- Stay at the Bristol Wing (of course)
A bit of shameless self-promotion here, but we are pretty great and why wouldn’t you want to stay in a historic building with a really cool old elevator, murals throughout, a down-to-earth vibe, AND a social purpose?
The Bristol Wing is right in the centre of Bristol, near shopping, great food (St. Nick’s market anyone?) and a short walk to the harbour. We are also not far from cool places like Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road (I walked from Gloucester Road the other day and it wasn’t bad at all!) so really, we are perfectly positioned for the best stay in Bristol.
If you are one of those cool digital nomads who is working and travelling, we have an awesome lounge area where you can work. Alternatively, you can rent out The Snug and have a cosy, quiet space with a big table, beautiful handpicked-by-yours-truly wallpaper, velvet sofas, and Dave’s nerdy Star Wars knick-knacks.
- Wake the Tiger
Known as the world’s first “Amazement Park,” Wake the Tiger is truly something else. Here is what they say on their website:
Wake The Tiger is an art walk-through experience, based in Bristol, the creative heartland of the UK’s South West. Founded by the team behind internationally-renowned festival Boomtown Fair; we are passionate about creating a world that works for all.
We challenge perceptions, expand imagination and encourage connections within ourselves, each other and the world around us.
I recently went for a visit and was blown away! As a fantasy nerd, Wake the Tiger felt like I was walking into a beautiful, creative fantasy world where individuality, creative thinking, and a deep connection to our surroundings were championed.
From now until the 21st of July, you can get a special rate on your booking if you are a Bristol Wing guest – just ask the reception team for the discount code.
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
If you have ever looked up images of Bristol, you have almost definitely stumbled across a photo or two of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It is one of our key landmarks, and a proud symbol of innovation and free thinking in Bristol.
The bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Sound familiar? That is because he was so inspired by our charity, YMCA Brunel Group, that he named himself after us…or maybe it was the other way around? Regardless, it’s a good bit of history and well worth checking out.
You can walk/drive/cycle the bridge any time for a £1 fee or attend a free tour. Or you can just look at it from far away and take some cool photos that look like you are holding the bridge up. Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy!
- SS Great Britain
Another one for the history folks, or a great family excursion, is the SS Great Britain – a really old ship. Built in 1843 by, yes him again, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain is now the number one tourist attraction in Bristol (a good incentive to stay during the week and escape the crowds!).
Check out this article about the history of people of colour onboard the ship: Tying the Tide_7th pass.indd (ssgreatbritain.org) which also gives a great overview of the ship itself.
Sea you there!
- St Nicholas Market
We all know food is the most important thing, and luckily since you have decided to stay at the Bristol Wing, you are just around the corner from St. Nick’s Market. The market is full of great local vendors, you can find all sorts of things, but most importantly the food is great.
Explore the various street food options where you will find something for everyone, and experience what makes Bristol so unique (and tasty).
- Gloucester Road
Gloucester Road is a favourite with locals and tourists. The street is lined with great food, bars, and independent shops. It is full of creativity and good vibes. If you are into vinyl, there are at least three vinyl shops along the road.
There is always a buzzing energy about the place, plenty of charity shops and good cafes to stop off in. The Nectar House is a personal favourite.
