The Bristol Wing

The historic building was used as Bristol’s police headquarters until 2005 and it has also been used as law courts, a fire station and it has even been home to a circus.

It is managed by YMCA Bristol and profits are used to fund programmes to help the city’s homeless. Some rooms at the hostel are also used to house homeless people, which can often be a security issue in hostels with shared dorms; however, homeless guests stay in single bedrooms and they do not share rooms with regular travellers.

The hostel has a great atmosphere, which is surprising for a hostel operated by a Christian charity that is often criticised for not allowing people to have fun. However, the atmosphere is fuelled, not by wild parties (there are plenty of other hostels for that) but through its interior decor which gives it the feel of a boutique hotel (but with a hostel price tag).

The foyer is a 1920s-style space with a cage lift and the hostel is decked out with large Persian rugs throughout. Common areas include a cosy lounge with a television and big comfortable sofas as well as a communal kitchen and dining area.

Like most other hostels, accommodation is in a mix of shared dormitories and private rooms, some with en-suite bathrooms and others with access to shared bathrooms.

The Bristol Wing is ideal for backpacking couples and families and solo backpackers looking for a more civilised alternative to the average hostel.