With its historic harbour, excellent Museum’s & Gallery, nightlife, and foodie scene, I’m of the opinion that Bristol is one of the best cities in the UK for a weekend break. Most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other in the city centre meaning it doesn’t really matter where you decide to stay – whether its the medieval heart of the city and where you’ll Bristol Cathedral, St. Nicolas Market, and Queen Square, the incredibly posh Clifton, or the cultural and street art covered district of Stokes Croft – you will always be close to where the action is.
However, Bristol is known for being quirky and forward-thinking, so it’s only right that you stay somewhere that is a little unusual. Luckily, Bristol has its fair share of quirky and out-there hotels to really make your visit unique. Here are a few of my favourites.
Brooks Guesthouse
Hiding away down a narrow walkway between Baldwin Street and Corn Street in Bristol’s Old City in a spot where street markets rub shoulders with some of the best drinking spots and restaurants the city has to offer, Brooks Guesthouse really couldn’t be in a better location. St Nicholas Market, with its eclectic mix of food stalls, is only a couple of metres away and cobbled King Street, home of the Old Vic theatre and myriad brilliant pubs is within a few minutes walk, as is the vibrant waterfront and all of the museums and galleries that come along with it.
The accommodation itself is probably best described as a contemporary boutique B&B. Set back from the street with its own street art covered courtyard, it has a slightly luxurious feel, with an airy and spacious downstairs common area/ dining room with a kitchen and honesty bar and a range of beautifully appointed king, twin and double rooms. However, I understand that this doesn’t sound all that unique, if you head to the guesthouse’s rooftop, you will see its quirky side.
Up on the roof, there’s a small collection of airstream-style British made aluminium ‘Rockets’ set on Astroturf, two storeys above street level. They come in 3 different sizes (16ft, 18ft and 20ft) and offer all the mod-cons of a hotel room; they are fitted with full-sized double beds, mini eco showers, groovy mood lighting (watch those flashy LEDs change colour) and offer views over St Nicholas Market and the Old City.
Where: Exchange Avenue, off St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1UB
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Kyle Blue Boat Hostel
For a city famed for its harbourside and seafaring past, could there be any more fitting place to stay than onboard an actual boat? Moored in the heart of Bristol’s historic harbour, Kyle Blue is a Dutch barge turned luxury boat hostel set in a peaceful, waterfront location that’s only a five-minute leisurely stroll along the quayside to the city centre, and a couple of minute’s walk from the museums, restaurants, and pubs of the city’s rejuvenated Wapping Wharf area.
The boat itself is deceptively large and sleeps up to 30 people. Below deck, there are four single/small double cabins, three five-bed cabins, a Stern Cabin with four beds and a Bow Cabin with seven beds as well as four shared shower rooms. On the upper deck, you will find a spacious common area and self-catering kitchen.
Even if you’re the kind of person that gets a little sea sick, it may be worth staying on board Kyle Blue to take advantage of one of the best locations in town. Imagine waking up to the sound of lapping water and seagulls, quietly collecting your thoughts with a cuppa in the communal lounge while watching the kayaks and boats sail by.
Where: Kyle Blue Wapping Wharf, Museum Street, Bristol, BS1 6GW
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Rock and Bowl Motel
When staying in a hostel, I always find that it’s a little bonus if the place has some onsite entertainment for those days when you’re feeling a little too lazy to explore and would rather spend an afternoon hanging out inside with some new-found friends. While usually you would be pleased if this amounts to a pool or ping pong table, and you’re even luckier if there is an onsite bar, the Rock and Bowl Motel in Bristol’s city centre goes one better; It’s connected to The Lanes, a retro bowling alley, pizza parlour and bar/club. In typical Bristol style, the entire hostel is covered in street art and graffiti, giving it a bit of a cool edge. Just be warned, music from the club downstairs goes on until the early hours on a weekend and can be heard in the dorms.
Where: 22 Nelson St, Bristol, BS1 2LA
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Full Moon Backpackers
Walking towards Bristol’s ultra-hip Stokes Croft from the city centre, Full Moon Backpackers is a difficult building to miss. Its entire facade is covered in an enormous interstellar mural of stars and galaxies. Dating back to 1716 and what was once the historic gateway to the city, this grade II listed building now straddles the busy city centre and the vibrant and artistic metropolitan community of Bristol’s cultural district. This lively hostel has over 70 beds and a range of room-types, a busy bar, live music venue, onsite food stalls and a large courtyard. For a year throughout 2015/16 they underwent a hugely exciting project calling on artists from Bristol and all over the world to decorate the hostel and rooms, each bringing an entirely unique theme and style.
Hostel guests get free entry to weekend events at the attached Full Moon Pub and Attic Bar, a local institution that was recently featured in The Guardian’s list of ’10 of the Best UK Clubs’. Not only is it a great place for travellers to spend the evening with some new found friends, but it’s also a favourite spot for Bristolians.
If that isn’t enough, the hotel also considers itself eco-friendly, with a portion of profits being donated to charitable causes.
Where: 1 North St, Bristol, BS1 3PR
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Towed Town Camping
If you enjoy camping but aren’t too keen on the outdoors, bugs or unpredictable weather, then the guys at Towed Town have a concept that you may be able to get behind: Indoor camping. Towed town is a kitsch caravan park in the setting of a renovated urban warehouse. Think vintage trailers with fake lawns complete with picnic benches and deck chairs. As well as hosting five unique, cosy and lovingly revamped caravans, the warehouse also has a communal ‘hangout’ area complete with pool and table tennis tables, a library, and board games.
Despite the vintage feel of the caravans, each one is fitted with all the modern amenities that you’ll need, such as a free view enabled TV and USB charge points as well as an electric heater which will keep you warm and cosy during winter nights and a kitchenette area with fridge and everything you will need to make your morning brew. You’ll also find spacious bathrooms with a shower, toilet and sink directly opposite each caravan.
Where: 152 – 179 Kingsland Road, Bristol, BS2 0QW
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I travelled to Bristol as a guest of Visit Bristol, receiving a complimentary stay at Brooks Guesthouse. However, all views expressed are my own.
