Photo by Mike Caldwell Photography
At the border of England and Wales lies Bristol, gem of the Southwest of England. Home to history and heritage, street art and shipping docks, Bristol is a city with everything to offer. A hop and a skip from the train station lies the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.
photo by Mike Caldwell Photography
Set on College Green, the beautifully-restored property has been Bristol’s go-to luxury hotel since 1868. Traveling with the kids? Interconnected rooms are available. Rest and revive in comfort in a Royal Superior Room or a Royal Suite, just like notable celebrity guests.
photo by Mike Caldwell Photography
Steak lovers, look no further than the Marriott’s Miller and Carter steakhouse, recipient of the “Masters of Steak” award from the Craft Guild of Chefs. Select from a menu of 30-day aged British and Irish rib eye, rump, fillet, sirloin, or New York strip, complete with decadent sides like Camembert mashed potatoes, truffle mac and cheese, or chargrilled chorizo. Get a taste of the sea with pan-seared hake in white wine and crème fraiche alongside mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and wilted spinach. Craving a hearty lunch? Don’t miss Miller’s Dirty Burger, topped with an aged Cheddar sauce, pulled beef barbacoa bearnaise, smoked streaky bacon, chorizo, Monterey Jack, and a special recipe burger sauce.
photo by Mike Caldwell Photography
Photo by Filipe Wiens
Ring in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in fine fashion with the Romantic Royal Escape package, available through mid-December. Enjoy a box of luxury chocolates and a bottle of Prosecco before heading out on the town and then call it a night in a stylish Superior room. No need to worry about getting up early; stay in bed like a true aristocrat and have breakfast delivered to your room!
Photo by Filipe Wiens
Photo by Filipe Wiens
As an arts and culture hub, Bristol has so much to explore. Renowned artist Banksy hails from the city, and his graffiti has become a part of Bristol’s urban landscape. The Bristol Beacon, formerly Colston Hall, is a world-renowned concert venue that has hosted The Beatles and Elton John over the decades; stage productions touch down at the Bristol Hippodrome, while the Old Vic is the oldest continually-operating theater in the English-speaking world. Fan-favorite comedians Russell Howard, Jayde Adams, Stephen Merchant, and John Robins represent the city on TV and radio alike; by enjoying their podcasts and small-screen programs, you can take a bit of Bristol with you wherever you go.
Photo by Nathan Riley/Unsplash
Clifton Arcade + Suspension Bridge - Clifton village is one of the most beautiful suburbs of Bristol, lined with 18th and 19th-century terraces and home to majestic Georgian architecture and picturesque streets lined with independent shops, boutiques and cafés.
Photo by Ian Kelsall/Unsplash
Brunel’s S.S. Great Britain tells the incredible story of one of Britain’s greatest engineers and one of the most important ships in maritime history. In 1970, the SS Great Britain Project brought the rusting shell of the SS Great Britain home from the Falkland Islands, braving 8,000 miles of stormy sea, in an attempt to save it from ruin and keep its story alive.
Gin Lovers can distill their own gin at the Psychopomp Distillery, a small, independent distillery which uses traditional handmade copper pot stills to produce craft distilled gin in small batches and limited quantities. They specialize in creating classic and seasonal recipes for their gin loving customers and bespoke recipes with their partners. Every weekend they offer “Distill Your Own Gin courses,” which include tuition, G&T’, and a bottle of “our own recipe gin” to take home.
Photo by Martyna Bober/Unsplash
Cargo is home to a host of independent eateries, shops and more as part of Wapping Wharf. Food from across the globe can be enjoyed from each container eatery, as well as craft beers, wine, and plenty of dessert options. Fresh seafood from the South Coast at Clifton Seafood company, authentic 8 Spanish tapas at Gambas, or baked goods at The Assembly Bakery.
Photo by Martyna Bober/Unsplash
One of the ten best markets in the UK and home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, St. Nicholas’ Market is a must. The market, also known as St. Nicks, has been trading since 1743 and is now home to several permanent food stalls which showcase delicious delicacies from across the globe. Special market happenings fill the calendar, from a street food market, international flavors every Tuesday and Friday and an Indie market every Friday and Saturday.
The White Lion located in the Hotel du Vin & Bistro offers a classic pub experience with outstanding panoramic views of Brunel's Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge, and the rolling hills of Somerset.
Chance & Counters Bristol’s very own board game café allows guests to explore over 850 games from brand new to old school classics, while proudly offering a seasonal and locally sourced menu with craft beers and ciders. Practice your board game skills in this cozy spot while digging into a hearty meal.
The Lanes Bristol is not your typical bowling alley. Expect live music, pizza and lots and lots of drinks, including their signature hardshakes. With a 50’s diner-style décor and jazzy atmosphere, five bowling lanes, a karaoke room and pool tables, The Lanes is ready for all groups and celebrations. It’s an unmissable venue for travelers looking for some foodie favorites as well as a fun night out.
Gloucester Road Bristol is celebrated for its markets and streets filled with small, local shops. A particularly well clustered area of shops can be found along Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft; these streets offer a great opportunity to wander a hugely popular area of the city, while supporting local.
Bristol Lido Built in 1850 and having re-opened in 2008 after near 20 years of closure, the Bristol Lido is a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a top-notch restaurant attached. Now a fully restored Lido 24 with spa facilities and a new restaurant and café, visitors can lounge by the pool mid-city break and enjoy the views and spot of fresh air.
Photo by Robert Gale/Unsplash
The Banksy Walking Tour gives visitors a chance to visit the iconic artwork around the city Banksy calls home, as well as a few secret works for fans to discover. There are nine locations on this tour, each with its own story and art from early Banksy to more recent works, as well as work of other notable graffiti artists.
Check out Visit Bristol to help plan your visit!
By Carly Silver