6 min readExplore some of the more unusual places to stay in and around the city, from lakeside glamping to a grand Tudor castle.
Luxury living in a former bank
Book one of the stylish apartments in the former Bank of England building in Bristol's Old City. The building itself is Grade I listed and each Mint Stays apartment is individually themed and furnished, whether you opt for the Sovereign Suite with its large balcony overlooking the Old City, the bright interiors of The Gold Penny apartment, or the large entertaining space at The Royal Mint suite.
Image - The Royal Mint apartment. Credit: Mint Stays
Boutique budget at Bristol's former police HQ
The Bristol Wing is a quirky, boutique hostel housed in the restored Bristol Police headquarters. The site dates back to the 13th Century, with the Grade II listed building itself dating from the early 1800s. The hostel offers a range of private rooms and dorms, as well as a conference area and communal lounge. The ground floor is accessible with toilets, and there is lift access to the first floor with an accessible ensuite room that sleeps two.
Image - The Bristol Wing
Sleep in a giant Witch's hat in Wookey Hole
A great choice for fans of all things spooky, The Witch’s Hat Suite at the Wookey Hole Hotel has a double bed on the upper floor, with a lounge and living space on the lower floor - perfect for couples who want to relax after a busy day exploring Wookey Hole Caves next door, as well as the nearby Somerset countryside and historic towns.
Image - Wookey Hole Hotel
Lakeside glamping at The Camp at The Wave
Wake to the sound of waves, metres away from the most consistent surf break in the UK (yes, in Bristol). The Camp at The Wave is the inland surfing destination's glamping accommodation. There are 25 furnished tents kitted out with comfortable beds, a kitchenette, private toilet and a large balcony. It's the perfect space to escape the everyday, connect with nature, enjoy great food, spend quality time with loved ones and of course, surf until you drop.
Image - The Camp at The Wave
Crack open the bubbly at Hotel du Vin Bristol
In this converted 18th century sugar warehouse, every room is named after a wine or a vineyard – the ultimate being the glamorous Verve Clicquot room. With a king-size bed, velvety, earthy décor, a loungey lounge and a pair of side-by-side roll-top tubs in an indulgent bathroom, the split-level city suite has got honeymoon written all over it.
Image - The Verve Clicquot room at Hotel du Vin
Royally spoilt at Thornbury Castle
Okay, so it didn’t turn out too well for the young Queen, but this magnificent Tudor castle once played the love-nest for Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. And the places oozes history, atmosphere and original features – like the dungeon dining room and a suit of armour in the panelled hall. The 16th century castle comes with vineyards, Tudor gardens and 28 splendid bedchambers. And the beds are truly king-size: the 10-footer in the Tower Room is said to be the widest in Britain.
Image - The King Henry VIII Suite at Thornbury Castle
High living at Brooks Guesthouse
This is glamping city style. On the rooftop of this boutique guest house, a small collection of gleaming ‘Rockets’ – similar to the classic American Airstream caravan – sit in an astroturf garden, four storeys above St Nick’s Market. Each shiny metal-clad Rocket-on the-Roof has a double bed, eco-heating, a micro bathroom, disco-colour LED mood lights and views of the spires and rooftops of Bristol’s Old City.
Image - Rockets on the roof at Brooks Guesthouse
Fast living with roadsurfer
Stay in one of the family or pet-friendly campervans which you can pick up in Central Bristol from roadsurfer, and explore the region to your heart's content!
roadsurfer offer a range of motorhomes (some of them with warm showers and toilets - how luxurious!). If you fancy picking up local food from one of Bristol's fabulous greengrocers, or shops along the way you can also cook up a storm in the kitchenette provided in the campervans.
Image - roadsurfer
Relax in an eccentric home from home at Artist Residence
Located just a stone'w throw from Bristol's city centre, this Georgian townhouse & old boot factory is brimming with quirky features and creative flair. Bedrooms at Artist Residence are individually designed with exposed brick, remnants of graffiti, and Georgian cornicing.
Looking for an extra special experience? The ‘Artist Suite’ is the best in the house, overlooking leafy Portland Square with floor-to ceiling windows throughout, a carved wood bed and 19th century style bathtub in the bedroom. Alternatively, stay in The Lookout, tucked away in the eaves of the building, with a spiral staircase leading to a separate living room & roof terrace.
Image - Artist Residence
Have a break in a barn conversion
Enjoy a romantic break at Wills Barn, part of Yeo Valley Properties, overlooking Blagdon Lake & The Chew Valley. This 250 year old limestone building has one bedroom, its own log fire, film projector and amphitheatre fire pit. The barn is on the Yeo Valley Estate, where you can eat at their excellent Canteen, take a tour of the farm or book on to one of their regular events.
Image - Wills Barn. Credit: Yeo Valley Properties
Step back in time at Tyntesfield Estate
In the grounds of one of the National Trust’s most beautiful properties, stay in a magical Victorian estate cottage. The three-bedroom Chaplain’s House, was built in the 1890s in the Gothic Revival style, for Tyntesfield’s own chaplain (the family church is next to the mansion). The two-bedroom Chaplain’s Lodge was built as a gate-keepers lodge in the 1840s, and later became a home for the family butler. The quaint Summerhouse Cottage is the perfect retreat for two.
Image - The Chaplain's House at Tyntesfield Estate
Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park
Hire a bell tent for a rural camping experience snuggled beneath the Mendip Hills. Brook Lodge dates from the 18th century and Cowslip Green, where it is located - just outside Bristol - is considered by historians to be a heritage site of considerable significance. The countryside surrounding the camping park is excellent for walking, bird watching and cycling.
Image - bell tents at Brook Lodge Farm Camping & Caravan Park
You can also find more unusual places to stay in our Accommodation Experiences, featuring campsites, country houses and even the option to have your own personal shopper at a city centre apartment.
