The Top 5 National Parks to Drive to from Bristol

There are many ways to enjoy a day out with the family. While Bristol certainly offers a host of urban attractions, why not broaden your horizons instead? One of the best strategies for beating the summer heat is to take full advantage of the nearby natural beauty. You might also be surprised to learn that Bristol is located quite close to several iconic national parks. Let’s take a look at a handful of expert recommendations to understand what each has to offer visitors of all ages. The following places are easy to access if you’re staying in or near Bristol and have hired a car for your trip.

Royal Victoria Park

This first park is just 11 miles outside Bristol, so it could be the ideal option if you're planning a day trip. Royal Victoria Park boasts 57 acres of open-air relaxation, and there are plenty of reasons to include this location in your itinerary. Natural beauty abounds, tennis courts are open to the public, and you can even play 18 holes of golf during your stay. If you are arriving with children, there is also a supervised play area.

Those looking to decompress after a long working week could instead spend a few hours strolling through a botanical garden in the northern section of the park. Live music is performed throughout the summer, and circuses take place regularly. Many holiday experts will argue that hiring a car in Bristol is the best way to enjoy Royal Victoria Park if you are hoping to avoid the queues and congestion often associated with public transportation alternatives.

Prior Park Landscape Gardens

Anyone who is a fan of history may very well have met their match when it comes to this next suggestion. Prior Park Landscape Gardens is the brainchild of 17th-century entrepreneur Ralph Allen. Perhaps the most well-known feature in this park is the Palladian Bridge (one of only four bridges in the world said to have been inspired by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio). This bridge features ornate stonework, classical columns, and a covered pavilion.

While the bridge is indeed impressive, Prior Park Landscape Gardens offers much more for lovers of the natural environment. It is known for its panoramic views of nearby Bath, with plenty of open-air spots for picnics, and a tea cabin that offers daily refreshments. A six-mile path also encompasses stunning woodlands and even an Iron Age fort. Simply stated, Prior Park Landscape Gardens is certainly worth a closer look.

Puzzlewood

As the name of this next recommendation suggests, Puzzlewood offers what can only be called overtly mythical overtones. Many visitors feel that its confines are more appropriate for a Harry Potter novel than for a park located only 22 miles from Bristol.

Puzzlewood is actually an ancient forest that has been purposely kept in pristine condition. Massive trees, winding paths, and roots protruding from the ground provide a decidedly otherworldly appeal. Did we mention Harry Potter? Believe it or not, Puzzlewood was one of the many locations that directors chose when filming a handful of scenes. This park was also featured in other contemporary films, including The Secret Garden, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Merlin, and Doctor Who. So, do not be surprised if some areas seem to be vaguely familiar.

While the forests themselves are impressive, there are other ways to create memories during your visit. You can visit an on-site farm housing numerous domesticated animals, explore a series of indoor mazes with your children, and stop by the Puzzlewood Cafe for a tasty bite before departing.

Pontypool Park

This final suggestion is located in the heart of South Wales and covers over 150 acres. Not only is this one of the largest parks in the region, but the sheer variety of on-site activities will guarantee fun for the entire family. Some options include:

• An ice house
• Italian gardens
• A natural cave known as Shell Grotto
• An ornamental structure that has become known as Folly Tower, providing unfettered views of Pontypool
• Sports and recreation facilities, including a rugby pitch
• Woodlands laden with sweet chestnut trees
• A pond that has become home to countless ducks and swans

The good news is that Pontypool Park is found only 37 miles from Bristol, so the entire journey should take less than one hour (depending on local traffic conditions).

Activities Galore

These are some of the most impressive parks found within minutes of Bristol. However, keep in mind that other options exist if you are willing to travel slightly farther. Consider these alternatives:

• Glamorgan Canal Nature Reserve
• Porthkerry Country Park
• Great Wood
• Cotswold Water Park & Beach

Whether you are a lover of nature, looking for a way to keep your family entertained, or hoping to explore the Bristol region, the parks outlined above will undoubtedly provide hours of fun. Feel free to examine each location in greater detail, as there are plenty of options to appreciate.