Bristol: Green Capital of Britain, the best UK holiday destination

As the first UK Cycling City, a Fairtrade City and the first UK city to have been recognised as a European Green Capital, Bristol is an eco-friendly haven of progressive and creative urban living. With its own local currency and countless other green initiatives, Bristol’s innovation feeds into everything the city does. Whether it be Refill Bristol, a scheme that encourages locals and visitors to bring a reusable water bottle with them to limit the use of single-use plastic bottles, or featuring free bicycle pumps along cycle routes to make it even easier to choose two wheels over four, Bristol green capital of the UK is always looking for new ways to greenify itself.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly city break, look no further: read on to discover all the ways to make the most of your time in Bristol.

Better Food

1-5 Gaol Ferry Steps, BS1 6WE (one of three Bristol locations)

Of eco-friendly shops that embody the Bristol green capital status, this is one of the best. For more than 25 years, Better Food has been fuelling Bristolians with the very best local, organic and ethical brands and produce. With stores stocked with fresh fruit and veg, cupboard staples, freshly baked goods, bodycare and gifts, Better Food is a one stop shop for all your sustainable household needs. Each store also features a café or deli where you can indulge in home-cooked, freshly-made soups, pastries, salads, juices and more. Loving local is at the heart of everything this Bristol born and raised independent retailer does and we know you’ll love filling the cupboards of your serviced apartment with lots of Better Food goodies.

Stay nearby: Just a short hop across the harbour The Canary Apartments offer modern studio serviced accommodation perfect for a friends trip to the city.

Friska

36 Victoria St, Redcliffe, BS1 6BY (one of a handful of Bristol locations)

It’s simple: Friska wants you to not only love their food, but feel good about eating it and in turn supporting their eco-initiatives. Using 100% renewable energy to power their stores wherever possible, donating unsold food to local homeless shelters, recycling or composting 100% of their waste so none goes to landfill and using kind-to-animal meat suppliers, it’s clear to see why Friska is one of the most celebrated environmentally friendly cafés in the city and beyond. According to the green minds at Friska, businesses should be responsible for having a positive impact on the world and ensuring the environmental costs associated with running a business are offset in some way.

Stay nearby: The Clarence Apartments are the epitome of contemporary style and cosy décor, perfect for a romantic getaway in Bristol green capital of Europe.

Beyond Retro

20 Broadmead, BS1 3HA

The fashion industry is the second most polluting in the world and Beyond Retro want to be part of the fight to change that. Their vintage, upcycled and sustainably-sourced clothing initiatives are paving the way for other fashion retailers to start evolving the landscape of fashion towards a more sustainable future. In just one year, Beyond Retro ‘rehomed’ 90 million items of clothing so why not head in yourself and discover one of the next 90 million.

Stay nearby: With on-site parking, fully equipped kitchen facilities and laundry facilities, Finzels Reach Apartments have everything you’ll need for a self-sufficient trip to Bristol.

Tobacco Factory Sunday Market

Tobacco Factory Car Park, Raleigh Road, Southville, BS3 1TF

If you’re looking for eco-friendly, fair-trade, organic produce, The Tobacco Factory Sunday Market is the place to go. You’ll go in looking for one thing and come out with ten things you didn’t know you needed. With around 40 stalls including a gorgeous range of eco-friendly produce from fresh bread to hand-made clothing and jewellery, you can easily lose a whole afternoon traipsing the hall looking for gems. If you’re after a mid-week treat, their Wednesday evening Street Food pop-up is a popular addition to the usual market where each week a new street food vendor gets the spotlight for a hump day cookout.

Stay nearby: With a whole host of modern appliances, Saco Bristol – Broad Quay are perfect for a relaxing night in or for while you get ready before a fun night in the city centre.

Zero Green

80 North Street, BS3 1HJ

This zero waste supermarket sells everything you could possibly need for a stay in your Bristol serviced apartment: from wine to homeware, from books to baking, this is an eco-conscious shopper’s dream. Zero Green is a bring your empties and fill up kind of place so if you have a penchant for organising your cupboards using mason jars – aesthetically and environmentally pleasing – then this eco-friendly shop is right up your street.

Stay nearby: Each Beech House Serviced Apartment is immaculately decorated with opulent décor and luxurious design.

On your way from eco-friendly shop to eco-friendly shop, try to spot all the iconic Banksy street art murals and indulge in some of the city's top vegan cuisine; did you know Bristol is the Vegan Centre of the World? Find out more fun facts about Bristol before your trip! With so much to do and see in the city, it's time you find your perfect Bristol serviced apartment and give us a call when you want to book.