Visitor Info
Entry to the 2008 Bristol International Kite Festival is free, but there will be a car parking charge of £7 per car. Free disabled parking is available to badge holders.
How to get there
The Festival takes place on 'the Plateau' of the Ashton Court Esate. Click here for a Googlemap to Begger Bush Lane - the Festival site entrance is off Begger Bush Lane (follow the AA signs). The Clifton Suspension Bridge will be open to pedestrians and cyclists, but is scheduled to be closed to vehicles due to maintenance works.
Walking - From the Clifton Lodge entrance of Ashton Court, walk up through the golf course towards the top of the hill (with Bristol behind you). You should be able to see the kites!
Driving - Access for all vehicles to the festival site is via Beggarbush Lane, Longwood Lane. All other gates/roads through the Estate will be closed.
Avoiding City Centre: Take the M5 South, and exit at junction 19 (Gordano Services). From the motorway, join the A369 towards Bristol.Stay on the A369 for approximately 4 miles. After passing through the village of Abbots Leigh you will come to a set of traffic lights. Turn right at these lights on the B3129. This road runs alongside the site and you will then pick up AA/RAC signs for the Festival.
From City Centre: Follow signs for A370 Weston Super Mare, you will then pick up AA/RAC signs from South Bristol to bring you to the site.
Public transport - Bus numbers 358/359 from Bristol Bus Station stop at the Clifton Lodge entrance. Or take the 8 or 8A from Temple Meads/City Centre to Clifton Village and walk across the Suspension Bridge to the Clifton Lodge entrance.
Where to stay
We do not have any on-site accomodation, but Bristol is full of lovely hotels and fantastic B&Bs. Please visit the Visit Bristol website for information about places to stay in and around the city.
Site information
The 2008 site map will be available soon, but here is last year's to give you an idea. Please click to download the pdf .
Flying on site
You're welcome to try out your new kites anywhere in the public flying areas. But please help everyone to stay safe by following these simple rules:
- Share the space! Find an open area and avoid flying close to people.
- Keep an eye out for people (and animals) walking on site, as kite lines can be difficult to see!
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Never fly in a thunderstorm or near overhead power lines!
