Living in Redfield

The community in Redfield is strongly connected, welcoming, and active. Community groups, mutual aid societies, and local organisations often come together to deliver arts projects, litter picks, and street festivals—fostering a proud sense of place. Redfield hosts various local events throughout the year, with Church Road Street Party and Redfest being among the most anticipated annual gatherings.

Green spaces like St George Park serve as vital community hubs, offering playgrounds, tennis courts, and ornamental gardens. Meanwhile, smaller local parks and community gardens allow for fresh air, fitness, and socialising. Places such as the Redfield Community Centre bring together all ages for activities ranging from youth clubs to adult learning classes, enhancing the social fabric of the neighbourhood.

Safety in Redfield is generally perceived as improving, partly due to community-led initiatives and increasing investment in the area. Like many urban settings close to the city centre, Redfield experiences a mix of crime rates, which can include occasional anti-social behaviour, but remains within typical parameters for an inner-city Bristol district.

Recent years have seen the introduction of neighbourhood policing teams and local partnerships, focused on crime prevention and community engagement. Residents actively participate in neighbourhood watch schemes, and events like the Church Road Street Party support a sense of vigilance and unity. As with any urban area, staying informed and taking common-sense precautions remains recommended, but Redfield is widely regarded as a liveable and community-oriented neighbourhood.

Parking in Redfield can be a challenge due to the high density of Victorian terraced streets and limited driveways. Most housing relies on on-street parking, and there are some controlled parking zones (CPZ) in neighbouring areas that may extend to Redfield over time. Residents without private spaces are advised to consider parking permits where available.

Congestion levels during peak hours can be moderate, especially along Church Road (A420). However, the area's proximity to Bristol city centre means journey times often remain manageable. Road access is good, with convenient routes connecting to the M32 motorway for access to the M4/M5, and the A4174 ring road nearby for travel towards Keynsham, Bath, and East Bristol.

• Bristol City Centre – approx. 10 minutes via A420 (2 miles)
• Bath – approx. 35 minutes via A4 (13 miles)
• Keynsham – approx. 17 minutes via A431/A4174 (6 miles)

Redfield is well-known in Bristol for its independent food scene along Church Road. Popular spots include artisan bakeries, vegetarian-friendly cafés, Middle Eastern eateries, and traditional fish and chip shops. You’ll also find a diverse range of takeaways, reflecting the area's multicultural heritage.

Pubs are a focal point for socialising, with the Red Lion, The Dark Horse, and St George’s Hall being long-time favourites for both locals and visitors. The area leans towards relaxed social spaces over mainstream nightclubs, but nearby St George and Old Market offer more lively options, with cocktail bars and occasional live music venues. For culture lovers, independent events and community gatherings in Redfield complement the area’s food and drink offerings, and the city centre’s extensive nightlife is only a short ride away.

Redfield is a family-friendly area, with its popularity growing among young families seeking community spirit and local amenities in Bristol. The quality of primary schools in the area is a draw, with several rated 'Good' by Ofsted and offering inclusive approaches to education. Parents value the area’s walkability, easy access to childcare and after-school activities, and the strong sense of neighbourly engagement that prevails.

Parks such as St George Park and Netham Park provide ample space for outdoor play and family gatherings, and safe walking and cycling paths are available for all ages. Family activities are supported by local libraries, community centres, and regular events tailored to children. Safety is supported by engaged neighbourhood policing and vigilant community networks, giving families peace of mind in everyday life.

Redfield is regarded as a pet-friendly area within Bristol, with green spaces, quiet streets, and easy access to parks making it suitable for dog owners and animal lovers. St George Park and Netham Park both offer open spaces and dedicated walking routes, popular with local dog walkers.

Several veterinary practices are located nearby, and independent pet shops serve the community with supplies and advice. Local pubs and cafés often welcome dogs, reflecting the area’s inclusive approach to pets. Renting with pets is generally more accepted in Redfield than in some parts of Bristol, but tenants are advised to check individual landlord policies.

Redfield enjoys excellent transport connectivity, making it ideal for commuters and residents who want easy access to Bristol’s city centre and surrounding areas. The neighbourhood is served by numerous bus routes along Church Road, providing frequent services to the city centre, Temple Meads railway station, and other Bristol districts.

The Lawrence Hill railway station is situated a short walk from Redfield, connecting residents to Bristol Temple Meads and further afield, including regular services towards Bath and Cardiff. Cyclists benefit from the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, which runs nearby, offering a dedicated and scenic cycling and walking route all the way to Bath.

Major road routes such as the A420 link Redfield with central Bristol as well as ring road connections to the M32 and M4 motorways, facilitating regional travel and access to national road networks. This makes Redfield a practical base for those needing to travel across the wider South West region or commute into central Bristol.

• Bristol City Centre – approx. 10 minutes by bus or cycling (under 2 miles)
• Bath – approx. 25–30 minutes by train from Lawrence Hill
• Cardiff – around 1 hour by direct train from nearby Bristol Temple Meads
• Bristol Airport – approx. 25-30 minutes by car or airport shuttle

There are several schools in and around Redfield, offering a good standard of education that appeals to families seeking schooling options. For primary education, Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy stands out, offering an inclusive learning environment and receiving positive Ofsted feedback (last rated in 2019 as 'Good'). The nearby St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School (Ofsted 'Good', 2023) is also well-regarded by local parents.

Secondary education options include Bristol Metropolitan Academy, located just south of Redfield and known for its focus on a broad curriculum and student enrichment (Ofsted 'Good', 2019). City Academy Bristol, to the west, provides comprehensive secondary education and is valued for its diverse student community (Ofsted 'Good', 2021).

Redfield is also well-positioned for further education. City of Bristol College has several campuses within accessible distance, offering a wide range of vocational courses, A-levels, and adult education. For higher education, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol are both within comfortable commuting distance, making the area suitable for students as well as families. Redfield’s educational landscape is supported by readily available early years settings and nurseries, catering to parents of younger children.