Brunel House

Named after the legendary engineer who designed it in the 1830s, Brunel House is a former Victorian hotel that’s now an eco-friendly student home just 10 minutes from the University of Bristol campus.

Formerly a hotel for those crossing the Atlantic on the SS Great Western, Brunel House has a stunning neo-classical facade and an amphitheatre that was once used to trade horses. But don’t let the old-world details fool you: on the inside, this property is as modern as it gets.

There are 246 bedrooms here. Self-contained studios, with a bathroom and kitchen that’s just for you, can be booked online. If you’re a University of Bristol student and you’d prefer an en-suite room in a shared flat, contact the UoB accommodation team to book these.

But it’s the outside areas that really set Brunel House apart. From the wildflower meadow and the bat and bird boxes, to the bee hotels and log pile sanctuaries for insects and reptiles, Brunel House belongs to the local wildlife too. All this in a three-tiered private garden featuring original murals from local artist Andy Council.

Back inside, you’ll find a large common room on the ground floor. Expect beanbags, comfy sofas, TVs, free pool and ping pong tables, and a separate study room.

Nearby, you’ve got ample green space at both Brandon Hill Park and College Green. The lively Park Street area is just moments away, and you can walk to Bristol Bus Station in just 10 minutes.