Best places to stay:
Put your money where your mouth is with a stay at what was once one of Bristol’s loftiest counting houses. Converted from a Grade II-listed bank, the city-centre Harbour Hotel has kept the soaring ceilings and feel of comfortable luxury of its previous incarnation in its recent conversion.
Double rooms range in size but even the tiniest feel very plush, with Egyptian cotton sheets and White Company toiletries. The largest have standalone baths – worth the extra splurge.
The restaurant is a highlight, serving up a modern seafood menu in a cavernous dining room. The spa, downstairs in the old vaults, is small but boasts lovely treatment rooms where you can chill out with a massage or a facial after a busy day’s exploring.
Located on a slim side street, opposite St Nicholas Market, the hotel is flanked by elegant, Regency buildings. Corn Street is about as central as you can get in Bristol and there’s a real energy as soon as you step out of the door; a combination of tourists, students and Bristolians going about their daily business.
This is an ideal place to stay for a first-time visit, as it’s within walking distance of everything from the Cathedral and the happening Harbourside quarter, to the city’s museums and the charming neighbourhood of Clifton.
The Harbour Hotel can recommend walking and cycling routes, and bikes are also available for guests to borrow.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[2.4 miles]
One of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a spectacular sight, 75 metres above the dramatic geography of Avon Gorge.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[17 miles]
Take to the air for unrivalled views of Bath’s architecture and the north Somerset countryside.
Best for ages: 13+ | £120 | 4 hours
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[18.1 miles]
A unique modern spa with steam rooms and showpiece rooftop pool, that uses Bath’s natural thermal water.
Best for ages: 12+ | £38
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[18.2 miles]
The historic Grand Pump Room next door has a fountain spouting genuine mineral-rich Bath spa water for tasting. It also does an enjoyable afternoon tea, a popular and highly recommended way to round off your visit.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
St Nick’s, as it’s known to locals, is a maze of stalls and shops selling antiques as well as global foodstuffs – everything from Bristol’s finest pies to fabulous pasties de nata (custard tarts).
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
An annual celebration of all things graffiti, Upfest takes place for two weeks each summer, transforming the neighbourhood of Bedminster and bringing together international artists.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free | 2 weeks
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
The revamped museum and planetarium now known as ‘We the Curious’ puts a big focus on interactive and hands-on exhibits, exploring science and philosophy’s biggest conundrums.
Best for ages: 4+ | £16
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
Set on College Green in the heart of the city, Bristol Cathedral dates back to the 12th century, and is famous for its spectacular stained glass windows.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
A lovely west country city of world-class Georgian architecture, ancient and modern spas, and an atmosphere of romance and refinement.
United Kingdom (UK)
Bristol is the beating heart of the UK’s South West, with an offbeat focus on culture and the arts plus interactive history, a cutting-edge independent food scene and street eats all on offer.
