Plan your visit
Information about travel, accommodation, accessibility and things to do in the city of Bristol.
Travelling to Bristol
There are many different ways to travel to Bristol from both national and international destinations. If you are arriving from Europe, Bristol Airport is the primary international gateway. From there, you can easily reach the city centre via taxi or the Airport Flyer Express bus service. If you are arriving from outside of Europe, you can fly into one of several London airports. The main airport is London Heathrow, which is well connected to Bristol via the National Express and Megabus airport bus services.
Alternatively, if you are travelling domestically, Bristol benefits from excellent rail connections, with Bristol Temple Meads being the main train station. Frequent train services run from London Paddington, Birmingham and other major UK cities.
Whether you are coming from near or far, Bristol’s transportation network ensures a smooth journey to Bristol city centre and the conference venue. We are excited to welcome you to Bristol!
Where to stay in Bristol
We have put together some accommodation options suiting a wide range of budgets and needs, all within walking distance of the conference venue! Accommodation is likely to book up quickly in June, so we advise you to book early to avoid disappointment. Some of our top picks are listed below.
You can find more accommodation options on Airbnb, Trivago, and Booking.com.
Harbour Hotel Bristol (4*)
- Location: 53-55 Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1HT
- Distance from conference venue: 700 m (nine-minute walk)
- Price per night: from £185
Hotel du Vin Bristol (4*)
- Location: The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NU
- Distance from conference venue: 700 m (nine-minute walk)
- Price per night: from £159
The Bristol Hotel (4*)
- Location: Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QF
- Distance from conference venue: 650m (eight-minute walk)
- Price per night: from £155
Brooks Guesthouse Bristol (4*)
- Location: St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1UB
- Distance from conference venue: 700m (nine-minute walk)
- Price per night: from £95
ibis Bristol Centre (3*)
- Location: Explore Lane, Bristol, BS1 5TY
- Distance from conference venue: 400 m (five-minute walk)
- Price per night: from £104
Travelodge Bristol Central (3*)
- Location: Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5TT
- Distance from conference venue: 500 m (six-minute walk)
- Price per night: from £83
Accessibility at AM11
Accessibility was at the forefront of our minds when selecting venues during the conference. Information regarding accessibility will be on the conference website. However, if there is a specific accessibility requirement you have not already let us know about, please do get in touch.
Bristol is a very walkable, albeit hilly, city, so getting around is easy! If you are travelling further, cycling and electric scooters are a great way to get around the city with many cycle paths and routes. There are also buses and a local train service connecting various Bristol neighbourhoods. You can pay using contactless forms of payment (e.g., credit card, ApplePay) on most buses and trains in Bristol.
Bristol is committed to promoting accessibility and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Many of Bristol’s buses are wheelchair accessible, equipped with ramps or lifts, and have designated spaces for passengers with mobility aids. The local train service stations typically offer step-free access and accessible facilities.
For those who require additional assistance, Bristol also provides accessible taxi services equipped with wheelchair ramps or hoists. These specially designed vehicles can be hailed or pre-booked, ensuring convenient travel for all passengers.
Visitors with specific accessibility needs can contact the local transport authorities in advance to arrange for any necessary accommodations or assistance. Bristol’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone can explore and enjoy the city’s diverse offerings, regardless of their mobility or accessibility requirements.
Fun facts about Bristol
We are very excited to welcome you to AM11, but we are equally excited to welcome you to the beautiful city of Bristol! Bristol’s fame extends beyond its street art, cider and music, making it a multifaceted destination that seamlessly blends history, innovation and culture.
What makes Bristol such a unique city to visit? Here are 10 fun facts.
Banksy's urban canvas
Explore the streets of Bristol and witness the artistic genius of Banksy, an anonymous street artist whose provocative and captivating works have transformed the city into a living, breathing art gallery. From politically charged statements to cleverly crafted stencils, Banksy’s creations add an element of surprise and wonder to every corner.
Cider capital
Raise a glass to Bristol’s rich cider-making heritage, where every sip tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. From quaint pubs to trendy bars, immerse yourself in the city’s cider culture and taste the crisp, refreshing flavours that make Bristol a haven for cider enthusiasts.
Whimsical world of Wallace & Gromit
Embark on a journey into the charming and whimsical world of Wallace & Gromit, the endearing animated characters created by Nick Park. As Bristol’s very own dynamic duo, these lovable characters have captured hearts around the globe with their humour and delightful adventures, adding a touch of playful magic to the city’s identity.
Bristol Old Vic
As one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the English-speaking world, Bristol Old Vic has a rich theatrical history. Attend a performance in this historic venue to enjoy top-notch productions.
Bristol's music scene
The city has a thriving music scene with numerous live music venues catering to various genres. Bristol is particularly known for its connection to the development of trip-hop music, with artists like Massive Attack and Portishead originating from the area.
Historic Harbourside
The picturesque harbourside is a key feature of Bristol, offering a blend of maritime history and contemporary culture. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the SS Great Britain and absorb the maritime legacy that has shaped the city.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
An iconic symbol of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a masterpiece of engineering designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Spanning the Avon Gorge, the bridge provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Aerospace industry
Bristol has a significant aerospace industry heritage, with companies like Airbus and Rolls-Royce having a strong presence. The city’s aerospace contributions have played a crucial role in shaping aviation technology globally.
Famous Bristolians
Bristol proudly claims birthrights to celebrated actors who have graced the global stage. Cary Grant, born in 1904, epitomised Hollywood charm; Pete Postlethwaite, born in 1946, left an indelible mark with powerful performances; and David Prowse, born in 1935, immortalised Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. These Bristol-born talents enrich the city’s cultural legacy and stand as pillars in the history of cinema.
Bristol Blue Glass
The city has a long tradition of glassmaking, and Bristol Blue Glass is a distinctive type known for its deep blue colour. Visitors can watch glass blowing demonstrations and purchase unique glass pieces as souvenirs.
Insider's guide to Bristol
We have put together a few of our insider recommendations below.
For more ideas of things to do, see and eat in Bristol, you can check out Visit Bristol - Bristol’s official tourist information site - and Yuup Bristol – the marketplace for amazing local experiences in Bristol.
Chance and Counters
A quaint board game café located on the Christmas Steps, really fun and a good reason to check out the iconic Christmas Steps, too!
What to expect: 700+ board games, six lines of top-notch craft beers, proper espresso and tea from Clifton Coffee and a dog-friendly venue.
Locked in a Room
If you are into a more immersive game experience, Locked in a Room is Bristol’s largest escape game experience located in the heart of the city on Millennium Square, just a five-minute walk from the conference venue. You have 60 minutes to use elements of the room to solve puzzles and clues to earn your freedom!
What to expect: intriguing and challenging puzzles and clues, attentive staff, an exciting atmosphere and a unique team building activity.
Brozen Bar
Fabulous frozen cocktails - you can get just about any cocktail frozen! Perfect for a sunny and warm (hopefully!) day in June.
What to expect: frozen cocktails, house-curated classics and a selection of beers, cider, wine and nibbles.
The Stable
Located on the harbourside, this venue is on the list specifically for its five small-pint, craft cider tasting board. In the words of a Bristolian, “‘ey don’t do cider anywhere else like ‘ey do in good ‘ol Brizzle”.
What to expect: water-side sourdough pizza, local pints and, if you go on certain evenings, you will also get treated to some live music.
The Mothership (The Climbing Academy)
For something a bit more out of the way but an absolute gem, visit one of Bristol’s popular rock-climbing gyms. It’s bouldering only but available for all (beginners and advanced). You will need to watch a safety video prior to climbing but then you are off!
Some Centre for Appearance Research folks like to climb, so if you fancy going, feel free to ask some of us to join!
What to expect: a safe and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and abilities, an extensive range of training facilities and a cafe offering fresh, locally roasted coffee and delicious snacks.
Bristol Street Art and Grafitti tours
As the birthplace of Banksy, Bristol’s constantly-evolving graffiti culture has made street art one of its most famous attractions. In summer 2024, Bristol will also be hosting Upfest, Europe’s biggest street art and graffiti festival.
What to expect: street art tours, hidden gems and globally acclaimed pieces.
Wine tasting at KASK
A natural wine bar, offering wine tasting experiences, including wine and cheese tasting events and the ‘Pour Decisions’ wine tasting series: a pocket-friendly, choose-your-own-adventure wine tasting. Both are conveniently hosted on a Wednesday, which falls during the conference!
What to expect: organic, vegan wine and artisan, local food.
St Nicholas Market
A vibrant market in a Georgian arcade in the heart of the old city. Also known as St Nicks Market, it has Bristol’s largest collection of independent retailers and was named Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market in 2016.
What to expect: a mix of independent stalls, tiny shops and (plenty of) food.
Getting out in nature
If the weather is on your side and you enjoy being outdoors, Bristol has plenty of great spots for that, too! Walk, cycle or drive Vale Street, England’s steepest residential street; get your green fix on the Clifton Downs, a perfect spot to admire the jaw-dropping views of the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge; surf at The Wave; or pet some animals at Windmill Hill City Farm.
What to expect: a variety of open spaces to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, without having to travel far.
Sights of Bristol
Scroll and click on the cards to find out more.
Bristol Cathedral
Located on College Green in Bristol City Centre.
Bristol Harbourside
A bustling and popular waterfront filled with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Views of Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton village and the magnificent city of Bristol.
City Hall
An iconic building situated in the heart of Bristol city centre.
SS Great Britain
Explore the interactive museums, historic dockyard and dry dock.
Watershed
Cultural cinema and creative technology in Bristol.
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Registration
Information on Appearance Matters conference rates and registration.
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Appearance Matters keynote speakers' biographies.
Abstract submissions for symposia, poster and oral presentations
Appearance Matters conference themes and abstract submission guidelines.