I recently had the pleasure of visiting Blaise Estate, and it was truly a remarkable experience. The sprawling estate is home to greenery that seems to stretch on forever. I also had the opportunity to explore the historic mansion, filled with fascinating artefacts and artwork that offer a glimpse into the past. Finally, there’s a woodland walk to Blaise Castle. Are you ready for breathtaking panoramic views? Did I mention that it’s free too?!
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Blaise House and Estate Review
What an unexpected surprise! The rescue charity, which we got our four-legged sidekick Ivan from, held a family fun day. We wanted to make the most of the day, and Blaise Estate was nearby. Besides knowing that it was dog friendly and a castle was there, I did not realise how big it was or that there was so much to do. We spent 2 hours there together, walking, exploring and enjoying an ice cream in the grounds.
Castle House Museum
The estate has several points of interest, including a mansion house, now a museum, the castle and the nearby Blaise Hamlet. All of this sits within 650 acres of parkland. The incredible estate combines woodlands and fields. Because of this, numerous walks lead to Kings Weston, Sea Mills and Coombe Dingle.
Blaise Estate is a site of significant heritage importance, including Registered Park and Garden status with over 20 listed buildings, plus geological and nature designations.
Blaise Castle Estate is open every day from 7.30am. Closing times vary throughout the year:
- 5.15pm in November, December and January
- 6.15pm in February
- 7.15pm in March
- 8.15pm in April
- 9.15pm in May, June, July and August
- 8.15pm in September
- 7.15pm in October
Blaise Castle House and Blaise Museum
Flint fragments show the estate was probably first inhabited by Neolithic farmers. More definitive evidence exists for the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman activity through the distinctive hillforts.
Built in the late 18th Century, Blaise House was owned by sugar merchant and investor in the slave trade, Thomas Farr. He bought it from the decedents of the Astry’s in 1762. Farr was bankrupt when his ships were blockaded during the American Revolutionary War. The estate was bought in 1778 by Denham Skeate, a lawyer from Bath. He made amendments and additions to the house, including the orangery.
The estate was sold to Bristol City Council in 1926 to preserve it from development. During World War II, the house was occupied by the armed forces.
Bristol Museums
Blaise Castle Museum is where visitors can see the interior of the restored house, including the picture room. It exhibits the evolution of domestic life in Bristol over the last 300 years. See how people lived through time – what they wore, the toys they played with and how they managed their household chores.
You can also visit the dairy and gardens surrounding the house. The diary provided butter and possibly cheese for the house. Cows and sheep were grazed on the estate. Between the house and diary is The Orangery. Today it is filled with hothouse plants.
Castle Museum Opening Times
Thursday to Sunday between 11am and 4pm. Closed from January to May.
Free admission
Blaise Castle History
Who knew there were castles in Bristol?
Blaise Castle is a sham castle built in 1766 in the Gothic Revival style. The circular building is a Grade II* listed building. It features three turrets with crenellated parapets. The castle was used as a summer house for the owner of the estate, Thomas Farr. There was a kitchen and dining area on the first floor, which Farr used to entertain guests. Today only the shell of the castle remains.
The best bit is the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including South Wales, the Cotswolds and the Mendip Hills. It is said that Farr liked to view his ships on the Avon from the top of the castle. John Thorpe describes the castle as “the finest place in England – worth going fifty miles at any time to see.”
The castle is about a 20-minute walk from Blaise Castle House, walking through the woods uphill. There is some uneven ground and exposed tree roots, so I’d recommend wearing sensible footwear.
The castle is usually open between March and October on the third Sunday of the month. But best to check before travelling.
Blaise Castle Northanger Abbey
The castle is referenced in Jane Austen’s novel, Northanger Abbey. Today, Blaise Castle might stand for nothing more than a landmark that Catherine Morland failed to visit. Blaise Castle was not the derelict ruin Catherine or Austen’s contemporaries supposed it be.
Blaise Park Bristol
There are two huge play parks for kids of all ages. The smaller one is aimed at toddlers and younger children, including a sand pit, swings, climbing frames, slides and seesaws. The bigger park is for older children, with a roundabout, swings, climbing frame, zip wire and monkey bars.
When I visited in the summer months, it was great to see families setting up a base for the day with chairs, blankets and picnics. There’s so much green space; several family football, rugby, rounders and frisbee games were going on too. BBQs are allowed as long as they are raised off the ground.
The grounds include a gorge, Goram’s Chair, a limestone outcrop often used by climbers, and Lover’s Leap and Potter’s Point, two panoramic viewing spots. At the gorge’s southern end, Hazel Brook joins the River Trym. Other features within the estate are two pools; The Giant’s Soapdish and the Penny Well, and two caves; Robber’s Cave and Butcher’s Cave.
Blaise Hamlet
Blaise Hamlet is a cluster of nine restored cottages surrounding a small green. The cottages were originally built in the 19th Century to house retired staff from the Blaise Castle Estate.
The hamlet was one of the first examples of a planned community, and there is a stone sundial and water pump on the green, commemorating its construction. The cottages are all unique but include brick chimneys, dormer windows and thatched roofs.
Today, the cottages are maintained by the National Trust. Entry to the hamlet is free of charge, although it is only possible to view cottages from the outside and walk around the green.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offer a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
St Mary’s Church
The church of St Mary the Virgin dates back to 1093, with various rebuilding over the years until extensive refurbishment in 1878 in the Early English Gothic Revival style. On the outside, St Mary’s looks like a typical picture postcard parish church.
The churchyard has many interesting memorials, including that of an enslaved person known as Scipio Africanus. Their headstone, dated 1720, is elaborately painted. Egyptologist Amelia Edwards is buried alongside her companion, Ellen Drew Braysher. Their grave was given Grade II in 2016, celebrating it as a landmark in LGBT history.
Blaise Castle Cafe
The cafe serves sandwiches, snacks, cookies, cakes, crisps, ice creams – including dog-friendly ones – plus hot and cold drinks. The menu offers many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. There is only outdoor seating, and the park toilet blocks are next door.
Opening times are:
Monday to Friday – 9am to 3.30pm
Saturday and Sunday – 9am to 4pm
Get 50% off food
After visiting Blaise Estate, refuel up with Tastecard. You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Blaise Castle Estate Parking
The main car park, Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills are pay and display. Charges apply between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays, starting from £1 for 1 hour.
Blaise Castle Estate Postcode
Bristol BS10 7QS
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Stay the Night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Best Western Henbury Lodge Hotel
The Best Western Hotel is just a two-minute drive to Blaise Estate. It is a country house hotel in a city! They even have a resident King Charles Spaniel. (However, they don’t have any dog-friendly rooms.) Choose from twin, double or superior bedrooms with luxury bedding, toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel has free WiFi and free parking.
Radisson Bristol
The Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol is in the city centre. The 4-star hotel is an iconic 18-storey high-rise within Bristol’s Harbourside. The hotel is within walking distance of popular attractions. The hotel offers unlimited free WiFi. Alongside the 176 modern bedrooms, there’s a restaurant serving gastropub-style food, gym facilities and an outdoor terrace.
Radisson Hotel Discount Code
Get 15% off 3 or 4-night stays, 20% off 5 or 6-night stays, or 25% off for 7 or more nights in luxury rooms and suites. When you use the Radisson Hotel Promo Code LONGER, you’ll also receive complimentary high-speed WiFi on unlimited devices. More information
Cottages and Houses
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Bristol are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
The Surrounding Areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of central Bristol either. Clevedon, Portishead, Saltford and Cirencester are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
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We love Blaise Castle and Oldbury Court, hard to believe they’re free days out isn’t it! <3
I haven’t been to Oldbury Court. Thanks for the tip, I’ve added it to my must visit list.