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Couple of great pubs by the riverside

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Conham River Park has breathtaking beauty around every corner. The woodland and river are home to lots of wildlife; herons can regularly be observed, bats can be seen at dusk, water voles can be spotted, and many bird species inhabit the area. Alongside the Avon is a Local Nature Reserve composed of three maturing broadleaved woodlands. There are lots of places to relax, as well as swimming spots and many trails to explore. It can get busy at times, especially hot summer days, but it’s easy to see why. A wonderful escape from the city! You can follow the riverside path (albeit with a couple of crossings) all the way to Bath, which makes for a wonderful walk or jog.

The trees on the opposite side of the river are used by nesting grey herons every year. The prehistoric-looking birds have been using this site as a ‘heronry’ for a number of years now. Herons arrive in February and typically lay their eggs in the same nests each year, which hatch between March and April. The best time to observe the birds is in April, when nests are still visible before they become obscured by tree leaves.

Hailed as Bristol's best-kept secret, Beese's is a wonderful riverside bar with a large, charismatic and sunny beer garden overlooking the Avon. It’s something of a Bristol institution. The bar opens from spring to late summer every year and serves good food and drink. You can catch the occasional gig here, too. Access is via the Conham River Ferry (directly across on the opposite bank) for £1, which travels whenever people need it. Alternatively, you can head round to Eastwood Farm. The large meadow next to Beese’s is the ‘Costa del Bristol’ — a popular wild swimming, sunbathing and picnic spot that is brilliant on a summer afternoon.

From this spot, you get a breathtaking view of the Avon Valley. Wonderful at all times of year; luscious green in Spring and Summer; golds and reds in Autumn; haunting leafless trees in Winter. From the riverside path, follow signs for Panorama Walk.

Nightingale Valley is a hidden gem in this part of Bristol. The area is composed of mixed woodland and small fields with the Brislington Brook flowing through its heart. There are lots of trails to explore in the valley bottom and along its steep sides. Nearby St Anne’s Wood makes for a great extension if you are exploring.

Eastwood Farm is a slice of rural idyll within the city limits. With pretty water meadows and majestic woodlands, the nature reserve is a brilliant place for relaxation and exploration. When the summer sun shines, many people swim in the Avon here. There is lots of wildlife to observe too, including swans, kingfishers, coots, buzzards, squirrels, herons, mallards, moorhens, and more. To get to this side of the river, Beese's Riverside Bar runs a boat service across for £1 during their summer opening. Alternatively, you would need to cross St Anne’s Bridge and head towards Brislington.