Ashton Court Estate: Historic Mansion and Expansive Parkland near Bristol
Explore Ashton Court Estate: a historic mansion and sprawling parkland blending centuries of heritage with vibrant outdoor life near Bristol.
Ashton Court Estate is a vast historic estate located in Long Ashton near Bristol, England. Centered around a Grade I listed mansion with origins dating back to the 11th century, the estate features 850 acres of woodland, parkland, and open countryside. Once home to the Smyth family for over 400 years, Ashton Court now serves as a cherished public park and event venue, blending rich history with natural beauty and recreational activities.
A brief summary to Arts Mansion
- Ashton Court Estate, Bristol, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN, GB
- +441173763457
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August for a spectacular display of hot air balloons over the estate.
- Check ArtSpace Lifespace’s schedule for occasional mansion tours and cultural events inside the historic house.
- Bring walking or biking gear to explore the extensive trails and enjoy mountain biking or orienteering activities.
- Plan for a weekend visit to experience both the natural beauty and community events that regularly take place on the grounds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the First Bus service 8 or 9 from Bristol city centre to Long Ashton, with a journey time of approximately 25-35 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, but check schedules for weekends. The bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the estate entrance.
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Car
Driving from Bristol city centre takes about 15-20 minutes via the A370. Limited parking is available on-site with a small fee; spaces can fill up during major events, so arrive early. Parking is managed by Bristol City Council.
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Cycling
Cycling from Bristol offers a scenic 6-8 km route via quiet roads and cycle paths, taking around 25-35 minutes depending on pace. Bike racks are available near the mansion and main entrances.
Arts Mansion location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Arts Mansion
A Storied Heritage Spanning Nearly a Millennium
Ashton Court Estate's origins trace back to before the 11th century, with a manor house recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Initially granted by William the Conqueror to Geoffrey de Montbray, Bishop of Coutances, the estate has passed through numerous hands, notably the Smyth family who owned it from 1545 until 1946. The estate evolved from a fortified manor into a grand country house, reflecting architectural styles from medieval to neo-Classical and Strawberry Hill Gothic, shaped by successive generations of owners. Its historical significance includes use as a military hospital during World War I and an army transit camp in World War II.Architectural Evolution and Unique Features
The mansion itself is a composite of styles, with major renovations in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Influences include the Regency-era improvements inspired by Inigo Jones and the neo-Gothic fantasies introduced by architect Major Charles Edward Davis under Greville Smyth’s patronage. Notable features once included a winter garden with tropical plants and a museum housing natural history collections. Although some original parts like the 15th-century kitchens have been lost, the house retains richly carved oak interiors, a grand hall, and a striking oak staircase. Today, the mansion operates as an event venue and is managed by the charity ArtSpace Lifespace.Expansive Grounds and Natural Beauty
The estate encompasses approximately 850 acres of Grade II* listed parkland, including woodlands, grasslands, and a historic deer park established in the late 14th century. The landscape was influenced by early 19th-century designer Humphry Repton and offers a variety of habitats supporting diverse wildlife. The grounds are a beloved green space for locals and visitors, hosting activities such as mountain biking, orienteering, and walking. The estate also features a golf course and regularly hosts large-scale events including the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and kite festivals.Community Engagement and Conservation Efforts
Owned by Bristol City Council since 1959, Ashton Court Estate is one of the UK’s busiest country parks, attracting over 1.6 million visitors annually. Ongoing conservation and heritage projects, supported by Heritage Lottery funding, aim to improve visitor facilities, restore historic views, and maintain the estate’s ecological and cultural value. The estate is managed to balance public access with preservation, offering educational resources and promoting sustainable use of the landscape.A Venue for Culture and Events
Beyond its natural and historic allure, Ashton Court Mansion serves as a cultural hub. The Great Hall and other spaces are available for conferences, weddings, and filming, having featured in productions like Sherlock. The estate’s café and event venues provide social and artistic engagement opportunities, supporting the local community and visitors alike.Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to Ashton Court Estate enjoy a tranquil yet lively environment where history and nature intertwine. The combination of architectural grandeur, expansive green spaces, and vibrant community events creates a unique destination that appeals to history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and families. The estate’s proximity to Bristol makes it an accessible retreat offering a rich sensory experience—from the scent of ancient woodlands to panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Lookout Lectern
1.5 km
Historic vantage point with sweeping views of Brunel's iconic bridge and Bristol's storied past.
William Draper Memorial
1.9 km
Explore Britain’s oldest war memorial, honoring 18th-century soldiers on scenic Clifton Down in historic Bristol.
Memorial Arch
2.3 km
A solemn Grade II listed arch honoring Clifton College’s fallen heroes of the World Wars, blending history, tradition, and architectural grace.
Statue of Cary Grant
2.7 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
2.7 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
The Matthew of Bristol
2.7 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Bristol Aquarium
2.8 km
Discover the enchanting underwater world at Bristol Aquarium, where marine life thrives in captivating exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Statue of Queen Victoria
2.9 km
A majestic marble tribute to Queen Victoria on Bristol’s College Green, blending history, art, and royal heritage in the city’s heart.
Pero's Bridge
2.9 km
A striking pedestrian bridge honoring an enslaved man's memory and Bristol's complex past with the slave trade.
Bristol Harbour Railway
2.9 km
Experience the historic charm of Bristol Harbour Railway, a heritage railway offering scenic rides through Bristol's vibrant docks and maritime history.
Watershed
2.9 km
Experience Bristol's vibrant arts scene at Watershed, where cinema, food, and culture come together in a breathtaking riverside setting.
Prince Street Bridge
2.9 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
The Red Lodge Museum
3.0 km
Explore The Red Lodge Museum, a historical landmark in Bristol, showcasing exquisite period rooms and captivating exhibitions that illuminate the city's rich heritage.
Cascade Steps
3.0 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Bristol Ferry
3.0 km
Discover the scenic beauty of Bristol from the water with Bristol Ferry, a delightful ferry service showcasing the city's stunning waterfront and rich history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre (Free Entry)
1.3 km
Explore the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge’s history and engineering at the free Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
Ashton Gate Stadium
1.3 km
Historic and modern, Ashton Gate Stadium is Bristol’s vibrant heart for football, rugby, concerts, and major events with a capacity of 27,000+.
The Paragon
1.4 km
Discover the charm of The Paragon in Bristol, a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity for every traveler.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
1.4 km
Iconic Victorian suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge with stunning views, free museum, and engaging guided tours in Bristol.
Giant's Cave
1.6 km
Descend into legend and emerge with views of Bristol's most iconic bridge from an unforgettable angle.
St Vincent's Rocks
1.6 km
Historic cliffside landmark in Clifton offering dramatic views, ancient caves, and rich cultural heritage above the Avon Gorge.
Butt polished rock
1.6 km
Discover the subtle geological wonder of Butt Polished Rock nestled in Bristol’s historic and scenic Clifton district.
Clifton Observatory
1.7 km
Historic observatory with one of the UK’s few working Camera Obscuras, Giant’s Cave adventure, and stunning views of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The Mall Gardens
1.7 km
A serene and charming green oasis nestled in Clifton, offering peaceful gardens framed by historic architecture and community spirit.
Bristol Docks
1.8 km
Historic Bristol Docks at Hotwells: Engineering brilliance and maritime heritage meet vibrant waterfront life.
The Clifton Arcade
1.9 km
Discover Victorian splendour and indie treasures in Bristol's Clifton Arcade, where over 20 unique boutiques offer vintage finds, art, and artisanal gifts in a charming covered passage.
Victoria Square
2.0 km
Elegant Victorian square in Clifton, Bristol, blending historic architecture, tranquil gardens, and cultural heritage in a prestigious setting.
Banksy’s The Girl With Pearl Earring
2.0 km
Discover Banksy’s clever homage to Vermeer’s masterpiece, hidden in Bristol’s harbourside with a modern twist on a classic pearl earring.
National Trust - Leigh Woods
2.2 km
Explore ancient woodland and breathtaking Avon Gorge views at Leigh Woods, a serene nature reserve near Bristol with trails for all abilities.
Capricorn Place
2.2 km
Modern riverside living in Bristol’s historic Hotwells district, blending scenic views with urban elegance on the vibrant Harbourside.
Essential places to dine
The Chef's Table
1.4 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
The Pump House
1.5 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
Giggling Squid - Clifton
1.7 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of Clifton Village at Giggling Squid, Bristol’s beloved Thai restaurant.
Souk Kitchen
1.7 km
Experience vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean mezze dishes in a lively Southville setting, perfect for sharing and savoring bold flavours.
The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
1.7 km
Elegant British brasserie in Clifton, Bristol, blending local heritage with refined dining and vibrant afternoon teas.
New Moon Tapas
1.7 km
A stylish tapas spot in Bristol’s Clifton Village blending global flavours with inclusive, creative small plates and vibrant cocktails.
Côte Clifton Village
1.8 km
Classic French brasserie charm meets modern dining in the heart of Bristol’s Clifton Village.
Coppa Club, Clifton
1.8 km
Stylish Italian dining and vibrant social hub in Clifton Village, Bristol, perfect for all-day meals and lively evenings.
Clifton Sausage
1.8 km
Experience expertly crafted British sausages and seasonal local dishes in the warm, inviting heart of Bristol’s Clifton Village.
No.4 Clifton Village
1.8 km
Charming Georgian hotel in Bristol’s Clifton Village with cozy rooms, a private garden, and the acclaimed No.4 Clifton Village restaurant.
1 York Place
2.1 km
An intimate European bistro in Clifton offering seasonal dishes and a warm, stylish atmosphere for a refined dining experience.
COR Restaurant
2.3 km
Vibrant Mediterranean small plates served in a stylish, intimate setting at Bedminster’s acclaimed COR Restaurant.
New MoOn On The Quay
2.5 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Racks Bar & Kitchen
2.5 km
A vibrant Clifton hotspot blending historic cellar charm with gourmet British and Mediterranean cuisine in a lively, stylish setting.
Steak of the Art
2.5 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Movement Boutique
1.7 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
About Face
1.8 km
Discover curated gifts and artisanal treasures in Clifton's charming village heart, where unique finds meet personal service in a cozy Bristol gem.
Indira Rose Vintage
1.8 km
Discover mid-century magic across three floors in Clifton's chic village—timeless antiques and vintage furniture await in Bristol's premier trove.
The Pod Company
1.8 km
Discover cutting-edge wellness with The Pod Company’s innovative ice baths and sauna pods in the heart of Clifton, Bristol.
Grace & Mabel Ltd
1.8 km
Discover handpicked elegance at Grace & Mabel Ltd, the Clifton Village boutique where three sisters craft a world of timeless fashion, quality, and personal style since 2007.
Mint Velvet Bristol
1.8 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
Village
1.9 km
A compact, design-led gift shop in Clifton Village offering locally made homewares, stationery and small-batch finds with a quietly curated, neighbourhood feel.
Bristol General Store
2.0 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
Independent Design Collective
2.3 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Rhubarb Jumble
2.4 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Zhyper
2.5 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Orendo
2.5 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Ashwell & Co
2.7 km
Retro elegance meets homemade indulgence: vintage treasures and legendary scones in Clifton's cozy tearoom.
Ganesha
2.7 km
Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Fig1
2.8 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cottage Inn, Bristol
1.6 km
Historic harbourside pub offering modern British classics, craft ales, and scenic waterfront vibes in the heart of Bristol.
The Coronation Tap
1.7 km
Bristol's legendary ciderhouse near Clifton Suspension Bridge, famed for potent Exhibition scrumpy, live tunes, and timeless tavern vibes in cozy Clifton.
22 Clifton
1.8 km
A vaulted Clifton wine cellar mixing Georgian bones with a modern wine-bar programme, tastings and sharing plates in an intimate setting.
The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
1.8 km
Quirky Clifton cocktail haven spanning three cozy floors, perfect for masterful mixes and intimate evenings in Bristol's upscale village.
The Quadrant
1.8 km
Cosy Clifton wine bar with a curated drinks list, small plates and buzzy window seats in the heart of the village.
The Dirty Bird
1.9 km
A vibrant neon-lit cocktail lounge in Clifton Village, Bristol, mixing classic and creative drinks with a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Barrelhouse
2.2 km
Clifton's hybrid pub where Detroit pizzas, rooftop views, live tunes, and dive-bar cocktails create unrestrained fun in a historic setting.
Bag of Nails
2.3 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
The Eldon House
2.3 km
Historic Victorian pub in Clifton, Bristol, known for craft beers, live music, and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
The Brass Pig
2.5 km
Clifton's two-floor nightlife gem: cocktails from £3.50, DJ weekends, terrace vibes, and student deals in Bristol's Triangle hub.
Hyde & Co
2.6 km
Discover Bristol’s secretive speakeasy with expertly crafted cocktails and a cozy vintage ambiance in the heart of Clifton.
The Cocktail Club - Triangle Bristol
2.6 km
Step into Bristol’s Neverland-inspired Cocktail Club for expertly crafted drinks, quirky décor, and nights that never want to end.
Be At One - Bristol
2.6 km
Energetic cocktail bar in Clifton, Bristol, serving over 100 expertly crafted drinks with vibrant vibes and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
2.6 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
2.7 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
