The Ultimate Guide to a Staycation in Bristol

Future Inn Bristol is staycation approved. The staycation is the new vacation. In our ultimate staycation guide, we've put all the information you need in one place for you. Where to go and what to do during your staycation in Bristol.

When did staycation become a word? The term staycation has been around longer than many people realise. While it has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially due to travel restrictions during COVID and the rising cost of international trips, its origins can be traced back to at least 1944.

The word is a blend of stay and vacation, referring to a holiday spent at home or within one’s local area rather than travelling abroad. Early references to the term appeared in North America, where it was initially used to describe leisure activities enjoyed without venturing too far from home.

n the UK, the term staycation has gained increasing popularity, especially as domestic travel and short breaks have surged. Many hotels, including ours in Cardiff, have embraced this concept, providing guests with an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing getaway without the hassle of long-distance travel. In recent years, factors such as economic uncertainty, environmental concerns, and a renewed appreciation for local attractions have further fuelled the staycation trend. While we have been using the term for some time at our Bristol Hotel, it is clear that staycation is now firmly embedded in modern travel vocabulary, reflecting a broader shift towards accessible, local travel experiences.

Why take a staycation?

Take a break from work and life pressures. A staycation will provide you with quality time with your friends and family, plus giving you the chance to explore with a staycation in England. With foreign travel currently limited and the need for social distance, it's time to embrace the staycation once again as lockdowns start to lift.

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Ultimate Guide to a Staycation in Bristol

Bristol is a fantastic city. After a year of lockdown, are you getting bored of the same four walls? Then we think it's time to treat yourself to a safe Bristol staycation! Why visit Bristol? Read on!

Staycation and daycation

If your funds are limited and you are deciding between day trips or a staycation, our guide to visiting Bristol on a budget may help make that decision. There is plenty to keep you occupied when travelling on a budget.

Visit Bristol on a budget

Fashion fix

Bristol is the ideal destination for a shopping trip with large shopping centres, high street favourites, quirky independent shops in Wapping Wharf and the thriving St Nicholas Market. Bristol is a shopping utopia.

A shoppers guide to Bristol

Staycation and dinner

Bristol is a city with a growing reputation for its food. If you're a foodie, then you need to check out the menu in Chophouse Restaurant. All of the mouth-watering dishes are made on-site using local, fresh ingredients. Bristol has also recently been named as the World's Number One Vegan City.

Discover a local culinary gem

Staycation near beach

There is more to Bristol than a city break. One of the plus points about visiting Bristol is that the beach is easy to escape to. Whether it be building sandcastles in the summer or evening and weekend walks.

Beaches near Bristol

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Bristol places to see

There are plenty of things to see and do outside when exploring Bristol. If you love being outdoors or want to avoid crowded indoor spaces in this COVID-19 era, Bristol has a vast range of outdoor activities to explore. From the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the Harbourside and walking tours.

Things to do outdoors in Bristol

Parks and gardens

Bristol's parks and gardens are beautiful. You will quickly forget that you are in the heart of a vibrant city, with its countryside vibes. These open spaces are perfect for exploring Bristol as well as stretching your legs, riding your bike and enjoying the fresh air.

Nature spots and parks in Bristol

Days out

Are you looking to experience new surroundings, great outdoor spaces, or even culture and history? Bristol is fantastic for exploring National Trust properties. 9 National Trust estates are within 30 minutes of Future Inn Bristol.

National Trust Bristol

Fun things to do in Bristol UK

With attractions looking to reopen in the summer, there are so many things to do with the kids in Bristol. Highlights include the Bristol Aquarium, Bristol Museum and of course Wild Place Project.

Wild days out in Bristol

Get on your bike

Bristol is the perfect location for a staycation holiday, and bring your bike. With easy access to many local routes, the various paths are suitable for families and a keen cyclist. It's also a great way to get around the city. There are cycle lanes on almost all major roads, plenty of places to lock up your bike, and free-to-use bike pumps around the city. Don't have a bike, or don't want to bring your own? No problem, you can rent them easily throughout the city.

A cycling staycation in Bristol

Staycation without a car

Bristol is easy to explore. There are plenty of fast and convenient bus services throughout the city, including outside our hotel at Cabot Circus. Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway are the hubs of national rail in the west of England, and train operators run local, regional and inter-city services. You can also travel by boat, bike, taxi and uber.

Getting around Bristol

Embrace the supernatural

There are some chilling tales from Bristol's history. There have been unexplained disturbances and ghostly sightings. The eerie buildings of Bristol's ghost stories can all be visited during your staycation break.

Haunted places in Bristol

Street art

You do not have to walk far in Bristol to discover cutting-edge pieces of graffiti art decorating the walls. Along narrow alleys, down side-streets, across building walls, boldly displayed on bridges, and of course Stokes Croft. Many of the pieces are by world-famous artist Banksy, who hails from Bristol.

Banksy street art in Bristol

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Instagrammable locations

Are you looking to fill your feed or stories with amazing pictures? Bristol is an Instagrammers dream location with everything from urban street art, quaint streets and historic buildings, not forgetting the green spaces and Bristol harbour.

Instagrammable locations in Bristol

Annual Events

Live music, street theatre, sporting events, family entertainment, food and culture are more than enough reasons to get you excited about Bristol. Even in 2021, we have some outdoor events to look forward to; Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Craft Beer Festival and Bristol Sounds.

What’s on and local events

Bridgerton in Bristol

The Netflix series has been seen by more than 90 million people worldwide. Putting a spotlight on some gorgeous Bridgerton locations in Bristol, Bath, South West and England. Find out where the Bridgerton filming locations are in Bristol.

Bridgerton in Bristol

What can you visit in Bristol?

Its own unmistakable identity, grounded in roots from centuries past and carved out since by passionate locals and enthusiastic fans. Bristol offers a range of unique visitor attractions, world-class entertainment, quality shopping, sport, innovative architecture and historic buildings - all within walking distance.

Destination guide

Stay at Future Inn Bristol

Future Inn Bristol is a modern and comfortable hotel in Bristol city centre. It offers easy access to key attractions and vibrant areas. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, and a laptop safe. Guests can also enjoy added comforts such as complimentary robes and slippers, tea and coffee-making facilities and bottled water, enhancing the overall experience. The biggest perk of staying at our Bristol hotel is the free parking at Cabot Circus, directly across the road from Future Inns.

Staycation England 2025

Hopefully, our staycation UK ideas have given you some inspiration to visit Bristol city. As government guidelines change constantly, we recommend you check out the staycation rules before you travel.

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