Long Ashton, a charming village located towards the southwest of Bristol, is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside while still having access to the city centre. Although technically just outside the urban boundary of Bristol, Long Ashton is conveniently located close to the heart of the city and is a part of the Unitary Authority of North Somerset.
With a population of over 6,000, Long Ashton is a cosy and welcoming place to stay. The village includes Leigh Woods and the nearby hamlet of Yanley, adding to the picturesque countryside charm of the area. Long Ashton’s properties are diverse, with a mix of both old and new styles and a wide range of sizes, from large to small.
Known for its numerous green spaces, woodland and open areas, Long Ashton boasts a true country feel despite its proximity to the bustling city centre, just a couple of miles away. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with easy access to Bristol, Long Ashton is the perfect location to explore the best of both worlds.
Long Ashton Location in Bristol
Nestled on the south-facing slopes of a valley running from east to west, Long Ashton is steeped in history. The village’s original site was situated on the old Bristol to Weston-super-Mare road, which has since been replaced by the A370. Colitters Way provides easy access to the southernmost tip of Gloucestershire, while the A370 takes you straight into the heart of Bristol city centre.
The surrounding areas of Long Ashton are just as delightful, with trendy Southville to the northeast, and Ashton Gate and Ashton Court to the north. The latter is home to an old country mansion on a vast estate, hosting numerous events throughout the year, including one of Bristol’s biggest festivals, Love Saves The Day and is a favourite spot for dog walkers and mountain bikers. There are several trails in nearby Leigh Woods for those seeking adventure.
While public transport options aren’t extensive in Long Ashton, there are nearby buses that connect to the rest of Bristol. Parson Street, the closest railway station, is located about two and a half miles to the east of Long Ashton, with Bedminster station a little further along. The train services are operated by Great Western Railway.
The History of Long Ashton
Long Ashton has a rich history that dates back to Saxon times, and evidence of prehistoric and Roman artifacts have also been found in the area, particularly at the site of the Gatcombe Roman Settlement. The village’s name comes from the two waterways, Longmoor Brook and Ashton Brook, that run close to it. The name Long Ashton was formed by combining the two. In the Domesday Book, the village was recorded as ‘Estune’, meaning ‘the places by the ash tree’.
Long Ashton had its own railway connection, with a station built on Yanley in 1926. However, it was closed after only fifteen years. Despite this, the village still remains many historically significant buildings, including the Angel Inn pub. Originally built in 1495 as a church house, it has been converted into a pub and it is the oldest in the area, that’s still in business today. There are also several other pubs in the village that are of historical interest.
Shopping in Long Ashton
Although Long Ashton is a small village, the majority of its best shopping options are situated closer to the city centre. Nevertheless, there are still a few pleasant places to shop in Long Ashton, including the Long Ashton Village Market on Keedwell Hill, where you can purchase fresh produce directly from the source. Additionally, the Gatcombe Farm Shop is located a bit further out on Weston Road in Flax Bourton to the west.
Moreover, Long Ashton has several independent shops, such as Magnolia Hill, a lovely florist on Ridgeway Road, Guitar Finishers on Glebe Road and Jane Booth Ceramics, a pottery store.
Long Ashton Bars and Restaurants
While central Bristol has a lot more to offer in terms of shopping, bars and restaurants, there are still several good choices in and around Long Ashton.
The Ashton is a rustic British pub that serves real ales and classic pub grub, complete with an open fire and beer garden. The Bird in Hand is another excellent gastropub option, while the Greedy Goose restaurant, located a bit further out on Gatcombe Lane, is also highly recommended.
For those in the mood for some traditional British fish and chips or pizza, there is Piccolo’s.
As for pubs, The Angel Inn, Ashton, and Bird in Hand have already been mentioned, but also consider the cosy Miners Rest, which has outdoor seating. The Jubilee Inn on Main Road in Flax Bourton to the east is another great option for warm weather and an inviting atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating for good weather.
Other Long Ashton Attractions and Places of Interest
Long Ashton offers many opportunities to enjoy open spaces and green areas, making it an attractive place to live or visit. To the north lies Ashton Court Estate, which hosts the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every August, the largest gathering of hot air balloons in Europe with over 130 balloons from all over the world. This four-day event is free to attend, with only parking charges applicable. It is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
In addition to this spectacular event, the other nearby green spaces in Long Ashton offer a serene and peaceful experience that is perfect for relaxation.
