Discover Bustling Bristol on a Captivating City Break

Escape the winter blues with a getaway to Bristol, a city brimming with culture, creativity, and mouthwatering delights. A cultural trailblazer, Bristol is packed with world-class street art, a burgeoning live music scene and a vibrant social buzz around the city. Whether you’re looking for new adventures or a relaxing break, Bristol's diverse range of experiences has something for everyone.

How to get there

Bristol is easily reached by air via Bristol Airport from which direct buses will transport you into the city centre in just 30 minutes. Alternatively, fly into any of the London airports and arrive in Bristol by National Rail in approximately two hours. A visit to Bristol can easily be combined with other cities in Britain by train: Bath (12 mins), Cardiff (50 mins), Birmingham (1h 20 mins), Exeter (1.5h), Plymouth (2h) or London Paddington (1h 40 mins).

Where to stay

Stay at one of Bristol’s newest hotels, Hort's Townhouse, which has welcomed visitors since February 2023. The stunning Grade-II listed building reopened with 19 boutique rooms within short walking distance of Bristol’s city centre. The individually designed bedrooms are vibrant, colourful and the perfect place for a comfortable city stay, while the pub downstairs serves the best of British seasonal produce. Another hotel to check out is the Moxy Bristol, which opened its doors in May 2022. The trendy hotel, conveniently located in the city centre, offers a buzzing atmosphere with plenty of communal spaces. Open since October 2021, the Artist Residence offers individually designed rooms decorated with art prints and fitted with recycled and vintage furniture in a refurbished shoe factory in the creative St Pauls neighbourhood. The hotel offers a café, bar and restaurant including a ping-pong table, photobooth and courtyard garden. For a stay in the old town, check-in at the Clayton Hotel Bristol which is housed in a Grade II listed building with a contemporary vibe showcasing Bristol’s art. Find plenty of harbourside restaurants and Bristol’s shopping quarter within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Where to eat

A haven for foodies, Bristol boasts a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. In January 2023, the plant-based pasta restaurant Pastan opened a new branch in Bristol on Prince Street. The modern and relaxed space decorated with lush plants is a must-visit for vegan pasta lovers. Following the success of their Cheltenham restaurant, Muse Brasserie opened in late 2022 and offers a fusion of European classics with an Asian twist which are inspired by Chef owner Franck Grillet’s travels in India. Serving up delicious meals, signature drinks, and relaxing vibes BOXHALL food hall is coming to Bristol in 2024. The dynamic contemporary venue is working with the food ambassador Josh Eggleton who is a celebrated Bristolian chef.

For a dining experience like no other, visit Steak of the Art for a fantastic atmosphere and some of the best steaks served in the Southwest. The restaurant is festooned with art, including an Alice in Wonderland themed booth and a Brit Pop inspired table. Check out the award-winning restaurant at Bristol’s Lido located on the original viewing gallery overlooking the pool where guests can enjoy Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired dishes. The daily updated menu is created from the best local and seasonal produce, with some ingredients taken from their own kitchen garden. For a dining experience in a stunning location, head to The White Lion Pub at Hotel du Vin Bristol Avon Gorge and enjoy a drink or meal with panoramic views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from their large terrace.

What to experience

Explore over 30 years of history and learn how Banksy’s legacy sparks creativity all around the city with a Bristol Street Art Tour. The M Shed Museum offers a unique way to discover the city through a new behind the scenes tour of their extensive archives. Discover collections with connections to Bristol’s history, places and diversity. Connect to the city through music at the newly refurbished Bristol Beacon, which opens 30 November 2023. With a focus on sustainability and the science of sound delivery the venue will offer guests an unforgettable musical journey in a newly reimagined space. Dip into the gastronomic scene with an epic food and drink tour exploring Bristol Hotspots and Hidden Treasures with Good: Stories in Food, launched early in 2023. Explore Bristol’s sustainable food scene and meet dynamic and engaging locals along the way. You can join a tour or organise bespoke tours for groups to experience the best of Bristol’s independent culinary scene.

Just under a 40-minute walk from the city centre, or a short trip by bus, awaits an experience well worth the trek. Opened in 2022, Wake the Tiger offers an incredible immersive journey that presents the unexpected through an ‘amazement park’. The psychedelic adventure centred around creativity, sustainability and imagination delights visitors throughout the diverse spaces.

A trip to Bristol would not be complete without a visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge for unrivalled views over the Avon Gorge to Ashton Forest and the countryside beyond. Embark on a trip deep inside the Leigh Woods Tower on an underground vaults tour, or venture above the bridge and check out the Clifton Observatory for an elevated view of the city.

Nearby Adventures

Turn a city escape into a countryside getaway with an excursion just outside Bristol. Discover adventure at the Wave and test your surfing skills on a man-made wave maker suitable for beginners and advanced surfers. The facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy augmented by solar power. They also offer on-site glamping facilities in the form of chic and cosy safari tents for overnight stays from March to October. Close by, the conservation and education charity Bristol Zoo Project will continue expanding their site in 2024, developing new immersive landscapes while improving wildlife biodiversity. The site will welcome two new habitats focusing on the preservation of endangered species such as the slender-snouted crocodiles, cherry-crowned mangabeys and many more. The new Conservation Campus will help with the development and education of animal welfare.

For a day trip into the countryside, Good: Stories in Food offers an enticing wine and cheese tour in Somerset. Enjoy Michelin-starred restaurants, incredible cheeses from Cheddar and wine fresh from the vine at local vineyards. The next tour season starts in May 2024.

Just a short train ride away, head over to Bath for the ultimate relaxation experience and take in unforgettable rooftop views at Thermae Bath Spa or experience the magic of ancient healing processes and holistic health tips at the Rebalance Bath Festival from January 25 to February 18 2024. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the magic of film and TV with a Bridgerton walking tour, or a trip to the steps of Parade Gardens, the Colonnades near Pulteney Weir and Pulteney Bridge to explore filming locations from the upcoming film, Wonka. 

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