This is a very concealed park, despite it being quite large, and having a beautiful tower at the…read moretop of it! Seemingly only known by the locals, I feel there should be more signs towards it so the tourists can find it easier, as it really is a park not to be missed when visiting Bristol. The park is a big hill that gets higher and higher till you get to the top, which is where Cabot Tower is. Perfect for summer barbeques, leisurely walks, or sitting on one of the benches staring out into the amazing view. You can see for miles out, on a clear day. It is a wonderful park that everyone should visit at least once, and after that once, I'm pretty sure you'll keep coming back!

Brandon Hill is a patch of greenery between Jacobs Wells Road and Park Street. A blessing for…read moreBristol it has got a little bit of everything. At the peak is Cabot Tower, for your dose of history. This is free to enter and well worth the climb for the incredible views of Bristol. Although you only have to get half way up the hill to see South Bristol spread out before you like a tablecloth - an doable climb even if you're not the fittest of people. As well as getting an education, you can have some fun and experience a bit of a nature. There's a children's play area and a basketball hoop (which are few and far between in Bristol). There's usually someone on the basketball court and I've had a few good games, mostly with students. The only downside is that the courts very small, and you'll often find yourself losing your ball in the buses down the side. Nature comes courtesy of various little reserves that have been set up. They've got a little pond that's chock-a-block with frogs spawn in the spring. I think it's a sight of special scientific interest for something or other too, but I'm afraid exactly what escapes me at the moment. Either way, it's nice to have something really wild right in the centre of the city.

Fantastic event, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is by far the best day out of the year in…read moreBristol (One of my top 5 events in the world) They have night glows on the Thursday and Saturday witch is superb. I highly recommend that this be on your to do list.

The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is one the major world events in the ballooning calendar. Each summer…read morethe skies of Bristol are dotted with balloons as people come to celebrate being able to float around without any motor propelling you. A little commercialised, this event is not quite as quaint as one would imagine. It is magical to watch the ballons getting heated up (I'm sure that's not the technical term) and into the air, though. Go there in the evening when the 'Night Glows' will be taking place for the best experience. It's a pretty big event and this year the roads were jammed around Ashton Court, where it's held. I recommend trying to park in nearby Clifton and walking over the Suspension bridge if you must drive at all (check that the bridge is open). Don't worry too much if you can't make at all, the sight of balloons sailing through the sky can be seen from all over Bristol and is an event enough itself.

The green lungs of the city centre, or something. It is free to walk across and open 24 hours a day…read more- a tiny square of park to take your lunchtime sarnie on a sunny day. The businesses surrounding it (many solicitors and charities) in the square are gorgeously grand Georgian buildings, making this old part of the city seem quite regal. Many of them have been restored in the last 10 years thanks to a Heritage lottery grant. Woop! Summer months are my favourite down on the square, as it pays host to a plethora of exciting outdoor events like theatre (including Shakespeare and Opera), concerts and is a main part of the Harbourside festival too, fireworks and all.

This is the poshest of Bristol's parks. Queens Square is an elegant patch of grass just off from…read morethe city centre, criss-crossed by paths and with an impressive looking statue in its centre. A good place to go for a few minutes away from the fumes and noisiness of Bristol city centre (as well having a bit of greenery it's bordered by quiet roads on all four sides). It's popular in this respect, with hoards of office workers disgorging on the grass around lunch time each day. There are festivals put on here in the summer, and I recommend going. With grand Georgian terraces on all sides it makes for a slightly different sort of feel when watching live music - it feels like a proper venue (rather than just being random field, where you will find most festivals. Just make sure you don't get stuck behind the big statue, as as hap paned to me in the past. With a sense of history, Queen Square offers a civilised respite from Bristol city centre.

For a real slice of Bristol head to Portland Square. This regal Georgian square is flanked by the…read moremotorway and Broadmead on one side and St. Pauls on the others. Add to this that the buildings are all full of offices and a saunter through Portland Square means your as likely to see a few prostitutes as well business men and shoppers. Whilst all of Bristol's parks over a respite from the stresses of the city, this one is particularly good if you've just traipsed around Cabot Circus or Broadmead and need a break. You will have to take a bridge over the three lane road, but this just mean you will appreciate the square all the more Last night I saw a fantastic fireworks display (it being bonfire night), when things were definitely not as quiet as usual. Most of the time though, Portland Square is quiet, peaceful, and elegant.

Hey, if you like fabulous artisan beer and you have a few bucks to spend. …read more. Go Moor Beer in Bristol, UK. Their tap room is the best I've been in. The brewer is from California and he's changing the way British folks look at beer What a wonderful treat!

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.

I literally can't wait for this years' Harbour Festival, I only managed to catch bits and pieces of…read moreit last year as I had only just moved to Bristol. This year, 2010, it'll be going down 30th July - 01st August, and do you want to know the best thing about it? It's freeeeeeeee! Amazingly, it's been going for 39 years, and while I wouldn't want to bore you with trivial statistics and facts, what it means is, this weekend has been running for enough years for them to have worked out what works and what doesn't! There will be not one, not two, not three, but eight, yes eight stages with a variety of music for all tastes. It's generally a great weekend, don't miss it!

This much-loved summer festival sees literally hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Bristol…read morefor a weekend of eating, drinking and wishing we owned a boat. Many of my friends come down specifically for this weekend, usually around the end of July, beginning of August. All the boats in the harbour tart themselves up with bunting and the like and there are plenty of food stalls where you can buy everything from candy floss to wheels of cheese! There are plenty of market type stalls if shopping is your thing and all the bars and pubs around the waterfront are jam-packed with people making the most of drinks promotions and the outside seating. A fantastic weekend of entertainment, and it's all for free! Last year I spent it drinking cider and watching VV Brown play on the main stage in a packed Lloyds Amphitheatre and can't wait to do the same this year.

A square of green, surrounded by terraces on all sides, St. Andrews Park is probably deserving of…read morethe 'green oasis' cliché. Big old conker trees at the top of the hill make lovely shade for reading. As you go further down, there's a bit more open space usually where people play football. As the land isn't flat here it's not perfect for sports, although I have enjoyed a few afternoons of Frisbee here. There's a kids park, which doesn't usually have glowering teenagers sitting on the swings, always a plus. They've also got a bowls green (so a lied, there is at least one small patch of perfectly flat land) tucked away for your granddad. Since its surrounded by housing it's unsurprising how popular it gets when the sun comes out. On a fine day in July or August it can be a challenge to find enough space to set your picnic and you can certainly forget about being able to play Frisbee. I don't blame the people for coming, this park offers a little lung for the surrounding area.

St Andrews park is great, it's a luscious green haven just a short walk from the hustle and bustle…read moreof Gloucester road. The park has lots of green grassy space, and trees to offer shade from the sun. The kids play area is at the top of the hill and hosts your usual park utensils, it also has a paddling pool which is open during the summer. This park offers something for everyone, it has a really chilled feel and during the warm weather has a real festival vibe. With groups of people having BBQs and enjoying a few beers in the sun. There's a small catering can that offers drinks and nibbly treats! The toilets are the only downside to this place, they are a little worse for wear and could do with a bit of TLC. I love this park and would definitely recommend you pay a visit!

Just this week my boss decided to throw a huge drinks party in Bristol and who had to arrange...me…read moreof course! I ordered 4 bunches of 5 balloons for jazz the bar we booked up a little. I live right round the corner and in an effort to put some cash into local businesses decided to come here. They were really helpful and at £30ish for 4 sets of 5 balloons, weights and ribbon i didn't think that was half bad! They were very kind and bundled them up into bags for me so i could squeeeeeze them in my little ford ka (called fiona!) My boss was dead happy them being in the company colors, with myself and several of the bar staff greatly enjoying singing 'follow the yellow brick road' after the party had ended using the balloons...never to old! This shop sells so much, various cards, balloons from all colors of the rainbow to birthday cake supplies, hen parties, banners, bubbles and more. Great little local party shop and i'll def use them again. Two thumbs up!

From the owner: Everyday Occasions is a Party supplies shop in Horfield Bristol, We also cater for balloon…read moredecorating and balloon artistry. The Party shop offers all items for your party, tableware plates,cups etc A large range of greeting cards, foil balloons andairwalkers, Birthday banners, wedding banners and gifts. We are able to offer local free delivery for balloon designs. Please come and have a look.