Let’s first talk about Bristol and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
In the Middle Ages, you might have been greeted by a resident of the town by the bridge with “Welcome to Brycgstow!” However, it is now known as Bristol, and it has grown from a small settlement to a bustling city with a rich and vibrant history and culture. The UK’s eighth most visited city has recently done well for itself, being named a ‘Rising Star Destination‘ by National Geographic Traveller in 2018, the World Food Travel Association’s ‘International Culinary Destination of the Year’ in 2019, and Rough Guides’ ‘The Coolest City in the UK’ in 2017.
Brizzle attracts millions of visitors each year for good reason. Bristol has so much history, including a few hundred years of piracy, an amazing food scene, and plenty to see and do that it truly has something for everyone.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge, a historic piece of architecture spanning the Avon Gorge and totaling more than 200m in length; the SS Great Britain, a museum ship and former passenger that made history as the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic; and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, home to an incredible array of collections ranging from natural history to modern art and VR exhibitions, are just a few of the more popular attractions.
Foodies will also have the time of their lives in Bristol. With dozens upon dozens of world-class restaurants and eateries, you could spend weeks in Bristol just trying out new places to get some of the best meals in the UK. While you are there, you should definitely try a Colston bun. This local delicacy (made with dried fruits, candied peel, and sweet spices) is worth the trip on its own. With an increasing number of visitors each year, parking in Bristol has become somewhat difficult in recent years. Finding a hotel that offers free onsite parking, or at the very least, discounted nearby parking, can make or break your overall travel budget, potentially saving you enough money for another delicious meal at one of the local restaurants. This guide will assist you in locating hotels that provide free, discounted, and convenient guest parking.
Important Note:
While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.
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Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.
Bristol Hotels with Parking
Bristol Hotels with free or discounted parking
We do not all travel on Elon Musk‘s budget, and we do not all seek the same features and amenities in our accommodations. Having said that, everyone values convenient and reasonably priced parking options. The hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses featured in this guide have all received favorable ratings on Booking.com, the world’s largest and most trusted accommodation booking site. This guide only includes serviced accommodation, so we have purposefully left out any self-serving AirBnB-style apartments or villas. Serviced apartments are available. Although we did not include prices, the options presented here are divided into three categories: budget, mid-range, and high-end.
Budget Options
The George & Dragon
The George and Dragon is a 5-minute drive from Bristol International Airport and provides excellent value for money. It is one of Bristol’s most affordable lodging options, and guests frequently praise the staff’s friendliness, the excellent breakfast included in the price, and the rustic charm of the 14th-century building it is housed in. There are plenty of free parking spaces available for guests of The George and Dragon. While this hotel is not exactly in the city center, being about 10 kilometers away, it is a great option for staying near the airport on a budget or if you do not mind the commute.
Arnos Manor Hotel
The Arnos Manor Hotel is less than 3 kilometers from the city center. While you could take public transportation into town, we recommend walking along the River Avon. It is housed in a stunning Georgian Gothic structure surrounded by landscaped gardens. It also has award-winning dining options served in the elegant glass-roofed Cloisters Restaurant and is close to popular Bristol attractions like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo. Guests can park for free on-site.
Mid-range Options
Novotel Bristol Centre
Novotel Hotels are well-known and respected for providing a good balance of amenities, cleanliness, and value for money. The Novotel Bristol Centre is no different. This is an excellent choice for a base camp if you intend to explore Bristol on foot. It is only a 5-minute walk from Temple Meads Railway Station. The hotel has all of the amenities of a large international hotel chain, such as conference facilities, excellent restaurants, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and a fitness center. It is also a good choice if you are traveling with children, as they allow up to two children under the age of 16 to stay for free when sharing a room with adults and provide child-friendly amenities such as video games and a children’s menu. On-site parking is available for a reasonable fee of £12 per day.
Victoria Square Hotel
If you plan on visiting Bristol’s major tourist attractions, the Victoria Square Hotel could not be in a better location. It is right next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain, and the Bristol Museum. Many other popular attractions are also within a 1-kilometer walk. It is located in the fashionable Clifton Village, on a leafy Georgian square, with many rooms overlooking the square. This hotel is especially popular with couples, who rate it 9.4 on average. It has on-site parking for a reasonable £9 per day, but parking is free on Sundays and holidays.
The Rodney Hotel Clifton Village
The Rodney Hotel is a 3-star hotel in the fashionable Clifton Village. This puts it within walking distance of many of Bristol’s top attractions, with most of the major ones within a 1km walk. The hotel has a beautiful private garden and the AA Rosette-winning No.4 Restaurant, which serves delicious meals throughout the day. It provides good overall value for money and is definitely worth considering if you plan on exploring Bristol on foot and returning to a hotel with a great restaurant and bar. On a first come, first served basis, guest parking is available at a reasonable cost of £9 per day.
Luxury Accommodation
Number 38 Clifton
Number 38 Clifton is one of Bristol’s best-rated hotels, with an overall rating of 9.3 on Booking.com. This boutique guest house is located in a traditional Georgian townhouse and features stylish rooms with views of the Clifton Downs or Bristol city center. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay, such as luxury bathrobes and complimentary toiletries, and some have an oversized bathtub. Their full English breakfasts are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and they also offer delicious lighter options like granola, smoked salmon, and fruit. While they do not have their own parking facilities, you can contact them ahead of time and request a street parking permit, which will allow you to park for free.
Berkeley Suites
The Berkeley Suites are a 5-star hotel in the heart of Bristol. Featuring a projector and a fireplace, leaving these stunning suites will be the most difficult part of your journey. The suites are directly across the street from Brandon Hill, where you can relax and take in the views of downtown Bristol. The Square Kitchen, a popular and highly-rated restaurant right next door at the Berkeley Hotel, is another big plus. Suite guests have full access to all hotel amenities. The suites provide private onsite parking for £15 per day.
Parking near popular hotels in Bristol
While staying in a privately owned boutique hotel or guest house has its advantages, it is often the case that people traveling for business do not choose their own accommodations, but rather have them booked for them. This is where hotel chains like Radisson Blu, Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, and others come into play. They usually provide good value for money, and their offerings are fairly consistent. We have decided to include a list of free or low-cost parking options near some of these hotel behemoths.
Please keep in mind that the prices listed below do not include any discounts. When a hotel does not provide onsite parking, it is common for them to offer discounted parking rates at nearby parking facilities.
Delta Hotel by Marriott
The Delta Hotel Marriott is directly across the street from Castle Park and Cabot Circus. This international hotel has rooms at a variety of price points and is popular with business travelers, in part because of its generous loyalty program. The hotel does not have on-site parking, but it is right next to the NCP Bristol Broadmead. Hotel guests can obtain a pass that reduces the total cost of parking to £17 for 24 hours. Other nearby options if Broadmead is full or not operational include:
- NCP Bristol Broadmead // £17/day // 0.1 miles
- Saint Philips Road // Free Streetside Parking // 0.6 miles
- The Galleries Car Park // £18/day // 0.2 miles
- Cabot Circus Car Park // £18/day // 0.4 miles
Travelodge Bristol Central (Anchor Rd)
Travelodge is known for its no-nonsense, value-for-money accommodations, and Bristol is no exception. You will be within walking distance of many of Bristol’s top attractions as well as public transportation if you stay on the riverside of Brandon Hill. Parking is available right next door for a discounted rate of £13 per day. There are not many parking spaces available, and they are available on a first come, first served basis. If you cannot find parking, you have the following options:
- Travelodge Car Park // £13/day // <0.1 miles
- Millennium Square Car Park // £25/day // 0.3 miles
- Mardyke Wharf Car Park // £18/day // 0.4 miles
Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre
Hilton Hotels need no introduction, and the Hampton by Hilton in Bristol city centre is a perfect example of the Hilton brand. In terms of facilities, it has everything you’d expect from an international chain, including conference rooms, standardized service levels, and an onsite fitness center. It also offers regular guests discounted rates. The Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre does not have its own parking facilities, so guests are encouraged to park at the nearby Bristol St James Barton car park. However, there are cheaper options nearby at £28 per day.
- NCP St James Barton // £28/day // <0.1 miles
- Cabot Circus Car Park // £18/day // 0.3 miles
- The Galleries Car Park // £18/day // 0.4 miles