Awesome local gym!…read more It's not massive, but the locality and quality of equipment make up for that. There is a ton of cardio equipment, a lot of different weights and weight rooms and I've only been to a few of them, but the classes I've been to were just awesome. As I said, it's not massive, so obviously don't join expecting a pool or anything, but don't let that deter you from a great local gym

So, it's been a while, but it was time for me to re-join a gym and get superfit. I have limited…read morefunds at the moment and also know that I need a gym nearby to where I live, otherwise, I'll assume that paying the fee alone will get me fit - ridiculous I know! Workout is on North Street in Bedminster - super easy to get to, and for a joining fee of £15, and by paying 2 months up front at £9.99 a month for off peak membership - I was signed up. They did also advise me that they also charge one further fee which is payable in February and goes towards maintenance of the club - it's a fixed fee and everyone has to pay it - but apart from that it's contract free. As an off peak member I can use the gym from 8am til 4.30pm Mon to Fri, and 8am - 8pm at weekends - absolutely perfect for me. I can also access their classes and have 50 in a year for no extra charge. There's a sauna and steam room, and even a separate womens only area for toning!! None of this negotiating weights with huge muscly chaps :) Now as a budget gym I have to say my expectations weren't particularly high - and I'm the first to admit that I was wrong to have this preconception. I was massively impressed and surprised by the quality and standard of the equipment - it is top notch and definitely on a par with more expensive gyms in this city that I have previously been a member of. You do need to bring a padlock with you, as you need it for the lockers in the changing room, but.... If you're looking for a gym - I would definitely recommend it. Go sign up.

In Ashton Court Estate you will find this pitch and put course on a hillside. It takes a bit of…read morefinding. At the main entrance (that is, where the gatehouse is, not down in the hill around Bedminster) go straight along the road and then take the first right, going up the hill. You'll come to a little car park and a slightly desolate looking hut. The hut is where you can hire clubs and balls (remember not to smack it into the bushes...) and get putting. It's run by the council, which means its a) cheap and b) not full of stuffy old men, the two usual vices of a golf course. Give your ball a thwack and follow it round the course, nobodies going to judge you. The only downside I can think of is that things can get a bit congested, especially if the weather is even vaguely nice. You may have to wait a little while, or have people queueing up behind you, to use one of the holes. Making golf a bit less of the pursuit of old men at country clubs, the pitch and put golf course is a great way for those of us that think golf looks like a lark to give it a try.

I used to hate golf until two of my mates practically dragged me across the bridge to Ashton Court…read morefor some pitch and putt. What can I say? I was almost instantly seduced by the satisfying feeling of smacking a little ball as hard as you can with a massive piece of metal, and the faraway sound of ball on deer. It's great value - £6.50 gets you 18 holes and a great view across the whole of Brizzle and beyond on a fine day. The only problem is that, when the sun's out, it can get pretty busy, and there's nothing guaranteed to give an amateur the yips more than a queue of people staring and tutting as you continually swing and miss at the ball off the tee. One tip: the course on the Bristol side of AC offers more variation, and there's even one par five hole where you can get your wood out and give it a real thrashing.

Manor Woods would once have been part of the estate belonging to the Manor House in Bishopsworth…read more In the Valley part there is an expanse of grass that has been left long to let the gorgeous and unusual wildflowers do their thing. In spring the woodland path is absolutely covered in wild garlic, the smell is divine. This is an old Semi-Natural Woodland, in another month the bluebells and ramsoms should have bloomed in the wood, everything is a bit late blooming this year, it should be glorious. I did the woodland walk in winter also and it was stunning, though we did have an interesting time trying to return by the river path, very slippery. There is a picnic table by the woodland spot. There are other picnic spots by the river, although if it has been wet, watch out as they ground can be boggy in places. Sadly lots of rubbish gets dropped around, there aren't many bins. When I go for a walk here I make the effort to clear up some rubbish left behind, its a shame to see such this stunning suburban nature park ruined by crisp packets and empty beer cans. I've heard an owl and woodpeckers, there are lots of fat woodpigeons and you can see innocent baby rabbit scampering around the grass in spring.

My firends live pretty close to this place and to them it is called the 'Futuristic Park' because…read moresome of the faqcilities in this place truly are futuristic. As well as this the park boasts a very generous amount of open space, along with tennis courts, a bowling green and football pitches which on the weekend tend to be inhabited by a number of the local football teams. This place is great to chill out and enjoy a lazy sunday, with some picnic snacks , a frisbee and your mates. The 'Futuristic Park' is great, if maybe a Health & Safety nightmare - genuinely as good as it gets!

If you are fond of vast green spaces, you'll enjoy Greville Smyth Park. Situated alongside the…read moreriver Avon, and in view of Clifton Suspension Bridge, it is the perfect place for a summer picnic, or indeed, a winter stroll. Once owned by Lady Greville Smyth, owner of Ashton Court Estate, the park now belongs to Bristol City Council. It is one of my favourite rural spots in Bristol, and I especially love picnicking here in the summer. If you happen to be in the area and fancy a nosh-up in the park, I'd recommend you pop across the road to North Street's renowned Southville Deli and pick up a few delightful treats. Then you can find a spot under one of Greville Smyth Park's many Weeping Willow Trees and sit and watch the world go by. Nice...

This is a very concealed park, despite it being quite large, and having a beautiful tower at the…read moretop 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!

Brandon Hill is a patch of greenery between Jacobs Wells Road and Park Street. A blessing for…read moreBristol 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.

This is a full livery yard, i.e. it is not a riding school, neither can you hire horses, nor keep…read moreyour horse here on DIY livery. I am a customer, I keep my horse on full livery at this place. Terri Hill Livery is really close to the city centre off the A38. This is a friendly and professional yard where you can be sure your horse will be well looked after - Terri, who runs the yard, is dedicated, knowledgeable and generally very helpful with advice on horse care, first aid and tips on improving your riding. There is barn style stabling, year round turnout, an area where you can hack off road, plus you can hack to Ashton Court and Barrow and Felton common if your horse is quiet enough to go on country lanes. There are two schools (one jump, one flat), a tackroom with heating, seating and tea making facilities, a heated shower for the horses and access to an equissage machine. A real bonus for us busy folk who need to have our horses on livery is that your horse's washing and tack cleaning gets done for you. There is also space to park horse boxes. There is good support from a local competent farrier, physio and equine vets, as well as a co-ordinated yard worming program. The horses also get a tailor-made feeding program to suit each individual animal. The people on the yard generally get on well; people regularly go to all sorts of horsey events (dressage, eventing, side saddle classes, fun rides etc) and share transport and give each other mutual support; it is also a very sociable place and people team up to do just about everything, from shopping to drinks and dinner. There are also regular yard social events which is lovely!

Unique set up as you walk into a restaurant and at a table you'll find the ever so helpful and…read moreknowledgeable James sitting with his laptop. He knows and enjoys his city so there is a bounty if information available from him. I took his recommended 2 hour route and I wasn't at all disappointed. It was perfect for getting to know the city a bit. Beautiful! I'll be tracking James down for my next Bristol biking adventure for sure.