Where to get the best views of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The event is the largest annual hot air balloon event in Europe and normally attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year

Bristol's iconic International Balloon Fiesta is returning to the city for its 46th annual event.

Around 120 hot air balloons are set to take flight from Ashton Court Estate between the 9-11 August, including participants of the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships.

With multiple mass ascents scheduled to take place over the three-day festival- where is the best place to watch it from?

We've compiled a list of the best vantage points so you can get the most out of this year's event.

The festival has become so well engrained with the city's culture that hot air balloons adorn everything from postcards and souvenirs, to billboards and company logos.

Though a familiar sight against the blue backdrop of the sky, the event boasts diverse views and unique experiences even from ground level.

Ashton Court Estate

Mass ascents are scheduled at Ashton Court for 06:00 BST and 18:30 BST each day

Kicking off with an obvious one, the best place to catch the spectacle is from the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate, on the outskirts of the city.

The first mass ascent is scheduled to take place at 06:00 BST on Friday, where enthusiasts can gather around to watch the balloons inflate as they prepare for flight.

As the flight path is dependent on weather and wind direction, this is perhaps the only place you can be guaranteed a front row seat, with mass ascents taking off from there each morning and night.

There will also be a number of "historic balloons" that have since gone into retirement, but will be tethered on the grass for all to admire.

The estate will also be home to amusement rides, musical performances, fireworks, and more than 100 stalls and stands with a range of food traders.

Clifton Observatory

The Observatory has spectacular views of the city, Avon Gorge, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Observatory is a must-visit spot if you want to capture the most iconic landmarks of Bristol in one single shot.

The historic windmill, built circa 1766, overlooks Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge, with a clear view of the skyline above Ashton Court to watch as the balloons rise above the trees.

Capturing the balloons and the bridge in one photogenic nutshell, the observatory is every Bristolian photographers dream.

Brandon Hill

More than 120 hot air balloons are scheduled to take flight over three days

Brandon Hill is the oldest park in Bristol and is home to another of the city's most famous landmarks, Cabot Tower.

This stunning lookout at the top of Park Street offers panoramic views of Bristol, looking across the city centre and over towards Ashton Court.

It has become one of the most popular places for balloon spotters, with its informal gardens and flowing stream adding a touch of serenity to the bustling weekend.

Depending on the wind direction, scores of hot-air balloons may fly almost directly overhead on their way towards the harbourside - so keep your eyes on the skies!

Dundry Hill

Be sure to take a camera with you on the trek, as the spectacular views cannot be missed

If you're looking for more picturesque vistas of the countryside, head further out of the city towards Dundry Hill, near Bristol Airport.

Located just 15 minutes south of Bristol, the rolling hilltop stretches for two miles east to west, and offers a serene escape from the city with sweeping views of green pastures and charming country lanes.

Reaching heights of up to 160m (525ft), it’s the perfect location to see hot-air balloons as they drift up and away from the city, with uninterrupted views of the skyline.