BRISTOL HEN WEEKEND INFORMATION
Unofficially the capital of the West Country and one the UK's most popular weekend destinations, Bristol has everything you need for a hen weekend to remember. This vibrant and entertaining city built around the River Avon overlooking the River Severn estuary provides a great mix of hotels, Hen party nightlife and fun activities to put it up there as one of our top five UK Hen Weekend locations.
Population: 440,000
Language: English or 'Bristolian'
Average Summer Temperature: 20C
Average Winter Temperature: 4C
Average cost of a Glass of Wine: £3.25
Getting Around Bristol
Bristol has undergone some massive rejuvenation over recent years especially to the exciting Harbourside area which is now home to many bars, clubs and restaurants. Many new pedestrianised areas making walking the easiest way to get the girls around the city centre, however Bristol is a big city and taxis will probably be the most convenient mode of transport. The Harbourside and the Old City areas are easily walkable and as most of our hotels are in these areas. The main train station is a brisk 15 minute walk to nightlife and shopping areas. Bristol has a good bus service but given the ease at which taxis are available and the short time you are in the city cabs are our recommendation. We can provide good reliable taxi numbers to all groups who book their hen weekend with Maximise.
Bristol Nightlife
There is a reason Bristol is up there with Nottingham and Bournemouth when it comes to hen weekend nightlife. Bristol has a huge student population which has given rise to many trendy bars, pubs and clubs. The Old City area and the Harbourside areas are the current 'in' places featuring popular venues like Pitcher and Piano, BSB, Lloyds and Oceana - great for a night out as all close together. Park Street provides you venues such as Greenhouse, Agora and Antix while Whitladies Road gives rise to some great bars and clubs including Platform 1. We Know Bristol nightlife well and can give you some great advice on the best bars and clubs in town and can even provide some excellent hen night bar crawls and nightlife options if you have booked your Bristol Hen Party with Maximise.
Eating in Bristol
The most difficult thing about choosing where to eat on your hen night in Bristol is deciding from the vast choice on offer! Bristol has some great Hen Night restaurants and the Harbourside and the Old City Centre can provide Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Tex Mex as well as many well known restaurant chains. The choice is yours. We know Bristol well and can provide inclusive set meals or just advise groups who book their Hen weekend with Maximise on the best restaurants to book for your group.
Hen Party Shopping in Bristol
Girls....shop til you drop! Bristol is home to one of the countries most impressive shopping experiences. The Cabot Circus centre is the ultimate in shopping and confirms Bristol's growing reputation as the style capital of the West. Shopping under a unique and striking glass roof, Cabot Circus is home to over 120 stores and 15 flagship stores including a four floor House of Fraser and a signature Harvey Nichols. With many famous stores and outlets along with great lunchtime cafes and restaurants, there really is something for everyone and all within walking distance of your hotel!
Getting to Bristol
By Air
Bristol is served by Bristol Airport, eight miles, 20-25 minutes, south of the city. Taxis operate from outside the airport to take you to the City Centre at a cost of £15-£20 per cab. Bristol International Flyer run regular coaches and one way tickets can be purchased from the driver for approx £6. Maximise can arrange Return Airport Minibus transfers for large groups as this will work out more cost effective if you are all arriving together and will take you directly to your hotel.
By Train
Bristol's main Train Station is Templemeads Station and it is just 15 minute walk to the city centre. Taxis will be the best way of getting to your hotel as they wait outside the station and will take you to the door. Number 8 and 9 Buses also run regularly from the station to City Centre.
By Road
Bristol is easily reached via the M5 and the M4 motorways from all directions. From the M4 London or Cardiff you will exit ay junction 19 onto the M32 into the city centre. From South and south West and from Birmingham to the north exit M5 at junction 18 onto the A4 into the city centre.
Airport: Bristol Airport
Train Station: National Rail
Things to See or Do in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge - This famous and iconic symbol of Bristol was designed by local hero Isambard Kingdom Brunel and crosses the cliffs of the Avon gorge.
Bristol Aquarium - A spectacular underwater safari - the Aquarium shows native and tropical marine life from around the world and features a sunken ship, a walk-in seahorse and an over the open-top giant coral feature which is home to stingrays! Located at the Harbourside.
Brunel's SS Great Britain - Step back in time and take a look at the world's first great ocean liner based at Bristol's Harbourside. This iconic steam ship was designed by locally born Isambard Kingdom Brunel and is worth a visit if you have some time to spare.
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre - One for the shopoholics! One of the UK's largest shopping centres featuring a unique glass roof and three tiers of famous stores including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser!
Bristol Ghost Tour - A fun tour of Bristol's haunted and ghostly buildings many of which featured in TV's 'Most Haunted' series.
Some of Bristol's Famous Sons and Daughters
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, John Cabot, Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac, Nik Kershaw, Stephen Merchant, Mind man Darren Brown, Johnny Ball, Lee Evans, Justin Lee Collins, Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, The Wurzels and girls; Cary Grant, was born here to!