This southern English harbour town may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of exploring the UK, however, it is quite literally the most colourful city in the country, which has grown from its rich maritime history, into a destination which is as equally diverse in its neighbourhoods, as it is in its music scene. Bristol is the perfect place to discover a traditional holiday apartment near Somerset so look no further than this rainbow-kissed town for your next southern escape. Find your own space in one of Bristol’s colourful houses by securing the ideal holiday accommodation on Likibu. Browse the extensive choice of hotel rooms, B & B’s or apartment rentals on Trip Advisor or Airbnb, and start your exploration of the UK’s best kept secret today.
Visit Bristol, the rainbow studded coast!
Visitors to Bristol don't mind that the sky may not always be blue, as there is plenty more colour around the city to make up for it. The rainbow coloured holiday homes which grace the landscape have transformed this harbour town into a waterside Notting Hill, making Bristol one of the most desirable places to stay in the country, so choose an iconic homestay or holiday rental which will make you the envy of everybody in Bristol. The picture perfect harbour side is not the only attraction which draws visitors to the city, as the natural rocky landscape frames The Suspension Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the south of England, and a powerful reminder that Bristol is built straddling in the River Avon.
Best Time to Visit?
The hottest months in Bristol range from May to September time, but there is always a chance of rain throughout the entire year, so be sure to pack an umbrella. These sunnier months are busiest, as visitors are attracted to this Harbourside town in the summer, so for a quieter trip, visit Bristol in April. If you can brave the chance of snow, then visit Bristol in December, when you can explore the Christmas market, and finish your Christmas shopping in the city centre.
How to get there?
Though Bristol has its own airport, it serves only the UK and limited areas of Europe, so for visitors coming from further afield, Bristol is most accessible from Cardiff Airport, which connects the city to countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece. Bristol is an hour's drive from Cardiff Airport, and can be reached by train, which means you will be checked into your holiday accommodation and ready to explore Bristol before too long.
How to Get Around Bristol?
The most efficient way of getting around Bristol is through its bus service, including the ‘Bristol FreeBus' which takes both visitors and locals around the city for just a donation. Tourists also opt for the Bristol tour bus which stops at every hotspot in the city, meaning you can hop off right in front of any hotel room or holiday rental. As Bristol is a Harbourside town, why not take the boat? Bristol Ferry Boats takes you directly to some of the biggest tourist attractions via the water, so why not experience Bristols maritime history for yourself. Bristol is conveniently located alongside the popular tourist city of Bath, making it the perfect place to visit for a day-trip if you are already staying in the area. Choose a luxury holiday rental in Bath then hop aboard a train for only 12 minutes before arriving in Bristol Temple Meads Station. Similarly, if you are enjoying a traditional Great British seaside escape and would like to escape to this colourful city, you can visit Bristol in only half an hour from your holiday rental on Weston-super-Mare seafront.
Where to stay in Bristol?
Bristol City Centre and Old City
The beating heart of Bristol, staying in the very centre will undoubtedly put your hotel room or holiday apartment in the perfect location for over 500 shops, restaurants and bars. Bristol City Centre and Old City is where tourists flock to be both entertained and impressed, as though the centre offers diverse commercial brands, it has not lost its unique architecture.
Clifton
If you want to visit Bristol for its pastel coloured houses and vintage boutiques, then choosing accommodation in this district is essential, as it is the place to be. Clifton is the most opulent area of Bristol, so indulge in a luxury holiday rental and then explore one of Clifton's boutiques. This Georgian area of Bristol boasts more than just coffee shops however, as it is home to the iconic Clifton Bridge, putting your Airbnb only a stone's throw away from one of the UK's most iconic structures.
Harbourside
Choose a river cottage of Bristol's picturesque harbour and shore whilst staying in a holiday accommodation which is steeped in Bristol's rich sailing history. From its industrial roots, the Harbourside has been transformed into space which has something from every visitor. From its renowned spa's, to its graffiti galleries and bars, choosing a holiday rental in this modern district will place you in the midst of the best Bristol has the offer.
Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft
Head to the hip area of Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft, and choose a bohemian youth hostel of homestay in Bristol for a reasonable price. This northern district is also informally known as Bristol's independent district, so sample breakfast in one of its award-winning cafes, before spending your savings in one of its many vintage stores.
What Activities to Do?
Clifton Suspension Bridge
This magnificent Victorian infrastructure is the icon on Bristol, meaning no visit to the city is complete without walking from Clifton to Leigh Woods in North Somerset. The height of the bridge gives you some of the most impressive views in Bristol, so don't leave your camera in your holiday accommodation.
Bristol Harbour
What was traditionally a port for cargo ships, Bristol' Floating Harbour is now a culturally rich space, with countless bars and art galleries, which have rejuvenated the industrial warehouses. If you plan to visit Bristol in July then book your hotel room or holiday rental early in advance, and don't miss the annual Bristol Harbour Festival which sees live musicians and street performers flock to the harbour front for a celebration of the cities harbour.
SS Great Britain
Jump aboard the longest passenger steamship of its time and learn about Bristols maritime history in this museum ship. This Victorian ship, which was also the first iron steamer to cross The Atlantic is situated in Bristol Harbour, so finding a holiday accommodation in this district is essential to any history fans.
Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
Take advantage of this free museum, and explore some of the countries greatest exhibitions, covering natural history, Egyptology, and eastern art. Despite these permanent features , the museum holds exclusive exhibitions for limited times throughout the year, so plan ahead, and book a holiday rental at the same time as your favourite artists come to town.
Avon Gorge
Just one and a half miles west of Bristol's bustling city centre you can find the beautiful scenery surrounding Avon Gorge, which runs from the mouth of the River Avon. Escape the buzz of the harbour and city, and choose accommodation alongside the gorge, so that you come back from Bristol having experienced some of its most natural wonders.
Bristol Zoo
Bristol boasts a zoo like no other, as it is a charity organisation, which conserves and protects endangered species, while teaching their visitors about their residents, which makes Bristol Zoo an unmissable attraction for visitors with younger children. The zoo also offers interactive experiences with some of their animals, such as a lion feeding experience, a gorilla experience, and the chance to work behind the scenes as a zoo keeper for the day. Clifton is the nearest area to Bristol Zoo, so leave your hotel room early to enjoy a full day with the animals.