Top Ten attractions in keynsham

Where are the best places to go and enjoy yourself around Keynsham and Saltford now that the days are getting longer and summer is on the way?

Here on keynshampeople we have compiled a list which is purely subjective and just a bit of fun. You may get out more than me, totally disagree with my selections and might like to draw up your own Top 10.

1. The Old Manor House Hotel has a restaurant with an impressive menu that makes it the number one place to go for that very special occasion. It is an historic 17th century hotel believed to be the oldest dwelling house in Keynsham. Built in 1609, it was formerly the Abbot's house to the ancient abbey, which stood close to where St. John's church now stands. Independent and privately run by the owners, the hotel was completely restored and renovated in 2001 without losing any of its period charm.

The hotel is perfect for a romantic, relaxed get away. The warm atmosphere is ideal to sit and relax, chat to friends or colleagues or have a drink and read the highly acclaimed brasserie menu.

 2. Avon Valley Country Park. We are very lucky to have this special attraction on the edge of Keynsham which offers a great day out for all the family.

You can climb aboard the punctual ’Strawberry Line’ - the longest five-inch miniature gauge railway in the West Country - stroll along an interesting walk around the winding river (with challenging obstacles for the children), and have fun in a boat on the lake .

There is a great selection of activities for the children including 5 big slides, a big outdoor adventure play area an undercover play area for those wet days and also a 1 ¼ mile junior assault course.

3. Lockkeeper This unique old pub, which is a listed building, is on an island between the lock and Keynsham weir where the River Chew meets the River Avon. It has a big riverside garden with a decked area and a wonderful glass conservatory mostly used for dining.

The huge beer garden has a beatiful decked area overlooking the river and can seat up to 300 people.  

4. The Jolly Sailor is a riverside pub  in Saltford where you can sit in the beer garden alongside Saltford Lock and watch the boats going through. The ancient listed building was constructed in 1726 . Two large fireplaces create a cosy atmosphere in the winter with blazing log fires.  A conservatory for indoor dining has wonderful views across the river to Colston.

5. The Brassmill is another riverside Keynsham pub restaurant where you can enjoy the crackle of a real fire, a fulfilling winter meal and the treasured company of family and friends. The Brassmill played an integral part in the development of the brass manufacturing industry in Britain. By adapting Dutch techniques, Abraham Darby set up the first brass mills in Keynsham around 1706. The final brass battery pans ever made in Britain were produced here in June 1927. Now a pub-restaurant, we maintain the name as a sign of our heritage.

6. Fry Club is very much at the hub of Keynsham’s sporting and social life. It has13 football pitches, 2 junior football pitches, 4 cricket squares and a 9 hole golf course. It also boasts a bowling green and pavilion, 2 matted tennis courts and 2 hard courts for football and netball, one also has basketball facilities, 2 skittle alleys, 2 full size snooker tables and a darts board. Originally built as a sports complex for chocolate factory workers the facilities can now be used by everyone. The club runs a wide range off entertainments throughout the year from rock & roll nights to ballroom dancing, Cabaret nights to a talent contest.

 7. The Thai Café, Saltford.  You will be blown away by the variety of flavours here. They will even customise spice levels on dishes so if you are like me and not great with really hot food you can still try everything and look out for their latest flavour ice cream, pina colada.

 8. Tandoori Garden, High Street, Keynsham. Another takeaway restaurant This Indian restaurant is really brilliant, the food was absolutely delicious and you get very large portions, it is fresh and very tasty, the staff are also very polite and they even deliver.

9. Bistro 507, Saltford. Since opening in October 2008, Tom Marks and James Wright-Smith have quickly gained a loyal following by offering breakfast on Wednesday mornings, light lunches and fine a la carte dining in a delightful bistro in the evening, and Sundays for traditional roast lunch A new name and makeover has resulted in smart wooden flooring and contemporary wall coverings whilst the grandfather clock creates a restful atmosphere. New are their highly popular 'Music Nights' with entertainment and a quality three course meal or maybe try to solve the crime at a 'Murder Mystery' evening.

10. Memorial Park. People in Keynsham sometimes take for granted this big riverside park right on their doorsteps. It has a bandstand, big playground, tennis courts, a bowling green and a newly opened £150,000 BMX and skateboard park. If you don’t feel too energetic you can site outside the café with a massive ice cream.

So there you have it, my Top 10 of the area. Maybe I have overlooked somewhere that is special to you, why not put on our Top 10?