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Ashton Court Bristol

Country Park and Mansion with 850 Acres of Woodland

Ashton Court Estate is a historic 850-acre estate just outside Bristol, offering a beautiful mix of parkland, woodland, gardens and countryside walks. Once the home of the Smyth family for over 400 years, the estate is now a popular destination for walking, cycling, deer spotting, events and exploring the impressive mansion house and landscaped grounds.

Stay close to Ashton Court Estate by booking your stay at Future Inn Bristol. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, the hotel offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities. Kids stay free, making it an ideal choice for family breaks exploring Bristol.

Guests also benefit from free parking in Bristol city centre, making it easy to visit Ashton Court Estate as well as Bristol’s other top attractions. With Chophouse Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Future Inns is the perfect base for discovering the best of Bristol. Book direct for our best available rates. Join Future Club Rewards for up to 12% off your stay - join free today!

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Visit Ashton Court Estate

Just 10 minutes from Bristol city centre, Ashton Court Estate is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces and one of the best free things to do in Bristol. Covering 850 acres of woodland, grassland and parkland, this historic estate offers plenty of open space to explore, with scenic walking routes, cycling trails and spectacular views towards Bristol and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

A visit to Ashton Court feels like stepping into the countryside without leaving the city. The famous Ashton Court Deer Park is home to herds of red and fallow deer, which have roamed these grounds for more than 600 years. Keep an eye out as you explore the trails, where you may spot them grazing among the trees and fields.

Things to do at Ashton Court Estate

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a full day of it, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The estate’s walking routes offer peaceful woodland strolls and panoramic views across Bristol, while cyclists can explore miles of mountain bike trails.

Families can enjoy the Ashton Court pitch and putt course, or try orienteering, the miniature railway and adventure trails. Golf lovers can also enjoy Ashton Court Golf, with an 18-hole pitch and putt course set within the estate grounds. There is even a disc golf course, offering a fun challenge for visitors of all ages.

Throughout the year, Ashton Court hosts a variety of events, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. From outdoor festivals and food events to seasonal celebrations, Ashton Court Estate Events bring the historic grounds to life. The estate’s Ashton Court Estate Halloween events are particularly popular, offering spooky family fun in a unique setting.

Ashton Court Estate History

The story of Ashton Court stretches back centuries. A manor house has stood on the site since the 11th century, with each generation of owners shaping and developing the estate. From the 16th until the 20th century, it was the home of the Smyth family, who transformed both the house and surrounding grounds over generations.

During the First World War, Ashton Court House was used as a military hospital, while during the Second World War it became an army transit camp. In 1936, the estate hosted the Royal Show, welcoming visitors from across the country.

After the death of the last Smyth family member in 1946, the house fell into disrepair before Bristol City Council purchased the estate in 1959. Today, Ashton Court is carefully maintained as a historic attraction and much-loved countryside escape for Bristol and nearby North Somerset.

Why visit Ashton Court Estate?

With its combination of history, wildlife, outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, Ashton Court is a truly special place to visit. Whether you want a relaxing walk, a family day out, a bike ride, a round of golf or simply somewhere to enjoy the fresh air, this historic estate offers something for everyone.

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Hotel near Ashton Court Estate

Future Inn Bristol is a modern and comfortable hotel in Bristol city centre. It offers easy access to key attractions and vibrant areas, making it an ideal choice for families exploring the city. The hotel features spacious and airy bedrooms, perfect for keeping everyone together.

The Superior Double Rooms have two double beds, or choose the City King Rooms, some of which interconnect with the City Twin Rooms. Each bedroom has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, and a laptop safe. Added comforts such as complimentary robes, tea and coffee-making facilities, and filtered water enhance the overall experience. The biggest perk of staying at our Bristol hotel is the free parking at Cabot Circus, directly across the road from Future Inns.

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Getting to Ashton Court Estate from Future Inn Bristol

It's incredibly easy to get to Ashton Court Estate from Future Inn Bristol:

  • Ashton Court Estate is a 15-minute drive from Future Inn Bristol.
  • There are 3 car parks with a small car parking fee starting from £1 for 1 hour to £3 for 5 hours. 
  • Alternatively, you can catch a bus from across the road from the hotel, which takes around 35 minutes.
  • It will take around 20 minutes to cycle along National Cycle Route 33.

Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

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Bristol Restaurant

Chophouse Restaurant offers a modern twist on classic dishes showcasing the best of the region's produce. From hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike. Whether you enjoy a succulent steak, a hearty burger, or a fresh fish dish, every meal delivers bold flavours and satisfying portions.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Buttcombe, Bristol Harvey Cream and Bristol Rum. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

If you are staying in the hotel, room service is available 24/7. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ashton Court Estate is a historic 850-acre estate just outside Bristol city centre, featuring woodland, grassland, gardens, a historic mansion and a deer park. Once the private home of the Smyth family for more than 400 years, it is now a public space managed by Bristol City Council, offering walking trails, cycling routes, golf, events and stunning views across the city.

Nobody currently lives at Ashton Court Estate as a permanent resident. The estate’s historic mansion, Ashton Court House, is no longer a private home and is used for events, exhibitions and public activities. The surrounding parkland is open for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

Ashton Court Estate is owned by Bristol City Council, which purchased the estate in 1959 after the death of the last member of the Smyth family. The council manages the estate as a public attraction and green space for visitors.

Ashton Court Estate in Bristol is owned by Bristol City Council. The estate was previously owned by the Smyth family from the 16th century until 1946, when the final Smyth family member died.

Ashton Court Estate covers approximately 850 acres of parkland, woodland and open countryside. It is one of Bristol’s largest green spaces and provides plenty of room for walking, cycling, wildlife spotting and outdoor activities.

There is no publicly available current valuation for Ashton Court Estate. As a historic Grade I listed estate with hundreds of acres of land, a mansion house and significant heritage value, it would be considered a substantial asset, but its value is difficult to estimate because it is owned and managed as a public space rather than a commercial property.

Yes, visiting Ashton Court Estate and exploring the parkland is free. There may be charges for some activities, events, parking at certain times, golf, and other attractions. It is a great budget-friendly day out in Bristol, especially for walking, enjoying the views and spotting deer.

Ashton Court Estate is located just southwest of Bristol city centre, near Long Ashton and close to the border with North Somerset. It is around a 10-minute drive from central Bristol, making it an easy countryside escape from the city.

If you’re staying at Future Inn Bristol, Ashton Court is easy to reach by car or taxi, making it a great addition to a Bristol city break. The hotel also provides a convenient base for exploring Bristol’s attractions, shopping areas and restaurants.

Ashton Court House has developed over many centuries, with a manor house existing on the site since the 11th century. The current mansion was largely shaped between the 16th and 19th centuries, with the Smyth family making significant alterations and additions over generations.

Bristol offers a mix of history, culture, food and outdoor adventures. Some of the best things to do include visiting the Clifton Suspension Bridge, exploring Bristol Harbour, discovering street art, visiting museums, enjoying independent restaurants and bars, and exploring green spaces such as Ashton Court Estate.

For a Bristol city break, Future Inn Bristol is a convenient base, located close to Cabot Circus shopping centre and within easy reach of many of the city’s top attractions.

Some of the best free things to do in Bristol include:

  • Exploring Ashton Court Estate and spotting deer
  • Walking across Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoying views over the Avon Gorge
  • Visiting Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
  • Exploring Bristol’s famous street art
  • Walking around Bristol Harbour and the Harbourside
  • Visiting parks including Brandon Hill and Castle Park
  • Exploring the colourful streets of Stokes Croft

Bristol is often considered one of the UK’s best cities thanks to its unique mix of history, creativity, food, culture and green spaces. With attractions like Ashton Court Estate, Clifton Suspension Bridge, vibrant neighbourhoods and a thriving independent scene, Bristol offers something for many types of visitors.

For a city break, Bristol is a great choice - and staying at Future Inn Bristol makes it easy to explore the city while enjoying spacious rooms, on-site dining, free parking, and convenient access to attractions.

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