Avon Valley Country Park

Downs, Moorland in Somerset

England

Avon Valley Country Park

The Swan, Swineford The Swan <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.swanswineford.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.swanswineford.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> is described as a &#039;Country inn with muted modern interiors and a menu of pub classics given a contemporary twist&#039;, a description which would fit many pubs in villages around Bath. Looking further along the A431, the Leaping Lambs Nursery <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://swineford.leapinglambsnursery.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://swineford.leapinglambsnursery.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> , housed in a former &#039;Tin Tabernacle&#039; is just visible at the far end of the village. — The Swan, Swineford Credit: HelenK

Avon Valley Country Park is a picturesque natural reserve located in Somerset, England. Situated amidst the stunning Downs and Moorland landscapes, the park covers a vast area and offers visitors a range of outdoor activities and attractions.

The park boasts diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The rolling Downs provide a breathtaking backdrop for leisurely walks and hikes, with well-marked trails guiding visitors through the park's stunning scenery. The Moorland, with its vast open spaces and heather-covered hills, is a sight to behold and offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the English countryside.

Avon Valley Country Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and a plethora of bird species. The park's tranquil atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

For those seeking more adventurous activities, the park offers a range of outdoor pursuits. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the park's extensive network of bike trails, while anglers can try their luck at fishing in the park's well-stocked lakes and rivers. Additionally, there are designated areas for camping and picnicking, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in the great outdoors.

To enhance the visitor experience, Avon Valley Country Park also features a visitor center, where guests can find information about the park's history, wildlife, and activities. The center also houses a café and a gift shop, offering refreshments and souvenirs for visitors to enjoy.

Overall, Avon Valley Country Park is a hidden gem in Somerset, providing a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Downs and Moorland landscapes while engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Avon Valley Country Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.416293/-2.4718982 or Grid Reference ST6768. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Swan, Swineford

The Swan Link

is described as a 'Country inn with muted modern interiors and a menu of pub classics given a contemporary twist', a description which would fit many pubs in villages around Bath. Looking further along the A431, the Leaping Lambs Nursery Link

, housed in a former 'Tin Tabernacle' is just visible at the far end of the village.

HelenK

Bitton Railway Bridge over the River Avon

The River Avon Trail uses this bridge to cross from the northern side of the river to the southern side but there is no obvious way down to the southern side with attempts to barricade any route.

Colin Park

Swineford Lock near Bitton

Colin Park

Saltford Manor

The Saltford Manor is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied private house in England, and has been designated as a Grade II listed building. The original Norman construction was by William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester, and was built on an estate owned at the time of the Domesday Book by Geoffrey de Montbray the Bishop of Coutances. It is contemporary with nearby Horton Court which was a prebendary house, therefore it is likely that Saltford had an association with Keynsham Abbey, and has long been associated with St Mary's Church in Saltford. (source Wikipedia)

Colin Park

The A431 between Swineford and Bitton

Looking north-west towards Bitton from a layby which always seems to have a parked vehicle or two in it. The straightness of this stretch of road betrays its Roman origins. The A431 is in general more winding than other roads between Bristol and Bath, which works to its advantage as a route because it is not used by lorries.

HelenK

Keynsham Abbey Remains

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Direction Sign â Signpost on the B3116 in Keynsham

Located on the southwest side of the junction of the B3116 Wellsway and Chewton Road in Keynsham parish. 2 arms and restored pyramid finial. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6567A

Roadside Relics

Direction Sign â Signpost on the B3116 in Keynsham

Located at the northern corner of a grass triangle in the centre of the junction of the B3116 Wellsway and Manor Road in Keynsham parish. 2 arms and pyramid finial. See also Link and Link

. Milestone Society National ID: SO_ST6567B

Roadside Relics

Field on the edge of Swineford

The 'Tin Tabernacle' (behind the photographer) was constructed a little apart from the village of Swineford, with this field in between. The Tabernacle is now the 'Leaping Lambs' nursery Link

but the animals in the field today were cattle.

HelenK

Broadmead Lane

Railway bridge in Keynsham.

Wayland Smith

Avon Valley Farm

Field near Keynsham.

Wayland Smith

Bath Road

Impressive building on Bath Road, in Keynsham.

Wayland Smith

Footpath near Keynsham

Animals grazing by a footpath.

Wayland Smith

Meadow Wood

Trees on Monarch's Way near Bitton.

Wayland Smith

Somerville Way

Residential road in Bitton.

Wayland Smith

St Mary's Church

Church in the village of Bitton.

Wayland Smith

Albert Mill, Keynsham

Now converted to housing with several adjoining new buildings. The old core has been retained and was open for Heritage Open Days. The mill has had a variety of uses but was latterly used for grinding woods for use in natural dyes. These included logwood that produces the dye haematoxylin that is still is used in cellular pathology laboratories the world over and provides the purple colour in the classic H & E stain. The mill has a very long history and was recorded in the Domesday Book. The current incarnation is a rebuilding following a fire in 1873. It ceased production in 1964 and was converted to accommodation in 1992.

Chris Allen

Albert Mill, Keynsham - wood chipper

This water wheel powered device may well be unique. The sloping device on the left receives woods used in dye production and uses a rack driven plunger to force them against a revolving disc carrying four blades that slice slivers of the end of the wood. The disc is driven by step-up gearing from a large external waterwheel. A flywheel provides momentum in the system. One of the woods that was chipped is logwood that is used to produce the purple dye haematoxylin. This is used in cellular pathology laboratories around the world as a nuclear stain. The mill is now accommodation but retains some machinery and was open for Heritage Open Days.

Chris Allen

Show me another place!

Avon Valley Country Park is located at Grid Ref: ST6768 (Lat: 51.416293, Lng: -2.4718982)

Unitary Authority: Bath and North East Somerset

Police Authority: Avon and Somerset