Castle Park, Bristol

Castle Park, also called Castle Green, is a well-liked public open space located in Bristol. Managed by the Bristol City Council, the park is situated between Floating Harbour and Castle Street to the south, Lower Castle Street to the east, and Broad Weir, Newgate, and Wine Street to the north. The western boundary of the park is not well-defined and has been the subject of debate, with the area around High Street and Saint Mary le Port Church often being considered part of the park.

The park was established on September 30, 1978, on the site of Bristol's former primary shopping district, which was mostly destroyed during World War II by the Luftwaffe. The remaining structures were demolished by 1969, and the park now serves as a symbol of peace and hosts several anti-fascist memorials.

The park features various attractions, including a sensory herb garden, the ruins of Saint Mary-le-Port Church, a grassy arena, and a bandstand for live music events. Saint Peter's Square, to the north of Saint Peter's Church, is lined with trees and has been the site of numerous events, including German Christmas markets. The Bristol City Council has been working to redevelop the area between the park's western edge and High Street, which has been contentious. Some people prefer extending the park to High Street, while the council wants to replace the derelict buildings with a mixed-use development to improve the park and reconnect the Old City to Broadmead.

Despite the controversy surrounding its western boundary, Castle Park remains a popular destination for both tourists and locals.