Tucked away on Saint Stephen’s Street in the heart of Bristol city centre, Bristol Backpackers Youth Hostel occupies a four-storey commercial building known as Bristol Times and Mirror House. The address – 17 Saint Stephen’s Street, BS1 1EQ – puts guests within easy walking distance of much of what central Bristol has to offer, from the waterfront at Bristol Harbour to the shopping streets and independent cafes that fill this part of the city. It is a well-positioned base for anyone arriving without a car and wanting to explore on foot.
Getting There and Getting Around
Saint Stephen’s Street sits close to the old commercial core of Bristol, near Bristol Temple Meads railway station, which connects the city to London, Cardiff, Bath, and much of the South West. Local bus routes run frequently through the city centre, and the area is compact enough that most of the central attractions are reachable on foot from the hostel’s front door. The surrounding streets include a mix of historic architecture and modern shopfronts, giving the neighbourhood a character that reflects Bristol’s layered history as a trading city. The proximity to the waterfront means the Floating Harbour and the museums and galleries along its edge are only a short walk away.
About the Hostel
Bristol Backpackers Youth Hostel can be contacted directly by phone on +44 117 925 7900 or by email at info@bristolbackpackers.co.uk. The hostel’s own website at bristolbackpackers.co.uk carries details of room types, availability, and pricing. As a hostel rather than a hotel, it caters primarily to budget-conscious travellers, backpackers, and those who prefer a more sociable atmosphere over a private hotel stay. The building itself is classed as commercial and rises to four floors, making it one of the more substantial properties on its street. The Bristol Times and Mirror House name attached to the address points to the building’s earlier life connected to local publishing, a reminder that many of central Bristol’s older commercial buildings have changed purpose considerably over the decades.
Exploring the Area
From the hostel, visitors have quick access to some of Bristol’s most visited areas. Cabot Circus, the city’s main shopping centre, is close by, as are King Street and its historic pubs, the Old Vic theatre, and the waterside walkways of the Harbourside. Bristol is a city with a strong independent culture, and the streets around Saint Stephen’s Street reflect that, with a mix of independent businesses alongside larger retailers. For those planning day trips, the city’s transport connections make it straightforward to reach Bath, the Mendip Hills, and the coastline of the Bristol Channel within a reasonable journey time.