The Downs, Bristol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Downs |
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| Type | public open space |
| Location | Bristol, England |
| Area | 412 acres (1.7 km2) |
| Status | open all year |
The Downs are a huge open space in Bristol, England. They are like big, grassy hills made of limestone. This area is split into two main parts: Durdham Down in the north and east, and Clifton Down in the south.
People love coming to The Downs for many reasons. It's a great place for walking, playing sports, and just enjoying the outdoors. You can also get amazing views, especially from the cliffs overlooking the Avon Gorge.
There's a grey concrete water tower on The Downs, built in 1954. It stands near the top of Blackboy Hill. Next to it is a long, low, covered reservoir, which helps store water for the city.
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Exploring Durdham Down
Durdham Down is the northern and eastern part of The Downs. It stretches towards areas like Westbury Park and Henleaze. This section covers about 85 hectares (which is about 210 acres).
Bristol City Council, which is like the local government for Bristol, owns Durdham Down. They manage it for everyone in Bristol to enjoy.
Discovering Clifton Down
Clifton Down is the southern part of The Downs. It's right next to the famous area of Clifton and goes all the way to the edge of the Avon Gorge. This part is a bit smaller, covering about 82 hectares (around 202 acres).
Clifton Down is owned by a historical group called the Society of Merchant Venturers.
How The Downs Are Looked After
Since 1861, The Downs have been managed by a special group called the Downs Committee. This committee includes people from the Bristol City Council and the Merchant Venturers. They work together to make sure this important green space is well-maintained for everyone.
The Downs have been officially recognized as "common land" since the early 1970s. This means it's a public area that everyone has the right to use.
Fun Things to Do on The Downs
The Downs are a hub for many activities and events.
- Sports: There are permanent football pitches where the Bristol Downs Football League plays regularly.
- Festivals: Since 2016, The Downs have hosted The Downs Festival. This is an annual music festival that brings together both local and famous bands.
- Circuses: Sometimes, you might even see a circus set up on The Downs!
In 1982, something really unique happened here. About 6,000 people gathered on The Downs. They were arranged to spell out the words 'Good', 'Morning', and 'Britain' for the opening titles of a new TV show called TV-am. It took hours to get everyone in place and film it!
Images for kids
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The Observatory on Clifton Down gives a dramatic view of the Avon Gorge
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Kites flying high on The Downs in early autumn
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The stunning Avon Gorge as seen from The Downs
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