Portishead's hidden gems - your secrets aren't safe!

IT’s that time of year again when parents often hear the cry from their children – ‘I’m bored.’ But never fear, Portishead People is here to help you find lots of things to keep the little darlings occupied during the summer holidays. And those hidden gems are not just for the youngsters – there is also plenty to do for adults in need of some rest and relaxation! Today we share with you - and ask you – what are Portishead’s best kept secrets! Where are the best places to visit, eat, shop, relax?

You name it, we want to know.

And remember – your secrets aren’t safe! Here is a top list of what Portishead People thinks are the best places to visit.

http://directory.portisheadpeople.co.uk/places?search=open+air+pool.

*  Portishead Open Air Pool. Opened in 2009 under the management of the Portishead Pool Community Trust. Large pool, childrens’ pool, tuck shop and plenty of room on the sun terraces to soak up some rays. Go to www.Portisheadopenairpool.org or check out our reviews on Portishead People at There is also the Lockhouse Lounge at the pool which serves up a large range of delicious treats, daytime and evening!

*  The Lake Grounds. The Lake Grounds officially opened in May 1910 and has been a popular spot with visitors from across North Somerset and Bristol ever since.The land, once the most northerly part of the Somerset Levels, was once called Rodmoor - from which the rose garden at Lake Grounds now takes its name.It was previously just a marshy swamp, used for grazing animals in the summer. The land used to be owned by the Bristol Corporation who built The Esplanade in 1893. It was hoped to start work on the Lake Grounds shortly afterwards, but improvements did not start until early 1910. The corporation used unemployed people from Bristol to carry out the work to the beauty spot, which saw the lake created and the pleasure grounds carved out. The workers were brought to Portishead by train and it took them 106 days to finish the work, with the Lake Grounds officially opening to the public in May. There is plenty of space to roam at the Lake Grounds plus a great cafe. Try out the boats on the lake or the play equipment – plenty for the kids to do. North Somerset Council is also holding play days at the Lake Grounds during the summer.

* Battery Point. Lovely walks along the coast and this historic area of the coast. During the Second World War, a battery of guns were mounted on aprons, was erected on Battery Point , which can still be seen today. A beacon was built by Avonmouth Docks to beacon the adjacent deep water shipping channel.

A stone monument was also erected at the site, which marks the closest place on a UK coast where large ships pass. The monument features a dedication to the seafarers who passed the point, some of which never returned.

• The Windmill pub. The pub is on Nore Road and has breathtaking views of the Severn Estuary. This pub serves up the best lasagne I have ever eaten. It has recently undergone an extension and now has a conservatory seating area for diners who want to eat while enjoy the best views of the Bristol Channel. Also serves a good selection of real ales and wines.

Service here is always very swift, however busy it gets. There is also a great outside seating area.

• For wildlife lovers there are also the beautiful Portbury Woods - known as the bluebell woods in the Springtime. For ramblers there is also the Portbury Nature Reserve next to the Ashlands housing development. The reserve opened three years ago and is managed my Avon Wildlife Trust and is home to many different species including lapwings and crested newts.

• The Poacher Pub, Portishead High Street. A great venue for live music. The pub hosts regular live music. There is also a varied menu – lunchtime and evenings and plenty of parking.

The pub holds regular quiz nights and fundraising events.

• Portishead Coastal Path. Walk along the coast from Portishead to Clevedon. People can access the path from Beach Road West. Perhaps you can even stop off at The Windmill pub, situated on the coast path for a well earned drink and bite to eat.

• Portishead Marina development. The former docks have undergone massive development and the town now boasts a lovely marina. Perfect for a summer day.

There are plenty of walkways and places to stop and enjoy soaking up the sunshine. Why not visit the cafe on the dockside or if you fancy something more substantial the award winning Lockhouse restaurant?

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the area, including the newly opened Bottelino’s restaurant on the ground floor of the Mirage Building at Harbour Road. The restaurant opened on August 10 and is already proving popular. Tips –try the pizza or ask for the fish. Great views across the marina while dining! http://www.portisheadpeople.co.uk/pictures/Opening-Bottelino-s-Portishead/pictures-6393900-detail/pictures.html

• Portishead High Street – a great place to shop with a variety of national and independent traders. The High Street is looking its blooming best as a result of the town’s entry into the South West and Britain in Bloom awards. Check out our directory to see what’s on offer in the town. 

• Flower show field, Clapton Lane. Always a place to snap up a bargain and have a mooch on a Sunday morning. Regular boot sales are held here, organised by Portishead Horticultural Society. • Farmers market held monthly at the Waitrose Piazza. Lots of lovely fresh fayre on offer including preserves, meats and cheeses as well as craft items.

DON'T forget - share Portishead's best secrets with us and others! Have your say now!