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A mini guide to
Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Cross the bridge to Leigh Woods
The bridge trust says the bridge is open 24 hours a day, crossing is free for pedestrians and cyclists, and the visitor centre on the Leigh Woods side is free.
Respect the roped areas
Bristol City Council says a temporary conservation zone is roped off on the Ashton Court plateau every summer to protect wildflowers and ground-nesting birds. Keep out and keep dogs on a short lead.
Pay for parking
The council lists parking charges at Ashton Court from 8am until the estate closes. Blue Badge holders, motorcycles and scooters are free.
Walk the Cumberland Basin
Visit Bristol names the basin as a hotspot for street art. It is also the main tidal entrance to the Floating Harbour.
Plan Bath separately
Bath is 11 minutes from Temple Meads on GWR's fastest service and has its own guide on this site.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court?
Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court is in Bristol and North Somerset, England. Woods, hillforts and parkland either side of the gorge, with Hotwells at its foot. Nearby stops and stations include Ashton Court, Clifton (bus 8), Suspension Bridge.
How long do I need in Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods, Stokeleigh Camp. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Ashton Court (X3 and X4 buses); Clifton (bus 8) (First Bus); Suspension Bridge (On foot). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 15 places to eat and drink in and around Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 4 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Hotwells
Neighbourhood below Clifton at the southern entrance to the Avon Gorge, with Georgian squares and Victorian terraces.
Ashton Court Estate
Country park of 850 acres of woodland and grassland, mainly in North Somerset but owned by the City of Bristol.
Ashton Court Miniature Railway
Miniature railway run by the Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineers, founded in 1909.
Bristol
More areas to explore
Whiteladies Road & Redland
Georgian chapel, village greens and a long street of cafés and restaurants, a mile north-west of the centre
Open the mini guide →
Gloucester Road & Bishopston
A long street of independent shops, bars and cafés, with city parks and a city farm nearby
Open the mini guide →
Harbourside & Millennium Square
Museums, galleries and waterside dining around the Floating Harbour
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Dowry Square: No Swan So Fine, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Hotwells: Gothick, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Ashton Court Estate: C P Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ashton Court Miniature Railway: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Whiteladies Road & Redland: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Gloucester Road & Bishopston: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Harbourside & Millennium Square: Andrew Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old City, King Street & Park Street: Hyspaosines, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Clifton & the Suspension Bridge: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Stokes Croft, St Pauls & Montpelier: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Redcliffe, Temple Meads & Bedminster: The wub, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits