Highlight • Lake
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Eastville Park Lake is a distinctive artificial and ornamental lake nestled within Eastville Park, an expansive urban green space in Eastville, Bristol, England. Situated approximately two miles northeast of the city center, this serene lake, at an elevation of 24 meters, is renowned for its unique serpentine shape, designed to offer varied perspectives as you explore its edges. It serves as a central feature of the park, providing a tranquil escape from city life.
Visitors consistently praise the lake for…
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April 26, 2020
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August 31, 2021
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Details
Informations
Elevation 20 m
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Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h
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A full circuit around Eastville Park Lake is approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile). The path is generally flat with a tarmac surface, making it an easy and accessible walk suitable for most fitness levels, including families with strollers and those using wheelchairs. There are no significant elevation changes directly around the lake.
Yes, while the primary path around the lake is tarmac, Eastville Park offers a variety of other surfaces. You can find woodland trails, open fields, and grassy areas throughout the larger park. These provide options for those looking for different walking or running experiences beyond the main paved circuit.
Beyond the lake circuit, you can combine the lake path with trails along the River Frome, which borders the northern edge of the park, or explore the woodland areas and open fields. A popular option is to extend your walk to include the park's one-mile running circuit, creating a longer, varied loop. The serpentine shape of the lake itself offers changing perspectives, making a simple loop feel more engaging.
Eastville Park Lake is a haven for birdlife. The two small, densely planted islands are excellent for observing various species, including swans, ducks, geese, herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. The mature trees, especially the weeping willow, also provide picturesque backdrops for photography. Early mornings are often best for both wildlife activity and softer light.
Yes, Eastville Park Lake is suitable for winter hikes. The main paths are paved, reducing mud, and the park remains accessible year-round. The bare trees can offer different views, and the lake often attracts wintering bird species. Just be sure to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for potentially damp or frosty conditions.
Eastville Park Lake can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak daylight hours. Visitors often mention the need for a "dog-dodging A-game" due to its popularity. For a quieter experience, it's best to visit early in the morning, particularly on weekdays, or later in the afternoon closer to dusk.
Absolutely, Eastville Park Lake is very family-friendly. The park features multiple children's playgrounds, including one designated as dog-free for under 15s, which also has a basketball area. The flat, paved paths around the lake are ideal for strollers and young children, and feeding the ducks is a popular activity. There are also open fields for games and picnics.
Yes, Eastville Park Lake and the surrounding park are very popular with dog walkers. While dogs are generally welcome, it's important to keep them under control, especially given the high number of other visitors, children, and wildlife. There is a specific dog-free playground area for children under 15. Always clean up after your dog to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
Parking is available at Eastville Park. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times like weekends or sunny days. Many visitors recommend arriving before mid-morning to secure a spot. There are several entrances to the park with nearby street parking or dedicated car park areas.
While there isn't a cafe directly on the lake's edge, there are local cafes and pubs within walking distance in the surrounding Eastville area. These offer options for refreshments or a meal before or after your visit to the park.
Yes, the main path around Eastville Park Lake is tarmac and generally flat, making it suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The accessibility of other trails within the wider park may vary depending on the surface and terrain.
Eastville Park Lake was constructed between 1908 and 1909 as an unemployment relief scheme, providing work for "unemployed applicants". The land for the larger Eastville Park was acquired by Bristol City Council in 1889. The lake's distinctive serpentine shape was inspired by landscape gardener Capability Brown, designed to offer varied perspectives as you walk around it.