Bristol

The largest city in the western part of England, Bristol's outlying communities contain a population of more than a million people. Famous for its links to the UK’s industrial heritage and revolution, it surrounds the River Avon and is very close to the Bristol Channel, which divides England from Wales. Bristol was the main port from which many immigrants left for the New World; subject to regeneration and civic pride of late, it is now the base for much of the UK's aeronautics industry, which in turn provide Bristol MICE venues with both local and international custom.

It is also considered the gateway to England's "sunnier" counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and just 10 minutes by train to the historic city of Bath, the only city in the UK to be a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bristol Airport (BRS), which has flights only to other parts of Europe including major hubs, sits eight miles southwest of the city centre, while 104 miles to the east is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), one of the busiest airports in the world. Trains from London Paddington Station to Bristol take just over 90 minutes. Discounted delegate rail fares are available when travelling on the Great Western Railway network.

The Bristol region has an array of exciting venues for your next business event. The largest venue being Ashton Gate Stadium, a state-of-the-art conferencing centre, seating up to 1,000 delegates theatre style and 850 for a banquet. Unique venues include the historic Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the worlds first luxury cruise liner dating back to 1843. Choose between dining on the ship, taking advantage of the purpose built conferencing facilities opposite the ship or hold your reception in the ‘Being Brunel’, an interactive museum dedicated to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s life and work.
Get creative at We The Curious, Bristol’s interactive science centre, offering meeting space for 450 with the opportunity to visit the museums exhibits and take in the views of the city and harbourside from their balconies. Aerospace Bristol, is home to the last Concorde to ever fly, built in Bristol. Take dinner under the wings of Concorde for a truly unique experience.

The Watershed, a venue specialising in hybrid events, is located on Bristol’s harbourside and, top class accommodation The Bristol, a Doyle Collection Hotel or the Radisson Blu Hotel are both just a few minutes’ walk away and both boast great views of the harbour, plus their own MICE offerings. The University of Bristol also offers a wide range of facilities from historic venues such as the Wills Memorial Building and Victoria Rooms, beautiful gardens, to state of the art lecture theatres.

Residential venues are located both in the city centre and the surrounding countryside. The Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel is the largest, with 300 bedrooms and conferencing facilities for up to 600 delegates. The Mercure Grand Hotel offers 182 bedrooms and conference space for up to 500. Boutique hotels with individual style are also available such as Hotel du Vin, Bristol City Centre, the Bristol Harbour Hotel or the quirky Brooks Guest House where you can choose to stay in one of their 4 airstream style caravans on the roof. Located just North of Bristol, Grade II* listed De Vere Tortworth Court offers 201 bedrooms in a beautiful 300 acre estate and a stunning Orangery for events.

Restaurants in Bristol perfect for groups include the Klosterhaus, a D&D London restaurant opened in October 2020, offering Mittel European classics and German favourites. The venue has a selection of private dining rooms and the restaurant can also be exclusively hired. Or the Strawberry Thief, an award winning, independent bar specialising in Belgian and craft beers can be exclusively hired for up to 70 people. Contact the team at Meet Bristol Convention Bureau for ideas and inspiration (conference@meetbristol.co.uk).