Eleanor is an ex-pat Mancunian who moved to Bristol, via London and New York, to raise her family. She's a writer, history enthusiast, dog and toddler herder, and will never get tired of finding new sights and sounds in Bristol. She's the voice behind The Bristol Parent and on Twitter @EleanorWi.

Eleanor Willock

Eleanor Willock

News (4)

23 things you know if you live in Knowle...

23 things you know if you live in Knowle...

Do you live in Knowle? Yes, yes we know. Not Knowle West. You're probably Upper Knowle, or 'on the edge of Totterdown' or, 'technically Bedminster because your postcode says BS3'. Wherever you choose to say, here are 23 things that will be all too familiar to you...  1. You're on first name terms with the A capella pizza delivery guy. 2. You still can't believe there's no obvious bus to North Street. 3. You cannot wait to see what The Knowle Hotel on Leighton Road is going to be like when it opens. 4. You've got stuck in Arnos Vale Cemetery and had to climb the wall, and possibly throw your dog over it too. <img id="c0f64b48-3e06-5f4a-3edc-44bfd55d2edf" data-caption="" data-credit="Flickr: Synwell" data-width-class="100" type="image/jpeg" total="629297" loaded="629297" image_id="102893511" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102893511/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> Flickr: Synwell 5. You've enjoyed a cuppa from Key Teas in Redcatch Park on a winter's day. 6. You'll never tire of Fred from Star Value's chat. Legend.   7. Forget the Colonel. Miss Millie's has got us covered.     A photo posted by Anoosha Livani انوشا ليواني (@alive703) on Oct 23, 2014 at 12:50pm PDT   8. Xing Wangs. You either do, or you don't. 9. You know this is the best place in Bristol to see balloons, and you're not sharing your secret with anyone.   10. You've been in Assilah Bistro and it's awesome. It's where Joss Stone filmed a music video, don't you know?     A ph
Six reasons to head to Valley Fest this August bank holiday

Six reasons to head to Valley Fest this August bank holiday

Are you disappointed you couldn't get tickets to Reading and Leeds Festival? Not to worry, as there's still an opportunity for live music, dancing around in squelchy fields and bleary-eyed camping, at Valley Fest, taking place from August 28-30. Found at Chew Valley in Somerset, Valley Fest promises a friendly, green and fun festival experience – less than ten miles from the centre of Bristol. So, here are six reasons for you to head there this weekend: It takes place on an organic farm Valley Fest   When it's not hosting a festival, the space is used by the Community Farm, a social enterprise that grows and sells organic food through a box delivery service. It's what the volunteers call 'feel good food and feel good farming' – and you'll get the same 'feel good' vibe at the festival too. You'll be supporting local charities Valley Fest   Valley Fest is held in memory of farmer (and organiser) Luke's mum and dad. The festival also will be raising money for local charities close to Luke's heart, including Penny Brohn Cancer Care, St. Peters Hospice, The Harvey Hext Appeal and the Goodwill Cause. There will be great food   Valley Fest   Local chef Josh Eggleton will be creating the food in the Eat Drink Bristol Fashion tipis, using food organically grown in the neighbouring fields. Plus, food and drink companies Cornish Orchard, Yeo Valley, Pukka Teas and the Dirty Burger Bar (found every year at Arcadia at Glastonbury festival) will be just a small selection of the many 
Find sheep, have fun: family activities to enjoy at six Shaun in the City stops

Find sheep, have fun: family activities to enjoy at six Shaun in the City stops

With so many statues in the Shaun in the City trail, those set on finding them all might be tempted to hurry to each destination, pausing only to take a snap before zooming off to find the next. Instead, why not slow down the pace and use the opportunity to better explore the city and take advantage of what could be nearby? Sure, you might not get the chance to see all 70, but you you might discover something new and enjoyable about your city that you did not know before. Here are six of our favourite Shaun locations, with a recommended free or cheap activity for the kids not too far away, plus a top tip for somewhere to eat, too.    Sparkles The Unicorn, Horfield Common    Sparkles To get to Horfield Common, you get to travel up the brilliant Gloucester Road. Whether you're on the bus, in the car, or walking, there's so much to see. If you've got little ones under five, we recommend a stop at Kudacan, a unique play cafe in Bristol. Kudacan sells good quality, simple and healthy food for kids and may provide some respite from the rain if needs be. If it's sunny and you'd like a cold beverage with your Shaun activities, a favourite pub nearby is The Grace. It boasts a nice beer garden with big family sized tables and good food. Horfield Common itself is also a fab place for a picnic.    Melonie, Fountain Square  Melonie   Melonie is out in Staple Hill, gracing a small shopping area with her colours. Nearby is the green space of Page Park, a good location with plenty of pic
Baby-friendly hang outs in Bristol

Baby-friendly hang outs in Bristol

No doubt about it, Bristol is a child-friendly city. People move here because of it. It's a great place to raise kids. But, when you're new to parenthood, suddenly, going out for a coffee, a drink or just a change of scene becomes a whole new ball game. Will the buggy fit through the door? How will people react if I need to feed the baby? Is there room for us all? Are there changing tables? Here's our guide to some of the best baby-friendly hang outs in Bristol. Some of them might surprise you. Bubbahub: best for making new friends   This is what I can see right now. That bikini body is just not happening. Ever. #Bubbahub #cake A photo posted by Selena L-C (@selenaribena) on May 15, 2015 at 5:59am PDT An absolute must visit for anyone with a newborn, this is a living room-style haven for new parents who just want to sit quietly, drink excellent coffee, feed their children and relax. There is nowhere else like it. It's a sofa day with friends you haven't made yet. It also has some of the highest quality groups meeting there, such as Poco Drom, Rhymetime and Ukelele Babies. Bubbahub, 20 North Street, Bedminster The Stock Exchange Bakery: the best for taking new friends    I am so fat right now. #lunch #bristol #stockexchangebakery A photo posted by Iwan (@iwanimus) on Mar 6, 2015 at 5:33am PST Bright, breezy, stuffed full of incredible food, this often quiet spot (particular out of peak times) is a great central meeting spot for a couple of parents looking to stay ci