Forest bathing at Blaise Castle Estate

Blaise Castle Estate is 650 acres of Grade II* registered parkland on the north-west edge of Bristol, run by the city council. Much of the wider estate is woodland and scrub, and the Hazel Brook runs south through a wooded valley with rock faces and caves. On the high ground a castle folly stands among the trees, and there are scattered veteran trees across the site.

The main car park off Kings Weston Road is next to the café, toilets and play area, and the open grass near it is the busy part. For quieter time take one of the woodland walks: the Castle walk and the Gorge walk are each about a mile, and the Rhododendron walk is about three. The main drive and surfaced paths are easy going, but the woodland routes have steep, muddy sections, so wear good shoes. A smaller car park off The Dingle at Coombe Dingle is another way in. The estate is free and always open, though some areas may be restricted on big event days.