A historic city, a commercial hub and cultural hotspot, as well as a thriving university town, Bristol has a lot going for it

A historic city, a commercial hub and cultural hotspot, as well as a thriving university town, Bristol has a lot going for it

With the redeveloped harbourside, the Georgian mansions in the smart neighbourhood of Clifton, and the city centre’s bustling nightlife, it’s the perfect place for a break. Stay in one of our Bristol hotels and you’re in easy reach of the best things to do.

Amazing museums
Art lovers should head to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, a classic Edwardian museum packed with everything from Asian to French art. Here you’ll find Pissarro and Renoir, as well as the famous Bristol Boxkite, propeller-powered biplane! For something more recent, and dedicated to Bristol, the M Shed at the docks opened in 2011 and has since been a hot favourite with visitors. With memorabilia covering People, Place and Life, it’s the best place to get a grasp of Bristol’s busy past, including subjects as diverse as the slave trade, Wallace and Gromit and Massive Attack.
Brunel’s best
"Clifton is also home to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of the city’s top attractions and is a must visit during your stay in Bristol. The masterpiece by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, dating back to 1864, rises 76m over the Avon Gorge. To get the best view of it, stop for tea or a pint at the Avon Gorge Hotel’s terrace. For another of Brunel’s best, Bristol is home to the mighty steamship SS Great Britain. Designed by the engineer in 1843, the one-time luxury transatlantic liner has been fully restored over 30 years. She’s well worth a visit to learn about her fascinating, if complicated, history. Tickets also let you into the neighbouring Brunel Institute."
Take a walk
"For a little fresh air (and one of our favourite free things to do in Bristol), take a stroll on ‘The Downs’, as the locals call the Clifton Down and Durdham Downs. Stop at the Clifton Observatory house with its camera obscura, and visit the Giant's Cave where you’ll find amazing views over the Avon Gorge. With over 400 parks and gardens, the city has plenty more places to take a wander. For something different, try the surprisingly exotic University Botanical Gardens. Spanning 4.3 acres, they cover topics such as evolution, Mediterranean climates, and useful plants. Don’t miss the Tropical Zone and its glasshouse collection, giant Amazon water lily and sacred lotus."
Drinks and dinner
"All that sightseeing will make anyone thirsty… Whether you head to sophisticated Clifton, choosing a traditional pub like The Albion, to the tiny yet legendary Coronation Tap cider house, or to Hausbar on the Whiteladies Road for a mojito, there is no end of choice to quench your thirst. For dinner with a river view and a classic European menu, try the RiverStation or the chic Michelin-starred Wilks in Redland. Fish fans should try the Wallfish Bistrot."
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