3 Best playgrounds in Bristol Playgrounds are worth their weight in gold when it comes to entertaining children for free in the city. Did you know Bristol has over 400 parks and gardens, including some excellent play areas for kids all over the city. So whether you’re looking for a bit of respite on a jam-packed sightseeing trip, or somewhere new for the kids to burn off some of that energy, here’s a list of the 3 best adventure playgrounds in Bristol. St Andrews Park, Bristol Landscaped Victorian St Andrews Park, fringed by pretty houses, is the place to go on a hot, sunny summer’s day in Bristol, thanks largely to its huge paddling pool. This fenced-in mini-lido heaves with splashing children as soon as school is out if there’s a hot fiery object in the English sky. There’s a lovely play area with a large sand pit (bring a bucket and spade!) and all the usual favourites. Refreshment-wise, a little kiosk sits at the centre of the park selling great coffee and ice creams with a few tables and chairs dotted around, although sadly it’s future is currently in the balance. Address: BS6 5AX Where to park: free on-street parking on roads around the park.
Page Park, Downend, Bristol This large Victorian park, in the Staple Hill area (about 5 miles north east of Bristol city centre), has two kids’ play areas (one natural wood, the other containing your classic kids’ playground equipment), a sensory garden, cricket pitch, tennis courts, bandstand and an aviary. At it’s heart, an impressive clock tower dating back to 1910 – whose beams provide an extra place for hide and seek – chimes every quarter of an hour. It’s a pretty park, with scooter/buggy-friendly pathways, the Bean Tree Cafe for a caffeine and cake fix and just 400 metres from the Bristol to Bath cycle path (which exits onto Signal Road). Address: The park is enclosed by Broad Street, Hill House Road, Park Road and South View. Parking: find free parking on a nearby road Arnos Court Park, Brislington, Bristol This park sits just down the road from Arnos Vale Cemetery and you can either stroll along the pavement between the two, or climb the hill to a gate which connects the park with the the cemetery’s woods (a much nicer route in my opinion with views to boot). At the bottom of the hill, close to Bath Road, is where you’ll find the kids’ playground with its zip line, slide, swings, dish spinner and play sand. Address: Hampstead Rd, BS4 3HJ Parking: If you’re exploring Arnos Vale cemetery as well, there are about 30 car park spaces there, otherwise you should find a space on nearby side streets.
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