Mermaid Moves: Water-Themed Nature Walks & River Trails Near Bristol and Bath
- Mermaid Hannah Pearl
- Sep 18
- 5 min read
It’s no secret that children are drawn to water; the rhythmic lap of waves and the shimmer of rivers invite endless curiosity and play. For parents, though, planning a day out near water can feel like juggling safety concerns, entertainment and sustainability all at once. Living near Bristol and Bath gives us a treasure trove of rivers, canals and wetlands that tick all those boxes.
As Mermaid Hannah Pearl, I’ve spent countless afternoons weaving stories about protecting the ocean while exploring local waterways with my own little mer‑folk. This guide is designed for parents, especially mums who want to turn a simple walk into a magical, eco‑friendly adventure. Grab your seashell crown, lace up some sturdy shoes, and let’s dive into five of the best water‑themed walks around Bristol and Bath.
Avon Gorge & River Avon Trail – Dramatic Views Beneath the Suspension Bridge
Why families love it
The River Avon Trail begins near Ashton and runs north toward Avonmouth, passing directly underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge and offering some of the finest views of the gorge. Children can watch the river widen and narrow, look out for peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs, and imagine they’re mer‑folk swimming through hidden caves.
You can start the walk at Ashton Court or the Harbourside and return via the same route or cross the footbridge near the M5 to create a loop check out this route . Bring binoculars for spotting boats and birds.
Eco‑tips and playful touches
Encourage kids to collect smooth pebbles along the path and later paint them with ocean creatures. Tie this to a quick chat about the river eventually reaching the sea and why litter‑free waterways matter.
Pack reusable water bottles and snack boxes rather than single‑use plastics. There are plenty of benches and grassy spots for a picnic.
Stop by the Visitor Centre at Ashton Court before your walk to pick up a map and learn about the estate’s ancient woodland. There’s a small café and toilets on site.
Frome Valley Walkway – A Riverside Wildlife Quest
What to expect
This 18‑mile path starts in Bristol’s Castle Park and follows the River Frome, a tributary of the Avon, all the way into the Cotswolds. While the whole distance is long, families can choose shorter sections, Snuff Mills to Oldbury Court is especially child‑friendly, with accessible paths and adventure playgrounds.
The walkway meanders through Snuff Mills, Oldbury Court, Eastville Park, Frenchay Moor and Winterbourne Viaduct, offering woodland, meadows and even an old aqueduct. Wildlife watchers can spot kingfishers, herons, otters and dragonflies.
Eco‑tips and playful touches
Bring a mini nature journal and let kids draw every animal or plant they observe. Encourage them to spot non‑native species—prompting discussion about why protecting native habitats matters.
Set a fun “litter fairy” challenge by packing a child‑sized litter picker and gloves. For every piece of litter they pick up, add a star to their journal.
Make time for a treat at the Oldbury Court Estate café after your walk. It’s run by local volunteers and often serves homemade cakes and hot drinks. Nearby Beese’s Riverside Bar & Garden (accessible via ferry from Conham) is another picturesque stop for refreshments.
Bristol to Bath Railway Path & River Avon Trail – Pedal, Stroll and Picnic
Why it’s special.
This 13‑mile flat path links Bristol and Bath; you can walk or cycle one way and then hop on a train to return. The route runs alongside the River Avon for much of its length, giving families a constant water backdrop.
Riverside pubs like the Locksbrook Inn, Electric Bear Brewery taproom, Flourish Kitchen in Saltford and the Lock Keeper pub at Keynsham provide rest stops. They’re great for grabbing lunch or simply watching narrowboats drift by.
Eco‑tips and playful touches
Plan a zero‑waste picnic: pack homemade snacks in beeswax wraps and bring cutlery from home. Challenge the kids to see how little rubbish you produce. Make it a “train treasure hunt”download a simple map showing where the path intersects with small railway stations and let children guess which station you’ll end up at.
Midway along the route, detour to Warmley Forest Park for an ice‑cream from Warmley Waiting Room Café and a quick play at the adventure park. Warmley is also home to a quirky community reuse shop where you can find pre‑loved toys and camping gear.
Harbourside & Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve – Urban Water Magic
Harbourside loop
Bristol’s Harbourside is the city’s aquatic heart. A loop walk beginning at the Pump House pub takes you past historic boats like the Balmoral and SS Great Britain, through Millennium Square and across Peros Bridge. Story boards tell tales of pirates, engineers and merchants. Stop at Thekla, a converted boat turned music venue, to snap a whimsical mermaid‑on‑deck photo.
Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve
Located in Brislington on the edge of the River Avon, Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve offers woodland, meadows and a riverside path. Kids can look out for kingfishers, herons, swans and squirrels. There’s even a ferry from Beese’s Riverside Bar to the reserve.
Eco‑tips and playful touches
Turn the Harbourside walk into a mini history lesson: discuss how cargo once travelled to far‑flung lands and relate it to today’s plastic pollution. Ask children how they think goods should travel in a sustainable future.
At Eastwood Farm, practise “Leave No Trace” remind children not to feed wild birds and to stick to paths to avoid trampling nests.
Finish your Harbourside adventure with fish‑and‑chips at Clifton Village or pick up organic snacks from Harbourside Market (Saturdays and Sundays). Eastwood Farm has picnic tables and there’s a seasonal ice‑cream boat moored nearby.
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Kennet & Avon Canal – Bath’s Towpath Adventure
What makes it unique
The Kennet & Avon Canal path is a long‑distance waterside route linking the River Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel. The stretch between Bradford‑on‑Avon and Bath is a manageable family walk, offering locks, aqueducts and peaceful countryside.
Along the route you’ll see landmarks like Caen Hill Locks at Devizes, the stunning Dundas and Avoncliff aqueducts and pretty canal‑side villages like Bradford‑on‑Avon. You might spot narrowboats chugging gently by.
Eco‑tips and playful touches
Download the Canal & River Trust’s audio trail (available via QR code at various locks) and play stories about canal history. Encourage children to imagine themselves as mermaid engineers helping the locks work.
Bring a small magnifying glass to examine canal‑side plants. Talk about how waterways connect rural villages to cities and how keeping them clean helps both wildlife and humans.
Stop for tea and cake at the Canal Visitor Centre at Sydney Gardens in Bath. The nearby Holburne Museum offers free entry for children, making a lovely cultural add‑on. For families looking to hire a boat, Bath Narrowboats rents canoes and kayaks along the canal.
Parent Prep Checklist
Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof if possible)
Reusable water bottles and filled flasks of hot chocolate
Healthy snacks in reusable containers (fruit, nuts, sandwiches)
Layered clothing and waterproof jackets for changeable weather
Child‑sized litter picker and gloves to turn tidying into a game
Map or downloaded trail app (mobile reception can be patchy)
Basic first aid kit and sunscreen (choose reef‑safe, ocean‑friendly brands)
Mermaid costume or tail for imaginative role‑play and photo ops
Notebook and pencils for drawing wildlife and noting eco discoveries
Suggested Local Resources
Bristol Waste’s Community Litter Picking Hub:** Borrow litter pickers and high‑vis vests for free—great for group clean‑ups.
Friends of the River Frome: A local charity hosting monthly guided walks and river‑clean events. Great for meeting like‑minded families.
Bath Canoe Club: Offers family canoe sessions along the Kennet & Avon Canal (check age guidelines). A fun way to view the canal from a different perspective.
Bristol Ferry Boats: Hop on and off their ferries to link different sections of the Harbourside or get to Eastwood Farm.
Sustrans Bristol: For maps of the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and tips on cycling safely with children.
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