Bristol Lido & Townhouse Review: A Hidden Retreat

When visiting the vibrant city of Bristol, staying somewhere with a real sense of character feels only fitting – and the Bristol Lido Spa & Townhouse offers exactly that. Tucked away in the elegant Clifton neighbourhood, this restored Victorian lido feels woven into the fabric of local life, drawing in Bristol residents as much as visitors, whether for an early morning swim, a leisurely lunch in the restaurant or evening drinks by the pool. There’s an unmistakably social atmosphere to the place; relaxed yet stylish, with the feeling that you’ve discovered one of the city’s favourite gathering spots. This hotel location also makes an ideal base for exploring some of Bristol’s best-known landmarks, including the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge just a short walk away.

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Bristol Lido Townhouse Review: A Hidden Retreat in the Heart of Bristol

The Townhouse is just the kind of place I love staying at. The rooms are stylish with details that feel very intentional and aligned with the atmosphere. The kind of place where I really enjoyed spending time. I really wish I had more than one night here so I could’ve enjoyed the room for longer. And who doesn’t love having access to a swimming pool and sauna all day long?

How to get to the Bristol Lido Townhouse

The hotel is located by the Clifton area of Bristol. Travelling from the airport, it’s easiest to take the airport bus A1 and get off at The Centre and change to Bus 8 up to the Victoria Rooms stop. The whole journey is about 1 hour. And from the bus stop the hotel is about a 10 minute walk away. You can of course also get a taxi from the airport or city centre. If you choose to walk from the city centre or train station to the Lido & Townhouse it is around 30-45 minutes and uphill.

What I loved about the townhouse

I am such a fan of rooms that feel like more than just a place to sleep. Somewhere you want to spend time and feels inviting. So here are a couple of the things I loved about staying at the townhouse.

The chic and inviting interiors
Grind coffee capsules which made a great cup of coffee
Access to the Bristol Lido & Spa at any time during opening hours
Fantastic breakfast with homemade granola, sourdough and marmalade
The Clifton location
Friendly team at reception and in the restaurant
The TBCo striped pillows – as it’s a brand from Scotland that I have featured in my own home
Cute teacups that fit the theme of the Townhouse (it’s a pet peeve of mine when a hotel has gorgeous interior design but really boring standard tea cups that doesn’t fit in)

♥ Check out our full guide to the best hotels in Bristol here for more accommodation inspiration for Clifton and other lovely areas in the city.

Rooms at The Bristol Lido Townhouse

I got room number 3 when checking in to the townhouse. It was located up one flight of stairs and there are unfortunately not a lift. However the lovely receptionist walked me across the road and helped me with my bag up to my room where she also pointed out everything I needed to know.

Sustainable and ethical core throughout the stay

I am a big fan of the Scottish brand TBCo who does home and lifestyle apparel with a focus on sustainable materials. So I was naturally delighted to see their pillowcases decorating the bed in my room. They are just the kind of brand that suits a space like this as well. Whilst also bringing character to the room. Another nice detail was the coffee pods from Grind, that not only do delicious coffee but their pods are filled with ethically sourced coffee and made from compostable materials. Without mentioning it out loud, it still became clear what ethos the Lido & Townhouse have and these quiet details speak louder than words in such a humble way, which I really appreciated.

The wardrobes in the room are very discreet and at first I thought I was going crazy as there were no handles, but it’s a push to open mechanism which I eventually figure out and you can imagine that I felt a little silly not having understood that from the very start.

Food & Drink

The Bristol Lido & Spa has an on-site restaurant where I would strongly recommend booking a table if you want to visit, even for breakfast. I had booked my table for breakfast and was so happy I did, as there were people coming in who had to wait or come back another day due to space. I absolutely loved the breakfast here and treated myself to sourdough bread with homemade marmalade and salted butter as well as granola, greek yoghurt and fruits with a coffee and a virgin Bloody Mary. Everything tasted really good. And I only wish I could’ve stayed another night to try out more items on the menu. Even if you’re not staying here I would definitely recommend visiting the restaurant for a relaxing breakfast at the Bristol Lido & Spa with a view over the people swimming outside.

Bristol Lido & Spa

The main feature of the Bristol Lido & Spa is the outdoor pool in the middle of the venue. There are three different pace “lane” areas. So you can choose where to swim depending on if you are going to swim a bit faster, or more leisurely. I really love swimming outdoors and really appreciated the atmosphere of the Bristol Lido, which seemed much loved by the locals who came here to swim or enjoy the restaurant. There is also a traditional nordic style sauna and an outdoor hot tub. As well as changing rooms (both indoors and outdoors by the lido), lockers and showers.

The weekday morning was fairly busy, with people waiting outside at opening, so I would imagine that the calmest times to visit is midday on a weekday or before closing. I went for an evening swim and had the whole swimming pool to myself, which was on a Tuesday in May.

I’m not going to lie, walking across the road in my robe from my room to the lido did feel a little weird, but it’s really so close that it didn’t feel worth bringing everything to change on-site. However, that is of course an option if you don’t fancy leaving the room in your robe.

Things to do near the hotel in Clifton – Bristol’s loveliest area

Clifton really stood out to me whilst exploring Bristol and it really felt like its own little community. I was very happy to be staying so near both Clifton Village and the Suspension Bridge as my time here was the most enjoyable for me. Here are a couple of things I would highly recommend doing when visiting the area!

See the Clifton Suspension Bridge
Visit the Observatory and descend into the caves
Visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Climb the Cabot Tower and enjoy fantastic views over Bristol
Explore Clifton Village and admire all the gorgeous buildings

♥ You can read more about the best things to do in Bristol here in my extensive guide.

On the Move to Bristol Lido Townhouse

The Bristol Lido & Spa will definitely be at the top of my list anytime I return to the city, as well as booking a table in the restaurant to further explore the menu. The boutique charm and convenient location totally won me over and this charming spot has been one of the standout travel experiences I’ve had so far this year. If you are looking for somewhere to stay during your time in Bristol and the Clifton area, I would warmly recommend booking one of the lovely hotel rooms here.

Additional Information

Address: Oakfield Pl, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BJ
Website: https://www.lidobristol.com/
Price Range: Room prices starting at £150 per night
Check-In/Check-Out: From 15.00 and before 11.00
Amenities: Restaurant, bar, WiFi, swimming pool, sauna, hot tub,

FAQ – Bristol Lido Townhouse

Does the Bristol Lido have a restaurant?

Yes, The Bristol Lido & Spa has an on-site restaurant and bookings are highly recommended.

What is the best hotel to stay at in Clifton, Bristol?

I would highly recommend staying at the Bristol Lido & Spa if you are wanting to be near the Clifton area during your time in the city.

Do you get towels and bathrobes at the Bristol Lido Townhouse?

Yes, you have both towels and bathrobes in the room when staying at the townhouse. There are even separate bath towels that you can bring with you when going to the Lido, so that you don’t have to use the same towels as for the shower.

*The Clifton Suspension Bridge as seen from the Observatory, only a 20 minute walk from the Bristol Lido Townhouse.*

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Moa Reynolds

Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.

Bristol Lido & Townhouse Review: A Hidden Retreat in the Heart of Bristol