Bristol : book your hotel

Bristol is one of England’s beautiful South West cities, straddling the River Avon with a unique maritime history. Today, it’s an exciting destination for a weekend break or longer, filled with cultural attractions, great food and buzzy nightlife.

Bristol and the surrounding areas can be grouped into eight: Bristol City Centre, North Bristol, East Bristol, Coastal Somerset and Rural Somerset, and Gloucestershire and the South Cotswolds. When you're planning a visit, you might want to spend most of your time in the city centre. If you're sticking around for a little longer or want to enjoy some wildlife and nature, head out to the coastal and rural parts of Somerset, Gloucestershire and the South Cotswolds surrounding Bristol.

The city is famous for its beautiful harbour, which was once a busy dock where sailors came and went, and merchants sold and traded goods. Today, Bristol Harbourside is a cultural hub with many modern restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. Waterside restaurants serve the freshest seafood, while various watersports and activities are fun for participants and spectators alike. Millennium Square sits at the heart of Bristol Harbourside. Start here and enjoy some of the unique attractions that this area offers.

Visiting the world's first great ocean liner, Brunel's SS Great Britain is easily one of the top things to do in Bristol. The iconic steamship was rescued in 1970 and restored to its spectacular Victorian condition. Visitors today can step back in time and explore different parts of the ship, from its lavish first-class to the cramped lower deck.

Another of Bristol Harbourside's leading attractions, We The Curious, is a science museum and interactive space, an ideal choice for a family-friendly activity in the city. The centre is home to various permanent and changing temporary exhibitions and hands-on experiences for all ages. Far from a stuffy, conventional museum, We The Curious is a playful space where excitement and laughter are encouraged.

Another attraction in Bristol Harbourside? It's Bristol Aquarium, a colourful space that brings visitors face to face with aquatic creatures. From stingrays and seahorses to sharks, octopuses and piranhas, there are many unique species to discover here. No aquarium would be complete without an underwater tunnel filled with tropical fish - there's a mesmerising one at Bristol Aquarium. Explore the wonders of the deep in this beautiful aquarium, a great day out for families visiting Bristol.

Head away from Bristol Harbourside to explore the central streets and charming Old City. There's plenty to enjoy here, including unique history and modern culture, shopping and food.

Bristol's shopping quarter is home to over 500 shops, including high-street favourites and independents, all concentrated in the heart of the beautiful city.

Bristol's charming Old City is known for its winding lanes and historic buildings. Today, Old City storefronts are occupied by contemporary eateries and craft beer bars, boutiques and vintage stores. It's a great place to spend a day exploring - you never know what you might find. This part of the city is home to many of its oldest buildings and most fascinating historic architecture. Take a walk around to discover what remains of Norman Bristol and its city walls before nestling into a cosy coffee shop to rest and watch the world go by.

Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working theatre in the English speaking world, constructed in 1766 and running ever since. It's been restored to its stunning Georgian prime. Still, it uses all the latest technology to host world-class performances of iconic and contemporary plays. Take a look at the programme to find out what's on while you're in town and enjoy a night of entertainment unlike any other.