University of Bristol

University of Bristol
University of Bristol
University of Bristol
University of Bristol
University of Bristol


Wander between campus buildings and architectural landmarks, visit museums, catch a theater show and admire outdoor art displays at this city center university. 

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.

Located at the northern edge of the city center, the university’s main campus is an integral part of Bristol’s vibrant city life. Observe as students move between the lecture halls, many of which occupy fine examples of Gothic and Georgian-era houses. When not studying, many choose to socialize in the bars that line the Queens Road.

Stroll through the pretty Royal Fort Gardens, the site of Royal Fort House, completed in 1762 for wealthy merchant Thomas Tyndall. The building now houses the university’s Faculty of Science. A permanent exhibition called Hollow decorates the gardens and features 10,000 tree species collected from around the world.

On a guided building and tower tour, discover the splendor of Wills Memorial Building, which houses the university’s law and earth sciences departments. The adjacent Bristol Museum and Art Gallery boasts a fascinating collection of art, dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies and natural history artifacts.

Attend performances by student theatrical groups at the Winston Theatre. Browse an extensive archive of costumes, photographs, posters and videos related to British theater at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. The Greek Revival-style Victoria Rooms is another important building and the location of the university music department.

The university campus is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to the northwest of Bristol Temple Meads railway station and a 15-minute walk from the city’s bus terminal. Drivers will find several metered car parks around the city center.

Visit the University of Bristol on any day throughout the year. Guided tours are available for prospective students. You can download a printable self-guided walking tour of the main sights via the university’s official website.

Reviews of University of Bristol

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
65
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
86
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great olympic sized pool open to public at certain hours

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Bristol

At the University of Bristol, you can enjoy a variety of activities including vibrant theatre performances and engaging art exhibitions. For a bit of fun, consider visiting a local bowling alley. The surrounding area also offers excellent shopping opportunities, making it easy to immerse yourself in Bristol's lively culture and entertainment scene. Whether you're looking for a night out or a leisurely day, there's plenty to explore nearby.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the University of Bristol, visit St Nicholas Market, just 805m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Clifton Arcade is 1.1km away, perfect for family-friendly shopping. Broadmead Shopping Centre, located 966m away, is ideal for entertainment and retail therapy.

Recreation

Ashton Gate Stadium, a vibrant sports venue 1.6km from the University, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The O2 Academy, just 322m away, is perfect for music lovers seeking lively entertainment. For relaxation, explore Ashton Court Country Park, located 3.2km away, with its tranquil green spaces.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at The Wave, located 9.7km from the University of Bristol, offering an exhilarating outdoor atmosphere. For family fun, visit the West Country Water Park, 11.3km away, featuring various water attractions and entertainment. Don't miss the Bath Maze, 17.7km away, perfect for a family adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the University of Bristol is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, just 644m away, or indulge in a cinematic experience at Showcase Cinema De Lux, 1.3km away. For a unique twist, visit Clifton Downs and Observatory, 1.4km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of Bristol

If you're visiting the University of Bristol, you'll find a delightful mix of urban parks, historic churches, and vibrant event venues. These attractions offer a rich cultural experience, perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures or a taste of city life. Whether you’re interested in leisurely strolls through green spaces or exploring local history, there’s something for every type of traveller in and around this charming university setting.

  • Clifton Suspension Bridge: Spanning the Avon Gorge, this iconic bridge offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Victorian engineering. A leisurely walk across provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and the city of Bristol, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
  • SS Great Britain: Step aboard the world's first great ocean liner, now a fascinating museum. Explore the ship’s impressive history, interactive exhibits, and beautifully restored interiors, offering an immersive experience into maritime history and engineering.
  • Bristol Cathedral: This stunning Gothic structure features intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass. Step inside to experience its serene atmosphere, rich history, and the captivating architecture that has stood for centuries.

Best time to go to University of Bristol

The best time to visit University of Bristol is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Bristol

To save money during your visit to the University of Bristol, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the most economical days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, including Eco-certified options. Look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Also, explore free activities around Bristol, and make use of public transport, which is generally affordable. Keep an eye out for discounts and cashback opportunities to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Bristol are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Bristol is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Bristol is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear at the top. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the University of Bristol with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.