Visiting Bristol for Graduation Week? We’ve Got You Covered.

Heading to Bristol to celebrate your loved one’s big achievement? From where to stay and what to do, to where to book that all-important celebratory meal, we’ve created a handy guide to help you make the most of Graduation Week — so you can spend less time planning and more time praising your graduand.

At Clifton Hotels, we’re perfectly placed in the heart of Clifton, with all four of our hotels located within a 15-minute walk of the University of Bristol. Clifton is our home, which means we know all the best spots to help make your graduation weekend truly memorable.

On graduation morning, easy access to the ceremony venue is key. Being able to walk — rather than battle traffic — makes for a far more relaxed start to the day. Luckily, all of our hotels are within walking distance of the university and situated in one of Bristol’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

Each of our four hotels offers something a little different. Explore our hotels below and find the perfect place to stay for Graduation Week:

Where to Stay:

The Berkeley Square Hotel

The Berkeley Square Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel overlooking the beautiful Berkeley Square. It is the closest of our hotels to the University of Bristol, just a five-minute walk from the Wills Memorial Building, where most graduation ceremonies take place. Offering a stylish and comfortable stay, the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the city. Bristol city centre can be reached in just ten minutes by public transport, while Clifton Village and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge are only a short walk away.

The Berkeley Square Hotel is also connected to The Square Club, a private members’ club, venue and restaurant, to which all hotel guests enjoy complimentary access. The Square Restaurant is the ideal location to wine and dine in celebration of your loved one, offering quality dishes curated from fresh seasonal products by our chefs.

Click here to book The Berkeley Square Hotel

The Washington Guesthouse

The Washington Guesthouse is a two-star property offering a comfortable and affordable stay just minutes from the University of Bristol. Ideal for guests looking for great value during Graduation Week, the Washington provides simple yet welcoming rooms, with a complimentary breakfast included each morning.

While there is no on-site restaurant at the guesthouse, guests are perfectly placed to enjoy nearby dining options. Just a short walk up the road, Racks Bar & Kitchen offers a relaxed setting for delicious food and drinks — a great spot to continue the graduation celebrations.

Click here to book The Washington Guesthouse

The Clifton Hotel

Just minutes from The Washington Guesthouse, The Clifton Hotel is our largest property, offering a comfortable three-star stay in a prime location between the University of Bristol and Clifton Village.

Well-equipped with everything you need for a relaxed and enjoyable visit, The Clifton Hotel is an excellent choice for Graduation Week. The hotel is also home to Racks Bar & Kitchen, making it easy to enjoy celebratory drinks and a delicious meal without venturing far from your accommodation — perfect for marking such a special occasion.

Click here to book The Clifton Hotel

The Rodney Hotel

Located in the heart of Clifton Village, The Rodney Hotel offers a cosy and welcoming stay in one of Bristol’s most picturesque and desirable neighbourhoods. Just a five-minute walk from the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, it’s perfectly placed for guests wanting to soak up the charm of Clifton during Graduation Week.

The Rodney Hotel is connected to No.4 Clifton Village Restaurant, providing effortless access to a memorable fine dining experience. With carefully curated menus, No.4 is an ideal choice for treating your loved one to a special celebratory meal.

Click here to book The Rodney Hotel

Where to eat:

As mentioned, three out of our four hotels have connected restaurants offering easy access to quality food and drinks. Be sure to book in advance as graduation is a busy week for most venues!

• Pizza on the Park – a great central spot to enjoy delicious pizza, pasta and sides and is regularly cited as one of the best Pizza providers in the city. Click here to explore the menu!

• As mentioned, The Square Club, Rack’s Bar and Kitchen and for something special, No.4 Clifton Village!

All four of these restaurants are offering a free glass of Prosecco to all talented graduates!

What to do:

If it’s your first visit to Bristol, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some highlights we recommend adding to your itinerary:

• Bristol Suspension Bridge – Take a picturesque stroll across one of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge and River Avon.

• Clifton Village – Explore boutique shops, charming cafes, and scenic walks. Don’t miss Clifton Arcade, home to a variety of independent businesses and unique finds.

• Ashton Court & Durham Downs – Just a short trip over the bridge, these beautiful green spaces are perfect for a relaxing walk or a moment of quiet after the graduation celebrations.

We hope this guide helps you plan a seamless and memorable celebratory stay in Bristol. Book directly with our hotels for the best guaranteed rates.

To confirm your graduation dates, visit the link below:

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/graduation/dates/