As part of our best of Britain campaign, this week we take a look at what the hip and happening city of Bristol has to offer #eventprofs…

What’s new

One of the city’s historical landmarks and Bristol’s oldest hotel recently completed a multi-million refurbishment to mark its 150th anniversary. Located on College Green, the Bristol Marriott Royal sits adjacent to the Bristol Cathedral and offers 729 sqm of dedicated venue space across seven rooms, the largest of which can host 350 guests.

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin also recently underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Sitting atop the spectacular Avon Gorge, the grand Victorian building dates back to 1898 and was originally known as the Grand Clifton Spa and Hydropathic Institution. Now part of Hotel du Vin’s collection of boutique hotels, the property features 78 rooms and suites plus meeting, event and private dining suite, located in the former spa pump rooms.

Coming soon, the funky Artist Residence brand is due to open a 23-bedroom property housed in a former boot factory in the heart of the creative St Paul’s community just minutes from Bristol city centre and Stokes Croft.

Unique venues

Leading visitor attractions like Aerospace Bristol and Brunel’s SS Great Britain deliver unusual and distinctive settings for traditional conferences and events as well as drinks receptions and dinners.

Many can arrange for guests to experience exclusive after-hours access to the attractions too. There’s also a wide selection of quirky dedicated event venues. For example, The Clifton Pavilion, situated in Bristol Zoo Gardens, is an elegant space built in the 1920s that can host dinners, parties and conferences for up to 120.

Teambuilding & experiences

For the ultimate team-building activity in Banksy’s hometown, try the street art tour and spray experience offered by Where the Wall or get your group to create their own masterpiece at a graffiti workshop with Graft. Wallace & Gromit creators Aardman Animations offer away-day experiences, including model-making workshops where groups can learn how to make world famous Aardman characters while promoting communication and teamwork.

Inland surfing is offered at The Wave where a 180-metre lagoon provides surf breaks for all abilities, all year round, while Go Aloft! at Brunel’s SS Great Britain gives adrenalin junkies the chance to climb the rigging and edge along the main brace for exhilarating, birds-eye views of the harbour.

 

Click on the links within this article to contact or view the micebook profiles on any of the venues, hotels or suppliers mentioned. Alternatively, search all our Destinations for ideas on where to take your next event and create your own inspiration board…

 

Here are some more micebook profiles worth checking out for this destination:

• Bristol Convention Bureau