Immerse yourself in the green spaces of Bristol with our handy guide of parks, gardens, and spaces in Redcliffe and Temple. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to spend your lunch break or a stunning space to appreciate on your daily commute, stepping into the outdoors can be the perfect way to relieve stress, connect with nature, and keep active.

With Spring upon us, the arrival of Stress Awareness Month in April, and the City Nature Challenge on 26 – 29 April, now is the perfect time to appreciate nature on your doorstep.

Stress Awareness Month reminds us to slow down to recognise stress in our day-to-day lives. With several benefits for our mental and physical well-being, immersing ourselves in nature can be a great way to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Read more about our programme of stress-relieving events and available resources.

The City Nature Challenge is the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore nature and photography in a new way. Join over 450 cities across the world on this global mission to record as much wildlife as possible over this four-day challenge using the free iNaturalist app. Your contributions will help towards conservation efforts both locally and globally and help you to learn about the nature in your area.

Check out our guide of green spaces below.

TEMPLE GARDENS

Nestled on the edge of the remains of Temple Church is Temple Gardens. Steeped in history, and a significant part of Bristol’s past, this beautiful and historical space is now a public garden. With ample green space and numerous benches dotted around the site, Temple Gardens is the perfect spot to sit, reflect, and take in some of Bristol’s history.

The site of Temple Church was originally home to a 12th-century circular Temple built by the Knights Templar, where much of the church visible today is that of a 15th-century rebuild including the church’s iconic leaning tower.

Redcliffe & Temple BID is pleased to support English Heritage to increase the use and accessibility of Temple Church and seek opportunities to improve Temple Gardens.

ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH

The beautiful grounds of St Mary Redcliffe Church provide a perfect backdrop for the Gothic masterpiece which towers over Redcliffe. With open green space on both its north and south entrances, the St Mary Redcliffe Church grounds provide a stunning space for tranquillity.

The south churchyard in particular has a vast history, from the medieval era, to the Industrial Revolution, to WWII, where today you can find the fascinating Tramway Rail Monument in the south garden.

In 2022, we collaborated with St Mary Redcliffe and Avon Wildlife Trust to create a wildflower meadow on the church grounds. We were joined by volunteers from local businesses to plant a range of plants to create a rich year-round habitat for wildlife. In 2023, we collaborated again to create a fifth bed on the church grounds, where we planted 40 different annual, biennial and perennial plants along with volunteers from local businesses.

QUAKERS BURIAL GROUND

Tucked away amongst the hustle and bustle of the city and just a stone’s throw from St Mary Redcliffe Church is the Quakers Burial Ground.

This quaint space has a fascinating history, where the site was once used as a burial ground for some 150 graves up until the 1920s. The park also features ‘The Hermit’s Cave, an intriguing part of Bristol’s history, which was home to John Sparkes in the 14th century.

Today, the site is a public park which is open to everyone to enjoy, providing a quiet place in the city to sit, think, and explore.

PORTWALL GARDENS

Portwall Gardens is a small tree-lined park dividing Portwall Lane and Redcliffe Way with fantastic views of the nearby St Mary Redcliffe Church.

In the centre of Portwall Gardens you will find La Panza, the authentic Italian restaurant housed in the former home and school of young poet, Thomas Chatterton.

Redcliffe & Temple BID have set out a plan to improve the park in 2025 which looks to regenerate the space with further access points, additional seating, and wildflower planting.

An artist’s impression of Portwall Gardens

TEMPLE QUAY WATERSIDE

With the waterside never too far away, there are numerous spots in Redcliffe and Temple to sit and admire the water. Research has shown that being around blue space – rivers, lakes, and seas – has the same calming effect as green space.

The steps and seating area close to Valentine Bridge provide a great spot to sit and watch the world go by. In the warmer months, why not grab lunch from the nearby Temple Quay market on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sit back with friends and colleagues.

Keep an eye out for our outdoor furniture which will adorn the quayside area in the summer months, adding extra areas for you to enjoy. Last year, we helped transform the space for visitors over the warmer months.

Community

Green Spaces in Redcliffe and Temple

TEMPLE GARDENS

ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH

QUAKERS BURIAL GROUND

PORTWALL GARDENS

TEMPLE QUAY WATERSIDE

Community

Green Spaces in Redcliffe and Temple

TEMPLE GARDENS

ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH

QUAKERS BURIAL GROUND

PORTWALL GARDENS

TEMPLE QUAY WATERSIDE

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