Blaise Castle, Bristol

Description:

Blaise Castle, Bristol

Blaise Castle is situated about five miles from the centre of Bristol at Lawrence Weston. With a museum, play grounds, walks, a folly and loads of green space to run around in it makes the perfect destination for a family day out when the sun is shining.

A trip to the Blaise Castle Estate makes a lovely family outing on sunny days.

Children are well catered for with large play areas which are divided into zones for younger and slightly older visitors. There is a vast expanse of green space to run around in, and plenty of trees to settle under to enjoy a picnic. There are also sports pitches for games of cricket or rounders.

The 18th century Blaise Castle House is home to the social history collections of Bristol City’s museum service, the galleries contain a fascinating collection of costumes, toys, household equipment and pictures; there is also a Victorian school room. The museum is open every day from 10.30 am until 4.00 pm.

There are many lovely walks that can be taken around the estate, just explore on your own or download a route from www.bristol.gov.uk/blaisecastleestate . The estate features woodland, streams, a lily pond and tarn lake; if you walk up the hill you will reach the Blaise Castle Folly, a Grade II listed building built in 1766. The Friends of Blaise regularly open the castle to the public and the climb to the top is well worth it for the fantastic views of Bristol and the surrounding countryside; the castle will be open on 17, 24 & 25 April.

There are permissive routes through the estate for cyclists and horse-riders, please see the above website for details.

Facilities at the Blaise Castle Estate include a free car park, café, and toilets with baby changing facilities. There is often an ice-cream van for that special post-picnic treat.

The family dog is welcome to join you on your visit to Blaise Castle; unfortunately they won’t be able to enjoy the museum or play areas but are welcome throughout the estate, but please keep a lead at hand and clean up any ‘mess’.

The estate opens at 7.30 am throughout the year; car park closing times vary with the season, currently it closes at 8.15 pm but will remain open until 9.15 pm during May, June, July & August.

Entrance to the Blaise Castle Estate and the Museum is free; your only expense will be any food, drinks or ice-creams that you buy.