The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Bristol

Who says a guesthouse has to be traditional? In the middle of an ever-growing city, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of space. Brooks is a prime example of this. As well as offering a collection of spacious rooms at reasonable rates, the roof of this city-centre building is home to three airstream caravans, just as shiny and silver as the ones you’ve seen on American TV. You’re given the choice between classic and self-catered but in either case, you’re still offered a locally sourced breakfast in the open kitchen and can easily access central attractions such as St Nicholas Market.

For those who don’t mind travelling slightly outside of the city limits, Backwell House offers perhaps the most regal experience of any hotel anywhere in the Bristol vicinity. A former Georgian estate with sprawling grounds, Backwell House is located a few miles east of Bristol centre, meaning it is also within easy reach of the seaside town of Clevedon. There are plenty of country and woodland walks to enjoy, many without ever leaving the grounds. The hotel itself features a restaurant and cinema room, and you can even get an Indian head massage ordered straight to your room. Talk about luxury.

Bristol is anything but flat, which means you’re likely to burn some calories while you explore it. It also means that, if you plan it right, you can take in some sublime views when you bed down for the night. No. 38 Clifton is an ideal option for this, overlooking Avon Gorge in one direction and the university grounds in the other. The Georgian feel of the building has been carefully retained, and the rooms contain lots of clever little nods to Bristol’s rich maritime history. You’ll need to venture out into town if you want lunch or dinner, but a fresh, locally sourced breakfast is readily available and can even be served to you in bed, if you’re so inclined.

Another great option for anyone with an eye for nature, Orchard Cottage backs onto the Pucklechurch conservation area, which offers both great birdwatching and plenty of 13th-century history. The B&B itself blends old-fashioned trappings with designer furniture, big LCD TVs, bistro coffee and charging stations for phones. In-room fridges and microwaves mean you can settle into your environment without needing to venture into the city to find dinner.

There’s something uniquely comforting about staying in a family-run guest house. Norfolk Guest House is one of these: owned and operated by the Thomson family, who have been renting out guest houses in Bristol for 30 years. Norfolk Guest House is situated at the top of Gloucester Road, just a few minutes from Horfield Common. Regular rooms and serviced apartments are both offered here, while the continental breakfast includes cereals, fruits, jams, breads and more. There is also a lounge, a garden and a kitchen area with a washer and dryer if needed.

This family- and dog-friendly B&B in the southern Cotswolds – a half-hour drive from Bristol – is a working farm that boasts sweeping views stretching as far as the Welsh mountains. Nine comfortable rooms – some with rustic exposed stonework – sit within the ivy-clad farmhouse while a cluster of converted barns overlook a pretty courtyard. Keep your eyes peeled for roaming dogs, farm cats, sheep, horses and the resident Shetland pony.