Awesome local gym!…read more It's not massive, but the locality and quality of equipment make up for that. There is a ton of cardio equipment, a lot of different weights and weight rooms and I've only been to a few of them, but the classes I've been to were just awesome. As I said, it's not massive, so obviously don't join expecting a pool or anything, but don't let that deter you from a great local gym

So, it's been a while, but it was time for me to re-join a gym and get superfit. I have limited…read morefunds at the moment and also know that I need a gym nearby to where I live, otherwise, I'll assume that paying the fee alone will get me fit - ridiculous I know! Workout is on North Street in Bedminster - super easy to get to, and for a joining fee of £15, and by paying 2 months up front at £9.99 a month for off peak membership - I was signed up. They did also advise me that they also charge one further fee which is payable in February and goes towards maintenance of the club - it's a fixed fee and everyone has to pay it - but apart from that it's contract free. As an off peak member I can use the gym from 8am til 4.30pm Mon to Fri, and 8am - 8pm at weekends - absolutely perfect for me. I can also access their classes and have 50 in a year for no extra charge. There's a sauna and steam room, and even a separate womens only area for toning!! None of this negotiating weights with huge muscly chaps :) Now as a budget gym I have to say my expectations weren't particularly high - and I'm the first to admit that I was wrong to have this preconception. I was massively impressed and surprised by the quality and standard of the equipment - it is top notch and definitely on a par with more expensive gyms in this city that I have previously been a member of. You do need to bring a padlock with you, as you need it for the lockers in the changing room, but.... If you're looking for a gym - I would definitely recommend it. Go sign up.

The Adventurous Activity Company offers all sorts of adventurous activities!…read more It's a great idea for something a bit different to do with friends, though their half or full day adventures will leave you feeling exhausted! It's a fantastic way to see Bristol from a perspective you wouldn't have otherwise, from canoeing round Bristol docks, abseiling down the cliffs of Avon Gorge or taking a mountain bike course. Some of the things aren't for the faint hearted while some activities would be suitable for all. Prices are reasonable for the experience though not cheap.

In Ashton Court Estate you will find this pitch and put course on a hillside. It takes a bit of…read morefinding. At the main entrance (that is, where the gatehouse is, not down in the hill around Bedminster) go straight along the road and then take the first right, going up the hill. You'll come to a little car park and a slightly desolate looking hut. The hut is where you can hire clubs and balls (remember not to smack it into the bushes...) and get putting. It's run by the council, which means its a) cheap and b) not full of stuffy old men, the two usual vices of a golf course. Give your ball a thwack and follow it round the course, nobodies going to judge you. The only downside I can think of is that things can get a bit congested, especially if the weather is even vaguely nice. You may have to wait a little while, or have people queueing up behind you, to use one of the holes. Making golf a bit less of the pursuit of old men at country clubs, the pitch and put golf course is a great way for those of us that think golf looks like a lark to give it a try.

I used to hate golf until two of my mates practically dragged me across the bridge to Ashton Court…read morefor some pitch and putt. What can I say? I was almost instantly seduced by the satisfying feeling of smacking a little ball as hard as you can with a massive piece of metal, and the faraway sound of ball on deer. It's great value - £6.50 gets you 18 holes and a great view across the whole of Brizzle and beyond on a fine day. The only problem is that, when the sun's out, it can get pretty busy, and there's nothing guaranteed to give an amateur the yips more than a queue of people staring and tutting as you continually swing and miss at the ball off the tee. One tip: the course on the Bristol side of AC offers more variation, and there's even one par five hole where you can get your wood out and give it a real thrashing.

If you have ever lived or worked around Clifton in the summer you will know what a god send this…read moremini-park/garden is. Located perfectly between Clifton village and, what seems like, the rest of the world (the world being Bristol). You can always see people sat here on their lunch break soaking up the sun. It's also pretty popular for BBQs, although not ideal as there's not that much room, so be prepared to get covered in smoke when the wind changes from the BBQ next to yours. Living in a city makes green spots like this harder to come by (even though we are lucky in Bristol). So if ever you are going for a walk on a Sunday in the sun, walk through this park, have a stroll through this park, go round the village and head up to the suspension bridge. But it is a really beautiful little park, and very convenient cut through to avoid the road into Clifton Village. So take that drivers, us people without cars get this park, and you get to arrive everywhere 30 mins before us.

I would give an arm and a leg to have one of the houses that surround the square. The large lawn is…read morecut in two by the old stone paved path that has a low wall running on either side of it. There is nothing i enjoy more than sitting out on the grass in the sun and this is probably one of the best spots, the grass is well kept, which means that it is perfect for lying around on the grass. There are often many Children that are being supervised by their parents who sit on the benches and guard their prams. It is a small pocket of quiet and solitude enclosed by majestic terraced houses, and tall trees.

This ancient National Trust woodland covers 180 hectares (440 acres) - so it's big enough to escape…read moreto, enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods, and explore woodland sculptures and some unusual trees. Not only is it a beautiful parkland with views of the Avon Gorge, but it's also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and a National Nature Reserve. The network of hard-surfaced paths means it's fairly accessible, too. Look out for the timber framed barn, which was constructed fairly recently but using the same techniques as were employed in medieval times.

Up yonder past suspension bridge lies Bristol's emerald mystery. Swoop with rare peregrine falcons,…read morestroll with the kids or blow the cobwebs off your mountain bike like I did (it didn't even feel like exercise!) The woods are National Trust owned, crammed with wildlife and only a 15 minute saunter from Clifton. Pack a picnic and make for this site of Scientific Interest (and no, that doesn't mean UFO sightings!). Each avenue you find yourself on is lined with conifers, well-located benches and dizzying views over the Avon gorge. Great for an afternoon's game of good ol' fashioned hide'n'seek. I grabbed my coat and scarf and unleashed my inner child! How often can you say that?!

This is a full livery yard, i.e. it is not a riding school, neither can you hire horses, nor keep…read moreyour horse here on DIY livery. I am a customer, I keep my horse on full livery at this place. Terri Hill Livery is really close to the city centre off the A38. This is a friendly and professional yard where you can be sure your horse will be well looked after - Terri, who runs the yard, is dedicated, knowledgeable and generally very helpful with advice on horse care, first aid and tips on improving your riding. There is barn style stabling, year round turnout, an area where you can hack off road, plus you can hack to Ashton Court and Barrow and Felton common if your horse is quiet enough to go on country lanes. There are two schools (one jump, one flat), a tackroom with heating, seating and tea making facilities, a heated shower for the horses and access to an equissage machine. A real bonus for us busy folk who need to have our horses on livery is that your horse's washing and tack cleaning gets done for you. There is also space to park horse boxes. There is good support from a local competent farrier, physio and equine vets, as well as a co-ordinated yard worming program. The horses also get a tailor-made feeding program to suit each individual animal. The people on the yard generally get on well; people regularly go to all sorts of horsey events (dressage, eventing, side saddle classes, fun rides etc) and share transport and give each other mutual support; it is also a very sociable place and people team up to do just about everything, from shopping to drinks and dinner. There are also regular yard social events which is lovely!