Holiday homes & rentals in Bristol

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Bristol is one of Britain's most interesting, exciting and individualistic cities. Located in the southwest of England, Bristol is the heart of the region. It is the focus of many who visit this area of the UK and we encourage you to stop by if you are heading to either Wales, Cornwall or Devon. Bristol's culture is unique, taking its inspiration from many other cultures - mainly the Caribbean and North Africa. Such influence is reflected in the music, art and food of the city - all of which make Bristol an exciting place to live in and visit. The best way to experience the city and meet some of its interesting residents is to stay in an apartment or room in Bristol. You can stay in a house with a genuine Bristolian, find out where best to go and get a glimpse of a typical Bristolian lifestyle. There are also plenty of conventional accommodation options such as hotels and hostels scattered throughout the city - we're sure you'll find something to suit your needs!

Bristol facts

• Bristol is the hometown of "Banksy", one of the world's most infamous and beloved graffiti painters.
• Despite its many hills, Bristol is the number one cycling capital in the UK.
• The popular video game character Lara Croft was created by a Bristolian.
• The Port of Bristol has played an important role in world trade and also, sadly, slavery.
• The world's largest hot air balloon manufacturer, Cameron Balloon LTD, is based in Bristol.

Our favorite things to do in Bristol

There are so many fun things to do in Bristol. Here's a short list of what we like to do:

Walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge at sunset. The 150-year-old bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is one of Bristol's wonders. Take a walk across the bridge and admire its stunning design, then head towards the suburb of Clifton to The Corrie Tap for a glass of locally produced cider.

Bring a picnic and sit on College Green. Adjacent to this beautiful green space at the bottom of Park Street is a street popular with shoppers. College Green is surrounded by two of Bristol's most beautiful buildings - Bristol Cathedral and the elegant Counsil House. In summer there are beautiful flower beds and it's the perfect place to watch passers-by.

Admire the graffiti at the See No Evil exhibition on Nelson Street, in 2012 graffiti artists from around the world were invited to contribute to this art project. The result is the UK's largest street art project. Previously a boring stretch of road connecting Broadmead with central Bristol, Nelson Street has been transformed into the most wonderful street to walk down. Large works of art dominate every available wall, and showcase the works of the world's best street artists. This is definitely one of Bristol's must-see attractions.

Visit one of Bristol's many museums. Try the Bristol City Museum, which is free and full of interesting exhibits - we liked the Ancient Egypt section. At-Bristol has lots of interactive science exhibits, live shows and a planetarium. The Wills Memorial Building, which is not necessarily a museum, has great architecture. Climb to the top of the tower if you can! Bristol Zoo is one of Britain's finest zoos and has recently welcomed a baby gorilla to the family!

Food and drink

Bristol has a fantastic range of restaurants, takeaways and cafes. Whether you like Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, Moroccan or traditional English food, Bristol has it all. Our favorite lunch spot is St Nicholas Market. There's a nice selection of free traders based there, try the pies at Pieminister or the Moroccan Tagine at Al Bab Mansour. As far as takeaways go, the Grecian Kebab House in Stokes Croft, serves delicious pizza and Greek food. The Jason Donervan (which always brings a smile to our faces), located at the top of Park Street, is perfect for late-night cravings!

Music

Bristol has one of the UK's best music scenes. Bristol became known in the 1990s as the birthplace of "trip hop", a form of English hip-hop. Bands such as Portishead, Massive Attack and Tricky hail from Bristol and the entire UK music media is focused on Bristol. Bristol still has a vibrant music scene that celebrates its past, but also looks firmly to its future. Check out some of the city's best-loved music venues for a chance to experience this exciting phenomenon. We recommend heading to Thekla, a venue based on a boat moored near Harbourside. Step aboard below deck for a unique experience. There is also a piece of Banksy artwork on the side of the boat! We also want to visit Start The Bus for intimate gigs and big beers, as well as Colston Hall, Bristol's largest music venue housed in a listed building.

Getting around

Bristol is certainly not one of the UK's easiest cities to get around in. Like many British cities, Bristol was not designed for the modern age and has struggled to adapt to the modern demands of a city. Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol's central station, is clunky and is a good distance from the city center - it's a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride. Once in the center, it's relatively small and you can walk to most areas of interest easily. Buses run in the center and to Broadmead, Filton and Clifton. Bristol Airport is 8 miles outside Bristol to the west. It takes 30 minutes by bus to get from the airport to Bristol city center. There are many interesting areas near Bristol that don't take long to get to. We recommend visiting the beautiful town of Bath, the rolling hills of Somerset (especially the town of Wells), picturesque Cheltenham and just over the border in Wales, Newport.

England’s sixth most populous city, Bristol is one of the country’s most rewarding urban destinations. Home to a collection of superb bars, quaint streets and a thriving arts scene, this is a city that boasts a terrific atmosphere and many top points of interest. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Museum and Gallery and the delightful Harborside are all highlights you can look forward to while staying in Bristol holiday cottages.

Getting to your accommodation in Bristol

Bristol is served by Bristol International Airport, a major airport with many domestic and international links. The airport is located around 30 minutes from the city centre, access to which is easy via public transport or taxi. Bristol holiday cottages can also be reached by renting a hire car, which may also be beneficial when it comes to exploring sites and landmarks located outside of Bristol's city centre. If arriving at one of the other airports situated in the vicinity, such as Exeter or Southampton, then regional train and bus connections are on hand to whisk you to your accomodation in Bristol.

Weather in Bristol: what to expect

Those thinking of booking Bristol holiday cottages are in luck: this city receives some of the best weather of anywhere in the UK, with some 1,700 hours of sunshine beating down on the city each year. However, it does get rainy throughout the year, and it’s always sensible to pack waterproof clothing so you’re prepared when the occasional rain shower strikes. Snow showers are also fairly typical between November and March.

Bristol and its attractions

Bristol truly combines the old and the new, resulting in a wealth of excellent attractions. Begin with the old at the Church of St Mary Redcliffe, which was completed in the 15th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Bristol Cathedral, the city’s primary religious building, was consecrated in 1148 and is another must-visit.

Clifton Suspension Bridge is a wonder of engineering, spanning the Avon Gorge and dating back to 1864. At the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, you can view one of the country’s best collections of Egyptology and prehistoric artefacts.

There isn’t much known about the iconic yet elusive Banksy, but we do know that the famous street artist hails from Bristol. You can get a guided tour of his work in the city or have fun looking for his pieces yourself as you walk around and explore.

Bristol Zoo is one of the nation’s best. It features more than 50 species of mammals, including lions, hippos, red pandas, gorillas and lemurs, among many others. There are also extensive insect and reptile enclosures at the zoo, as well as a fascinating aquarium which is home to 70 different types of fish.

Bristol’s excellent nightlife

The nightlife scene in Bristol has something for everyone, so each guest staying in Bristol holiday lettings will be sure to find their niche. This is a laidback city, where many of the “cool” places are informal pubs without a dress code or any pretence. Wander down to Quayside for an excellent range of pubs. If you visit just one place, make it The Apple Cider Boat. This docked boat offers delicious cider and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Of course, those looking for a swanky night out will also find it here. Try Motion – a nightclub in a skatepark – or Cosies – an intimate wine bar cum reggae party – for two unique Bristol experiences.

Bristol’s annual events

Bristol is one of the best places in the UK for events, with hundreds taking place each year. Everyone staying in Bristol holiday lettings will find something to enjoy among the events, which range from small, quirky day-long events to internationally renowned celebrations, and everything in between.

The biggest event of the year is the Bristol Harbour Festival, which takes place each year in July or August and has been a staple of the Bristol calendar since 1971. This free event transforms the city into a colourful spectacle, with music, dance and family-friendly fun all part of the weekend’s shenanigans. It’s also a celebration of Bristol’s maritime heritage, with classic tall ships dotted across the water.

Another of the UK’s best events also takes place in Bristol: the International Balloon Fiesta is held each August and features more than a hundred hot air balloons ascending into the sky. Hundreds of thousands of spectators attend the four-day event, which has been around since 1979.

If you’re moving into Bristol holiday lettings during July, you can help celebrate the city’s thriving art scene by attending Upfest, a street art and graffiti festival that takes place across the city over a three day period.

Bristol – City of boats, bridges, and balloons

Clifton Suspension Bridge

This 19th-century bridge spanning the River Afon links Bristol with North Somerset. Symbolic of Bristol's history, the bridge is now a Grade-1 listed structure.

Brunel's SS Great Britain

A former passenger steamship, the SS Great Britain is now a museum showing the ship's interior and the dockyards where it was constructed.

St Mary Redcliffe Church

With its construction dating back to the 12th century, this beautifully carved and decorated church is 800 years old. Just a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads, it's an interesting representation of Bristol's past.

Cabot Tower

Set in Brandon Hill, the oldest park in Bristol, this 32m 19th-century tower offers magnificent views of Bristol. The park has nature conservation and play areas.

Bristol Cathedral

This 12th-century cathedral and Grade-1 listed building is decorated in the Gothic style. Inside, you’ll find a number of famous carvings from the Norman period, and stunning stained glass.

Frequently Asked Questions