Accommodation in Bristol

Bristol is an important centre for music and culture. Situated at the heart of the UK’s idyllic south west region, it’s a beautiful city with an interesting and turbulent history: It was the birthplace and favoured hideout of legendary pirate Blackbeard, and in more recent times enigmatic graffiti artist Banksy (allegedly) grew up here. Today, the city is the heart of South West England and well worth a visit, by itself or as part of a trip to one of England’s prettiest regions.

Consistently rated as the happiest city in Britain, Bristol is full of cheerful quirks, from hot air balloons to ciders by the harbour. * Bristol is home to the Old Vic Theatre, Britain’s oldest continually working theatre. * One of Britain’s greenest cities, Bristol has won many awards for sustainability, cycle paths and other eco friendly projects.

Bristol’s central area is relatively compact, with Broadmead as the main shopping centre, backing onto beautiful Castle Park. To really be where the action is at the weekend, look for a place around the fountains or park street, where much of the central nightlife is concentrated.

Redcliffe and Hotwells are two districts within walking distance of the center, although a little removed from the stag & hen parties that proliferate in the centre most weekends. Clifton is Bristol’s most exclusive area, so head here if it’s a bit of luxury you’re looking for.

The famous Stokes Croft Street runs alongside the popular bohemian districts of Montpelier and St. Andrews, packed with artists and other young creative types at all times. There are plenty of quirky little bars and restaurants around here. Although the area has seen rampant gentrification recently, it has a still a little of its edge left. Last but not least is Bedminster, another of Bristol’s up and coming districts that’s beginning to fill with start up businesses, trendy cafes and art galleries.

Bristol’s beautiful harbour is a must see in order to understand the region’s history. For centuries the city’s economy was built on maritime trade in everything from spices to slavery. Thankfully, those days are over; and Bristol is still home to one of the oldest free African communities in Europe.

The city centre is a beautiful place to walk around, starting at the fountains on the harbourside you can head through the ancient streets. Visit St. Nicholas Market inside the old Corn Exchange building to see the eclectic range of stalls, then turn onto Nelson Street to see the fantastic ‘See No Evil’ permanent street art exhibition.

Another highlight is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Considered by many to be the masterpiece of engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it spans the Avon Gorge, linking the swanky suburb of Clifton with the village of Leigh Woods on the other side. One of Bristol’s main charms though, is it’s quirky people: There’s no better way to spend a day than sat in a cafe window seeing who walks by.

The south west of England is famous for its ciders, and Bristol is one of the best places to try them. Grab a seat at the Apple, a bar inside a beautifully renovated Dutch barge, moored on the river Avon close to the city centre. If you’re feeling brave try an Old Bristolian, a cider strong it can only be served in half pints!

If you’re looking a good roast dinner, the City Farm in St. Werburghs is hard to beat. A cosy country pub in the bohemian district of St. Werburghs, the pub has an actual farm attached with a wide of variety of animals and plants. For bars, cafes and good people watching, head to Stokes Croft or further up, past the arches, to Gloucester Road.

Pretty much any type of cuisine can be found in Bristol. The city’s keen eco-friendly stance makes it an excellent place for vegetarians, and there is excellent food from traditional recipes to modern experiments available everywhere. Try fish and chips or a hot curry for a taste of the locals favourites.

The sights of Bristol’s city centre are easy to explore on foot; ferries and boat tours from the harbourside can also take you between many of the top locations. There is a comprehensive bus network that can run you between most areas, multiple journeys can get expensive, but there is a reasonably priced day ticket. Taxis are easy to find and can be hailed on the street or picked up at one of the many taxi stands that run all night.

Bristol is a very bike friendly city, with lanes running through much of the central area. There is even a former railway line which has now been converted into a cycle path that runs all the way to the neighbouring town of Bath.

Cars are pretty common in the city centre, and although you’re unlikely to find anywhere free to park, it’s not as impossible as in many cities. A car (or bike if you’re up to it) will also allow you to explore the surrounding countryside and villages.