A Bristol staycation: Be a tourist in your own city

2020 is the year of the staycation and in our (slightly biased) opinion, Bristol should be top of your list for a UK city break, even if you live locally. As more and more restaurants, attractions and hotels reopen responsibly, ensuring your visit is safer than ever, there’s heaps to explore right on your doorstep. In order to really kick back and relax, and to get that much-needed change of scene, book into a hotel, apartment or bed and breakfast in the city centre for a night or two.

We’ve shared a few ideas for places to stay and things to do in the city centre, showing off just a fraction of what you can get up to on a Bristol staycation this year. It’s proof you don’t have to go far to have a great getaway! 

Where to stay

Start your Bristol staycation by checking in at a city centre hotel.

For a room with a spectacular view, book in at high-rise Harbourside hotel, Radisson Blu. Towering over Broad Quay at 18 storeys high, floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the city centre and beyond. The ‘Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol’ has been introduced since reopening, so you can be confident your stay is a safe one.

Right next to the water is The Bristol, a Doyle Collection hotel, which reopened on 17 August. Their 'Rest Assured' programme highlights all of the extra precautions that are in place to ensure you have the very best guest experience.

Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre is also welcoming guests again, opening with ‘We’re Good To Go’ along with some great special offers. Conveniently located opposite Cabot Circus, rest up in one of the spacious, modern rooms here.  

If you’d prefer a more historic setting, Hotel du Vin may be more up your street. It’s based in a Grade II listed former sugar factory that’s been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel that’s full of character.

• More places to stay in Bristol

• 'Good to Go' accredited places to stay in Bristol

Image - Hotel du Vin & Bistro
 

Things to do 

A few of Bristol’s big-hitting family attractions can be found within the city centre. Be transported to an underwater world at Bristol Aquarium, with its collection of fascinating sea creatures and naturally-themed habitats. 

At Brunel's SS Great Britain, you’re invited to step back in time aboard the iconic Victorian ocean liner as well as uncovering all there is to know about its engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Like the Aquarium, it’s been given Visit England’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark. 

Right in the city centre, get your culture fix at Arnolfini, which has reopened with a new major exhibition by photographer Hassan Hajjij. It’s free to enter but you do need to book in advance and wear a face covering. Opening times are 12-5pm from Thursday to Sunday.

Just a little further afield, meet exotic wildlife at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton or the Wild Place Project near Cribbs Causeway, where you can also be wowed by Bristol’s amazing aviation history at Aerospace Bristol. 

Put your brains and teamwork to the test at Locked In A Room. They’re running at reduced capacity with new thorough safety steps, but still the same exciting immersive experience in themed escape rooms, making it the perfect team-building exercise for families, friends and work colleagues. Another option is nearby inPlay Golf where you can test your skills on some of the best courses in the world without leaving the room!

Perhaps you fancy learning something new? Wannabe DJs can get lessons at Basement 45, which is running its workshops with new safety measures for groups of up to four people or one to one. 

New for 2020 is 'A Piece of....Banksy' from the team at Where The Wall. This self-guided tour uncovers the story of Banksy and over 30 years of graffiti art history, with 13 audio commentaries in 13 different locations in central Bristol.

• More things to do in Bristol

• 'Good to Go' accredited attractions in and around Bristol

• Street Art in Bristol

Image - Hassan Hajjij at Arnolfini

Where to eat 

With a brilliant selection of restaurants that range from fine dining to cheap street eats, the hardest part of eating out in Bristol is deciding where to go.

The impressive Cathay Rendezvous building on King Street was designed in 1738 as the first purpose-built library in England. Within its elegant façade, the restaurant offers spacious and flexible authentic Chinese dining on two levels

Harbourside buffet restaurant Za Za Bazaar takes the trouble out of choosing what cuisine you’re in the mood for, with food from across five continents - Indian, British, Italian, Chinese and more, including lots of kid-friendly dishes. There is now a one-way system in the restaurant, more spaces between tables and screens have been installed at all of the food stations. Dishes are served by the chefs at the counters.

Another crowd-pleaser is La Grotta over on Union Street in Bristol Shopping Quarter. It’s a traditional family-run Italian serving classics from margherita pizza to spaghetti carbonara. 

• Food and drink inspiration on our Bristol Together hub

• More places to eat in Bristol

• Keep on 'Eating Out to Help Out' in September in Bristol

Image - Za Za Bazaar

Where to go shopping

Shoppers in central Bristol are spoilt for choice with hundreds of independent stores mixed with chains from Bristol Shopping Quarter, Old City, Park Street and Queens Road and other areas too. Check out our blog of how to spend 'A Shopping Day in Central Bristol' for more inspiration. The Bristol Tourist Information Centre is now located on the ground floor of the Galleries shopping centre. Be sure to pick up a locally made gift or souvenir to remember your special time away.

• Find out more about Shopping in Bristol

Image - Patagonia (credit Plaster)

How to get around the city centre

Locals probably already know to leave the car at home. You can’t beat exploring Bristol on foot - it’s easy to get around (much easier than driving!) and is a great way to get to know the city better. Where walking is not possible, the bus is another option, especially now you can make use of the new ‘Book my bus ride’ feature by First Bus. This allows you to save a space on specific journeys up to a week in advance.  

If you are bringing the car, make the most of NCP’s £6.50 for 24 hours of parking offer, which can be used at the Rupert Street car park.

Alternatively take advantage of the additional cycling infrastructure by bringing a bike or hiring a yellow YoBike.

Check our page on COVID-19 advice and information for more help with planning your visit. 

We hope you enjoyed this content, it was funded by Bristol City Centre BID, as part of the #BristolTogether campaign. Please note the latest Government guidelines require you to wear a face covering, unless exempt, in indoor settings and where social distancing may be difficult. You are permitted to meet in groups of no more than six people. Please socialise responsibly.  

In partnership with Visit Bristol, Business West, Broadmead BID, the One City Economy Board and Bristol City Council. The project is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund through HM Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.

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