Ashton Court Manor Estate, located just 10 minutes from the center of Bristol, is a historical and natural treasure just 10 minutes from Bristol city centre. Spanning 850 acres, the estate features ancient woodlands with centurier-old oak trees, open grasslands and wildflower meadows, and formal landscaped gardens designed by the famous landscape architect Humphry Repton.
The history of Ashton Court dates back to the 11th century, with the manor house mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was transformed into the grand mansion that stands today in the 19th century by Sir Greville Smyth, showcasing a blend of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles. Today, the mansion and its stables are Grade-I listed buildings, open occasionally to the public for open house viewings; the manor house was taken over in 2018 by Artspace Lifespace, a multi-arts organisation which hosts exhibitions, arts workshops, theatre and dance rehearsals, team away days and family events. The Courtyard Café is one of two on-site cafés open to visitors all year round.
The wider estate offers stunning views across the city, and is a popular spot for picnics. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot populations of red and fallow deer which have roamed the estate for over 600 years, plus eagle-eyed birdwatchers might spot green woodpeckers and buzzards, among other species. The grounds also have two 18-hole golf courses, plus opportunities to play the more unusual sports Foot Golf and Disc Golf! A miniature railway is open on selected weekends throughout the year, and for the more adventurous there are trails for mountain biking and even a high ropes course above the beautiful woodland. You can even take off in a hot air balloon, and every year Ashton Court Estate hosts the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, one of Europe's largest ballooning events.
Details
- Address:
- Long Ashton
- BS41 9JN
- Transport:
- Clanage Road stop on the X4 badgerline from Bristol bus and coach station