Hotels in Bristol

Bristol: Harbour City of Street Art and Suspension Bridges

Bristol sits on the River Avon in southwest England, 118 miles west of London. The city built its 18th-century wealth on Atlantic trade, and that maritime past is still legible in the Floating Harbour, where the restored SS Great Britain — Brunel's 1843 iron steamship — sits in dry dock at Great Western Dockyard. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, completed in 1864 and spanning 214 metres across the Avon Gorge, remains the city's most photographed structure.

Where to Stay in Bristol

Clifton draws visitors who want Georgian terraces and independent restaurants within walking distance of the gorge. Stokes Croft and Montpelier attract travellers interested in street art, including work by Banksy, who grew up in the city. The Harbourside area suits those wanting waterfront hotels with direct access to the M Shed museum and weekend markets. Broadmead serves budget travellers needing proximity to the main rail terminus, Bristol Temple Meads.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Bristol Temple Meads connects to London Paddington in under 1 hour 45 minutes by GWR intercity service.
• Getting around: The city's terrain is hilly — allow extra time when walking between Clifton and the Harbourside.
• Best season: May to September for the Bristol Harbour Festival (July) and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (August).
• Currency: British pounds sterling (GBP); contactless payment accepted at most hotels and venues.