Brandon Hill
🏟 Playground & park · Park Street / City Centre, Bristol
Brandon Hill
Bristol's oldest park, home to Cabot Tower, with a fenced sand-pit play area and wildlife garden above Park Street.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open at all times; toilets near Cabot Tower 8am to 6pm daily (closed 25-26 Dec and 1 Jan). · Free · No booking needed
About Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill is thought to be Bristol's oldest public park and is managed by Bristol City Council. Rising above Park Street in the city centre, it is crowned by Cabot Tower, a 105ft landmark built in 1897 to mark the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's voyage from Bristol to North America. The park combines open green slopes with a nature reserve, two outdoor exercise stations and panoramic views across the city. The dog-free children's play area is designed for under 12s. Younger children have a toddler swing and climbing frame set within a large sand pit, while just outside there is a second play area better suited to older children, with a climbing frame, swings and a crow's nest. Toilets are located close to Cabot Tower. There is no charge for admission and the park is open at all times. Parts of the hill are protected as scheduled ancient monuments, and the Friends of Brandon Hill community group supports the site. There is no dedicated car park on site.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Cabot Tower
- Brandon Hill Nature Park / nature reserve
- Two outdoor exercise stations
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: No dedicated car park on site.
- Toilets on site
- Accessibility: Hilly site; some paths steep. AccessAble guide available.
- Dogs: Dog-free play area; dogs allowed in wider park.
🧒 Ages & play
- Ages: Under 12s
- Toddler swing and climbing frame within a large sand pit
- Separate play area for older children with climbing frame, swings and a crow's nest
📍 Nearby places to play
- Dame Emily Park · approx 1.0 miles · Bedminster
- Greville Smyth Park · approx 1.1 miles · Ashton Gate
- Cotham Gardens · approx 1.1 miles · Cotham
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Brandon Hill free?
Yes. There is no charge for admission to Brandon Hill and the park is open at all times. Climbing Cabot Tower is also free of charge when the tower is open.
What's in the playground?
There is a dog-free play area for under 12s with a toddler swing and climbing frame inside a large sand pit, plus a separate area for older children with a climbing frame, swings and a crow's nest.
Are there toilets or a cafe?
There are public toilets close to Cabot Tower, open 8am to 6pm daily (closed 25-26 December and 1 January). The council page does not list an on-site cafe.
Where is Brandon Hill?
Brandon Hill is off Park Street in central Bristol, postcode BS1 5RR, managed by Bristol City Council.
Is there parking?
There is no dedicated car park on site, so plan to use nearby city-centre parking or public transport.