The Parade Gardens sit along the River Avon in Bath. The gardens were an oasis during our visit…read morewith spring flowers just emerging. Ancient walkways and steps lead the way down into the park. House boats line the River. A whimsical statue of Mozart greets visitors. Another statue of King Bladud, founder of Bath, and his famous pig reminds guests of the importance of the magical hot springs in the town that cured him and his pigs of disease. The Wings of Peace statue celebrates Edward the VII, the Peacemaker, who brought peace between Britain and France after 1000 years of conflict. The walk through the Garden is beautiful and quiet with a glimpse of the Pulteney Bridge to the West. There are a few benches to sit.

The Parade Gardens is a grade II listed park in Bath, Somerset, England. The gardens are situated…read moreto the south of the Empire Hotel, Bath and 250 yards to the east of Bath Abbey. There is a small fee to enter Parade Gardens or residents with a Discovery Card have free access. There is also a cafe on site. There are wonderful views of Bath architecture from here to include including the Pulteney bridge.

We chose a Burlesque workshop with Pink Kitten Dance School. Our poor instructor was faced with a…read morenumber of extremely hungover / still half drunk hens who put us through our paces. First of all we were taught how to walk alluringly across the floor! Easy eh? We stumbled ungraciously and self-consciously across the floor in our high heels! However by the end of the class we were all able to do a routine. Dita Von Teese isn't going to be hanging up her boa anytime soon but it was a fun activity which really bonded the hen group and taught us some saucy tricks to use at home! The workshop took place in the club part of Java on a lovely light up dancefloor which gave that additional glam factor! We borrowed feather boas but bring your own cardigan (buttons rather than velcro, this isn't The Full Monty) to help you practice your reveal! No nipple tassle twirling required, you can wear a little top under your cardi. I wore shorts, a top, cardigan and high heels. It may be gentle exercise but were definitely sweating our toxins out towards the end of the workshop.

I heart Pink Kitten! I recently moved to Bristol from America and was mourning the loss of my…read moreburlesque and pole teacher there. As a shy retiring type and still very new to any sort of dance, I was hesitant to dive in with strange teachers in an unfamiliar place. But the PK students and teachers are some of the loveliest and most encouraging people I've met here. After trying several of the schools in Bristol, PK is my favorite! Great burlesque and pole, along with amazing circus classes...my newfound workout passion. Also, the student showcases mean opportunities for as much or as little individual creative expression as you want. My self-confidence has soared, and I've transformed from "scared to wear a swimsuit" to feeling so sexy and super-strong these days. And as a non-dancer I can safely say, absolutely anyone can and should try this! Take on a taster session and believe me, you will love it.

Bristol, as I am sure you can imagine, has a very popular Sunday League football following, not to…read moremention people who want to be involved and get their children involved. Sunday League football spans everything from mens teams to all the junior leagues, this organisation and website helps to link all the teams and people responsible for general organisation. Enabling you to see the leagues involved, latest results, referee's and contacts for them, clubs and contact lists for them. An invaluable resource if you want to get involved with Sunday league football, be it taking part or watching it.

History hats on. Underneath a terrace of houses these are artificial caves carved out of the red…read morecliffs that the houses stand on (and from where the area takes its name). The product of eighteenth century mining, various historical finds have been made here, and visiting is a good way to find out a bit more about Bristol's long history. They're dry and completely safe, with the possibility of arranging tours or visiting on one of Bristol's 'Doors open days' (held one day of the year when various old buildings and things like Redcliffe caves are opened). Also, they're easier to get round than some other caves I've visited, so you can take along kids. Intensive (pub based) research by myself has uncovered various local stories about the caves that may or may not have been made up on the spot by the bar man. Various sailors, miners, and slaves are said to haunt the caves (so the stories are at least vaguely historically accurate) and bewitch all those who enter caves. Don't let that put you off though. Redcliffe caves are a curious and exciting way to uncover a bit of Bristol's history.

I cannot wait until the day that I can spend leisurely afternoons playing tennis at the Henleaze…read moreLawn Tennis Club - I will probably have to wait until I've retired, which (thankfully) I have some years for yet. In the meantime, I may just play tennis at the Henleaze Club. I went as a visitor with a friend and only had to pay £2.50. Unfortunately to play regularly you have to become a member which can set up pack up to £118; well worth it if you go regularly, not so much if you go once in a blue moon. If you do join as a member there are lots of things to take part in, they offer coaching, leagues and tournaments, as well as open club evenings. The club has four courts and the club house is newly redecorated.

Such a good, friendly club. My family joined in lockdown and have been very impressed with how…read morewell the club is run and managed. They make a real effort to include people and find them groups to play with, suitable for all levels. Floodlights are great for winter evenings. Will the coach is great too. Highly recommend.

Visit this garden for a skyline view of Bath and the Palladian Bridge. The loop starts from a high…read morevantage point with a grand view of the entire garden and Prior Park College in the back. Walking down brings you to the Palladian Bridge by the bodies of water. A group of people were having a picnic in the grassy area across the bridge. Note that the incline is steep at a grade of 25% and is a climb back up to return. The trail also branches out to the Bath Skyline, which I found the view to not be as good since it was more distant. The staff had explained we could exit from there out to the roads, but we somehow got turned around back to the garden. An entry fee of £8 is required. Restrooms and café are by the entrance. The garden was smaller than expected, and walking from one end to the other did not take up that much time. Bus 2 Bathcity has a direct route to and from the city. It is best to take public transportation as there is no parking lot.

This place is really incredible. Beautiful grounds, friendly staff and well worth the walk out from…read morethe centre which is also very nice as well. Would recommend.

The great thing about Bristol is that it's a thriving city with cosmopolitan restaurants and…read morenightlife, but you're still only a stone's throw from beautiful scenery and greenery. And nowhere is this more evident than the Downs, where you can walk up the hustle and bustle of Whiteladies Road and straight onto over 400 acres of rolling grassland. It says much about the place in our hearts that the Downs holds that as soon as the sun comes out, the first reaction of pretty much everyone I know is to head straight up there. A vibrant place, it's always filled with people playing games, enjoying barbecues, having a drink or just relaxing. There's plenty to see and do, too, with a huge football league held there on Saturday afternoons, the observatory, the rockslides and a café to name a few, plus the stunning views across the Suspension Bridge. A beautiful place and a big reason why I'm proud to be a Bristolian.

The Downs are a lovely area where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of Bristol city. Its…read morea good 30 minute hike uphill if you are planning on walking from the centre so it may be best to grab the bus. The number 9 bus goes from Temple Meads and the centre and drops you off right at the heart of the Downs which is helpful. I would recommend walking right to the furthest point where there is a viewing area. The views over Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge are stunning. There are many other little paths to explore which will take you to the river and other areas, but you will probably need a map to find them. Definitely worth a trip up here for the amazing views and a breath of fresh air.

It may be easy to miss with all of the other shops etc around, but hunt this out as it is certainly…read moreworth doing if you like crazy golf. There are a full 18 holes, some that are pretty easy - some that can frustrate you so much you will be tempted to snap the putter over your knee. I think our game took about one hour which was just about right, especially when it is cold, windy, and just about to start raining! You've also got the wonderul surroundings of Cheddar Gorge to look at when you are looking to the heavens for inspiration. One word of warning - try not to lose the game to your girfriend - you will never hear the end of it.

Get to know your friends in a totally new way. I have spent the funniest hour or so here with a…read morefriend of mine. I love how games can change people's personalities and I discovered secret competitiveness in one of my best friends here. And I could not stop laughing. Crazy golf is brilliant fun. I have no talent at it, but thoroughly enjoy the reactions of my 'opponents'. The man we bought our game from clearly enjoys his job. Very smiley and funny. It's not expensive for the fun you get from it.