When you think of Bristol, no doubt things like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, hot air balloons, a West Country accent and a nice cool pint of cider might pop into your head. And, while many will argue that there's much more to the city of Bristol than those things outsiders know us for, you can't deny that each one is pretty special and synonymous with our home city.
The neighbourhoods of Bristol probably don't get more iconic than Clifton, home to Clifton Down, the former home of one of the oldest zoos in the world and the aforementioned Suspension Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. And this is in addition to the modern day boutiques, bars, restaurants and the vast array of people in the 'village' that call Clifton their home.
But not far away there sits another village, equally as 'Bristolian' when it comes to its symbolism, despite technically sitting just over the border in North Somerset. It's full of history, architecture, farms and sports aplenty. It's birthed one of the nation's favourite drinks - and no we're not talking about cider - and is home to one of the world's biggest hot air balloon festivals.
Read more: Pretty village half an hour from Bristol with an Abbey and loads of pubs
We're talking about Long Ashton, of course. The first thing you probably associate with the area is Ashton Court Estate. The country park and iconic yellow mansion boasts 850 acres of woodland and grassland and is normally free to enter (as long as there isn't a special event running).
A popular site for dog walkers, general walkers, picnic goers, cyclists and more, the estate also has conservation zones, cafes, car parks and is one of the best places to spot a deer in Bristol. The estate is home to 15 heritage ponds all teaming with wildlife and there are plenty of activities to partake in here - including a round of golf, in fact.
Other activities include mountain biking, a regular Parkrun, birdwatching and even a miniature railway. And, every year, Ashton Court Estate attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, a mass gathering of hundreds of hot air balloons and their crews from all over the world. The free summer event attracts balloonists, enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe and is a bucket list experience for many from far and wide.
It's probably a lesser-known fact that, grand estates and balloon festivals aside, Long Ashton is also the birthplace of Ribena - another national treasure, in drink form. The National Fruit and Cider Institute opened at Fenswood on the edge of the village some 120 years ago, in 1903.
It became the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station in 1912 - which was fitting as Long Ashton has long been known for its agricultural history - and was known as Long Ashton Research Station until it closed in 2003. During the Second World War it developed rosehip syrup and, of course, the beloved Ribena.
Sport is also much-loved in the village, with Long Ashton Cricket Club boasting some pretty famous names in the world of the sport - Chris Broad went on to become international cricketer of the year. Shane Warne, who was named as one of the five cricketers of the 20th Century, even played a few games for Long Ashton on tour in Cornwall in the early 1980s and the famous cricketer, W G Grace attended school in Long Ashton, too.
And, while technically a Clifton asset, Clifton Suspension Bridge can be accessed from the other end in Long Ashton, often having to be closed to the public during the busy times while the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is on, much to the dismay of tourists.
Other places to explore in Long Ashton include its scenic walking trails through the National Trust site of Leigh Woods and its selection of pubs, cafes, and other establishments. After a busy day of walking through historic estates or across woodland trails, you can rest up with a cider or a spot of food in a place like The Angel Inn, which was formerly a church house used for events such as meetings and socials.
According to the Angel Inn's own overview of its history: "Long Ashton has always been popular with Bristol visitors and it was no different in the 18th Century when young men came to take part in contests to win money or goods, usually a fine beaver hat or a pair of buckskin breeches. The stage would have been set up in the cobbled courtyard, which even today is the scene of many an interesting night.
"According to tradition the local justices also met at The Angel Inn in the room now known as the Smoke Room. The vaulted cellar beneath The Angel Inn served as the village lock up where trouble makers and those convicted of minor offences could be imprisoned for a few days."
Let us know in the comments below your favourite village to visit in the Bristol area.
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