Lively and dynamic Bristol is truly a 21st century city, combining art and culture with a rich maritime heritage and retail culture. It is also home to a rich array of venues, writes Benjamin Coren.
WOW FACTOR
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Address: Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL
Tel: 0117 922 2127
Web: bristolmuseums.org
The impressive Winterstoke Hall makes quite an impact for guests entering the huge hall while the ground floor galleries additionally contain a range of exhibitions and permanent displays. The halls can accommodate up to 400 people for drinks receptions and 120 for formal dinners. • Day delegate rates start from £21 (+VAT).
QUIRKY VENUE
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Tel: 0117 926 0680
Web: ssgreatbritain.org
The restored ship in the heart of Bristol’s harbour is steeped in history and provides spectacular views across Bristol. The Weather Deck and Promenade Deck are available to hire for 250 guests and 150 guests respectively. The First Class Dining and Wayward saloons can be hired for private dining. • A day conference and dinner package is available for £120 (+VAT) per person
ON A SHOESTRING
Armada House
Address: Telephone Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4BQ
Tel: 0117 915 2600
Web: armadahouse.co.uk
Centrally located in an Edwardian building, Armada House has numerous rooms for hire along with in-house catering, free wifi access, AV equipment and IT support. Various DDRs are available to suit different budgets and all events packages are bespoke. • Rates start at £28.50pp (+VAT).
SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
Address: The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NU
Tel: 0330 016 0391
Web: hotelduvin.com
Located in an old sugar factory, Hotel Du Vin has four quirky and unique dining rooms of various sizes and styles. Day delegate packages include room hire, stationery, water, wifi, two tea and coffee breaks and a two-course lunch. • Rates are from £50.
WIRED UP
Watershed Bristol
Address: 1 Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Tel: 0117 927 5100
Web: watershed.co.uk
As one of Bristol’s most advanced venues, Watershed provides hightech AV facilities and free technical support. Spaces and services are available to suit most needs, from conferences to private screenings. The suite of three rooms provide views of the harbourside and can be used separately or together. The venue’s ‘Plot to Plate’ policy provides excellent healthy catering. • Day delegate rates are from £32.75 (+VAT).
OUT OF TOWN
Thornbury Castle
Address: Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1HH
Tel: 01454 281 182
Web: thornburycastle.co.uk
The 500-year-old castle was once visited by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn so delegates can expect a royal experience here. The venue features 27 bedrooms, public rooms and meeting rooms. The Tudor hall can seat up to 70 theatre-style. Various delegate packages are available with a wide range of dining options as well as team-building activities. • The DDR is from £40 per person though rates are variable.
GETTING THERE
Bristol is easily accessed by road, rail and air. By road, the city is accessible from the M4 and M5 motorways. Bristol Temple Meads is the city’s main railway station and is located 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. CrossCountry trains operate services from Birmingham, the North East, Edinburgh and Penzance. First Great Western run regular services from London Paddington, Reading, Swindon, Cardiff, Gloucester and more. Bristol Airport has direct services to over 100 European destinations including Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Dublin.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact the Destination Bristol conference team: Tel: 0117 946 2200; Email: conference@destinationbristol.co.uk; and see: visitbristol.co.uk/conferences
