Living in Knowle

Knowle is renowned for its welcoming and community-focused atmosphere. Many locals engage with community events, from regular markets at Perrett Park to seasonal festivals and school fairs. Resident associations are active and often initiate beautification and social projects.

Outdoor recreation is a big part of community life, with access to well-kept green spaces including Redcatch Park, Perrett Park, and Arnos Vale Cemetery, which doubles as a historic site and wildlife area. These locations are popular for dog-walking, exercise, and family activities throughout the year.

The thriving mix of independent businesses, active local groups, and an emphasis on neighbourliness make Knowle a popular spot for those who value social connection and community engagement.

Safety and crime rates in Knowle are generally comparable to other Bristol suburbs, with most residents feeling safe in the area. The majority of incidents typically involve low-level offences, like anti-social behaviour or vehicle crime, particularly closer to busier roads and commercial areas.

Knowle West, a neighbouring district, has seen focused regeneration and increased police presence, improving overall perceptions of safety regionally. Community groups work closely with Avon and Somerset Police through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes, promoting greater vigilance and local engagement. Parks and residential streets maintain a good reputation for family safety, especially during daylight hours.

Residents benefit from a sense of neighbourhood cooperation, contributing to a reassuring environment for families, children, and older residents.

Parking in Knowle is generally manageable, with most properties offering driveways or on-street parking options. Some of the busier or older streets near the Wells Road may require a resident permit due to high demand. Outside of peak times, on-street spaces are usually available.

The area is not heavily affected by Bristol city centre's congestion charges, but peak hour traffic on main roads like the A37 and A4174 can cause delays. Knowle's proximity to major routes means road access is a key advantage for drivers.

Nearby towns and cities are accessible as follows:

• Bristol city centre – approx. 10-15 minutes via A37 (2 miles)
• Bath – approx. 40 minutes via A4 (13 miles)
• Weston-super-Mare – approx. 45 minutes via A370 (23 miles)
• Cardiff – approx. 1 hour via M4 (44 miles)

Food, pubs, and nightlife in Knowle cater to a relaxed, neighbourhood-driven atmosphere rather than an intense nightlife scene. The Wells Road offers a selection of independent cafés, coffee shops, and bakeries, ideal for brunch or a weekend catch-up. Popular spots include local favourites like The Knowle pub, known for its elevated garden terrace and city views, and The Little Kitchen, a friendly café/bistro serving seasonal specials.

Pubs such as The George and The Broadwalk Tavern attract locals with classic fare and occasional live music. For broader dining options, nearby Totterdown and Bedminster feature international cuisine and bustling street food markets. Nightlife in Knowle proper is low-key, but Bristol city centre's bars, clubs, and music venues are only a short journey away for those looking for a livelier scene.

School Quality: Knowle offers several "Good" and "Outstanding" primary and secondary schools, making it a desirable location for families prioritizing education.

Parks and Green Space: Access to multiple parks, such as Perrett Park and Redcatch Park, provides plenty of room for children to play and for family picnics or sports.

Childcare: The suburb is served by various nurseries and pre-schools, accommodating young families and working parents with flexible options.

Safety: Knowle maintains a reassuring atmosphere, with low levels of violent crime and active neighbourhood policing contributing to its family-friendly appeal.

Family Activities: From stay-and-play groups to outdoor festivals, Knowle offers enriching activities throughout the year, ensuring children and families are well-catered for both indoors and out.

Pet-friendly living in Knowle is easy thanks to its abundance of green spaces and accommodating local businesses. Parks like Perrett Park, Redcatch Park, and the nearby Arnos Vale Cemetery offer safe and scenic walking routes for dogs, while many cafés and pubs welcome pets both indoors and in garden areas.

Several veterinary clinics and pet supply shops operate along Wells Road and nearby Broadwalk Shopping Centre, providing practical support for pet owners. The community is generally positive about animals, with many landlords open to tenants with pets and a variety of local social groups and online forums for pet owners.

Knowle benefits from excellent transport links, making it a popular choice for commuters and those who need easy access to Bristol and beyond. The area is served by several main bus routes that run along the A37 (Wells Road), connecting the suburb directly with Bristol city centre and onward to Bath.

While Knowle no longer has its own train station, Bristol Temple Meads railway station is only around 1.5 miles away, providing direct links to London, Cardiff, Bath, and the wider South West. Cycle routes are well-established, including the Whitchurch Railway Path which connects to Bristol’s extensive network.

For road users, the A37 offers a direct route to the city centre and merges with the A4 and A4174 ring road for access to the M4 and M5 motorways. Bristol Airport is less than 8 miles to the south, making it convenient for domestic and international travel.

Typical commute times:

• Bristol city centre – 10-20 minutes by bus or car
• Bristol Temple Meads – 10 minutes by bus, 30 minutes on foot
• Bath – approx. 40 minutes by car, 25 minutes by train from Temple Meads
• London Paddington – around 1 hour 40 minutes by train via Temple Meads

Schools in Knowle have a strong reputation within Bristol, attracting families from across the city.

Primary Schools:

Hillcrest Primary School is highly regarded, most recently rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted in 2017, and is one of the area's most sought-after schools. Knowle Park Primary School is another established choice, rated "Good" by Ofsted in 2020, known for its community ethos and spacious grounds. Oasis Academy Connaught, located on Melvin Square, serves the local community with a "Good" rating in 2022.

Secondary Schools:

Broadlands Academy, found nearby in Keynsham, is accessible to many Knowle students, and currently holds a "Good" Ofsted rating (2021). St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School, just north in Bedminster, is an oversubscribed secondary and sixth form with an "Outstanding" Ofsted rating (2015). Oasis Academy John Williams, to the southeast, received a "Good" rating in 2018 and serves Knowle families as well.

Colleges and Further Education:

City of Bristol College has a South Bristol Skills Academy at Hengrove Park, offering vocational, technical, and A-Level courses for post-16 students. St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, just to the east, is another popular destination for Knowle’s sixth formers, known for its broad curriculum and supportive environment.

Universities:

Both the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England are easily reached from Knowle, giving residents access to world-class higher education close to home.