Autumn Walks in the South West

 1. Brandon Hill Park and Cabot Tower

Not a long walk, but the autumnal views from Brandon Hill are epic. It’s a haven for wildlife, particularly squirrels so keep an eye out! From Cabot Tower, you can see the autumnal colours spread across the city, all the way out to the Mendip hills. Added bonus of a children’s playground at the bottom of the hill to entertain them whilst parents have a well-deserved rest.

 2. Westonbirt The National Arboretum

The ultimate leaf kicking treat! With more than 2,500 trees and more than 20,000 species of flora, this magical tree garden is a joyous riot of autumnal hues from start to finish. Don’t miss the 300-metre treetop walkway for an incredible birds-eye view of the colourful canopy or the Gruffalo sculptures hidden in the woods. The Westonbirt walkway is accessible to all - it has no steps and only gradually rises in height. P.S. Give the kids the task of finding the Katsura tree and asking what it smells like (toffee apples).

3. Ashton Court

Just two miles from the centre of Bristol, the Ashton Court Estate boasts 850 acres of woodland and meadows, a large mansion, ponds and a café to take a rest and refuel. It’s the perfect family day out, with lots of wildlife for the little ones to spot and woodland for them to explore.

 4. Stonehenge Circular

Discover the mystery of the stones with your little ones! Experience the neolithic Stonehenge landscape on a 3-mile, picturesque National Trust walk this autumn. Wherever you embark on the circular trail you will encounter intriguing ancient treasures including prehistoric monuments, Bronze Age burial mounds and Stonehenge itself.

There’s also a useful information centre along the way to answer any questions you may have. See here for a route map.

Image Credit: Stonehenge

 5. Dewstow Grottoes and Gardens, Monmouthshire

If your kids are fans of caves, stepping stones and lots of greenery to explore, then this place makes a fantastic family day out! The incredible landscape gardens are full of ponds and streams easy to cross thanks to the little stone bridges and an underground labyrinth of grottoes, tunnels and sunken ferneries.

These unique Dewstow Grottoes and Gardens are located in the South of Wales, just 30 minute drive from Bristol and are guaranteed to help you get into the autumnal festive period with its gold and red colours splashed everywhere.

Image credit: Dewstow Grottoes and Gardens