Top 6 Castles around Winterbourne

Lovely paved path following the stream

Avoid in the evening. Do not relax in daylight hours either! Avoid displaying anything of value. Do not hang out with your expensive ebike/bike/anything! Unless you're OK with fighting against multiple attackers for it, attackers who will go to any lengths and don't know when to stop! Keep your eyes open for the approach of dubious people and be alert to their intent, especially if they try to control the interaction from the start! Should you be approached, show no fear, you're being scanned for weakness, and should you show weakness, you are encouraging them to hurt you! If you clock the approach of dubious people, GTFO as quickly as possible, without showing panic of course! The Green can be a really nice place, especially given the beautiful architecture, however as a Bristol person, you hear endless stories of horror from in and around the park, and at all times of the day and night, with people falling victim to muggings, violent attacks and robbery.

The Royal Fort House was built in the 18th century on the site of an old fort used in the English Civil war. Three different architects influenced the building and brought three styles of building to the project. If you look you will see Baroque, Palladian and Rococo styles of architecture. The gardens were designed by Humphry Repton in around 1800. Today the building is part of the university of Bristol, used by the faculty of science.

The location of a manor house ever since the 11th century, Ashton Court and its extensive estate is a grand setting to the west of Bristol. Owned by the Smyth family between the 16th and 20th centuries, today the mansion and its stables are Grade I-listed. The surrounding estate includes a deer park, woodland, MTB trails and golfing facilities and is an absolute delight to explore, rewarding with fine views across Bristol. After a run in the parkland, the Courtyard Cafe is a tempting option.

The location of a manor house ever since the 11th century, Ashton Court and its extensive estate is a grand setting to the west of Bristol. Owned by the Smyth family between the 16th and 20th centuries, today the mansion and its stables are Grade I-listed. The surrounding estate includes a deer park, woodland, MTB trails and golfing facilities and is an absolute delight to explore, rewarding with fine views across Bristol. After exploring the parkland, the Courtyard Cafe is a tempting option.

Standing proud on Castle Hill and visible above the trees for miles around is Blaise Castle. This 18th-century, Gothic Revival style folly was built by Robert Mylne and it became a popular attraction on the Blaise Castle Estate. From its turrets, much of Bristol can be seen, as well as Avonmouth and the Avon Gorge. Any run to Blaise Castle involves a little bit of legwork to get up the hill. However, you are amply rewarded with fun descents down towards Hazel Brook at the bottom of Henbury Gorge.

Stunningly beautiful in autumn and I reckon it would be lovely and shaded in the summer. Lots of dog walkers around, so it's definitely not a speed run... just chill and enjoy the scenery.

Extremely nice to cycle through in the week when there's fewer prams. The switchbacks up the south side of the valley have storm gutters on the turn so be careful on the descent (and ascent on road tyres).