Things to do in Keynsham: A handy community guide
There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Keynsham, the historic market town between Bristol and Bath. Whether you are new to the area or have lived locally all of your life, the town is full of surprises and places for all ages to enjoy. 18 months on from opening The Chocolate Quarter, our integrated retirement village come community space, here are some of our favourites so far.
Editor’s note
The local area is always changing and so is this guide. If you have something to add to this page get in touch with our team on marketing@stmonicatrust.org.uk or message us on social media.
Enjoy a picnic and a stroll…
Top of our list is Keynsham Memorial Park. Complete with sports courts, community veg gardens, picnic area, playgrounds, skate park and The Park Side Café, the 26 acre park has got something for everyone. In the summer months it’s a hub for the Keynsham Music Festival, one of the South West's premier music festivals, and various concerts which take place in its bandstand. Once you’re finished at the park make sure to have a go at some of the town’s riverside walks. Keynsham sits at the meeting point of the River Chew and River Avon so there are some great options. Further afield there’s the National Trust’s spectacular Dyrham Park, plus Blagdon and Chew Valley lakes.
From the railway station you can walk down the road, under the bridge and there’s a lovely walk along the river in fields. Eventually they are hoping to build a bridge over the River Avon toward Hanham too.
Carol, resident at The Chocolate Quarter
Top of the shops…
Keynsham’s high street offsets the regular chains with a tasty selection of independent coffee shops and restaurants. Plus there's a post office, banks and all your usual supermarkets. Bargain hunters will find a few good charity shops and there’s the Somerset Farmers Market on the second Saturday of every month. If you're into exploring your local produce this one is for you.
There’s a great butcher and greengrocers on the high street. There’s also a weekly fruit and veg market here at The Chocolate Quarter on Fridays.
Carol, resident at The Chocolate Quarter
Obviously we love B Block Pizza and Somer Dining at The Chocolate Quarter - try B Block for our pizza and film nights and Somer for a hearty Sunday lunch! But that aside, there are some excellent coffee and foodie spots worth checking out in and around Keynsham. Try Bonzo Lounge for chorizo and halloumi hash and Pomegranate Café for goat’s cheese and roasted butternut squash salad.
B Block here at The Chocolate Quarter is excellent. Since moving here I’ve put on about a stone in weight – that’s all coffee and cakes! There are a few National Trust places around here too with lovely cafés.
Places to go with kids...
So you’ve tried Memorial Park with your young ones, where next? If you’re looking for a full family day out, Avon Valley Wildlife & Adventure Park is brilliant. With a wide selection of animals to visit, meeting experiences on the hour and a whopping indoor soft play, you’ll all be ready for a rest at the end of the day’s adventures. Top tip – visit off-peak for a cheaper entrance fee and in the winter months bring an umbrella, wellies and waterproofs!
There's family swimming and children's swimming lessons here in The Chocolate Quarter's pool. And two lots of play areas within few hundred yards of the buildings.
Carol, resident at The Chocolate Quarter
Christmas in Keynsham...
It may be a while off yet but, just so you know, each November the Keynsham Winter Festival takes over the high street for an evening of market stalls, late night shopping, light switch-on and carols at St John’s Church. Even if you’re not yet in the festive spirit the church itself dates back to the 13th century and has an interesting history, so take a look there too.
St John's Church had a lovely Christmas service last year, which I'd recommend to get you in the festive mood.
Carol, resident at The Chocolate Quarter
Tips from the local community
- "Have a good giggle at the Smiley Places Comedy Club, once a month above the library in Keynsham" Nikki
- "Use the park for walking the dog - a lovely walk around the river look out for the heron and the kingfishers" Ron
- "We love a walk along the river to The Chequers or The Lock and Weir" Marie
- "Somerdale Pavilion Park Run!" Hayley
- "Cycle past The Chocolate Quarter to Bitton to join the Bristol-Bath cycle path or join it at Bird in Hand Saltford by cycling in the opposite direction" Charles
- "Breakfast at B Block then lunch at Temple St Canteen" Nicky
- "Lavianos Italian restaurant in temple street, amazing food and service" Sara
Explore Keynsham & The Chocolate Quarter
If you have any local favourites or hidden gems to add to the list get in touch with our team on marketing@stmonicatrust.org.uk. Or to find out more about The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham, including the restaurants, cinema, swimming pool, gym and all its facilities visit our dedicated village page.
A special thank you to Carol Wootton at The Chocolate Quarter and everyone from the local area that's been in touch with their top tips. Keep them coming!