Castle Park, Bristol
A peaceful city-centre park in Bristol, where medieval ruins, a riverside setting and a tranquil physic garden create a unique urban escape.
Nestled in the heart of Bristol city centre, Castle Park is a peaceful green oasis along the River Avon, blending history, nature and urban life. Explore the ruins of Bristol Castle, the tranquil physic garden, and the striking St Peter’s Church, all within a spacious park perfect for relaxation, events and riverside walks. The park is open 24/7 with free admission, making it an ideal spot for a picnic, a quiet moment or a cultural stroll through the city’s past.
A brief summary to Castle Park
- Broad Weir, Bristol, BS1 3XB, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in daylight to fully appreciate the ruins, interpretation panels and the physic garden; the park is open 24/7 but feels most inviting during the day.
- Bring a picnic or grab a drink from The Vaulted Chambers café; there are plenty of benches and grassy areas perfect for a relaxed break.
- Use nearby shopping centres for toilets and shelter; the park itself has no dedicated restrooms but is well served by facilities in the surrounding area.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the River Avon or across the footbridge to the harbourside for a fuller experience of Bristol’s riverside.
- Check for events at the bandstand or in St Peter’s Church; the park occasionally hosts music, markets and community gatherings.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from city centre
From central Bristol, such as Broadmead or Cabot Circus, it takes about 5–10 minutes to walk to Castle Park. Follow signs towards the river or the harbourside; the park is clearly visible along the River Avon, near Broad Weir.
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By bus
Several local bus routes stop near Castle Park, with stops at Broad Weir and nearby Temple Meads. The journey from the city centre or Temple Meads station takes 5–15 minutes depending on the route and traffic.
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By train
From Bristol Temple Meads station, it is a 10–15 minute walk to Castle Park. Follow signs for the city centre and the river; the park is located just off Broad Weir, adjacent to the River Avon.
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By car
There is no dedicated car park in Castle Park. Drivers can use the Galleries multi-storey car park, located directly opposite the park, or other city centre car parks. Parking is paid and can be busy during peak hours.
Castle Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Castle Park
Heart of the City, Rooted in History
Castle Park occupies a site steeped in Bristol’s past, once the heart of the medieval city and later the main shopping district until much of it was destroyed during World War II. Today, the park preserves fragments of Bristol Castle, including the keep’s remains, vaults and sections of the old walls, many of which are Grade II listed. These weathered stones, scattered among lawns and flowerbeds, quietly tell the story of a city that has risen and rebuilt over centuries. Interpretation panels throughout the park help visitors trace the layers of history beneath their feet, from the castle’s Norman origins to the wartime devastation and the park’s creation in the late 1970s.A Green Sanctuary by the River
The park stretches along the River Avon, offering a welcome contrast to the surrounding urban bustle. Wide lawns, tree-lined paths and carefully planted flowerbeds create a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a picnic, a book under a tree or a quiet moment by the water. The riverfront side of the park is particularly scenic, with views of the harbour and the winding paths that lead towards the city’s quayside. A small water feature near St Peter’s Church, popular with children in warmer months, adds a playful touch, while the seven Silver Birch trees planted in memory of the D-Day beaches lend a solemn, reflective note.St Peter’s Church and the Physic Garden
Dominating one end of the park is the striking, ruined St Peter’s Church, a Grade II* listed building that now stands as a peaceful memorial and event space. Though the church itself is not regularly open to the public, its surrounding garden is a highlight: a beautifully maintained physic garden where medicinal plants are grown and tended. This tranquil corner, with its fragrant herbs and orderly beds, offers a moment of calm and a glimpse into historical herbal traditions. The church’s architecture, with its tall windows and weathered stonework, makes it a powerful focal point, especially when lit at dusk.Everyday Life in the Park
Castle Park is very much a living part of Bristol’s daily rhythm. Locals use it for lunch breaks, dog walks and casual exercise, while visitors appreciate its central location and free access. The bandstand hosts occasional music and community events, adding a lively note to the park’s character. A small café, The Vaulted Chambers, operates nearby, serving hot drinks and snacks in a historic vaulted space. Though the park itself has no toilets, nearby shopping centres and the city centre provide easy access to facilities, making it convenient for families and casual visitors alike.Exploring the Wider City
Castle Park’s position makes it a natural starting point for exploring Bristol. Paths lead directly into the city centre, past shops and cafes, while others follow the river towards the vibrant harbourside, with its restaurants, museums and historic ships. A distinctive footbridge crosses the river, opening up more riverside walks and views of the city’s skyline. Whether you’re passing through on a city walk or spending a full afternoon here, the park serves as both a destination and a gateway, connecting Bristol’s green spaces with its cultural and commercial heart.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bristol Castle
0.0 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
Fermentation Buildings
0.2 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.2 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Old City Walls
0.3 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
0.3 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.3 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.3 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Medieval Vaults
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Bristol Bridge
0.3 km
A historic Georgian stone bridge spanning Bristol’s floating harbour, blending medieval roots with modern pedestrian charm.
The Nails
0.4 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Old Post Office
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Templar Stone
0.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.7 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.8 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.8 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Round Pool
0.1 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
St Peter's Church
0.1 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
Castle Wharf
0.2 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
0.2 km
Explore Bristol Shopping Quarter, where historic charm meets modern retail in a vibrant city-centre shopping and leisure destination.
BRISTOL
0.2 km
Broadmead: Bristol’s bustling historic shopping quarter blending heritage charm with vibrant retail and cultural experiences.
John Wesley's New Room
0.3 km
Step into the world’s oldest Methodist chapel, where faith, history and social justice meet in the heart of Bristol.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.3 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Bristol city centre
0.3 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
Cabot Circus
0.4 km
A vibrant shopping and leisure destination in Bristol with over 130 stores beneath a stunning glass roof, blending modern design and historic charm.
St Nicholas Market
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan crafts, and global street food in a charming Georgian arcade.
Bex's Hall Of Mirrors
0.4 km
Discover a mesmerizing world of reflections and illusions at Bex's Hall Of Mirrors, a captivating interactive attraction inside Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
The Lanes
0.4 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Temple Church
0.4 km
Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Temple Church, a stunning landmark in Bristol that showcases the city's rich heritage.
The Bearpit
0.4 km
A sunken urban plaza in Bristol blending brutalist design with vibrant community markets and cultural events.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.5 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
Essential places to dine
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.4 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.4 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.4 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
The Ox
0.5 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Aqua Welshback
0.5 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.5 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.5 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Pasta Ripiena
0.5 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.5 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Caribbean Croft
0.6 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant culture in the heart of Bristol’s creative Stokes Croft neighborhood.
Adelina Yard
0.7 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Bambalan
0.7 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Pieminister
0.7 km
Award-winning British pies, piled high with mash, peas and gravy, in a lively harbourside restaurant with views of Bristol’s fountains and waterfront.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.7 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Pasture
0.7 km
Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.1 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Fig1
0.1 km
Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
Garmden of Eden
0.2 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Everything one pound shop
0.2 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
Menkind
0.3 km
Bristol's premier destination for unique gifts, gadgets, and toys that delight all ages.
Beyond Retro - Bristol
0.3 km
Discover unique, hand-picked vintage fashion treasures in the heart of Bristol’s bustling Broadmead shopping district.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Discover contemporary women’s fashion and accessories blending Scandinavian design with urban style in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
Urban Fox
0.4 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Wild Thing
0.4 km
An independent Bristol boutique for alternative, festival and dopamine fashion with an ethical heart.
uchi clothing co
0.4 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
0.4 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.4 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.4 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
This Feeling
0.4 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Library Bristol
0.4 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
The Rummer
0.4 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.4 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Gold Bar
0.4 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
The Boardroom
0.4 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.4 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.5 km
Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
Revolution Bristol
0.5 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.5 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Flight Club Bristol
0.5 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Milk Thistle
0.5 km
Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
The Clockwork Rose
0.5 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
0.6 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.6 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Lakota
0.7 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
The Loco Klub
0.8 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Thekla
0.9 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Basement 45
0.9 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.9 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
PRYZM
1.0 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
OMG
1.0 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Silk Nightclub
1.0 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Antix
1.0 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Dare to Club
1.0 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
1.0 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
Motion
1.1 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.3 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
