Local Area
Settings rarely come like this: nestled in the heart of Clifton Village, Bristol The Avon Gorge Hotel offers a unique location for any trip to Bristol or tour of the West Country.
This historic hotel offers unparalleled views of Brunel’s Grade One listed Clifton Suspension Bridge, said to be “one of the world’s greatest bridges”.
Boasting fantastic views, the hotel is also in a very central position for both business and leisure trips alike, with Bristol City Centre within walking distance.
Uniquely located in fashionable Clifton, one of the West’s most popular and picturesque areas, it boasts many boutiques, wine bars and independent jewellers’ and shops. The Village has a lot to offer for both the leisure and business visitor alike.
Want to see what Bristol has to offer?
Bristol has a variety of fun things to see and do. We have complied a list of our favourites below but there are many more – just ask for a mini guide to Bristol at reception.
Ashton Court Estate – Stunning 850 acre historic Public Park with beautiful trees, woodlands, deer park and much more, including a new café and visitor centre.
Brunel's SS Great Britain – Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this ship was the first ocean-going ship to have an iron hull and a screw propeller and, when launched in 1843, was the largest vessel afloat! It’s also the world’s most exciting and accessible historic ship, and has been recognised as a premier heritage visitor attraction also claiming Gold Winner for the Best Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007.
@Bristol – UK’s most exciting hands-on science centre
Bristol Blue Glass – homemade glass made in the city of Bristol, you can also visit the factory where the glass is made.
Bristol Cathedral – founded in 1140 this beautiful cathedral located in the centre of Bristol is well worth a visit to see the magnificent architecture.
Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery – this museum showcases information on natural history, local, national and international archaeology and local industries. The art gallery contains works from all periods, including many by internationally famous artists, as well a collection of modern paintings of Bristol.
Bristol Docks – Bristol Docks and Harbour is in the City of Bristol and covers an area of 70 acres. It has existed since the 13th Century but was developed into its current form in the early 19th Century. The Docks now boast a wide range of restaurants and bars and holds a number of events throughout the year including the Bristol Harbour Festival.
Bristol Zoo Gardens – with over 400 exotic and endangered species to experience and discover, Bristol zoo offers a fun day out for all ages.
Cabot Tower – built in 1897 in memory of John Cabot, 400 years after he set sail from Bristol and landed in what was later to become Canada, Cabot Tower is situated in a public park off Park Street, and consists of a spiral staircase and two viewing platforms which overlook the city, the higher of which is approximately 334 feet above sea level.
Cheddar Caves & Gorge – limestone cliffs, stalactites and stalagmites… an underground wonderland (Drive time: 40min from Bristol Temple Meads)
British Empire & Commonwealth Museum – Located by Temple Meads Train Station, this museum showcases permanent galleries and exhibitions including the ‘Abolition of the Slave Trade’ exhibition for 2007.
Clifton Suspension Bridge - built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1864.
Llandoger Trow (off Kings Street, City Centre) – Where Alexander Selkirk is said to have told the story of his shipwreck to Daniel Defoe who immortalised it in ‘Robinson Crusoe’.
Old Vic Theatre – Produces award-winning and critically acclaimed classics and new works since 1766.
St. Mary Redcliffe – A large Anglican parish church located close to the city centre. It’s Grade I listed and is the second tallest parish church in the country.
Stanton Drew Stone Circles (Drive time: 20min from Bristol Temple Meads) A henge monument consisting of the second largest stone circle in Britain. The stone circle is 113 m in diameter of which 27 of the stones survive today.
The Matthew – The replica of the ship John Cabot set sail in from Bristol in 1497, and founded North America (in close proximity to the SS Great Britain)
The Victoria Rooms – Fine early Victorian classical building used for readings by Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde.
The Downs – Just a short walk from the hotel; enjoy the vast area of grassland at The Downs, a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle.
The Nails – These historic artefacts date back to the 18th Century when Merchants would strike one of the Nails when a transaction was agreed giving rise to the expression “to pay on the Nail”. St Nicholas Market was built next door to the Exchange in 1743 for the sale of fruit and vegetables.
Wesley Chapel – The oldest Methodist building in the world. Wonderfully preserved chapel where John and Charles Wesley preached. There are also numerous artefacts and pictures on display including Wesley's bed, preaching gown and desk.
Christmas Steps – One of the oldest and most charming parts of Bristol, Christmas steps is lined with an eclectic range of shops. At the very bottom of the steps lies a building thought to date back to the 13th Century, which has housed a fish and chip shop for well over 100 years - one of the first ever ‘chippies’ to open in England!
View our interactive map of the Hotel location and local area
