Arty city full of green spaces

Bristol beckons for a relaxing hotel stay where you can wander around top museums, take in some art or music, and see historic houses and modern-day exhibitions. Walk across Clifton Suspension Bridge, which has almost become the symbol of Bristol, 250ft above the Avon Gorge and built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Bristol Cathedral has a magnificent interior and the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is well worth perusing with amazing artefacts from stuffed animals to hanging bi-planes. The M Shed, a modern museum documenting Bristol’s past, is a must-do for visitors and there are striking contemporary art displays in the Arnolfini, in Bristol’s buzzing Harbourside area.

The Good Hotel Guide’s hotels in Bristol include a contemporary converted hostel right by St Nicholas Market to a five-storey Merchant’s House with copper baths. If you book for a hotel stay at the beginning of August you might witness the spectacular hot air balloon festival, Europe’s biggest event. Mass ascents see up to 100 balloons in the sky and after dark amazing night-glow events take place. Get a great view of the city at any time of year by climbing Brandon Hill – and if you’re energetic Cabot Tower too – and picnicking among the wildlife.