If you want to blow those cobwebs away on a winter’s day, taking a brisk walk through Brandon Hill park and up the 108 steps to the top of Cabot Tower will do the trick. The tower is back open to the public every day, free of charge, after a lengthy closure when the pandemic hit.
Bristol Live set out to experience the iconic tower and take in those unparalleled views of the city. It was my first visit as a Bristol newcomer, and what should have been a 10-minute walk there ended up taking just over an hour - Google Maps appeared to be on the blink or was as confused about current roadworks as everyone else. But going ‘old school’ and asking for directions meant chance chats with Bristolians who were more than happy to go out of their way to help.
While making my way along Cumberland Road next to the River Avon came the realisation that this was a long route, but the sun was shining and the river was bustling with activity. Stopping frequently to ask for help, local residents had loads of advice about the quickest route to reach the tower.
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This included one dog walker who even turned back from his morning outing and joined in my quest to find the steps up to Cabot Tower. Taking me as far as Queen’s Parade, he warned the entrances to Brandon Hill Park were not that easy to spot, saying “keep an eye out for holes in the wall, there you’ll see steps up to the park.’’
Some of the paths into Brandon Hill are overgrown but the main entrance is well maintained. According to Avon Wildlife Trust, Brandon Hill is thought to be the oldest public park in the country and is described as a “fuelling station for migrating birds, a prominent green oasis as they follow the river valley”.
During winter, birdwatchers will enjoy spotting flocks of redwings and fieldfares sheltering in the park. The walk through the park to the tower, starts with a winding upward path up which on its own provides some incredible views looking towards the River Avon.
It is steep, so have your walking boots on. Cabot Tower was built in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage after he set sail from Bristol to Canada. The tower is an imposing 105 feet high and built from red sandstone and cream Bath Stone. It was closed during the pandemic, during which time the council undertook some restorations to the tower and it re-opened last June.
Since then it's taken fourth place on TripAdvisor of all of Bristol's attractions, topped only by the SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Smoke and Mirrors comedy pub. The most recent reviewer wrote last weekend: "Free, open ALL day (early til late), fantastic panoramic views of the city, set in a beautiful park with an exciting play park."
The spiral staircase has 108 steps to reach the top viewing platform and it is very narrow and steep, so be prepared for a climb and have some water on hand. The first viewing platform is some 80 steps up where you can take a welcome breather.
The balcony has an awesome view, tempting visitors to make the additional 20 odd stairs to finally get to the very top of the tower. Finally reaching the top platform, even the howling wind and the cold fat drops of rain starting to fall did not diminish the breathtaking views of the city.
It was well worth the climb and should be added to your bucket list. Heading down to the bottom was easy after the steep climb and at this time of year, there was the added advantage of very few visitors to the park or the tower.
We left with directions from locals who were again, far more accurate than the mobile’s map. It was perhaps also a reminder that sharing a smile and chit chat can add that little bit of warmth to the day - and we were back in the city centre in ten minutes.
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