Looking for a vibrant and accessible suburb in North Bristol? Look no further than Redland. Situated between Clifton Village and Gloucester road, Redland is a highly coveted location that offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and urban energy.
To the west, Reland is bordered by the famous Whiteladies Road, which is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. Whiteladies Road runs from the Clifton Triangle to Durdham Down, providing easy access to Avonmouth and the M5, as well as a quick connection to the city centre.
Redland’s southern border is marked by the Severn Beach Railway Line, which separates it from neighbouring Cotham. Redland Railway Station offers a five-minute link to Temple Meads, with trains departing every 40 minutes. Additionally, Redland benefits from a network of bus routes and cycle paths, making it easily accessible from most of Bristol.
The suburb’s prime location and accessibility, combined with its leafy avenues, make Redland a popular choice for students, families, and working professionals. With the University of Bristol in close proximity, Redland is a highly sought-after location that offers something for everyone.
Drinking and Dining
Discover the vibrant food scene on Whiteladies Road, where independent restaurants, classy bars, and historic pubs create a steady hum of activity from early morning to late evening. You can kickstart the day with a fantastic brunch at The Metropolitan or grab a pastry and a cup of coffee from Bakesmiths.
Savour locally sourced products with mean served from bespoke butcher Ruby & White. Or head inside Clifton Down Shopping Centre where you can find popular retailers such as Boots, Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, and more.
For burger enthusiasts, The Burger Joint offer a unique dining experience. Build your own burger with a variety of meat options, and over 40 different toppings, sauces and sides. Or indulge in BBQ heaven at Low and Slow, serving up mouthwatering beef brisket, pulled pork and fresh sides such as mac’n’cheese and seasoned fries.
There is also plenty on offer for vegetarians and vegans. Koocha Mezze Bar is a plant-based restaurant showcasing the very best in Persian cuisine. Feast on veggie fritters and falafels, or share smaller, tapas-style dishes with friends.
For pizza enthusiasts, you have Bosco Pizzaria or Flour & Ash, both serving freshly baked pizzas and tasty sides.
At the upper end of the culinary spectrum, Redland is also home to some of Bristol’s best restaurants. Pasta Loco on Cotham Hill is a casual eatery offering Italian dishes and fresh, homemade pasta. Also on Cotham Hill is Bravas, a classic Spanish restaurant, serving tapas-style dishes.
Families and dog owners will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of The Cambridge Arms, tucked away in the heart of residential Redland. The beer garden is the perfect place to spend summer afternoons, relaxing and enjoying the company of loved ones. Some other popular pubs in the area are The Shakespeare and The Kensington Arms, both of which serves up a tasty Sunday roast.
Georgian and Victorian Townscape
Redland’s affluent architecture is characterised by wide, spacious avenues, well-maintained gardens, Victorian terraces, and Georgian townhouses. As you move towards Cotham, the houses become grander, with many listed to preserve their historic appeal. Although many of the larger villas have been converted into flats, those remain as large semi-detached family homes command prices of around £992,780, terraced properties sold for an average of £745,226, while flats sell for an average of £402,583.
Redland’s character is further enhanced by several standout buildings and structures, including cultural landmark, The Arches, which marks the separation of Gloucester Road and Montpelier, Cotham, and Stokes Croft.
Additionally, Redland boasts impressive examples of Georgian architecture, such as the imposing Redland Chapel and Redland High School. These buildings for landmark features that are useful for navigation and add to the neighbourhood’s charm.
Parks, Gardens, and Pleasure Grounds
Durdham Down, situated on the Northwestern edge of Redland, is a stunning entry point to the suburb. This vast expanse of open grassland was once a hub for various activities, including horse racing, wrestling, and cockfighting. Nowadays, it is mostly used for football matches (played by the local Bristol Downs Football League), kite flying, dog walking, and occasional sheep farming, as the university exercises its ancient grazing rights by sending sheep out to graze on the Downs.
Since 1861, when the Clifton and Durdham Downs act was passed, the Downs has been a place for leisure and recreation for both Cliftonites and Redlanders. Redland is also home to numerous other historic green spaces, parks, and gardens, which are associated with various communities and clubs.
One such park is Cotham Gardens, a small Victorian park located just south of Redland Railway Station. It is a favourite among dog walkers and children who use the local play area. Additionally, various sporting associations, including Cotham Park Tennis Club, call this park home.
Popular with both locals and wildlife is Redland Green, which represents a small portion of the once expansive grounds of Redland Manor. Grassland, scrub, and managed woodland provide varied habitats, and manicured lawns provide facilities for local clubs such as Redland Green Bowling Club, Redland Green Club for Racquet Sports, and communities like that formed by the local gardeners with patches on the allotments at Redland Green.
For gardening enthusiasts, a visit to the five-acre Botanic Garden at the University of Bristol is a must. With its Amazonian and South Africa-themed glass houses, an Aztec chocolate tree, and the biggest collection of Sacred Lotus in Britain. During the summer months, the botanic Garden is open to the public through a number of events.
