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Spring is the perfect time to make the most of our area’s glorious coast, countryside, parks and open spaces – and you can do it all for free.
Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing.
We’ve got five ways you can explore our area in the sunshine for free…
1 – Have a picnic in the park
There are more than 40 parks, public open spaces and nature reserves in North Somerset, and you can find them all listed on our website.
2 – Get active
Every week our parks host a wide variety of activities, such as free ParkPlay activity sessions, parkruns, and even park yoga, as well as litter picks and forest schools.
3 – Get off the beaten track
If you want to explore more open country, our website has information about public rights of way across North Somerset.
Walks featured in past editions of North Somerset Life magazine, from all over the area, can be viewed and downloaded online.
Wherever you go, please follow the Countryside Code and remember to respect, protect and enjoy. Make only memories and leave only footprints by taking your rubbish home with you.
If you’re visiting the coast, also make a note of tide times. Visiting one of our many local, independent businesses will also help local communities.
4 - Not too late to walk more this May
There is still time to up your step count and walk more this May.
National Walking Month, organised by the charity Living Streets, is now on and it’s not too late to join in.
Download the walking calendar for hundreds of ideas, including health walks, Nordic walking, wellbeing walks, walking sports and more.
Walking is one of the easiest ways for people of all ages and fitness levels to be active, with real benefits for health and wellbeing.
Find an extensive list of walking routes around the area on the Better Health North Somerset website, including routes suitable for people in wheelchairs or who have limited mobility.
Details of organised walking groups are also available, including our Health Walks, which offer 30 to 90 minute walks for those who are new to exercise.
Find more information, tips and advice on Facebook and Twitter.
5 - Travel on two wheels
Is now the time to dust off your bike and get back on two wheels? If lighter evenings are giving you motivation to move, then cycling could be a great way to explore the local area.
Cycle routes are located across North Somerset, on paths away from the road, shared paths alongside a road, or as designated cycle lanes on the road.
View them all, including roads graded by their suitability, on our interactive map.
If you need more confidence on two wheels, book onto free adult cycle training with a qualified instructor.
Cycling is also a great way to do your bit to tackle the climate emergency.
Travelling actively for shorter journeys will help cut down your carbon footprint and help create a greener, healthier and happier North Somerset for everyone.
For more ideas on how to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, visit our website.