your local park.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore and learn about trees, parks and green spaces in Bristol

# data[].attributes.body
Take a couple of ping pong bats and balls for a walk to one of the City's free table tennis tables. Click the link below for a list and map of locations - there are more than you think. There are also a couple at the top of Royal Fort Gardens which don't seem to be listed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We have several permanent ping pong tables in our parks as part of Ping! Bristol. All are free to use when the park is open, just bring along bats and balls.

Find a table

View the map of Ping! Bristol tables or use this list:

Canford Park, Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3PQ (two tables)

Dame Emily Park, Dean Lane, Bedminster, BS3 1BS (one table)

Eastville Park, Fishponds Road, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6XA (two tables)

Gaunts Ham Park, Lincoln Street, Lawrence Hill, BS5 0DL (one table)

Greville Smyth Park, Frayne Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1RU (one table)

Hillfields Park, Thicket Avenue, Hillfields, Bristol BS16 4EH (one table)

Montpelier Park, St Andrews Road, Montpelier, BS6 5EH (one table)

Netham Park and Pavillion, Avonvale Road, Redfield, Bristol BS5 9RN (one table)

Owen Square Park, Owen Street, Easton, Bristol BS5 6AF (one table)

Redcatch Park, Redcatch Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 2EX (one table)

St Agnes Park, Thomas Street, St. Paul's, BS2 9QJ (one table)

St Andrews Park, Effingham Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS6 5AZ (one table)

St George Park, Church Road, St George, BS5 8AA (two tables)

The Bear Pit, Lower Square, St James Barton Roundabout, BS1 3LT (one table)

The Dings Park, Oxford Street, St Philips, Bristol BS2 0QN (one table)

Victoria Park, Hill Avenue, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4RZ (two tables)

Using the tables

You don't need to book to play. The ping pong tables are available for you to use all year round; just bring along your bat and balls. Some community venues, cafes and play rangers can lend you equipment.

How do I report a broken ping pong table?

If a table has been vandalised or broken, email pingbristol@bristol.gov.uk.

About Ping! Bristol

The Ping! Bristol programme is run by the county sports partnership, Wesport. To find out more about Ping! Bristol, email pingbristol@bristol.gov.uk.

Table tennis clubs

There are local table tennis clubs if you want to play competitively or get coaching:

Bristol has a large social table tennis scene with a ping pong parlour and a business challenge called The Battle Of The Paddle .

You can also play ping pong at several bars:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have several permanent ping pong tables in our parks as part of Ping! Bristol. All are free to use when the park is open, just bring along bats and balls. View the map of Ping!

# data[].attributes.body
Try out one of the City's skateboarding and scooting parks. The one in St George's Park has several gentle slopes for beginners  and those with medium skills.
Find a park in the link below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This website uses cookies. To learn more about our cookie policy please click here. OK

The Skateparks Project has created this guide to Bristol skateparks with information about every purpose built skate spot in Bristol. Local skaters have provided us with local knowledge allowing you to search and browse park details, locations, photos & other useful information about every skatepark in Bristol.

8 active skateparks found in Bristol

Graveyard

The graveyard is for skateparks that have been permanently closed. Some of our information may be from unconfirmed sources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bristol Skateparks - Guide to Skateparks in Bristol

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Skateparks Project has created this guide to Bristol skateparks with information about every purpose built skate spot in Bristol. Local skaters have provided us with local knowledge allowing you to search and browse park details, locations, photos & other useful information about every skatepark in Bristol.

# data[].attributes.headline
Bishop Road school bell mystery trail (£5)

# data[].attributes.subject
Bishop Road school bell mystery trail (£5)

# data[].attributes.body
Bishop Road PTFA has created a mystery trail where kids find clues to track down the school bell thief. Probably more for those with older siblings to entertain as well as EYFS kids, because it mostly assumes you can read.  https://ptfa.bishoproad.bristol.sch.uk/shop/

# data[].attributes.body
They can be found at the BT tower/gun battery on purdown. There are currently 5 goats in the gun battery. Please check out their website and follow the instructions on the signs. You can access purdown from lots of locations along Romney Avenue in Lockleaze and then just head for the big BT tower.

https://www.streetgoat.co.uk/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In goats we trust.

Street Goat's mission is to develop a network of community projects in which local people collectively manage and care for livestock in urban areas, to produce milk, fibre and meat. Street Goat aims to increase access to sustainable and healthy animal food products reared locally on overgrown urban land, in turn helping to bring land back into production for horticultural use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Street Goat's mission is to develop a network of community projects in which local people collectively manage and care for livestock in urban areas, to produce milk, fibre and meat. Street Goat aims to increase access to sustainable and healthy animal food products reared locally on overgrown urban land, in turn helping to bring land back into production for horticultural use.

# data[].attributes.headline
Feed the Swans and other birds on Eastville pond.

# data[].attributes.subject
Feed the Swans and other birds on Eastville pond.

# data[].attributes.body
Bags of bird seed / feed can be found in Baryahs, or at the top of Everest Road.

# data[].attributes.body
Extended through all of February. Pictures of different species of birds have been put around Gainsborough Square and Purdown. See how many you can find!

# data[].attributes.body
See if you can find some of our rarest post boxes!  There are only about 130 of the Edward VIII ones in the country and less of the Edward VII. See if you can spot all of these in Bristol while out on your walks.

# data[].attributes.body
The children at St Anne's Infants' School in Brislington are creating a neighbourhood trail to spread a little love and happiness for half term. Take a walk around the area and see how many hearts you can find!

# data[].attributes.headline
Bristol Barkers. Great way to find new dog walks in and around Bristol. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Bristol Barkers. Great way to find new dog walks in and around Bristol. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Top Bristol dog walks

Check out our current favourite dog walks in Bristol & the South-West!

Keep updated

Become a friend of Bristol Barkers and receive the latest walks and news

Top Bristol dog friendly

Explore dog friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bristol Barkers - Best Bristol dog walks & dog friendly places

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out our current favourite dog walks in Bristol & the South-West! Become a friend of Bristol Barkers and receive the latest walks and news Explore dog friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants...

# data[].attributes.body
Daisy is Bristol's own pint sized cyclist who teaches cycling tricks via her instagram page @kids_biketricks Learn how to tackle some simple cycling tricks by following her videos.

# data[].attributes.headline
Imagine what it was like to be an orphan living in a Muller Orphanage

# data[].attributes.subject
Imagine what it was like to be an orphan living in a Muller Orphanage

# data[].attributes.body
The Muller Museum offers free virtual visits during lockdown for schools and may also do so for families during half term.  Please visit https://www.mullers.org/museum to find out more. Walk up to the orphanage sites marked in the booklet to see just how big they were.

# data[].attributes.body
Seamills is one of Bristol's garden suburbs and is also home to it's smallest museum which is housed inside an old phone box (which you can peer at for now but not go inside). You can take a self guided walk which shows you why its such a special part of the city.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During COVID-19 Lockdown this walk is accompanied by A4 signs attached to lamp posts on the route. (PLEASE NOTE that the temporary signage has been in place since April and some of it is now missing - please take this online version of the walk with you to enjoy the walk). Please enjoy while socially distancing or browse this online version. We will be adding links to more information on this website as we compile it.

Devised by Melanie Kelly for the Homes for Heroes Book of Walks.
Published by Bristol Cultural Development Partnership

This walk will take you around one of the country's finest municipal garden suburbs, one that was praised by John Betjeman in a 1937 radio broadcast for its 'vistas of trees and fields and pleasant cottages'.

Among the characteristics of garden suburbs to be found in Sea Mills are: a planned layout of low-density housing and clearly defined streets; houses coherently grouped in symmetrical pairs with occasional short terraces to add variety; generous rear gardens and spaces between properties to maximise access to sunlight and circulating air; a pleasant green setting and attractive outlooks; tree-lined streets and deep grass verges with houses set well back from the road; and provision of allotments, recreational areas, shops, schools, places of worship and a library. Sea Mills was designated a Conservation Area in February 1981.

Western Daily Press 5th June 1919

Bristol's earliest garden suburb was at Shirehampton. It was set up by the Bristol Garden Suburb Company Limited before the First World War. The company was founded by Elizabeth Sturge, a pioneer in education for women; her nephew Frederick Allen Sturge Goodbody; and Eliza Walker Dunbar, one of the first female physicians in the UK. They had been inspired by a visit to Bristol by Ebenezer Howard, one of the early leaders of the garden city movement. George Oatley was appointed the company's architect and in 1909 land was purchased for the building of the estate from Philip Napier Miles, the biggest landowner in the north-west of the city. The project faced financial difficulties. Only 44 cottages for rent had been built by the time war broke out and the scheme was never completed. Napier Miles was a keen supporter of garden suburbs and would go on to be an important figure in the development of Sea Mills.

This walk can be enjoyed online by selecting the links above or as a physical walk. The virtual tour below is by way of an experiment which does not include all the information from the walk, it will be added to as we can but we thought those of you unable to get out at the moment might enjoy trying it.
view tour in sep arate window

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A walk around Sea Mills Garden Suburb - Sea Mills 100 Museum

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
During COVID-19 Lockdown this walk is accompanied by A4 signs attached to lamp posts on the route. (PLEASE NOTE that the temporary signage has been in place since April and some of it is now missing - please take this online version of the walk with you to enjoy the walk).

# data[].attributes.body
Borrowmydoggie is a website that costs £13 per year to join. You need 3 references and then you can connect up with dog owners who would like their dogs walked.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
BorrowMyDoggy connects dog owners with trusted local people who would love to look after their dog. We make it easy to arrange walks, playtime, overnight stays or holidays. Our aim is to help dog owners when they need it, give dogs more exercise and playtime and to allow people without a dog to spend quality time with one. We call it a win-win (or a woof-woof) situation for everyone involved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
BorrowMyDoggy is the best alternative to kennels, connecting dog owners with trusted local dog sitters and walkers across the UK to share the care of a dog.

# data[].attributes.body
Chalk an exercise course along your street. Include hopscotch, a long jump, a balance line etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Set out from your front door and roll a dice/flip a coin to decide if you turn left or right. A dice gives you extra options like hop to the next lamppost, eat a snack, say hello to the next person you meet, turn around etc

# data[].attributes.body
There are various trails you can complete around Bristol and surrounding areas.
These are designed specifically for kids, and vary in length etc.
Learn about the local area / history whilst getting out as a family.
Download & print or order packs online! https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the UK with one of 1,000 different Murder Mystery, Treasure Hunt or Spy Mission themed self-guided Treasure Trails; great fun for the whole family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are your children always collecting sticks on your walks? We love outdoor activities for children like walking and nature crafts. My children are forever collecting sticks. Sticks have to be the ultimate toy or craft material. Children love them. I love how children's imaginations come to life with a simple stick. I might not make it to 100 things to do with sticks but I'm going to share lots of ideas for the humble stick.

Ad - This post contains affiliate links. These are marked with *. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through the links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Things to do on a walk with sticks

My kids love collecting sticks on walks. They're one of our favourite things to collect on a nature walk. It always keeps them happy. There are so many things you can do with sticks on a walk. Here's a few ideas to get you started.

Play pooh sticks

Do you remember playing pooh sticks as a child? All you need is a stick each and a bridge over a flowing river or stream. Simply all throw your sticks in at the same time, on the side of the bridge where the water is flowing away from you, run to the other side and see whose stick comes through first. Sounds simple but kids love it. Just watch their competitive or investigative side come out. What kind of stick goes fastest? Is it better in the middle or near the sides of the stream?

Make art on the floor

Collect some sticks, fallen leaves and other natural loose parts and create art on the floor. Perhaps you'll make a beautiful mandala or a simple pattern or even a picture. Find some summer art activities to try here.

Create a stick maze

Lay sticks on the ground to create the pattern of a maze. If you create it large enough you could challenge someone to walk through it or perhaps just roll a conker through a smaller maze.

This is one of our favourite winter activities for kids.

Make a journey stick

My girls love creating journey sticks. They're really fun to create on walks. They are a collection of natural things that your child finds on your walk. Anything from leaves, feathers and wildflowers.

There are different ways to do it depending on the age of your child. The simplest way is to take some tape to stick things to a stick. For older children, take some wool or * garden twine and tie the bits of nature to your stick.

Find step-by-step instructions for two easy ways to create a journey stick here.

Play fetch

Perfect if you have a dog but my kids actually like to pretend to be dogs and play this sometimes too.

Make a stick den

My girls love finding stick dens on walks. Why not create your own though? One large enough for your child is not always possible but how about creating a small one for a toy? Find out how to build a den with sticks here.

Find more fun forest school activities here.

Measure how deep a puddle is

Try guessing how deep a puddle is and then use a stick to measure. You don't need to take a ruler to measure exactly but it's a great maths activity for preschool and primary school if you do.

Nature crafts to do with sticks

My children love creating as much as they love being outdoors so we love to combine the two. Nature crafts are also perfect for bringing nature inside when the weather is really bad.

You can do many of these crafts out and about if you have a few basic supplies with you. These are the supplies we love:

You might choose to collect the sticks on your walk and do the crafting at home. In this case you need a * children's treasure collecting bag. My kids love collecting nature on our walks.

Create wool-wrapped sticks

A really simple nature craft is to tie a piece of wool to a stick and tightly wrap it around the stick and then tie off at the other end. You could do them all one colour or change colours to make a pattern.

Make a DIY pom pom and stick mobile

Use the wool-wrapped stick you made above and some pom poms and you can create your own diy pom pom and stick mobile.

We have a set of these * pom pom makers that make creating pom poms a breeze.

Create a nature loom weaving

Make a frame using four sticks and some garden twine, string or wool which you use to bind the corner together. Once you have your frame tie a piece of wool to the frame and wrap it around the frame from one side to the other side. Then simply fill it full of nature such as leaves, long grass and flowers. This is one of many Forest school activities for 2 year olds.

Make a bow and arrow

For this, you will need a flexible stick for the bow and a shorter, straight stick for the arrow. Start by making the bow by securely tying some wool to one end, bending the stick into an arc and tying the string at the other end. You can decorate your stick with feathers, wool and washi tape. As well as using cardboard to make a point for your arrow.

Make flags

Sticks are perfect for making flags. The ones below are triangles of decorated paper, attached with * masking tape. So simple but kids will love making them, displaying them or running around using them as batons in a relay race.

Make a stickman

We love the Julia Donaldson book * Stickman. Why not make your own with sticks bound together with some wool. Perfect for children to use in their own storytelling sessions.

Make a stick wind chime

How about using some painted sticks to make a wind chime for your garden like this one?

Make a god's eye

This is a great craft that uses sticks and wool to make. Find out how to make them here. They're not only fun but they'll use up all those tangled-up wool scraps too.

Make a stick boat

Stick rafts or stick boats are really simple to make and then you can take them outside to float them in a puddle, stream or even the seashore.

Make a wand

There are many different ways to make a wand. The one below is made with flowers and leaves tied to the stick, a real flower fairy wand. We've also made them with ribbons, beads and pipe cleaners.

Use them in a bug hotel

This is a really simple bug hotel to make. Simply thread a length of string through an empty kitchen roll tube and tie the ends together to make a loop. Then fill the tube with sticks. You could also do the same with a plastic bottle with each end cut off to make a more weatherproof and permanent bug hotel.

Use them with clay to make creatures

Air-dry clay is a great art material to combine with nature. Sometimes my kids will make creatures like this cute little hedgehog. Short sticks are great for spikes but also legs and arms in other creatures. Find * air dry clay here.

Decorate them

Why not wrap * pipe cleaners around sticks? you could even add beads to some of the pipe cleaners. A great fine motor activity.

Paint them

Washable * poster paints are great for worry-free painting with young children. For older children, acrylic paints will give more vibrant colours. I love these * acrylic paints for kids (UK only).

You could even decorate your sticks further with pipe cleaners and beads once dry.

Make a nest

Use sticks, moss, straw and anything else you can find that is suitable to make mini bird nests.

Make a stick picture frame

Create a really simple frame using 4 sticks bound together as we did for the nature loom above.

Make nature paint brushes

Painting with nature is so much fun. In the autumn we love painting with leaves and conkers (see my post on autumn process art for more details). Nature paint brushes can be made all year round with anything you find. Think fallen leaves, dandelions, feathers and moss. Simply tie your chosen natural material to a stick. Then give your child the nature paintbrushes, some paint and paper and watch them explore the different marks each brush creates.

Find more Easy nature art for kids here.

Try whittling

This is something I'm keen to try with my kids but we never quite get around to it. Here is a great book full of tips and projects - find my Forest craft review here.

Find a beginners * whittling kit here (UK)

Make a stick butterfly

This is a really simple to create stick butterfly craft with kids. All you need are sticks, coffee filter paper, felt tips and pipetts. How beautiful are they?

Other things to do with sticks

Use them to do outdoor maths

Sticks can be used with other natural loose parts in all sorts of maths activities for all ages. Preschoolers can count them or arrange them in size order. Primary school kids can use them as 10's and stones, leaves or shells as 1's to help them solve maths questions. For more ideas for taking maths outdoors, I love this book * Messy maths.

Use them to write letters

Can you write the whole alphabet using sticks and other nature?

Stir a mud pie

No explanation is necessary. Kids love mud.

Make a campfire

Toasting marshmallows over a fire has to be one of the highlights of forest school sessions for my kids. Pictured below is a * Kelly kettle.

Make sure you pack a * fire steel and these * kneeling mats are lightweight and great for kneeling on damp grass.

Pretend it's a broomstick

I'm sure your kids will come up with even more things to pretend the stick is. Tell me your favourite stick activity in the comments.

Where to next?

Leaves are another great natural material to use in activities. Find loads of autumn leaves activities for toddlers here.

Find more ideas for outdoor activities for toddlers here.

If you're particularly looking for outdoor activities, then you need Autumn outdoor activities for kids

I know how difficult it can be to keep kids happy on a walk. I've got you covered with 25 things to do on a walk with kids.

Do you want even more ideas for things to do outside with kids?

Perhaps you need ideas for things to do outside at home? There are so many things you can do in your garden, driveway or even a small balcony.

Find my favourite inspiring outdoor play quotes here.
Pin for later:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
30 fun things to do with sticks. Ideas for kids activities using sticks including things to do on a walk, nature crafts, garden activities and more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Explore the Bristol "Know your place" website 

# data[].attributes.subject
Explore the Bristol "Know your place" website 

# data[].attributes.body
See what your street used to look like - or visit another part of the city and compare it with photos of Bristol just after WWII or before. Watch the vid to see how to get the most out of the map. Then follow the link through to the city council's official website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Enjoy a virtual tour of Know Your Place Bristol led by Peter Insole of the Urban Design Team, Bristol City Council.

Find out more about the resources and tools on Know Your Place and how to get the best out of them, in the following section:

Getting started

Learn the Basics to get you started exploring Know Your Place.

Click on the sections below to get a step-by-step guide to using Know Your Place on your PC or laptop.

Sharing resources

Learn more advanced tips to get you started sharing your research on Know Your Place.

Click on the sections below to get a step-by-step guide to using Know Your Place on your PC or laptop.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enjoy a virtual tour of Know Your Place Bristol led by Peter Insole of the Urban Design Team, Bristol City Council. Find out more about the resources and tools on Know Your Place and how to get the best out of them, in the following section: Learn the Basics to get you started exploring Know Your Place.

# data[].attributes.body
Read the free ebook story "The Bristol Giants and the Severn Seas, then ride your bike along the seafront at Severn Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bristol Giants! If you haven't read a copy of the original story of the Bristol Giants, then it's well worth purchasing a copy and then seeking out some of the landmarks in Bristol named after them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Description

It was night time...a Giant's favourite time for a bath.
Ghyston, the Bristol Giant, is back and heading to the Severn Estuary for his bath with clear instructions from Princess Avona to wash that filthy beard.

Join him as he sings songs and plays Pirates with his old friend Greygull and four other friendly fishing boats.

Might Goram be back too? Download a free copy of the book to find out!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Bristol Giants & the Severn Seas - The Bristol Giants

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It was night time...a Giant's favourite time for a bath. Ghyston, the Bristol Giant, is back and heading to the Severn Estuary for his bath with clear instructions from Princess Avona to wash that filthy beard. Join him as he sings songs and plays Pirates with his old friend Greygull and four other friendly fishing [...]

# data[].attributes.body
Join this hugely popular game in Bristol. Ask on the Pokemon GO Bristol facebook page for advice from the experts. The attached article gives a brief explanation of the game and some good pokestops and gyms in the city.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Psst! This blog post might have affiliate links in it, which earn us a small amount of commission if you buy or book something through them - at no extra cost to you.

I'm actually a daily player myself in my quest to "catch 'em all"!

If you're one of those hundred million and plan on visiting Bristol soon, (or you're a local), then here is a guide to all things Pokémon Go in Bristol... enjoy!

For those of you who may have stumbled across this blog post by mistake or for those of you who want to learn more about the addictive game your children are playing, I'll quickly recap on what Pokémon Go actually is.

The premise of the game is pretty simple - you've got to walk around your city or out in the countryside looking for wild Pokémon with a goal to collect all of the available Pokémon species across four generations.

It uses your phone's GPS to place your virtual character on a map at your exact location.

Along the way, you can do other things too like visit Pokéstops, power up your captured pokemon, battle in gyms or raids and hatch eggs. But we'll come to all of that shortly.

For now, the main thing you need to know about Pokémon Go in relation to travel, is that it's a great game to help you get to know a new city or area. Pokéstops and Pokégyms are the main reasons why...

Spotted in #Bristol - enterprising Bedminster business has put a sign above a Pokéstop... #pokemongo pic.twitter.com/5B3YP7uwnC

- Cursed (@Winskillfull) August 8, 2016

A Pokéstop is a very important aspect of the game.

They allow you to collect balls with which to catch Pokémon, as well as fruit to make catching them easier and potions to help revive Pokémon you've battled in gyms with.

NB: If you're interested in levelling up quickly, you should make it your goal to visit at least one Pokéstop per day - you'll get a great bonus on the 7th day!

Generally speaking, Pokéstops are places of interest and landmarks within cities and neighbourhoods such as commemorative plaques, interesting statues, historic buildings and pubs or restaurants.

When visiting a new city or area, I'd recommend reading the blurb about each new Pokéstop as it'll often tell you something interesting about what it is you're looking at.

Notable Pokéstops in Bristol

Some of the most notable Pokéstops in Bristol (and therefore, the ones you should add to your visit list) include:

Pokémon Gyms in Bristol

A Pokémon Gym has a few purposes. For one, they act as Pokéstops whereby you can collect all of the items mentioned above.

But you can also battle in gyms and take part in raids in order to raise your character's level and catch legendary or rare Pokémon not commonly found in the wild.

Notable Pokémon Gyms in Bristol

Some of the most notable Pokémon Gyms in Bristol (and therefore, the ones you should add to your visit list) include:

Plus there's all the gyms (and Pokéstops) that are linked to street art and murals.

One of the best areas for that is along Stokes Croft, Cheltenham Road and Gloucester Road (you could even combine Pokémon Go with a self-guided Banksy w alking tour if you want!)

Battles at Gyms

For battles, you'll simply select your best suited Pokémon to fight against the Pokémon that are currently 'protecting' the gym.

There could be anything from one to ten Pokémon guarding one gym (based on the gym's level and popularity).

You'll win a battle once you've depleted an opponent's Pokémon's HP (health) to 0 unless all six of your selected Pokémon faint first.

Your team wins control of the gym once you've defeated all of the defending Pokémon.

By keeping your Pokémon on a gym, you'll earn 1 coin every 10 minutes (up to a maximum of 50 per day), which can be spent on various items in the shop to increase your chances of levelling up or for cosmetic changes to your virtual character.

You can increase your chances of keeping your Pokémon on a gym by using Pokémon with a high HP and/or defence level and by putting them on less popular gyms. (This is when you may need to head further out from the city centre!)

Raids & EX-Raids at Gyms

Although raids take place at gyms, they're slightly different from the general battles you can do at any time.

Raids take place at selected gyms, at selected times throughout the day, and they have star ratings attached to them (1 being the easiest, 5 being the hardest).

You have 90 seconds (for Tiers 1-4 raids) and 5 minutes (for Tier 5 raids) to use your best Pokémon to defeat the Pokémon you're up against (by decreasing its HP level to 0).

Once you've won the battle, you'll be able to attempt to catch the Pokémon you've just been battling.

For raids from 3 to 5 stars, you'll need to compete with friends in order to have any chance at winning the raid, but the easier raids are possible to win on your own with your best fighters.

How To Get Raid Friends in Bristol

As mentioned, for harder raids, you'll need to compete with other people in order to have a chance at winning.

Aside from convincing your friends and loved ones to raid with you, there is another surefire way to get raid friends in Bristol.

Most Active Raid Gyms in Bristol

If making friends isn't quite of interest, then another way to up your chances of winning a high-level raid is by going to the most active raid gyms at peak times (such as weekends, evenings and lunchtimes).

This will greatly increase your chances of someone else (or multiple other people) competing in the same raid as you.

Some of the most active raid gyms I've found in Bristol are at Castle Park, Cabot Circus, Queen's Square and the Bristol Children's Hospital.

There's also the opportunity to take part in EX raids. These are one-off raids that you're invited to if you've been particularly active at an EX eligible gym.

In central Bristol, you should make it your mission to battle regularly at these EX eligible gyms:

Current Nest Locations in Bristol

Throughout large cities like Bristol, you'll often find that Pokémon commonly frequent an area. Within the Pokémon Go circle, these are referred to as "nests".

By heading to a known nest area, you'll increase your chances of finding a specific Pokémon... perfect if you're looking to complete your set or evolve a particular species!
I hope this Pokémon Go Bristol guide proves useful! Anything missing? Do you have questions? Leave me a comment below and I'll reply back asap! Did you like this? Find it useful? Why not share it with your fellow Pokémon catchers?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Go Bristol Travel Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Psst! This blog post might have affiliate links in it, which earn us a small amount of commission if you buy or book something through them - at no extra cost to you. I'm actually a daily player myself in my quest to "catch 'em all"!

# data[].attributes.body
There are 6000 odd geo caches to discover in the Bristol area. You do have to sign up for an account, but its free to do so. Then you can join Bristol's biggest treasure hunt and improve your geography skills all at once.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Get the free Official Geocaching app and join the world's largest treasure hunt.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are millions of geocaches worldwide, just waiting for you to find them. There are probably even some within walking distance of where you are right now. Visit Geocaching.com to see just how many geocaches are nearby and to learn how to start finding them.

# data[].attributes.body
The River Frome runs all the way from the Cotswolds to Central Bristol so plenty of spots to choose from.

# data[].attributes.body
Download the app and listen to over 100 Bristolians take you on different tours of the city.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Uncover the city's secrets, guided by a cast of over 100 Bristolians.

Listen to local legends as they guide you on your journey, from ship captains to graffiti artists, historians to craft brewers.

How does it work?
1. The walking tours are suitable for explorers of all ages, and start on the harbour in Bristol. All you need is a smartphone and headphones.

2. Download the app (Search Hidden Bristol) on Google Play or Apple Store

3. Choose your adventure and download the tour before arriving at your destination on a good wifi connection. (You can download on data, but this may use a chunk of your data allowance)

4. Press play and follow the instructions in the app. The tours take between 60 - 90 minutes, depending on your pace, and you can stop whenever you want.

5. Explore!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hidden Bristol: Immersive Audio Walking Tours by App

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Uncover the city's secrets, guided by a cast of over 100 Bristolians. Listen to local legends as they guide you on your journey, from ship captains to graffiti artists, historians to craft brewers. How does it work? 1. The walking tours are suitable for explorers of all ages, and start on the harbour in Bristol.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a link to the sculpture trail
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/32879/Stoke+Park+Trail+Map/287a6cf9-97e3-4ec6-b239-b5a334674b44
This is an activity sheet to do whilst there. https://www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/32879/Stoke+Park+Activity+Sheet/bff7b20f-f1e0-457c-ac64-a21730fc7032

# data[].attributes.body
Have a look at some of the different stories associated with each of the plants in Victoria park, then use map to find them.  Maybe be inspired to make your own fairy trail for your local park.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Inspired by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris's mission to "conjure back the near-lost magic and strangeness of the nature that surrounds us" and to celebrate National Storytelling Week 2021 - my girls and I would like to share an extra special blend of the two things we love most in the world: stories and the outdoors!

'Fairytrails' is designed for everyone - age isn't important - it's all about enjoying the great outdoors and delighting in the sharing of stories! It's totally free and we're hoping that it will help you connect with the wild outside in a new and unique way! This is all about transforming your next walk into more of a mission 'STORY'!

During the week, you'll encounter stories told, read and written down, discover some of the folklore associated with the trees, plants and creatures we see outdoors, pick up some handy natural navigation tips and learn a little bushcraft and plant lore. Who knows - you might even find yourself sharing some spell-binding stories on your next outdoor adventure stood by trees you can now easily identify!

At the end of the week, you can get in touch and tell us all about how it went and which challenges you most enjoyed - and we'll email a certificate of completion over to you with our thanks and some tips for how you might get busy with some more outdoor storying as we head towards spring!

​For Bristol bods, we've created a little outdoor storying route around our local park (Victoria Park, Bristol).

If that's you, then grab our map of Victoria Park (see red box/bottom of page for map), feel free to embellish it with goblins, piskies, witches and the like...and, during the week, we challenge you to visit each of the trees, plants and creatures marked on the map!

If you aren't local to Victoria Park, Bristol - don't panic! You can still do this where you live! You might just need a little extra help from the fab free apps Flora Incognita and The Woodland Trust to check you've got the right trees! We'd love to see the maps you make and some of you might even be brave enough to share them with your local area so others can enjoy an 'outdoor storying' adventure!

1. Start by selecting one of the trees, plants or creatures featured in the challenge (see below). Each outdoor element has its own blog post.

2. Listen to the story we've connected to that tree, plant or creature. This might be read, told or written.

3. Navigate your way to the spot you've chosen / or find somewhere similar in the area you live.

4. Little ones might like to have a go at the outdoor storying activities we've suggested.

5. Bigger'uns / wise ones / grownups might like to check out the articles, podcasts and reading recommendations we've popped into the individual blogs.

This isn't just for kids! Attached to each tree, plant and creature is a little bit of 'natural navigation know-how', plant knowledge, suggested podcasts, associated articles, book recommendations and more stories and activities that you might enjoy! There's just so much to get your teeth into with this outdoor storying lark!

Let us know how you get on and if you feel like creating your own 'Fairytrails' map for your local park or garden we'd love to hear all about it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fairytrails is an exciting outdoor storying project that is all about enjoying the great outdoors and delighting in the sharing of stories! It's totally free and we're hoping that it will help you connect with the wild outside in a new and unique way!

# data[].attributes.body
This is a 5 mile circular route from St Werburghs to Stapleton and back including panoramic views and murky stories.

# data[].attributes.body
This 2.5 buggy/bike/scooter friendly route goes past 30 different sculptures and statues. You could use it to have a discussion about what your children think should go on the now empty plinth where Colston once stood.

# data[].attributes.body
Ashton hill plantation in Failand has some enormous Giant Redwood Trees that would need two people to hug them. Car Park is small, so go early. There's a great circular route which is buggy/bike friendly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ashton Hill offers 148 acres of mixed woodland for you to explore, including a magnificent stand of Californian Redwoods (Sequoia).

Formally part of the nearby Tyntesfield Estate in Wraxall, many of the larger trees in the woodland date back to the 19th century!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ashton Hill offers 148 acres of mixed woodland for you to explore, including a magnificent stand of Californian Redwoods (Sequoia). Formally part of the nearby Tyntesfield Estate in Wraxall, many of the larger trees in the woodland date back to the 19th century!

# data[].attributes.body
Similar to the WOT trail. There are three different coloured routes to choose from.

# data[].attributes.body
If you've never visited the ancient village of Westbury on Trym, you're in for a treat. Download this pdf trail to take you on a tour of the village.

# data[].attributes.body
Click on the butterfly icons on the map to download activity sheets for each location

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to your outdoor guide to East Bristol. This interactive map shows the parks, nature reserves and other green spaces that you can discover and enjoy.

Click your way around the map and find suggestions of activities, notes on the different areas, amazing historical facts and beautiful wildlife knowledge.

There's plenty to explore in East Bristol and to help we've marked suggested quiet routes, between the green spaces, and also the types of pathways to expect.

Let's Explore

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to your outdoor guide to East Bristol. This interactive map shows the parks, nature reserves and other green spaces that you can discover and enjoy. Click your way around the map and find suggestions of activities, notes on the different areas, amazing historical facts and beautiful wildlife knowledge.

# data[].attributes.body
Check the website for detours e.g. around Arnos Vale which is currently closed. http://bssw.org.uk/

# data[].attributes.body
This 90 min city centre tour explores Bristol's links with the slave trade. Print the written guide or download the free app.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1 Guinea Street

On looks alone this appears to be an unassuming street, winding its way from the waterfront. In the summer a beer garden spills out onto the cobbles from the homely looking pub. The scene seems to pose no unusual questions. The stories behind these two places though are at the heart of slavery in Bristol.

Guinea Street, with its row of 5-storey houses, was home to several renowned slave traders. The street's harbour side location was ideal for managing their day to day affairs. More intriguing however is how the street got its name.

Today, Guinea is a country in West Africa. In the early eighteenth century though, Westerners used this name for the whole of Africa's west coast. During this period, the London-based Royal African Company (RAC) held a Royal monopoly to trade with Africa for gold, ivory and enslaved people. The RAC symbol was an elephant with a castle on its back.

The 'Guinea' coin takes its name from the gold brought from the Guinea coast of Africa. Guineas were minted between 1663 and 1813, and some have a small elephant and castle below the Royal head, to show that the gold was from Africa via the RAC. The name of this street is therefore entwined with a region, a country, and coins that were all linked by prolific slave traders.

Now turn to look at the unusually-named Ostrich Inn. The pub was built in 1745, named perhaps for the African bird that Europeans had known since the 13 th century, or a corruption of a nearby area said to be known as Oyster Reach. Its position on the dockside probably made it a place where sailors congregated, making it ideal for the underhand recruiting of crews for slave ships.

2 The Hole in the Wall pub, Queen Square

Bristol harbour has been internationally significant since the thirteenth century, when it started trading with Europe and became the second biggest port after London. Like Liverpool further north, Bristol's west coast location made it a hub for boat building. By the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Bristol was one of England's most prolific ports.

Its size and its location encouraged the city's involvement in the 'triangular trade'. The 'slave triangle' saw enslaved men, women and children traded between three destinations - West Africa, the Americas and Europe. Very few enslaved Africans were brought ashore into Britain. Instead they were shipped from Africa to America and forced to work on extensive plantations across the Caribbean.

Bristol ships transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic in filthy and brutal conditions. People taken against their will from their homelands were packed on-board like sardines, shackled together for hours on end, lying in their own faeces. They were often from different countries and cultural groups. They spoke different languages. Many had never seen the sea before, let alone a ship.

One man who made the journey was Olaudah Equiano. In 1789 he wrote an acclaimed autobiography, which described his journey as a slave: " The shrieks of the women and the groans of the dying, rendered the whole a scene of horror almost inconceivable ".

The average loss of 'cargo' on slave ships was between ten and 20%, through sickness, suicide and even murder at the hands of the crew and captains. Even just ten percent means over 1,000,000 Africans died on board the ships, 20% represents over 2,000,000 deaths.

On the dock side of the Hole in the Wall pub you can still see the spy house, a room where a lookout could keep watch for press gangs. Press gangs operated for the Royal Navy, and 'impressed' men to join a Navy ship - basically the press gang kidnapped sailors, because the Navy was known as a hard employer and men didn't want to join up. Finding crew for slave ships was also difficult because of the high mortality rates on long slaving voyages.

There was also fear of rebellion from the enslaved - understandably so!

Slave ship captains used other methods to recruit crews - local publicans helped to get men drunk and run up big debts, and the way to pay off the money owed was to sign up to a slaving voyage, or face the debtors' prison.

Beside the pub is Queens Square where many of Bristol's eighteenth century merchants lived. Completed in 1727, this grand square was built at the height of the slave trade. Today it is a testament to the great wealth of those who profited from it. Two buildings stand out and tell an insider's story of slavery.

To our left, Number 29 is one of the best-preserved original buildings. It was built in 1709 for Nathaniel Day, who went on to become the mayor of Bristol. He petitioned strongly against a proposed tax on enslaved 'property' - a demonstration of his vested interest in the business.

Across the square is the grand, columned Custom House. Every thriving port had one, but this building is a symbol of the sheer amount of 'custom' coming in and out of the city. The customs officers made sure ships arriving in the harbour paid the correct amount of taxes. This is where much of the wealth derived from the slave trade first entered Bristol's economy.

3 Pero's Bridge

This modern bridge across the harbour may seem long removed from a history of slavery. Instead it's a modern monument that allows us to step towards the traumatic and often forgotten past of the enslaved themselves.

Bristolian merchants took thousands against their will from Africa to work on plantations in the Caribbean and Americas. Ship's officers were often allowed to buy 'privilege slaves' from the cargo for a reduced rate. They could then sell them for a profit in the Americas or keep them as personal servants. A small number - fewer than a thousand? - of enslaved men, women and children came to Bristol. Some were the 'privilege slaves' of ships' officers, others the personal servants of plantation owners who left the plantations and settled in Bristol.

One was a man called Pero Jones. In 1783 his master brought him from the Americas to live with him in Bristol. Relatively few enslaved people arrived in Britain, so Pero would have been very visible in the city. There is no evidence that Pero was ever freed, so despite the discussions and legal decisions on whether slavery could exist in England, he probably remained enslaved here until the day he died in 1798.

Pero's Bridge marks the entrance to the modern harbour side. It was dedicated in 1998, two centuries after Pero's death. A reminder of the city's history, the bridge also commemorates all those affected by the slave trade. Pero is now an 'ambassador' of Bristol's secretive past and the challenging legacy it left across the globe.

4 Old Bank, Corn Street

Look for a plaque commemorating the 'Old Bank'. This was one of the banks that eventually merged to become National Westminster, or NatWest Bank. What links this recognisable high street name with Bristol's dark trade?

Bristol's slave income wasn't just based around trading and shipping of people. The city profited from all of the businesses that went hand in hand with it.

During the mid-seventeenth century, glassworks and sugar refineries popped up across the city. Glass was used to transport brandy and rum, which was traded in West Africa in exchange for enslaved Africans.

Many of these enslaved men, women and children toiled on sugar plantations in the Caribbean. The sugar was transported back to Bristol and then processed in the city. Anyone who bought sugar (or tea) at the time was implicated in the trade.

Bristol was a rich city, and the slave trade made it even wealthier. The interlinked sugar, glass and slave trades brought Bristol work and investment opportunities. All that money coming in needed to go somewhere for safe keeping...

Slave voyages were also pricey. They lasted several years, carried precious cargo and required large vessels. Not all slavers could finance the voyages themselves, and a major port like Bristol had all the support in place - insurance, money lending, and banks.

Wealthy tradesmen founded The Old Bank In 1750. Several of them were deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Their money and the institution it created are now not only part of Bristol but a fundamental part of our whole Western financial system.

5 Colston Hall

Colston Hall is an internationally-acclaimed concert venue. Opened in 1876, it was built on the site of Colston Boys School which was established in 1707. You may have noticed a recurring theme - Colston Avenue, Colston Street, Colston Tower... who was this Colston?

In the centre nearby, you might have seen a bronze statue of a long-haired man leaning thoughtfully on a staff. Edward Colston was born in Bristol in 1636. A London-based merchant, he made part of his fortune from slavery by investing in Africa and the Caribbean. He owned shares in the Royal African Company, which for a time held the monopoly of trade in Africa, and was on its governing committee.

Besides his statue and street names, several schools celebrate Colston Day on 13 November. Why is a man with such obvious links to slavery still commemorated?

If we look at the ways Colston used his profits, we find an explanation. He was a philanthropist and funded local schools, almshouses, hospitals, and church restorations in the city of his birth.

Today debate rages over removing Colston's statue and commemorating the victims of slavery instead. Colston Hall is currently being refurbished. Following a petition (and a boycott by Bristolian band Massive Attack) it was announced in April 2017 that the venue would reopen with a new name.

Colston has become a delicate subject, balanced between slavery and charity. There are other examples in the city. The University of Bristol's iconic Wills Tower was financed through tobacco grown by enslaved men, women and children. The legacy of slavery and the wealth these men generated remain to this day - so do the heated debates that go with them.

6 The Georgian House Museum, 7 Great George Street

" The pleasure, glory and grandeur of England has been advanced more by sugar than any other commodity ..." These words were penned in 1745 by Sir Dalby Thomas, author of an historical account of West Indies trade. They are demonstrated in the buildings here on Great George Street.

Number 7 is now a museum of Georgian life. Its regal style is testament however to the riches of those who profited from buying and selling people. Their wallets, enriched by slavery and sugar money, bought them elevated political, social and charitable positions throughout the city.

This elegant house was built in 1783 by John Pinney, 'owner' of Pero (the enslaved man for whom Pero's Bridge is named). Pinney had sugar plantations in the Caribbean, and a sugar importing business here in Bristol. Working in partnership with the anti-abolitionist pamphleteer James Tobin, Pinney made quite a fortune and left £340,000 on his death.

You can almost feel the sublime tranquillity of living here, the absolute converse to the life of those they profited from - ripped from their homes and sold onto perilous voyages to lead shackled lives of persecution and fear.

Though entrenched in wealth built upon slavery, Bristol was home to a strong and militant abolitionist movement. In 1788 it became the first city outside London to set up a committee for the abolition of the slave trade.

In 1807 An Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade was finally passed. This Act prohibited the slave trade in British territories but did not abolish the practice of slavery. It was not until the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 that all slaves in the British Empire were granted their freedom (albeit after a period of 'apprenticeship' to help them adjust to being free). The politics behind the abolition of slavery itself are complex, but the offer of compensation to slave owners helped remove their resistance. Slave owners were given £20 million for the loss of their 'property', paid for by British taxpayers. An estimated £10 million of it remained in the UK.

In 2006 a debate was held in the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum here in Bristol asking "Should Bristol apologise for the slave trade?" Later that year, a group of highly powerful institutions signed a Statement of Regret, which concluded " We give thanks to those who struggled to initiate this change and look to a time when slavery of every kind is abolished ".

We shouldn't forget or ignore slavery's influence on Bristol's success. There are still great balancing acts though to reconcile the city's dark past. Colonial slavery shaped modern Bristol - and Britain. We are still living with its legacies today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Discovering Britain - Bright city, dark secrets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1 Guinea Street On looks alone this appears to be an unassuming street, winding its way from the waterfront. In the summer a beer garden spills out onto the cobbles from the homely looking pub. The scene seems to pose no unusual questions.

# data[].attributes.body
Part app part game, this gives a biased review of the best playgrounds in Bristol for families who are still using playgrounds during lockdown.

# data[].attributes.body
Download the free app to discover more than 200 of Bristol's parks and green spaces. Developed by UWE and Brisol Parks Forum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Working alongside Calvium, the award-winning app building company, and Bristol Parks Forum volunteers, we have created an app containing 200 of Bristol's parks and green spaces, which not only showcases these spaces, but actively enables Bristol visitors and locals to find and explore them within the city.

This project has come about after a response to the changes in local authority funding for parks and green spaces which is currently being described as a 'crisis'. As part of the wider project involved with Bristol Green Capital 2015, this app will be promoted by our very own Destination Bristol and will work on both the domestic and visitor economy. This app will not only increase the number of visitors in the city but will also help local Bristol residents to identify and find out more about their local parks and green spaces. Through the use of App Trails, the user will be able to find out more about local walking routes, features, wildlife and much more in the outdoor spaces in their local areas.

We have worked closely with members of the Bristol Parks Forum throughout to create a coherent, colourful and interactive overview of the vast range of parks and green spaces within the city and together we will work with partners to develop potential sponsorship opportunities for these valuable outdoors spaces to find and develop new solutions to support care and improvements. Our aim is to cover every single park and green space in the city, with links to each personal friends group and provide information on how to create your own.

The app aims to:

Showcase Bristol's parks and green spaces- mainly highlighting
opportunities to engage with nature, explore and discover.

Showcase parks and green spaces nearest to the user with 'enhanced content available', e.g. individual stories about specific sites, co-created by local people and BPF volunteers working with media professionals.

GPS search for 'my nearest park/green space' with 'specific characteristic' e.g nature reserve/quiet space/children's play area.

Allow users to walk between parks and green spaces within the city, following routes and trails which highlight the city's green credentials and/or provide an easy-going meander through some of the city's better and lesser-known neighbourhoods.

Help users find out about events happening in parks and green spaces near them throughout the year.

Give information about out how to become a friend of your nearest park.

Provide links to the local parks groups website for further local information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Working alongside Calvium, the award-winning app building company, and Bristol Parks Forum volunteers, we have created an app containing 200 of Bristol's parks and green spaces, which not only showcases these spaces, but actively enables Bristol visitors and locals to find and explore them within the city.

# data[].attributes.body
BMX tracks open to all based in Hillfields (BS16 4EH), Hartcliffe (BS13 0AA) and Laurence Weston (BS11 0EY) - each has a facebook page with more info and this link should allow you to check if it's open.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Take a look at the list below to find out if your local BMX track is still open. The tracks that are open are open access for anyone on a bike to use. The list only applies to tracks in London and Bristol.

Please note

Please follow all government guidelines and only visit tracks in your immediate local area

In accordance to government and British cycling guidelines, organised outdoor sport for disabled people is exempt.

All tracks are owned by the Local Authority and NOT Access Sport, if you have any queries about access please contact your local authority directly.

In accordance to government and British cycling guidelines, organised outdoor sport for disabled people is exempt. We may be able to help support small group activities for young people with a disabilities. If this is an interest to you please contact [email protected]

Latest

Related

Most read

Tag cloud

Read about our big community event in Bristol on the 8th August 2019. Read more

We have compiled a list of activities and resources that we think you'll enjoy and will suit all abilities. Read more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Unfortunately over the past year a lot of tracks have had to close in accordance with the government guidelines - But if you're looking to stay active a few pump tracks across London and Bristol remain open! Find out if there's an open track near you

# data[].attributes.body
Use this downloadable map to discover green spaces that you've not visited yet.

# data[].attributes.body
Download the free app or visit the website to see all the best street art in the city, find out all about it and get the kids to design their own tour visiting three pieces of art they'd like to see.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Huge, overwhelming paintings on buildings get our blood pumping! It's a gust of fresh air in cities dominated by concrete, glass, and corporate ads. Some murals demand us to just stop and gaze... To let it all sink in.

Recognize this feeling? Does that make you question what you have just witnessed?

You are not alone. And that's why we succeeded in connecting passionate street art hunters all over the world to document art in every city. We want the world to know where to find these gems and the stories behind them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The world's street art community. Find your city and explore the artworks around you.

# data[].attributes.body
Worth going in the early morning as this is a popular spot.  Go bat spotting if you follow the glow in the dark markers in the evening, go coarse fishing for free or just look longingly at Beeses (batcave is just up the hill behind the ferry point) and make a plan to come back post Covid to visit it.  A couple of great swings to test and ruins to explore for now!

# data[].attributes.body
Download and print the trails before you set off, there are 3 different sets to try with challenges for all ages.  Or for an audio trail visit http://www.troopers-hill.org.uk/trails/index.htm.  Take binoculars to make the most of the views over the city.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Troopers Hill Fun Learning Trails for Families

# data[].attributes.body
Wander around the city centre following this trail which teaches you about Bristol’s links with Piracy!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Opening ceremony of the Bristol Treasure Island Trail by the

Lord Mayor of Bristol - 19 th September 2015

View a full size map of the Treasure Island Trail showing the locations of the Black Spots and Planted Barrels around Bristol's Harbourside (Google Map)

The Trail Explained ... each part of the trail is shown by a Blackspot ...

Bristol Ferry Boats stop number is the nearest to the beginning of the Long John Silver Trust Trail at Black Spot
For an enjoyable time out around the harbourside you could catch the ferry at stop to join the Long John Silver Trust Trail nearby ....

For ferry fares and a timetable see: www.bristolferry.com

Black Spot A) Merchant Venturer's Almshouses, King Street: - 'The Treasure Map'

This is the actual place where a pirate treasure map was introduced into literature by William Williams in his 1815 book The Journal of Llewellin Penrose - Seaman. First 'acquired' by Edgar Allan Poe in the Gold Bug the idea was then 'borrowed' by Robert Louis Stevenson for Treasure Island in 1883.

Built in 1699, the Almhouses gave accommodation to many former sailors in order for them to see out their days. Williams was born in Bristol and led a life of adventure, one of the first people to spend a lot of time with Native Americans and then Moskito Indians in the Caribbean, he was given refuge here at the end of his life.
Click for Google Map Black Spot B) Llandoger Trow, King Street: - 'The Black Spot'
The Reverend Eagles managed to get him a berth on his return to Bristol and he lived for a further two years, bequeathing the Reverend his journal in gratitude. Eagles thought it so good that he got it published.

The book Treasure Island starts at the Admiral Benbow Inn (named after a former Bristol privateer) where young Jim Hawkins helped his Mum run the pub on the North Devon coast. Here Jim inadvertently ends up with the troublesome treasure map that he obtains from old sea salt Billy Bones, who was staying there. Bones dies of shock after getting the 'Black Spot' (pirate curse) from a maimed buccaneer, Blind Pew, who was frantically searching for the map.

The Llandoger, perhaps Bristol's most iconic inn, was originally built in 1664 and initially run by an old Bristol sea captain - also named Hawkins... the wooden framed structure is surely emblematic of RLS's Admiral Benbow.

This and the six remaining locations will each be accompanied with an image from the acclaimed illustrator Mervyn Peake's 1949 edition of Treasure Island c/o the Mervyn Peake Estate.

Treasure Island comes to Bristol where Jim's allies, Squire Trelawney and Dr Livesey, take the treasure map with plans to get a ship to track down the riches. The Hispaniola is secured for this and the ship is fitted out and victualled. The only thing they need now is a crew...

Bristol's most successful privateer, Woodes Rogers (from Queen Square), did the very same thing in 1708, acquiring the Duke and Dutchess in order to take prizes during the Spanish War of Succession. He came home with both of his original ships, most of his crew, a Spanish Treasure Ship and maroon Alexander Selkirk (the prototype for Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and Stevenson's Ben Gunn).

When seeking a crew, Squire Trelawney comes across Bristol pub landlord Long John Silver at his inn the Spy-Glass on the quayside. Trelawney can't believe his luck, Silver offers himself as Sea Cook on the forthcoming cruise and even extra crew members if he needs them. Jim is worried, could this be the one legged seaman Billy Bones had warned him about?

Many a sailor in Bristol was wary of the Press Gang, or, even worse, the slave traders. To counter this the Hole-in-the-Wall is the only pub in the country to boast a spy hole feature (which allowed a lookout to warn his mates). Just like the Spy-Glass in the book, this pub has entrances on separate streets.

Silver can be seen here in Mervyn Peake's excellent illustration with his famous parrot, Cap'n Flint. "Pieces of eight, pieces of eight."

After an argument between Captain Smollett and the Squire - over Silver's role in hiring the crew and gossip around town about treasure - they get underway. Before long disaster strikes and 1st mate Arrow is mysteriously lost overboard. Soon after Jim is stranded in the apple barrel where he overhears that Silver and his shipmates are pirates, intent on having the treasure for themselves.

Imagine Bristol's quaysides of old, bow to stern full of ships and goods for and from all over the orld ool stofis and soap for te ontinent port, sherry and wine on return; arms, manillas and batteryware for the Guinea Coast, slaves to the America's, rum, sugar, cocoa and tobacco back. Exotic dress and strange accents. Barrels, bales and bounty, the smell of tar and of the sea.

Eventually the actual Treasure Island is spotted and battle lines are drawn between the Squire's men and Silver's. Just as the first boat gets ashore, not long after landing, Jim bumps into the man of the island, Ben Gunn, a maroon and one of Silver's former shipmates. Ben shows Jim a stockade where his friends can fend off the pirates. Ultimately, its Gunn's cave that keeps the treasure out of the pirates' hands.

Redciffe Caves were primarily excavated for their red sandstone, a key ingredient for Bristol's burgeoning glass industry. Later they were used to house French, Spanish and Dutch prisoners of war and latterly goods from all over the Empire; palm oil and elephants teeth among the more luxurious.

The seventh location is the 'Ostrich' public house further along Redcliffe Wharf. Redcliffe was the birthplace of Edward Teach, later the vicious pirate Blackbeard. Israel Hands was a real person, serving off the shores of the America's with Blackbeard who famously blasted Israel in the leg prior to his demise. After avoiding the hangman's noose he went over to the Welsh pirate Black Bart Roberts after the Bristol slave ship that he was on was captured. Hands is believed to have met a grisly end in Cape Corso Castle after losing an arm fighting for Roberts off of the African Coast.

We would like to think that our Trail's end will bring even more visitors to the exciting treasures within the Museum of Bristol 'MShed'.

This section of Bristol's port was used continuously for shipbuilding right up until Victorian times when Brunel utilised Wapping Wharf to build the Great Western. Various types of craft were built here; including the Snows and Guineamen used in the African and America's Trade and was pivotal in the development of Bristol's Floating Harbour.

Ferry stop (Prince Street Bridge) is just metres away from the end of the trail at Black Spot

This is also the stop for MShed and Arnolfini.

For ferry fares and a timetable see: www.bristolferry.com

View a full size map of the Treasure Island Trail showing the locations of the Black Spots and Planted Barrels around Bristol's Harbourside (Google Map)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Long John Silver Trust - Treasure Island Trail

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Opening ceremony of the Bristol Treasure Island Trail by the Lord Mayor of Bristol - 19 th September 2015 View a full size map of the Treasure Island Trail showing the locations of the Black Spots and Planted Barrels around Bristol's Harbourside (Google Map) The Trail Explained ...

# data[].attributes.body
Pond Dipping at Horfield Common. There are two ponds on the common - a tiny one behind the tennis courts, and this one right on the southern edge, hidden behind a hedge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The brand new pond dipping platform at Horfield Common is now officially open and there are a multitude of bugs and beasties ready to be caught!

I took my children to the recent official opening of the pond dipping platform which had been organised by Sam Thomson and the Friends of Horfield Common.

The pond dipping platform has been designed and built by Steve England, local naturalist and conservationist. He explained that he had only recently visited Horfield Common and that he was amazed at the wildlife there, especially in and around the brook.

Here's the moment that the ribbon was cut and the pond dipping platform officially opened!

The new platform is sturdy and we had a great time pond dipping.

And we had just as much fun learning about our catches with Steve!

The new pond dipping is perfect for some nature activities with children!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Grand Opening of the New Pond Dipping Platform on Horfield Common

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The brand new pond dipping platform at Horfield Common is now officially open and there are a multitude of bugs and beasties ready to be caught! I took my children to the recent official opening of the pond dipping platform which had been organised by Sam Thomson and the Friends of Horfield Common.

# data[].attributes.body
500m footpath running between allotments from near the corner of Bishop Road/King’s Drive almost all the way to Horfield Common. Space to run around & spectacular puddles.

# data[].attributes.headline
Blackboy Hill mini treasure hunt (ideal for under 8s and free)

# data[].attributes.subject
Blackboy Hill mini treasure hunt (ideal for under 8s and free)

# data[].attributes.body
Click on the link to open a map with embedded video clues. Collect the letters to find out where the treasure is hidden. Spoiler alert: you need to hide the treasure back home under a PILLOW.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TOUCH this image to discover its story. Image tagging powered by ThingLink

# data[].attributes.body
Take a walk down through to Bennett's Patch and spot the sculptures of the whales and Ruth (who was created to honour the contribution of Women in WWII).  Wave to the trains on the Severn Beach line as you cross the bridge.  On the way back, explore the overgrown gardens of Bishop's Knoll which was once owned by millionaire Robert Bush who made a fortune selling Australian wool.  He converted the house into a 100 bed hospital for ANZAC troops injured in WW1.  The house is no more, but you can find pictures of it in the grounds and imagine what it might have been like.  http://www.cliftonrfchistory.co.uk/other/rbush/bishopsknoll.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Location

About the reserve

Bennett's Patch and White's Paddock Reserve in the Avon Gorge was created as part of celebrations marking Bristol's year as European Green Capital in 2015. The Avon Gorge is an essential wildlife corridor for foraging species including several species of bat, and is home to badgers, hedgehogs, slow worms and some truly unique plant species. We transformed the 12-acre neglected former sports facility into a wildlife haven, planting wildflower meadows, over 4000 trees to create a native woodland and three wildlife ponds. In the last year alone, we have spotted: 42 different species of birds 22 species of butterflies 118 species of flowering plants & 29 trees and shrubs

Inspired by our work? Join us as a member to protect our region's beautiful wild places and add your voice to our growing 17,500 strong membership, from as little as £2.50 a month.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bennett's Patch and White's Paddock | Avon Wildlife Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bennett's Patch and White's Paddock Reserve in the Avon Gorge was created as part of celebrations marking Bristol's year as European Green Capital in 2015. The Avon Gorge is an essential wildlife corridor for foraging species including several species of bat, and is home to badgers, hedgehogs, slow worms and some truly unique plant species.

# data[].attributes.body
Free app for apple and android available from this site which takes you on a walking tour of Redland Green.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to our website. We are a group of local residents in Redland, Bristol who love Redland Green and who do lots of things to improve the Green as an urban wildlife refuge and to make it a lovely place for people to be.

# data[].attributes.body
See if you can find the Kashmir goats which act as "hairy conservationists" in the Avon Gorge. Wear wellies! Attached map shows where to find them.

# data[].attributes.body
This can be found in the courtyard of the Chemistry Building of Bristol Uni and is totally free to visit.  Worth combining with a trip to the Royal Fort Gardens which are open to the public despite being part of the University of Bristol. https://www.lukejerram.com/palm-temple/

# data[].attributes.body
There is a permanent orienteering course at Ashton Court which is marked out on this linked map - so print it and see how many you can find. Each point has a letter on it to collect.