1 / 20

Brooks Rooftop Retro Rockets

Bristol Bs1 1 Ub, Somerset, England
1 acre hosted by Jennifer D.
City-centre glamping on the roof of a boutique B&B with hotel-style facilities, breathtaking Bristol views and an unbeatable sense of fun

Despite the name of these shiny, bubble caravans, they did not rocket their way onto the rooftop of Brooks House in central Bristol. The impressive feat actually required a 100ft crane, the closure of a road and a day’s precarious winching, as the glinting aluminium shells ascended into the sky. Eventually the four bespoke bubbles touched down in their new home – a compact rooftop garden, specially designed by local landscape gardener, Steve Kelvin. The astro-turf lawns, potted plants and painted walls are peripheral features, compared to the spires and tower tops of ‘downtown’ Bristol, though. The cityscape is the real backdrop here. You could hardly be more central.

The replica Airstreams were actually made 60 miles away in Worcester and, while outside they’re the spitting, shining image of their American counterparts, inside they’ve been designed to more modern specifications. There’s a flatscreen television, iPod compatible radio and an en suite bathroom with a blissfully powerful shower. The modern décor echoes the teal interiors of the guesthouse bedrooms and bar downstairs. This is an upmarket B&B after all, so expect fresh towels, Geneva Guild toiletries and hospitality trays with fresh organic juices. They come in different sizes (16ft, 18ft and 20ft) and sleep 2 adults and 1–2 children.

If the views of Christ Church spire, St Nicholas Market and ruined St Peter’s Church draw you out, then it’s a quick tumble down the stairs and out onto St Nicholas Street, renowned as the hot spot for the city’s independent shops, cafés and boutiques. Head off to explore the top attractions – the SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Cathedral – or indulge in Bristol’s famously stylish bars and restaurants. Brooks Guesthouse has its own, cosy honesty bar too, with local ales and ciders, wines and snacks. The perk, of course, is that you need only step into the lift at the end of the night and rocket your way back to your rooftop hideout.

Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Bristol Bs1 1 Ub, Somerset, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Jennifer D.Joined in March 2017
From the host
Brooks Guest House Bristol is a boutique B&B in the heart of Bristol’s old town - with a roof-top glamping garden that's home to four vintage-style, aluminium caravans. Styled on American Airstreams, these British-made "retro rockets" offer the unique opportunity to go glamping in the heart of the city among the steeples and spires. They capture the glamour of the timeless vintage aluminium design while offering all the luxury of a modern hotel room with a flat screen TV, DVD player, iPod dock and free WiFi.The retro rockets are perfect for couples  or families with one or two children (up to 8 years old) and come in  three different sizes: 16ft, 18ft and 20ft all with en suite.Retro rocket guests have access to the same facilities as other B&B guests including a lounge, cosy courtyard and honesty bar. Breakfast is included and includes a delicious choice of free range local produce all cooked  in the open plan kitchen.The guest house is situated in Bristol's old town next to St Nicholas Market with its independent shops and cafes and it's just a few minutes’ walk to the new harbourside where you'll find cool bars and restaurants, the Old Vic, Cabot Circus, Colston Hall and the hippodrome. It's also perfectly placed for exploring the city and close to the university.
Nearby attractions

You're right in the heart of the city, so finding things to do should never be a struggle. Stroll down nearby Nelson Street to enjoy one of the world’s largest outdoor art exhibitions – an astonishing public art display by some of the biggest names in international street art and graffiti. Or wander through famous St Nicholas Market (01179 224014) to pick up some local goods. Ruined St Peter's Church is close by, though walk a little further in the opposite direction and the city's main cathedral (01179 264879) is more impressive. Then continue on to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (01179 223571) or further still to Clifton Suspension Bridge stopping along the way at the SS Great Britain (01179 260680). After that, Clifton village itself is worth an explore. Likened by some to a West Country version of Hampstead, this upmarket spot has beautiful Georgian architecture, boutiques and green spaces as well as lots of delis and great cafés. It's perfect for an aimless stroll.

Food and drink

Downstairs, inside the guesthouse there is an open kitchen, with a continental breakfast laid out from 7am – think homemade granola and muesli, fruit compote, organic juices and West Country yoghurts – while a chef whips up cooked options by request. Take-away breakfast baps, bagels and sarnies are also available for the earliest risers or those thinking ahead to lunch. Elsewhere, The Ox (01179 221001) is just one stand out steakhouse in among the plethora of city centre options – it's housed inside a subterranean former safe deposit room – while the Wallfish Bistro (01179 735435) on Princess Victoria Street serves excellently refined modern dishes. Don’t miss the lobster and rabbit pie. For something lighter, try the Bulrush restaurant/café (01173 290990) by day or the The Milk Thistle (01179 294429) cocktail bar – Gothic-style, gentlemen's club décor in the style of a prohibition bar – by night.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp, your best resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover & reserve tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, & glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.