One unimpressed parent labelled it a ‘drugs den’Castle Park is a beautiful spot in the sunshine(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

A popular Bristol park has been slammed as “unsuitable” for families thanks to a particularly pungent smell.

Anyone who frequents Castle Park will be familiar with the distinctive pong of cannabis, with many people openly smoking it despite its Class B classification.

The scent is certainly not confined to the green space, with the so-called ‘Bristol fog’ a long-standing presence across the city. However, the park has become popular with cannabis smokers at least in part due to the annual 420 event, and not everyone is a fan.

One parent shared a one-star review of the park on Google after visiting recently, slamming it as “basically an open air drugs den”. The ‘local guide’ wrote: “The smell of marijuana pervades throughout, unfettered by an incident involving many police cars nearby.

“Totally unsuitable for our young daughter, making the choice of Marriott hotel nearby an unfortunate error. No wonder they closed the connecting bridge.”

Another disappointed visitor commented: “Lovely area to sit, relax and wander around to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Unfortunately when I went there, there was a lot of herbal smoking going on which put me right off.”

A second agreed: “Very much and open space that is well used on good weather days.

“No public toilets or picnic area and certain areas is heavily pregnant with smokers on pot, although it’s a safe place you just need to choose your area’s correctly with toddlers, especially as there is a cycle lane that can have fast moving electric vehicles.”

Similar feedback was left even during the winter months, with one visitor citing “an overwhelming and consistent smell of weed”. However, others were more complimentary about the waft of cannabis.

One reviewer shared a photo of the sound system at the park, thought to be from the 420 event. Hundreds of people gather there on April 20 every year to smoke during something of an annual holiday for cannabis users.

The reviewer shared in a four-star review: “Swarming with youths and a pungent herbal fragrance in the air.” Another, who also was not fussed about the scent, wrote: “Great place to unwind with a coffee or [sandwich] or to enjoy the famously notorious bristolian aroma.”

One park visitor, also taking the time to share a review, posted: “Went for 420! 1000000% better than hyde park.”

Another reviewer joked: “If you’re an old couple, I would highly recommend coming here on 20th April. They have lots of calming music, places for the children to play and areas in which you can sit back and relax.” Another, sharing a video of people partying during 420, quipped: “Great for families.”

Following this year’s 420 event, Avon and Somerset Police said its policing response “involves engagement, explanation and education around drugs and drugs misuse; with appropriate interventions as and when necessary and proportionate”.

Bristol Cannabis Club said the 420 event has been ‘taken over’ and is no longer acting as it previously did. Alister Flowers, who co-founded and runs the club, said last month: “We are shocked how the 420 event has been taken over by free party sound system crews.

“Much of the cannabis community avoided the park as 2024 was also terrible due to the lack of licensing and regulation. Those who did venture to the park left early this year and last.”

Last month Bristol’s police force confirmed it will no longer stop and search people just because they smell of cannabis. A force spokesperson said: “National guidance has previously stated it is not good practice to conduct a search purely based on the potential smell of cannabis and we believe that making it clearer to officers what is considered reasonable grounds for a search within our force policy is in the best interests of everyone.

“Anyone seen to be in possession of cannabis – or indeed any illegal substance – is breaking the law and will continue as before to be dealt with in the most appropriate manner. This includes criminal prosecution, police caution, or being offered other intervention, such as educational programmes.

“Our priority is always first and foremost to target those who supply illegal substances and the new policy will not in any way impact on officers’ ability to do that. We will continue to target drug dealers robustly and bring them to justice to protect members of the public from the misery such criminal activity causes.”

Castle Park is set for major revitalisation as part of the wider St Mary Le Port development, which will transform the derelict former bank buildings that border the park. According to draft Bristol City Council plans released in 2023, the park improvements could include new entrances, fountains, play areas, a ‘floating waterfront’ and better cycle paths.

The draft proposal acknowledged a need to make the park more inviting, with more facilities and activities for children and families. It acknowledged “the need to address public safety within Castle Park, particularly after dark”.