The 50 best landscape photography locations around Bristol

If you’re looking for the best landscape photography locations in Bristol, then you’ve come to the right place!

Any photographer visiting the city of Bristol is blessed with a huge variety of places to photograph. Due to the relatively small geographic size of the city, it is quite easy to jump from one location to the next in a short period of time, ticking off a lot of locations!

Where are the best landscape photography locations around Bristol?

Are you looking for a photography guide to Bristol? Here is my comprehensive list for the local area.

Before I begin, I need to add a note that there are a number of repeated target locations here – for example, the best views of Clifton Suspension Bridge can be found at varying spots across the city, each with their own value and best time of day/year. It is the most famous part of the Bristol landscape – on a drive or visit to the centre of the city it is practically impossible to avoid catching sight of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s eye-catching bridge.

Also, if you use this guide, please don’t forget to give me a shout out when you post any photos, I’d love to see what you capture!

50 best photo spots in Bristol

Clifton Suspension Bridge

It’s an obvious one to begin with, however for landscape photography there is no better spot in Bristol than here. In my opinion anyway! There are many, many places to photograph the famous bridge from. The next few locations are perfect places to capture it.

The bridge itself is a good starting point for images – pack a wide angle lens and get low down. There are great views of the city from the Leigh Woods side of the bridge as well as views along the Avon Gorge.

Cumberland Basin

Sat Nav – BS1 6XN. Time – sunrise / sunset / night. This is a fantastic spot to photograph the bridge when there is a high tide – getting the mirror bridge combination… There are actually 3 great spots here – the first just below the off ramp from the flyover, the second on the far side of the river looking back across the Basin, and the third on the island at the far front, for the close-up view.

Timing-wise, the location lends itself best to sunset, as the clouds and sky behind the bridge from this angle will light up as the end of the day approaches. However, it works very well for sunrise too – quite often I have found a thin bank of mist lying across the river – and if you go during the Spring / Summer months, it is prime territory for a flotilla of balloons to drift by above.

Keep your eyes on the tide times for Cumberland Basin – high tide here can be spectacular for photography – at any hour. Night photography works brilliantly – especially with light trails from the traffic on Portway over on the far side.

Clifton Observatory

Sat Nav – BS8 3NB. Time – sunrise / sunset / night. This is the classic bridge view. Parking in Clifton can be tricky during normal daytime hours – however a benefit of being a sunrise photographer is that nobody sane will be up at that time – so plenty of parking spaces to be had. Park down by Engineers House – you can then follow the path up to the Observatory. The view is pretty spectacular, overlooking the Avon Gorge, with the bridge lying ahead of you with the West of the city sitting behind it. From here you can see all across the city and over to Dundry (the church sitting at the highest point in the distance).

There are plenty of great spots for the camera along the fence here – so take a wander all the way along and then down towards the bridge itself. This is also the classic spot for the Balloon Fiesta – on a mass launch you will have to get here super early to get a spot at the front. Sunrise is way off to the left of here, so if you want to have any sun in shot, you will need to head down to the bridge and cross over to the other side. Around the Summer Solstice, the sun actually rises in line with the towers – be sure to set your alarm early to watch this spectacle (so far not many have been as crazy as me for getting this…).

Clifton Downs – Sea Walls

Sat Nav – BS9 1PG. Time – sunrise. This is a brilliant spot for the long view. At sunrise, the right tower of the bridge will light up, for an almost metallic reflection of gold!

It’s a superb spot if the mist lies in the Gorge. Use a long focal length here to zoom right in, or alternatively shoot wide to capture the sweep of Portway, running towards the bridge.

Ashton Court

I love it here. Ashton Court is absolutely vast and sits just alongside the city. Home to red and fallow deer, it’s a brilliant location for wildlife photography. I love the juxtaposition of wildlife against the urban backdrop.

Access to the red deer enclosure can be limited – so you may have to hope the stags and the rest of the herd are feeling less shy… Ashton Court is home to many ancient and particularly gnarly trees. The 16th century house is an interesting subject for photos as well. During spring there are excellent spots for bluebell and wild garlic photos.

Clifton Promenade

Sat Nav – BS8 3NB. Time – sunrise / sunset. This is the best spot in the city for Autumn, as the tree lined promenade transforms into magical shades of gold. Use a longer focal length here to compress the view. If it’s misty, you may strike gold and get beams of light cutting across the view.

Dundry

Sat Nav – BS41 8LQ. Time – sunrise / sunset. Dundry is the highest spot around Bristol, so from here you will get a great view. If you have a telephoto lens, this is an amazing spot for capturing the city. From here, you will be able to photograph the Balloon Fiesta, watching them glide past the Suspension Bridge. You can also see all the way to both Severn bridges, and Wales and the Brecons (on a clear day) beyond that.

Maes Knoll

Sat Nav – BS39 4EY. Time – sunrise / sunset. Along the other end from Dundry lies Bristol’s best kept secret. The views from here, are in my opinion better than Dundry. Not only can you photograph the bridge (again with a long focal length), but you can see more of the city, and on the opposite side, where the sun rises, you are able to capture the rolling hills of north Somerset. On that side, it can often become a mist trap. Be warned – the road is in appalling condition, so you have to park down in Whitchurch and walk up.

SS Great Britain

Sat Nav – BS1 6TY. Time – sunrise. Bristol’s other famous Brunel creation. The best spot to photograph this from is actually along Hotwell’s Road, on the opposite side of the river – you can capture the sun rising behind it. If you want to take a tour however (it’s well worth it), there’s parking right by the boat. There is a special view, higher up, above Hotwell’s Road, however this is a closely guarded secret, particularly as you are in a residential area. So I won’t be adding that.

The Cottage puddle

Sat Nav – BS1 6XH. Time – sunrise, sunset. That’s right. A puddle. But not any ordinary puddle – a gigantic puddle, with a reflection that photographers dream of… The Cottage is a lovely pub on the side of the river, and if you are lucky you (and you’re willing to risk a soggy camera), you can capture the coloured houses of Cliftonwood reflecting in the gigantic puddle.

Underfall Yard

Sat Nav – BS1 6XH. Time – sunset. Turn to your left from the cottage, and you can capture the working boatyard. There are plenty of interesting angles to be had here.

Baltic Wharf

Sat Nav – BS1 6XH. Time – sunrise. Walk along from the Cottage pub, and there are plenty of photographic opportunities – Autumnal leaves, golden sunlight bouncing off the opposite side, rowers paddling through a mirror-like water… the list is endless.

M Shed

Sat Nav – BS1 6UP. Time – sunrise, sunset. There are loads of fantastic photo opportunities along here with the cranes – watch out for mega puddles for some excellent reflections.

Brunel’s Buttery jetty

Sat Nav – BS1 6UP. Time – sunrise. The jetty just by this spot is incredible for sunrise – try using a tripod for some pre-dawn long exposures. Sunrise mid-Summer will see the sun rise to the left of the cranes.

Lloyd’s Amphitheatre

Sat Nav – BS1 6UP. Time – sunrise, sunset. Use a wide angle lens here, there are lots of interesting angles.

Prince Street Bridge

Sat Nav – BS1 4RH. Time – sunrise, sunset. This is a great spot. Face St Mary Redcliffe for incredible sunrises with the coloured houses of Redcliffe Parade on the right. Turn the opposite way, for sunset photos – there are some steps down to the water – use a tripod here for some excellent long exposures.

St Mary Redcliffe

Sat Nav – BS1 6AL. Time – sunrise. There are lots of great angles of this beautiful church. Elizabeth I described it as “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England.” Take a wide angle lens when you venture inside, and go in the late afternoon, to catch the light shining through the stained glass windows, reflecting off the bronze markings on the floor.

Park Street and College Green

Sat Nav – BS1 5UU. Time – sunrise, sunset. There is always something go on here – whether it’s a protest forming on College Green (great if you’re a street photographer), or the twinkling of Christmas decorations running up Park Street, with shoppers clambering up the steep slope of Park Street. This is one of the best spots to come to when it’s raining at night – the colourful reflections can be incredible.

Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill

Sat Nav – BS1 5UU (it’s just a short uphill walk from there). Time – sunrise, sunset. Brandon Hill is a classic Bristol spot for Autumn and Winter months, especially as the trees start to change colour. Cabot Tower can be seen from pretty much everywhere across Bristol – it’s an iconic part of the landscape. There are so many different angles here to be found along the winding paths, and make sure you try getting a reflection as well, from the ponds just beneath the tower itself.

Royal Fort Garden

Sat Nav – BS8 1UH. Time – any, especially dusk… Part of the university campus, but open to the public, this is a beautiful spot. Make sure to wander the mirror maze – which offers a great photographic juxtaposition against the building behind. Keep your eyes peeled at dusk for the family of foxes which call the gardens their home…

Christmas Steps

Sat Nav – BS1 5AZ. Time – night, preferably when snowing! Christmas Steps is one of the most picturesque spots in the city, and looks like a scene from Harry Potter. It’s great during the evening, especially during the festive season when the Christmas lights line the path to the bottom.

Pero’s Bridge

Sat Nav – BS1 5UH. Time – any, better at night though. Named in honour of a slave who arrived in Bristol during the 18th century, this is an unusual and eye-catching location. Great for people photography, but also good for long exposures, particularly with the colourful fairground and bustling restaurant backdrop.

Millennium Square

Sat Nav – BS1 5TY. There’s so much to see here – from the We The Curious Planetarium globe, reflecting in the water, or the ferris wheel, hustle and bustle of the day and night life, and much more. It’s great at any time of day.

Hippodrome

Whilst it’s a great spot for street photography during the day, it comes into its own at night – take a nifty-fifty lens and grab some night street shots – or better still, bring your tripod and grab reflections and traffic trails in front of the glowing neon signs dotted around, including the bright lights of the Hippodrome.

Leonard Lane

This is one for the street photographer. Like a secret alleyway, dotted with graffiti, and impossibly narrow!

Church of St John’s the Baptist

Another great option for daytime and night photography (as buses zoom by).

Nelson Street

Loads of incredible street art here – it’s an amazing spot for the day but particularly at night! Take a wide angle lens to capture as much as possible. This is a bus route too – great for light trails.

Castle Park

This bustling area is a good people watching spot. In spring you’ll find cherry blossom as well.

Temple Meads

The Victorian-era train station is a stunning location for photography. The clock tower makes an interesting photograph.

Royal York Crescent

Reputed to be the longest crescent in Europe this curved street in Clifton overlooks much of the harbour. In the Summer, it’s a great location for a sunrise wander – the rising sun catches the side of the buildings, turning them all a stunning golden.

St Nicks Market

This maze of alleys and delicious street food stalls is a great place to wander (as well as eat!). Great for people photos.

Valentine Bridge

This bendy snaking bridge in Bristol’s floating harbour not far from Temple Meads. It’s an interesting spot for architectural photography – great with a wide angle lens. Temple Quay however is a tricky spot for photography now.

North Street

Home to the world famous Upfest – the world’s largest street art and graffiti art festival – North Street is a bustling and long street in south Bristol, home to independent shops and cafes. There are incredible murals all the way along, culminating in the largest on the side of the Tobacco Factory. I love the light along here at sunrise – golden hour looks incredible. Plenty of decent coffee to keep you going.

Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft is an experience – the arty heart of Bristol, with graffiti clad walls and street art alongside all the interesting shops, restaurants and cafes. You’ll find Banksy and Inkie graffiti here.

Totterdown

Sitting just above Temple Meads in south Bristol, Totterdown is famous for its colourful terraced streets (and also the steepest street in the country!). It’s an Instagrammers paradise. There are some great city views from here too. If you’re ever taking a hot air balloon ride over Bristol, and heading south, you won’t miss here – the views from above are spectacular.

Victoria Park

A large park in south Bristol, just bordering Totterdown. The views from the top end of the park are great – looking across the city to Clifton Suspension Bridge. You’ll need a good telephoto to get the best of this.

Perrett’s Park

Probably my favourite park in the city. This steep-sided grassy park sits in the south of the city just below Victoria Park. It comes into its own when the Balloon Fiesta is on though – from here you can see all the way to Ashton Court, and with the wind heading the right way, the balloons will head straight to you. There are spots along here with great views towards the city centre and over to Clifton Suspension Bridge – great for fireworks.

Northern Slopes

This fairly unknown spot in Knowle has great city views – another good option for Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Troopers Hill

This is a nature reserve and former mine in East Bristol, with a great elevated spot looking across the city. An excellent option for balloon spotting in the summer.

Arnos Vale Cemetery

This amazing place is 45 acres in size and is a great place for a wander. You’ll find wild garlic and bluebells dotted around here in Spring, with lots of interesting trees. Misty mornings can look spectacular here.

Arnos Court Park

Anyone who knows me knows why this is my favourite place in Bristol. The best tree in the UK (slightly biased). Don’t miss the cherry blossom in Spring!

Stoke Park

This historic park sits alongside the M32. The interesting yellow Dower House is the mark you’re about to arrive in Bristol. Keep your eyes peeled for kestrels!

Purdown Tower

Situated at one end of Stoke Park, this distinctive tower can be seen from pretty much all over Bristol. It’s an interesting spot – I like images of it from a distance.

Eastville Park

Just off the M32, this is a great spot for wildlife spotting. I love it here on a crisp winter morning when the small lake can freeze. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers.

Leigh Woods

This fantastic woodland filled with oak and ash trees lies across the opposite side of the Avon Gorge from Clifton. A great location for bluebells and fungi. There are two carparks – park at the first one, and take the long path directly opposite. Keep heading in this direction and you’ll eventually end up at a clearing with a view across the Gorge and overlooking Clifton Suspension Bridge. One of my favourite views in the city.

Blaise Castle

This 650 acres parkland sits to the north of Bristol and features a pretend castle – or folly – at the very top, surrounded by woodland. It’s a great location (and a drone friendly one too). An excellent location for bluebell and wild garlic hunting in spring as well.

Blaise Hamlet

Just round the corner from Blaise Castle is Blaise Hamlet, a quirky and charming location – a collection of 19th century rustic cottages, centred around a green. It’s an interesting spot for photography, and one often frequented by Instagrammers. If it snows in Bristol, this is a magical location to visit.

Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley Lake is a reservoir located in Chew Stoke, just to the south of Bristol. It’s the fifth largest artificial lake in the UK and supports a large population of birds, including over 200 varieties. I love watching sunrise here, particularly in the Winter.

Blagdon Lake

Not far from Chew Valley Lake lies Blagdon Lake, home to a large number of birds as well. It’s another beautiful location to watch a crisp winter’s sunrise.

Tyntesfield House

This spectacular gothic revival house lies just outside Bristol. It’s a great location for Autumn.

Portbury / Prior’s Wood

Prior’s Wood is an ancient woodland to the North of Bristol, just close to the M5. It’s a fantastic spot for bluebells in Spring, with carpets of them all across the woods. It’s best here at sunset, however parking is limited and it is very popular – so arrive early.

Severn Beach

A brilliant walk alongside the Bristol Channel, and a fantastic view of the Prince of Wales Bridge. Great here for sunset, as the sun drops down alongside the bridge from here. It’s also worth checking Photopills for moon alignment here too.

Clevedon

Clevedon is a photography paradise – not only does it have the Victorian marvel that is Clevedon Pier, but also the Marine Lake. John Betjeman described Clevedon Pier as the “most beautiful in the UK” and it’s hard to disagree with his words. I love catching sunset here. Keep your eyes on tide times – at a very high tide, head across to the Marine Lake, and try long exposures. It’s a brilliant place to have a go at minimal photography.

Black Nore Lighthouse

This tiny lighthouse sits just south of Portishead and is an excellent spot for a sunset.

Portishead Marina

The marina here is a great location for a wander – pick out interesting reflections amongst the boats. A good one for either end of the day, particularly if the sky ignites.

Kings Weston House

Just round the corner from Blaise Castle is this fantastic location. The estate has over 300 acres to explore. I particularly like the avenue leading up to the house – a perfect spot for a foggy morning…

Let me know what I’ve missed!

Have I missed any locations? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below…