Castle Park

General Information

Newgate, Bristol BS1

Introduction

Castle Park, in the very centre of the city, is one of Bristol's newest parks. Created on an ancient, riverside site, with important archaeological remains, Castle Park is the biggest city centre green space with large wooded areas. Past and present mix easily here, from the remains of a great medieval castle and the ancient city centre to the nearby bustle of modern Bristol’s retail and business districts.

Access

Castle Park is in the heart of Bristol with access from Bristol Bridge and the old city, The Galleries shopping centre, and Broadmead. The park is open continuously throughout the year and admission is free. A cycle path runs through the park linking the city centre to the Bristol/Bath cycle path.

Plan your visit to Castle Park with Regional Map, Journey Planner and City Map Viewer

Click here to view a GIS map of Castle Park.

Buildings

Staffed public toilets with disabled facilities are situated near the remains of the old castle keep at the north east end of the park, opposite The Galleries shopping centre.

Community and groups

There is an active community park group for Castle Park - the Castle Park and St Mary Le Port Group. The group aims "to protect and enhance Castle Park and linked green spaces for the enjoyment and wellbeing of Bristol's communities and future generations. To make it a welcoming and attractive place that is used and enjoyed by everyone." If you are interested in being part of the Castle Park and St Mary Le Port group please contact Bristol Parks, in the first instance, on the details at the foot of this page.

Find out how you can get involved with your local park or green space.

Events

There are two main event areas: St Peter's Square, a leafy square at the top of Union Street and the Arena, a grassy circular event space. Bristol's parks host hundreds of events each year from keynote festivals and performances in the city's magnificent green spaces, through sporting events and charity fundraisers, to smaller scale community events in local parks. Most of these events take place from April to September. To view a comprehensive listing of these events visit What's On. Find out more about promoting an event in Bristol's parks and green spaces. If you are interested in promoting an event in Castle Park or other city centre spaces click here for site specific information and contact Paul Manton on 0117 922 3538 or e-mail parks.events@bristol.gov.uk

Management and maintenance

If you have any comments, queries or concerns about the management and maintenance of this site, please contact Bristol Parks on the details below and we will ensure your information is promptly actioned.

Plants and wildlife

There is a sensory / herb garden next to St Peter’s Church and lime trees. There are seven Silver Birch trees in memory of the seven beaches of the D-Day landings. These are managed by Bristol’s D-Day veterans. Click here to find out more about wildlife in Bristol.

Castle Park is on the Bristol city centre nature trail. To find out more, download a pdf of the trail from the related documents section at the foot of this page.

Play facilities and activities

Castle Park hosts the rustic 'castle' playground, which is dog-free.

Follow this link to find out more about Play in Bristol and in the city's parks and green spaces.

Recreation

Today the park offers a quiet place to sit or stroll, with great views of the city above the waters of the historic harbour, just a minute’s walk from the city bustle. It is also a popular spot for picnics, particularly with city workers at lunchtime.

Sport

Castle Park has no sport facilities. For more information on parks and green spaces with sport facilities and how to make bookings, click here.

Contact us

You can call Bristol Parks on 0117 922 3719 or email: bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm (4.30pm Friday). Alternatively you can text us on 0771 039 6713 to report flytipping, graffiti, or make any other comments about Bristol's parks and green spaces. Please provide as much information and specific details as possible about the location attaching any supporting photographs. We will only call you back if we require further information.

[back to top]