4 min readFrom Harbourside hotels and waterfront views to dramatic Avon Gorge-edge vistas, ancient spires and Somerset countryside, these Bristol hotels have rooms with beautiful, awe-inspiring and interesting sights to be seen:
On the waterfront: The Bristol
On a busy stretch of the city’s Floating Harbour, The Bristol’s water-side rooms (and its ground-floor restaurant The River Grille) offer a grandstand view of Harbourside life: Pero’s Bridge and passing river cruisers, the to-and-fro of Bristol ferry boats and at, night, lots of twinkly lights.
- Places to stay with waterside views
Castle from the air: Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre
The west-facing rooms of this modern hotel offer an eyeful of Bristol history. What you see below is Castle Park – a popular green space between Bristol Shopping Quarter and the Floating Harbour – where the archaeological remains of a medieval castle sit alongside the shell of war-damaged St Peter’s Church.
So gorge-ous: Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Find us another city hotel that has better views than this one. A matter of opinion of course, but the classic Victorian hotel is perched on the edge of the rocky Avon Gorge and has the best views of Brunel’s magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and the National Trust’s Leigh Woods beyond. The hotel has been rebranded as a Hotel du Vin, so the views are pretty good inside, too.
Image - a gorge view from one of the rooms at Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Old city: Harbour Hotel Bristol
Created from two adjoining 18th century banks, the Harbour hotel and spa is right in the thick of the old merchant’s quarter – once, it was Bristol’s answer to Threadneedle Street - the views peek at Georgian stonework, arches, spires and gargoyles and peer down the alley-ways that nip into St Nicholas Market.
On a high: Radisson Blu
Bristol’s tallest hotel offers brilliant views from most of its 176 rooms. Floor-to-ceiling tinted windows take in the Harbour, the city, the centre and beyond – you can see the countryside in the distance. The higher you go, the bigger and better the views: take a deep breath when you see the view from the giddy heights of the penthouses on the 17th floor.
Image - Radisson Blu
A royally good view: Thornbury Castle
Enjoy splendour both inside and out at this 16th century castle, once owned by Henry VIII and surrounded by 15 acres of gardens for you to enjoy. Whichever of the building's 26 luxury bedchambers you opt to stay in, you're bound to enjoy the views across the historic grounds.
Image - Thornbury Castle
Birders' hide-away: Bewick’s Lodge at WWT Slimbridge
Bring your binoculars to this apartment set in the former home of Sir Peter Scott, founder of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Wake up to spectacular views of Rushy Lake abuzz with birdlife, including the eponymous Bewick’s swan in winter, from your four-poster bed or head up to Scott’s personal viewing tower. Nods to the legendary conservationist’s pioneering life and legacy are woven among the luxurious interiors, including much of his own artwork.
Image - Bewick's Lodge
Lakeside lounging: Yeo Valley Properties
Relax in stylish barn conversions on the Yeo Valley farm and take in the gorgeous views of Blagdon Lake, Chew Valley and beyond. There's either a larger property which can sleep up to 10 people, or a smaller barn for a romantic getaway for two.
Image - Yeo Valley Properties
Coastal class: The Grand Atlantic Hotel
Book a Sea View room at this seafront hotel in Weston-super-Mare to enjoy impressive coastal vistas, out to the Severn Estuary and beyond.
Image - The Grand Atlantic Hotel
Surfside stay: The Camp at The Wave
Wake to the sound of waves in a furnished tents, located just a short walk from the shore of The Wave's surfing lake, where you can take part in surfing or bodyboarding lessons, or enjoy some food and drink at the cafe while watching others ride the waves.
Image - The Camp at The Wave
