Attractions and Places To See around Bradley Stoke - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bradley Stoke include a range of natural spaces and community facilities. This planned town in South Gloucestershire, England, features significant natural reserves and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore extensive woodlands, brooks, and ponds, alongside sites that highlight the area's industrial and community heritage. The region offers diverse points of interest for those seeking outdoor activities and local history.
Best attractions and places to see around Bradley Stoke
- The most popular attractions is Clifton Suspension Bridge, a viewpoint that spans the Avon Gorge and connects Clifton to Leigh Woods. This iconic landmark was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864.
- Another must-see spot is Avon Riverside Path (Bristol to Pill), a viewpoint and trail. This path runs alongside the River Avon, linking Bristol to Pill, and is suitable for cycling, walking, and jogging.
- Visitors also love Staple Hill Tunnel, a disused railway tunnel. It is now part of the Bristol-Bath railway cycling path, running for approximately 1.8 km through the hillside.
- Bradley Stoke is known for its natural features, historical sites, and cycle routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from nature reserves to former railway lines.
- The attractions around Bradley Stoke are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Staple Hill Tunnel
Highlight • Structure
The cycle path takes up less than half the width of the tunnel and the rest of the floor consists of uneven rocks. The tunnel is lit all year-round, but cyclists are advised to turn their lights on. The roof leaks in places, giving the appearance of rain.
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Clifton Suspension Bridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
The bridge costs £1 for vehicles. Cyclists can ride across fo free.
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Mangotsfield Railway Station (disused)
Highlight • Cycleway
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Brandy Bottom Colliery Ruins
Highlight • Monument
It operated during a time of significant coal production in the area before eventually closing.
Today, it serves as a historical point of interest along the cycling route, illustrating the region's industrial heritage
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Avon Riverside Path (Bristol to Pill)
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
At a main crossroads of the Bristol - Bath cycle path, there is this. Mangotsfield railway station. It's now been taken over by nature & is utterly gorgeous! Opened in 1869, and lasting all the way to closing 100 years later, it had a really good run! It goes to show how quickly times were changing in the 19th & 20th centuries. What I love about it is that it's been left there. It's so surreal & beautiful. The platforms are obvious, a similar height to today, and there's a waiting room structure as well. It's all been reclaimed by nature in the last (almost) 50 years. If we allow nature the time and space; it will come back.
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Brandy Bottom Colliery, located just off the Bath-Bristol cycle path, was an important coal mining site in the 19th century, particularly known for its deep mine workings. The site features remnants of the colliery, including old structures and spoil heaps. It operated during a time of significant coal production in the area before eventually closing. Today, it serves as a historical point of interest along the cycling route, illustrating the region's industrial heritage
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Wear clothes to cover your legs, parts are quite overgrown with nettles. (end May 2024)
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Brilliant route for kids on bikes- they love riding though tunnels!
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Staple Hill tunnel is a disused railway tunnel that was originally part of the Midland Railway's Mangotsfield and Bath Branch Line, which connected Bristol and Bath. The tunnel runs for approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) through the hillside, and was opened in 1869. It is now an iconic part of the Bristol-Bath railway cycling path. The cycle path takes up less than half the width of the tunnel and the rest of the floor consists of uneven rocks. The tunnel is lit all year-round, but cyclists are advised to turn their lights on. The roof leaks in places, giving the appearance of rain.
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The tunnel is currently (6/22) in rather poor condition. Please turn your headlights on while riding through the tunnel - safety first!
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A nice highlight. Highly recommended
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Bradley Stoke?
Bradley Stoke is rich in natural spaces, with the most prominent being the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve. This extensive area features bluebell woods, grasslands, brooks, ponds, and the man-made Three Brooks Lake. It's a haven for diverse wildlife and integrates natural elements like Savage's Wood and Sherbourne's Brake. You can find more detailed information about the reserve at southglos.gov.uk.
Are there good walking trails in Bradley Stoke?
Yes, Bradley Stoke offers several pleasant walking opportunities, particularly within the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve. This area provides easy trails around Three Brooks Lake and through Savages Wood. For more detailed routes and options, you can explore the hiking guide for the area: Hiking around Bradley Stoke.
Where can I go cycling around Bradley Stoke?
Bradley Stoke is well-suited for cycling, with connections to popular routes. The Bristol-Bath railway cycling path, which includes the Staple Hill Tunnel, is a major highlight. Another excellent option is the Avon Riverside Path (Bristol to Pill), suitable for riders, walkers, and joggers. For more cycling routes, check out the dedicated guides: Cycling around Bradley Stoke and Road Cycling Routes around Bradley Stoke.
What historical landmarks can I discover in Bradley Stoke?
Bradley Stoke features several historical points of interest, including the 'Living Landmarks' plaques scattered around town. These highlight sites like The Saxon Path, Primrose Bridge, and the preserved Savages Wood, which was a decoy airfield during WWII. You can also visit the site of Mangotsfield Railway Station (disused), now part of a popular cycle path, and the nearby Brandy Bottom Colliery Ruins, showcasing the region's industrial heritage.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Bradley Stoke?
Absolutely! The Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve is ideal for family walks and wildlife spotting. The Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and skate park. The annual Bradley Stoke Community Festival in June provides live music, sports, and games for all ages. Additionally, the Staple Hill Tunnel on the Bristol-Bath railway path is a unique and fun experience for families.
Can I spot wildlife in Bradley Stoke?
Yes, the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve is an excellent location for wildlife spotting. It's home to diverse species, including reed buntings, skylarks, great crested newts, slow worms, and various waterfowl like mute swans on Three Brooks Lake. The reserve's varied habitats, from woodlands to ponds, support a rich ecosystem.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/806206" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clifton Suspension Bridge</a>, and why is it a popular attraction near Bradley Stoke?
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic landmark spanning the Avon Gorge, connecting Clifton to Leigh Woods. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this engineering masterpiece offers breathtaking views and is a must-see for its historical significance and stunning vistas, making it a popular destination just a short distance from Bradley Stoke.
Are there any accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers in Bradley Stoke?
Yes, several areas offer accessible paths. The Staple Hill Tunnel, part of the Bristol-Bath railway path, is generally flat and well-maintained. Portions of the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve and the Avon Riverside Path also feature sections suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some parts of the riverside path can be gravelly or mucky.
What is the best time of year to visit Bradley Stoke's outdoor attractions?
The best time to visit Bradley Stoke's outdoor attractions, such as the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, is typically during spring (April-May) when bluebells are in bloom and wildlife is active, or in late summer/early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. While accessible year-round, winter can bring muddy conditions on some trails.
Are there any community hubs or cultural sites in Bradley Stoke?
Yes, Bradley Stoke has several community-focused sites. The Willow Brook Centre serves as the town's central hub for shopping and community activities. The Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre and Library offers various facilities and hosts local activity groups. Additionally, the Bradley Stoke Town Council operates three activity centres: The Bradley Stoke Jubilee Centre, Baileys Court Activity Centre, and Brook Way Activity Centre, providing spaces for local events and gatherings.
What is the significance of Savages Wood in Bradley Stoke?
Savages Wood, now part of the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, has a unique history. Once farmland, it served as a decoy airfield during World War II, and untouched craters from wartime bombing can still be found there. Today, it's a preserved woodland featuring new ponds created to support newt populations, making it an important ecological and historical site.
Can I bring my dog to the walking routes in Bradley Stoke?
Many of the walking routes in and around Bradley Stoke, particularly within the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve, are dog-friendly. It's generally expected that dogs are kept under control, and waste is picked up. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs in certain areas or during particular seasons to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
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