This quirky stay in a rooftop caravan in Bristol offered a playful blend of city buzz and quirky retreat — a weekend of music, food, and fleeting stillness that reminded me how connection and nature can be found even in the heart of the hustle.
Some stays are memorable for their luxury. Others for their location. And then there are those that make you pause mid-sentence and say, “Wait… you slept where?”
Sitting somewhere between escapism and curiosity, my summer of Quirky Stays is my way of seeking out places that offer more than just a bed for the night. Each one invites a different kind of rest — playful, restorative, sometimes a little surreal — and always with a story to tell. From cute hideaways to cabins that look like they grew in situ, this series is about finding joy in the unexpected and sharing the magic of unusual places that spark connection and wonder.
Quirky Stays 02 | Rooftop Caravan in Bristol
For my second Quirky Stay, I traded the woodland truffle cabin at Honeydown for something entirely different. I found myself cosied up inside a vintage-looking Rocket caravan in the middle of an urban jungle — perched high above the vibrant heart of Bristol’s old city.
Balanced atop a guesthouse just steps from St Nicholas Market, this retro pod in the sky offered a view unlike any other: rooftops, spires, market stalls, with the hum of city life drifting up as the soundtrack to my stay.
Compact and classic in all its forms, the caravan was surprisingly cosy. Think 1950s sci-fi meets Wes Anderson whimsy – with just enough comfort to make two nights feel like a gentle adventure rather than a cramped novelty. Waking up to the buzz of the market below, I felt like a character in a surreal urban fairytale. One where the plot twist was, ‘how did she get up there?’. And honestly, I loved the ridiculousness of it.
Watch the Video…
I gave filming my quirky stay a go again, so here’s a video of my time in the rooftop caravan. Join me as I climb up into my little hideaway, explore the space, and head out to wander Bristol’s colourful streets and green corners. From unexpected views to quiet moments, it was a weekend full of contrasts and charm. And the caravan was truly a quirky stay.
(Please do consider liking and subscribing over on YouTube to let me know that you want more of these.)
The Setup in the Clouds
There are four vintage Rocket caravans perched on the roof of Brooks Guesthouse Bristol, each one gleaming like a retro spaceship ready for liftoff. Mine was the smallest of the fleet — a two-berth pod with a shiny metal exterior and curved edges that gave it a passing resemblance to an Airstream, albeit with a British twist.
From street level, you could just about spot it above the historic St Nicholas Market, nestled between chimneys and rooftops like a misplaced prop from a Hollywood movie. I wonder how many passersby looked up and noticed it, probably not many, but those who did must have had questions.
Inside, the caravan was… very small. Very very small. But it packed in the essentials: a bed at one end (surprisingly comfortable), booth-style seating at the other, and a compact shower room in the middle. The sink was the tiniest I’ve ever used, more thimble than basin, but the shower itself was decent, with good pressure and hot water. There was a telly mounted on the wall at the end of the bed with the usual channels, a kettle with tea-making supplies hidden away in the shelving unit, and just enough floor space to make it feel cosy rather than cramped. It’s ideal for one, and just about manageable for two if you’re feeling particularly fond of each other.
It’s a Caravan…
This little rooftop retreat had clearly seen a few adventures. A bit tired around the edges and in need of a deep clean, it’s charming more in spite of its imperfections than because of them. Still, it did the job for a short stay. Aside from wishing for a proper mug and a sink that didn’t splash everywhere, I had everything I needed.
Inside, it felt surprisingly light and airy – a real bonus during this heatwave, especially with no air conditioning. Perched high above the city, I caught a lovely through-draft at night, which was blissful.
That said, it’s every bit a caravan, soundproofing included. I couldn’t hear neighbours chatting, but the hum of Bristol nightlife drifted up easily. My view overlooked the Slug and Lettuce beer garden, and nearby bars added to the soundtrack. Thankfully, people seemed to be in bed by around midnight, just as the building next door powered down its air conditioning unit for the night. I stayed on Sunday and Monday night, so I likely missed the city’s wildest moments — something to consider if you’re booking.
And finally, the door opens straight onto the rooftop, so if it’s raining, you’ll need a hood or brolly at the ready. Quick exits are key unless you fancy a soggy floor.
Guesthouse Perks
Booking directly with the guesthouse meant breakfast was included, and it was excellent – part buffet, part freshly cooked, with lots of choice. I made the most of it each morning before heading out to explore. When you’re staying somewhere without self-catering facilities, a good breakfast is a real bonus, saving both time and a few pennies on eating out.
Other perks of the caravan being perched atop a hotel: access to a lounge area, decent WiFi, and a (small but handy) bar on site. A nice blend of quirky and convenient.
The location itself was a gem. St Nicholas Market dates back to medieval times, though I doubt rooftop caravans were part of the original blueprint! The surrounding old city is full of character: cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a creative pulse that makes Bristol feel alive in a way few cities do. From my rooftop perch, I watched the market set up each morning and the city slowly stir to life. It was a strange and wonderful vantage point, I was part urban explorer, part rooftop recluse.
At £100 per night, it felt like decent value for central Bristol in summer. It’s not a luxury hotel experience — the caravan is compact, quirky, and a little rough around the edges — but it’s comfortable, memorable, and comes with a cracking breakfast. You’re paying for location and novelty, not plush interiors or polished service. And for me, that was more than enough. It’s the kind of stay that makes you smile when you describe it to someone later, and that’s worth something.
Bristol: A Quicky City for a Quirky Stay
The caravan wasn’t just a place to sleep, it became my launchpad for exploring one of the UK’s most creatively charged cities. Bristol wears its eccentricity proudly, from Banksy murals tucked into alleyways to independent cafés with menus as eclectic as their interiors.
I mainly wandered the streets on foot, letting curiosity lead the way. Street art spilled across walls like visual poetry, and every corner seemed to offer a new surprise; a hidden courtyard, a vintage shop, a busker playing something unexpectedly beautiful. One evening, I went to the Bristol Hippodrome to see Moulin Rouge, and the city’s theatrical spirit felt perfectly in sync with my rooftop caravan experience: bold, playful, and just a little surreal.
Part of what draws me to Quirky Stays like this is the chance to find stillness and connection in unexpected places, to feel grounded, even when the surroundings are unconventional. Bristol reminded me that nature and reflection aren’t limited to forests or coastlines. They can be found in the city’s parks, in the view from Cabot Tower, in the quiet moments between market bustle and theatre lights. Even in the heart of a city, there’s space to pause, to notice, and to feel part of something bigger.
I wasn’t sure whether to split off the ‘getting to know Bristol in 36 hours’ part of this story into a separate blog post, but in the end decided exploring the city was so intrinsic to this particular quirky stay, I should stick to one journal article. So maybe go and make another tea, as I’m going to continue rambling on for a little while yet…
Stories Beneath the Surface
I’ve always believed the best way to get to know a place is on foot – not just to see it, but to feel its beat. During my stay, I did two different curated walking tours in search of Bristol’s quirks: one using the GPS My City app (free, thanks to a voucher), and one guided group tour called From Blackbeard to Banksy, which I booked online the day before for £12. Both offered a generous mix of sights and stories, with some overlap but enough differences to make both worthwhile. I love guided tours – there’s something grounding about hearing a city’s tales told by locals, especially when they’re as colourful as Bristol’s.
The latter of the two, From Blackbeard to Banksy, was a real highlight. Guide Owen wove together centuries of history with the ease of someone who genuinely loves the city. And he knew what his audience wanted; the quirkiest stories from his repertoire. We imagined the infamous pirate Blackbeard, born here (allegedly), slipping through the fog with his flaming beard and fearsome reputation. Just a few streets away, we admired some of Banksy’s most iconic pieces, hidden in plain sight. Bristol doesn’t shy away from its contradictions – it celebrates them. I should probably mention something about the Bridges Bridge over the River River, but you’ll have to book the tour yourself to find out what I mean by that…!
Wandering with Purpose
The app-based tour was a self-guided affair – more conventional in its storytelling, but offering an excellent introduction to the city and its architectural layers. I climbed the spiral staircase of Cabot Tower, a Victorian monument tucked into the greenery of Brandon Hill. It’s free to enter, and the views from the top are spectacular: rooftops, spires, and the curve of the harbour stretching out like a map of stories waiting to be told. The tower itself commemorates John Cabot, who sailed from Bristol in 1497 and (depending on which historian you ask) ‘discovered’ parts of North America. It’s a strange legacy, but one that Bristol wears with a mix of pride and reflection.
Even with two curated tours done, there was still more to see, so I also wandered solo along the harbourside, past colourful houses and bobbing boats, and through quiet corners where nature sneaks back into the city. Brunel’s fingerprints are everywhere here, from the SS Great Britain to the floating harbour he helped engineer. His vision reshaped Bristol, and walking through it now, you can still feel the ambition in the bricks and bridges.
One of the more unusual highlights was seeing the Galeón Andalucía, a towering Spanish replica ship docked especially for the Harbour Festival. It dwarfed the British vessels around it, its masts rising like something out of a storybook. I didn’t get to board it, but I could sense the scent of salt and sun-warmed wood in the air, and the rigging creaked gently in the breeze – it felt like brushing up against another time. A reminder of Bristol’s global ties and its flair for spectacle.
Whether guided or solo, Bristol reveals itself in layers; a city of stories, contradictions, and quiet brilliance, best uncovered one step at a time.
Flavours with a Story
Stories fed my soul, but food fed my stomach. There’s some good eating to be had in Bristol, and it was hard for this urban explorer to choose where to go. I should have chosen and booked ahead to avoid wandering the streets hungry, but you live and learn.
On the first night, I tucked into a freshly baked pide at Cappadocia, its crisp edges and molten cheese reminding me of meals from my 2015 trip around Turkey. The restaurant buzzed with warmth, and the scent of grilled meats and spices drifted out onto the street like an invitation. I’d happily return; it was midway between the harbour and my caravan, right in the heart of the city.
The second evening had to be quicker, with theatre plans ahead. I grabbed a gyro from The Athenian at Cargo 2 – soft pita, house made sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken wrapped up like a little parcel. I ate it by the water, watching people go by, and felt that familiar joy of simple food. Eating alone in Cappadocia hit hard somehow, but there was comfort in having the city for company with my street food meal.
If you watched the video, you’ll know I talk doughnuts. I mean, I often talk doughnuts, they’re one of my favourite sweet treats. On my final morning, I stopped by Pinkmans inside Bristol Cathedral and tried one of their famous sourdoughnuts. Sweet, chewy, and delicious – I definitely needed the coffee to wash it down. Cathedral cafés tend to be quietly excellent, and this one was no exception. Sitting in that quiet courtyard, sipping coffee beneath centuries-old stone, I let the city slow down around me.
Bristol’s food scene is a reflection of its spirit: diverse, generous, and full of character.
Live Music & Theatre: Bristol in Full Voice
Sunday night brought one of those serendipitous moments that festivals are made for, as I happened upon The Longest Johns headlining the Harbour Festival and instinctively made my way as close to the stage as I could manage. Their 45-minute set was a joy: sea shanties and folk harmonies echoing across the harbour, drawing strangers into song. Of course, they played Mutiny and Wellerman, but it was Oak and Ash and Thorn that stayed with me – a gentle, reverent ode to trees that felt like a quiet reminder of nature’s presence, even here in the heart of the city.
I found myself grinning, singing along, swept up in the communal magic of live music. It was one of those moments that makes you feel part of something; a shared rhythm, a shared joy.
The next night, I swapped surprise sea shanties for sequins and feathers and headed to the Bristol Hippodrome for Moulin Rouge. I mean, I wasn’t wearing sequins and feathers, but I think you probably realised that. Bold, glittering, and unapologetically fun, Moulin Rouge delivered a high-octane blend of pop mashups, theatrical flair, and feel-good romance. With dazzling costumes and infectious energy, it’s burlesque with heart – playful, empowering, and utterly entertaining. A joyful escape that left me smiling long after the final confetti fell. It’s run in Bristol has now ended, but do look out for it elsewhere, as it’s well worth an evening out.
Between the Buzz and the Stillness
Bristol gave me colour, sound, and movement. It was couple of days filled with playful contrasts and unexpected connection. But as the music faded and the city quietened, my grief and I could be found drawn to the gentler threads woven through it all: nature glimpsed in song, stillness found in cafés, and the grounding joy of simply walking for miles and noticing the world around me.
It’s often after the adventure that the reflections begin to settle. This trip, like so many, left me with more than just memories. It offered space to pause, to notice, and to think about what stays with me long after the journey ends. A city break might not seem like an obvious adventure, but this one had all the right hallmarks – curiosity, challenge, and connection.
Even in the bustle, I found flickers of connection: in a folk song about trees, in a doughnut shared with cathedral stone, in the view from a rooftop caravan that reminded me to look up even when I was at ground level. And while even the quirkiest hideaway can’t shield me from the noise of life continuing around me; novelty can offer a place to stop, to reflect, and to feel held in the in-between.
Reflections from my Rooftop Caravan
The rooftop caravan was more than just a base for the stay; it was a character in its own right. Compact but cleverly designed, it offered everything I needed: a comfortable bed, a (tiny) shower room, and a view that stretched across Bristol’s rooftops. It felt a little like camping, a little like glamping, and entirely like something out of a Wes Anderson film. The details were charming, and its position above the city made it feel like climbing into a secret hideaway.
In many ways, the quirk of the accommodation matched the quirk of the city: bold, unexpected, and full of charm. It gave me a playful kind of refuge, somewhere to retreat to between the colour and chaos of exploring. I’d return from the Harbour Festival or my walking tour and climb back into my little rooftop pod, grateful for the quiet and the view. It wasn’t silent, the city’s hum was always present, but it was mine, and that made all the difference.
But if Quirky Stays are often my way of escaping the real world, this one felt different. The hum of the city never quite faded, and I found myself craving the deep exhale of woodland stillness, the quiet of that truffle cabin in the woods. Bristol’s energy was exhilarating, but at times overwhelming.
Quirky Stay number three was a little more conventional – still unusual, but far less eccentric than a rooftop caravan or a curved wooden pod. In hindsight, I probably should’ve started there and worked my way up! Come back soon for more on that one, it’s a beauty.
Quirky Stay in the Rooftop Caravan: Fact File
Name: Rooftop Rocket Caravan, Brooks Guesthouse.
Location: Bristol City Centre.
Type of Stay: Urban rooftop glamping (vintage caravan).
Features: Retro two-berth Rocket caravan perched on a city-centre rooftop.
Facilities: Compact caravan with double bed, seating area, small shower room, kettle and tea-making supplies, TV, rooftop access, breakfast included.
Best For: Solo city break, quirky urban adventure, street art and theatre lovers.
Sleeps: One comfortably, two snugly.
Cost: From £100 per night (I paid £200 total for a Sunday to Tuesday nights in July).
Booking: Brooks Guesthouse Bristol (book direct for free breakfast)| Booking.com
