Bristol mixes city excitement with countryside calm in a way that makes travelling with children genuinely rewarding. This guide highlights accommodation where thoughtful amenities like family rooms and nearby parks help parents unwind after busy days exploring the harbour and hills.
Where to stay in Bristol with family
| Accomodation name | Top kid-friendly amenities | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plume of Feathers ★ | Games room, kids’ meals, packed lunches |
| 2 | The Bear & Swan ★★★★★ | Playground, kids’ outdoor equipment, packed lunches |
| 3 | School Farm ★ | Babysitting, games room, cots |
| 4 | The Rising Sun ★★★★★ | Playground, kids’ meals, cots |
| 5 | Artist Residence Bristol ★★★★ | Games room, cots available, kids’ meals |
| 6 | Berwick Lodge ★★★★★ | Babysitting, board games, packed lunches |
| 7 | The Carpenters Arms ★★★ | Kids’ meals, packed lunches, cots |
| 8 | Leonardo Hotel Bristol City ★★★★ | Kid-friendly buffet, kids’ menus, family rooms |
| 9 | Crown Inn ★★★ | Kids’ meals, packed lunches, family rooms |
| 10 | Toghill House Farm ★★★ | Kids’ meals, packed lunches, cots |
We analysed Bristol properties to find stays that combine essential family amenities like cots and kids’ meals with easy access to wildlife parks, museums, and outdoor play areas.
Here are the top 10 hotels in Bristol.
1. Plume of Feathers ★
Plume of Feathers offers a relaxed, practical base for families keen to explore the Mendip Hills. The on-site games room, complete with pool and darts, keeps older kids entertained, while the garden gives younger ones space to run off steam.
Packed lunches are available for days out, making it easier to stay out longer without needing to plan ahead. The informal atmosphere means energetic children are always welcome. It feels more like a home base than a hotel – friendly, low-key and fuss-free.
Guest review score: 8.9 / 10
Attractions nearby: Plume of Feathers is located just a five-minute drive from the Mendip Activity Centre. For a calmer outing, Yeo Valley Organic Garden is also five minutes away by car. The inn sits near the A38, making it easy to drive into Bristol or out to the countryside, though you will need a car as walking routes are limited.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Games room
Packed lunches
Family rooms
Child safety socket covers
Kids’ meals
Board games and puzzles
What families loved about their stay:
- Elaine: Our two-year-old grandson absolutely loved the fabulous stream right outside the property.
- Linda: We loved our stay with two adults, two children, and our dog, enjoying the cosy pub downstairs with huge food portions and excellent breakfasts.
- Vicky: It was a lovely, friendly place with excellent food and comfy beds, perfect for our mother-son weekend exploring the Mendips.
2. The Bear & Swan ★★★★★
The Bear & Swan pairs the charm of a luxury inn with the practical touches families appreciate. Spacious family rooms, including cots, make sure everyone’s well rested before a day out. There’s even a playground on-site for kids to burn off energy.
Mealtimes are made easy, too. The kitchen serves up dedicated kids’ meals and can handle special dietary needs without fuss. Packed lunches are available to take along for the day – ideal for families looking to make the most of their time outdoors.
Guest review score: 8.7 / 10
Attractions nearby: Chew Valley Animal Park is about a 15-minute walk from the inn, while Chew Valley Lake is just five minutes away by car – ideal for gentle, pushchair-friendly nature walks. For nearby meals, The Pelican is a family-friendly option just two minutes away.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Playground
Cots available
Kids’ meals
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Kids’ outdoor play equipment
What families loved about their stay:
- Elizabeth: We loved that there was an outdoor play area in the garden, which would have been perfect for the kids if it hadn’t been snowing.
- Amanda: Our family of five had a wonderful stay in two large rooms, and the food, with multiple options, catered perfectly to all our fussy eaters.
- Indira: The team was so helpful and friendly, though we wished for a proper baby cot with a mattress instead of a travel cot.
3. School Farm ★
School Farm offers a quiet rural escape that works brilliantly for families needing a break from city noise. The games room and collection of board games offer easy, low-tech entertainment for children during downtime or rainy afternoons. The property supports active families with packed lunches that are perfect for picnics at nearby lakes.
Cots are available for the littlest travellers (saving you from hauling a travel cot). The shared lounge area at School Farm gives you extra space to spread out, so you are not confined to just a bedroom. It offers a genuine countryside experience where kids can enjoy the simple pleasure of open space.
Guest review score: 9.8 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in Blagdon, School Farm puts you just 10 minutes from Chew Valley Animal Park and the Mendip Activity Centre. Blagdon Lake is two minutes away by car for peaceful, scenic strolls. While a car is essential, the rural setting gives families direct access to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – ideal for walkers looking to explore the countryside.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Games room
Cots available
Babysitting or childcare
Packed lunches
Family rooms
Board games and puzzles
What families loved about their stay:
- Marc: The hosts were so friendly and welcoming, and the breakfast was fantastic; just be aware the bathroom door can be squeaky, which was tricky with a sleeping baby.
- Claire: Debbie and Nigel were amazing hosts, lending us DVDs and games to keep the children entertained, and giving us great ideas for trips.
- S&d: Debbie and Nigel were incredibly welcoming, and we loved that they were so helpful with everything.
Ready to book your next family trip?
4. The Rising Sun ★★★★★
The Rising Sun makes family travel easy with its spacious beer garden and large children’s play area. Inside, the warm, laid-back atmosphere continues, with highchairs available and a children’s menu focused on fresh, nutritious options.
Family-friendly rooms include superior options with extra space and pull-out beds, so no one feels cramped. Even the family dog is welcome. With its convenient location for visiting local farms and zoos, The Rising Sun iss a comfortable, kid-friendly base.
Guest review score: 8.7 / 10
Attractions nearby: This inn is an eight-minute drive from Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm and close to the National Trust’s Tyntesfield estate. Nailsea & Backwell train station is a short walk away, offering a quick 10-minute ride into Bristol Temple Meads for city centre attractions. It strikes a balance between country access and city convenience.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Playground
Kids’ meals
Cots available
Garden
Special diet menus (on request)
Kids’ outdoor play equipment
Family rooms
What families loved about their stay:
- Sdr: The nice playground was ideal for our young children, and we appreciated the lovely countryside setting.
- Hoople: The staff, especially Tom the manager, made our family weekend special; the comfy beds and exceptional breakfasts were a highlight, and they were very accommodating with our dogs.
- Ekpritchett: The staff were delightful and so helpful, and the food, including the full English breakfast, was delicious; our room was comfortable and had everything my daughter and I needed.
5. Artist Residence Bristol ★★★★
Artist Residence Bristol shows that a city break can be both stylish and family-friendly. The hotel welcomes children with free cots for little ones and a clubhouse space where older kids can enjoy the games room and ping-pong table.
Babysitting can be arranged through the staff, giving parents the chance to explore Bristol’s nightlife. Family rooms are cleverly designed to accommodate the gear that comes with travelling with kids – all without compromising on the hotel’s creative, laid-back style.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located just a two-minute walk from St Paul’s Park playground, this hotel is great for quick outdoor breaks. You are a five-minute walk from Cabot Circus for shopping and dining (including Jungle Rumble Adventure Golf). It’s also walkable to the city centre, making it easy to visit attractions without needing a car seat or taxi.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Games room
Cots available
Kids’ meals
Babysitting or childcare
Family rooms
Special diet menus (on request)
Board games and puzzles
What families loved about their stay:
- Rebecca: It’s wonderfully child-friendly and offers great value, with relaxed and welcoming staff.
- Alice: Our family of four (two adults, two children) absolutely loved the friendly hosts and beautiful rooms, making our stay enjoyable.
- Rae: The staff were exceptional; as a traveller with a child, they couldn’t do enough to help, making a stressful arrival much easier.
6. Berwick Lodge ★★★★★
Berwick Lodge blends luxury with a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Set in lush grounds, it’s a hidden-garden escape where kids can run free across the lawns. Suites are flexible, with space for extra beds and interconnecting options that help keep the whole family close and comfortable.
Children are well looked after here – from a dedicated lunch and dinner menu to a special Children’s Afternoon Tea that makes younger guests feel just as treated as the adults. Board games are on hand, babysitting can be arranged and there’s plenty of room to play outdoors.
Guest review score: 9.3 / 10
Attractions nearby: Berwick Lodge is a five-minute drive from the Bristol Zoo Project (formerly Wild Place Project) and the Blaise Castle Estate playground. You are also near The Wave for surfing and splashing. A car is recommended here as the hotel is down a private lane, but the access to the M5 makes getting around very easy.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Cots available
Packed lunches
Garden
Babysitting or childcare
Board games and puzzles
Special diet menus (on request)
Interconnected rooms available
What families loved about their stay:
- Anna: My family loved the delicious breakfast, beautiful decor, and superb location, and the kind staff went out of their way to look after us.
- Charlotte: We appreciated the unique, beautiful gardens with informative signs, and the welcoming staff who served delicious food.
- Amanda: Our beautiful, spacious room was very clean and comfortable, and the staff were incredibly helpful.
7. The Carpenters Arms ★★★
The Carpenters Arms offers a cosy base with sweeping views over the Chew Valley – a peaceful spot parents will appreciate. The kitchen serves up freshly made kids’ meals and family-friendly rooms include all the essentials, with cots available on request.
The terrace gives families a safe and scenic space to enjoy the fresh air together. Packed lunches can be arranged for day trips to nearby caves, lakes and hiking routes. With a relaxed atmosphere and zero fuss, The Carpenters Arms makes it easy to unwind at the end of the day.
Guest review score: 9.3 / 10
Attractions nearby: You are perfectly positioned just five minutes by car from Chew Valley Lake and the Salt & Malt fish and chip shop. The prehistoric Stanton Drew Stone Circles are a three-minute drive away. While public transport is limited, the location is ideal for families with a car looking to explore the natural side of Bristol.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Kids’ meals
Cots available
Family rooms
Packed lunches
Special diet menus (on request)
What families loved about their stay:
- Jackie: We absolutely loved our family time here in very warm, comfortable rooms and can’t wait to return.
- Sarah: The meals were amazing and the staff super friendly, with lovely rooms offering different options to suit our family for an amazing weekend away.
- Cinzia: The staff were so helpful, even when we asked for an extra bed for our son, and the breakfast was definitely worth the extra charge.
8. Leonardo Hotel Bristol City ★★★★
Leonardo Hotel Bristol City ticks the boxes for a smooth urban stay. Family rooms are modern and well-designed, with ample space to spread out. The restaurant offers a kid-friendly buffet and dedicated children’s menus – ideal for keeping mealtimes easy. For early starts or late-night bites, 24-hour room service has you covered.
Extras like cots and highchairs are available on request, helping lighten the load. Soundproof rooms keep city noise to a minimum, and with free Wi-Fi plus in-room fridges for snacks and milk, the hotel handles the practical details that make a difference when travelling with kids.
Guest review score: 9.0 / 10
Attractions nearby: This hotel is centrally located a five-minute walk from Castle Park and Cabot Circus. You can walk to the ferry landing at Temple Meads in under 10 minutes to catch a boat to the aquarium. It is an excellent spot for families who want to be in the middle of the action without needing a car.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Kids’ meals
Kid-friendly buffet
Packed lunches
Family rooms
Cots available
Highchairs available
Interconnected rooms available
What families loved about their stay:
- Anonymous: We loved every moment with our family; the bar staff were so friendly, the food was great, and it felt like a very safe place to be.
- Una: The staff were absolutely exceptional, going above and beyond to make our stay comfortable with four small children.
- Sheila: Our stay with our granddaughter was very pleasant, with a spacious, comfortable room and a fridge, which is great when travelling with young children.
9. Crown Inn ★★★
Crown Inn offers affordable family rooms that sleep up to six people (a rare find for larger groups). The enclosed rear garden provides a safe place for children to play while parents relax nearby. The inn is known for occasional mascot breakfasts that add a fun surprise for younger guests.
With a hearty carvery that offers child-sized portions (and plenty of highchairs), feeding the whole crew at Crown Inn is easy and budget-friendly. The relaxed pub atmosphere means you don’t have to stress about children staying perfectly still during dinner. It is a solid choice for families who want space and value.
Guest review score: 9.0 / 10
Attractions nearby: Set in Keynsham, the Crown Inn is just five minutes by car from Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park. Keynsham Memorial Park, home to well-kept playgrounds, is a two-minute drive or a 10-minute walk. Positioned between Bristol and Bath, it’s a handy base for exploring both cities.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Kids’ meals
Packed lunches
Cots
Family rooms
Special diet menus
What families loved about their stay:
- Hannah: We highly recommend it; the staff were super friendly, the food fantastic, and the spacious, clean rooms were perfect, especially since it’s super dog-friendly.
- Alan: This was a great place for our large family group, and we especially appreciated housekeeping preparing a room early, which made our logistics much easier.
- Claire: We booked the Crown Inn as a halfway meeting point for a family birthday, and it was a great choice with delicious, reasonably priced food and very accommodating staff.
10. Toghill House Farm ★★★
Toghill House Farm immerses families in a working farm environment where kids can meet sheep and horses. The vast grounds offer marked walking routes perfect for tiring out energetic toddlers before bed. Family rooms are spacious (some sleeping up to five) and include a hearty breakfast.
The property provides a unique experience where children can connect with nature right outside their door. Parents can also request cots for infants and packed lunches for the day’s excursion. Toghill House Farm offers the freedom of a farm stay with the comforts of a well-run guesthouse (plus friendly farm dogs to greet you).
Guest review score: 9.0 / 10
Attractions nearby: You are just a five-minute drive from the National Trust’s Dyrham Park and its deer park. For train lovers, the Avon Valley Railway is about 12 minutes by car. Note that you will need a vehicle here as the roads are not suitable for walking.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Kids’ meals
Packed lunches
Cots
Garden
Family rooms
Special diet menus
What families loved about their stay:
- Toni: The staff were super friendly, breakfast was amazing, and our sons loved playing and running around in the kid-friendly backyard area.
- Faeldo: We enjoyed the big rooms with breakfast included, the nice views, and the quiet, relaxing location with a playground for the kids.
- Marina: The great-sized family room allowed our kids to sleep in their own space, and the fridge and microwave outside the room were handy for storing and warming up food for them.
Tips from KAYAK’s hotel guide
- Many inns and guesthouses in and around Bristol offer packed lunches – a handy way to save time and money on family outings to places like Chew Valley Animal Park or the Mendip Hills.
- Booking a stay with a playground or games room makes it easier to relax while the kids let off steam after a full day out.
- For extra space and a smoother stay, look for family rooms or interconnecting options – and book a few months ahead if you’re travelling during school holidays.
