The Dark Horse Pub Hotel Bristol Exterior photoThe Dark Horse Pub Hotel Bristol Exterior photoThe Dark Horse Pub Hotel Bristol Exterior photo
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From102US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

172 Church Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS5 9HX
-
Near Eastville Park
Very good
7.3
7.1
/10

The Dark Horse Pub Hotel Bristol is situated in a busy area of Bristol, 2.5 km from the grassy Castle Park and a 10-minute ride from the Brunel's SS Great Britain. This inn comes with Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Location

The 3-star hotel is located within 200 metres of Church Of St Ambrose, 3.7 km from Montpelier train station. Places of worship to visit a 15-minute drive from the Dark Horse Pub include the methodist church "John Wesley's Chapel & New Room Museum".

3.7 km from the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery is a perk for guests staying at this property.

Blackswarth Road bus stop lies a 5-minute walk away.

Rooms

Comprising a sitting area, the rooms at the smoke-free hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Ironing facilities are featured for guests' comfort. Bathrooms are fitted with a walk-in shower and a separate toilet as well as a hairdryer and bath sheets.

Eat & Drink

Serving European dishes, The Lock Up lies right around the corner from The Dark Horse Pub Hotel.

“I found this pub to be quite the find, with its own secret dancefloor and soundproofed event space. The quirky setting, combined with its dog-friendly policy and local art displays, creates a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. For those looking for a lively stay with character, this spot delivers a memorable experience.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Deluxe Double Room Shower
2 persons
9 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
King Room
2 persons
11 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Very good
7.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Hotel location

172 Church Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS5 9HX
Map view
172 Church Road, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS5 9HX
Nearby
Church
Church Of St Ambrose
170 m
Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bristol
170 m
Saint Patrick's Catholic Church
170 m
Bethel United Church
170 m
Saint Marina Coptic Orthodox Church
170 m
Bristol Movement Space
480 m
Restaurants
Bonnies
50 m
168A Church Road
The Old Stillage
420 m
145-147 Church Road Redfield
Willesborough Tandoori
470 m
133 Church Road
Explore Bristol
Explore Bristol
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
M Shed
40 minutes' walk
Bristol's museum showcasing local history and art, featuring interactive exhibits for all ages.
Bristol Aquarium
35 minutes' walk
Home to over 40 exhibits, the aquarium provides a glimpse into underwater life and is ideal for families.
Bristol Cathedral
40 minutes' walk
A stunning Gothic cathedral known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens, perfect for a serene visit.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
30 minutes' walk
An iconic church featuring impressive medieval architecture and vibrant stained glass windows.
Royate Hill Nature Reserve
20 minutes' walk
Perfect for nature lovers, this reserve offers scenic trails for relaxed walks and birdwatching.
Bristol Bike Tours
10 minutes' drive
Guided bike tours through the city revealing hidden gems. Book ahead for tailored experiences.
Yoga Classes at Yoga on the Lane
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga classes with experienced instructors. Great option for wellness seekers after a busy day.
Bonnies
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery known for hearty breakfasts and local favorites. Vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Old Stillage
6 minutes' walk
Charming pub offering classic British dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Reservations recommended on busy nights.
Willesborough Tandoori
6 minutes' walk
Authentic Indian cuisine focused on rich spices and flavors. Great for fans of curry and vegetarian options.
The Bristol Hippodrome
10 minutes' drive
Major theater hosting musicals and performances. Family-friendly shows available throughout the year.
The Fleece
15 minutes' drive
A popular venue for live music with a lively atmosphere, hosting local bands and open mic nights.
The Cube Microplex
10 minutes' drive
Independent cinema featuring eclectic films and community events in a unique setting.
Local transport and travel tips
City Centre
Bristol32 min  ·  2.6 km
Airports
Bristol (BRS)24 min  ·  15.9 km
Gloucestershire (GLO)96 min  ·  63.7 km
Train
Lawrence Hill Train Station11 min  ·  900 m
Lawrence Hill Railway Station11 min  ·  900 m
Bus
Bus stop26 min  ·  2.1 km
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.  There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Dark Horse Pub Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Dark Horse Pub offers a pleasant stay with clean and comfortable rooms, often described as quite spacious and featuring amenities like a shower, kettle, and comfy bed. Its location provides easy access to local attractions and conveniences, including Aldi and Tesco, as well as various restaurants and cafes, plus convenient public transport to the city center. Guests appreciate the lively pub atmosphere and the selection of craft beers and local artwork, while some have noted that the rooftop bar area appears a bit rickety. You can park for free in the car park behind from 6pm to 8am.
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Review score
Based on 132 verified reviews
6.9/10
Nice
62%
Recommend
Staff
8.7/10
Comfort
8.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.2/10
Facilities
7.5/10
Pros
Comfy bed
Friendly staff
Nice shower
Rustic place
Cons
Strange smell
Tiny room
Noisy guests
Guest reviews
based on 132 reviews
6.9/10
based on 149 reviews
7.3/10
Ella from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room Shower
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 17, 2026
7/10

an ok stay

helpful staffclean roomgood valuedusty radiatormissing curtainsearly sun
the bar staff was so helpful. i think they was very kind too. the room i stayed in was clean. it was good value to be inexpensive.
the bathroom radiator in my room looked very dusty. i noticed it has not been dusted in what feels like ages. there wasn't any curtains. it was summer, so the sun came up super early.
0 Helpful
George from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Shower
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 27, 2026
6/10

a decent place for a short stay

good locationeasy accessaffordable priceuneven staircaselate musicloud music
the location was good, and public transit was within easy reach. i liked i could walk to local places for meals and drinks. the price was affordable, perfect for a quick trip.
the stairs to the rooms are outside and wood and uneven. this made moving up and down difficult for me. the bar played music very late, until 12.30 am. i think the music was loud and disturbed my sleep.
0 Helpful
Rosie from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room Shower
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 06, 2025
9.0/10

Wonderful Stay

nice toiletriesuseful locationcomfortable bed
The provided toiletries were quite nice, including shampoo and soap. I found the location useful, with easy access to nearby shops and restaurants. The staff were very friendly. The bed was comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep after a long day of travel.
I noticed a small stain on one of the towels.
Dining
8/10
The bar offered a good selection of beverages on tap. I saw several local beers and a variety of spirits. The atmosphere was cute with a lively buzz, especially during the evening hours.
Facilities
9/10
The room had a modern shower with good water pressure. The temperature was easily adjustable. I appreciated the available tea and coffee making facilities in the room, and these were restocked daily. There was free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Service
10/10
The check-in process was efficient and the staff provided all necessary information clearly. Staff members were readily available to answer questions. They offered helpful recommendations for local attractions. I found the level of service attentive.
0 Helpful
|
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Josh from United Kingdom
Single
deluxe double room shower
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 05, 2025
8.5/10

rustic charm and friendly faces

clipper coffeehelpful staffdamp steps
the staff was helpful. the room provided me the sleep i needed. i also enjoyed organic fair trade clipper coffee and plenty of sugar for tea.
access to room was via damp steps. these steps felt dark. carrying bags and a dog made it tricky.
Location
8/10
public parking is available around the back, helpful arriving by car. the hotel is conveniently located near several pubs in the area. many options for dining and entertainment are available.
Service
9/10
the staff offers assistance to the rooms. they provide security codes for entry. the staff ensures guests can settle without unnecessary delays upon arrival to their rooms.
0 Helpful
|
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Naomi from United Kingdom
Family with children
Deluxe Double Room Shower
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 01, 2025
6/10

adequate but flawed

tired furnituresmall window
my room was small the description called it beautiful but it didn't match the photos online. space around the bed was minimal and a tiny unreachable window was present. furniture looked old and a leak had damaged the walls
0 Helpful
Michael from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Shower
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 11, 2025
9.0/10

Charming Stay Near the Action

spacious roomavailable coffeefluffy towelsgreat value
The room was quite spacious (a pleasant surprise!). I found plenty of tea, coffee, and biscuits readily available. The provided towels were large and fluffy. I appreciated the decent value for the location, not far from the city center.
The WiFi was a little spotty. I had to adjust my position to get a stable connection.
Rooms
9/10
The room included a shower, a comfortable bed, and a kettle. It felt quite nice and spacious, nice for a relaxed experience after a day exploring the area. The room was clean and well kept.
Dining
8/10
There are multiple restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, providing various options for meals. I noticed that Aldi and Tesco are also within a short walk. The location offers convenient access to different food options.
Facilities
9/10
The pub offered a great atmosphere (loved the local vibe!). Public transportation access is easy. The area feels quite alive and provides fun exploration opportunities for visitors.
Location
10/10
The area is nice and quiet. I found the location provided relatively easy access to public transit. The location has close proximity to amenities and transport.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The Dark Horse Pub
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Dark Horse Pub?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the closest airport to The Dark Horse Pub?
The nearest airport is Bristol Airport, located 15 km away.
How far is The Dark Horse Pub from the city center of Bristol?
The hotel is approximately 3 km from the center of Bristol.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Dark Horse Pub?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a desk, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
What dining options are available near The Dark Horse Pub?
Nearby restaurants include O My Cod, Fire Engine, Grounded, Pizza Corner, Delhi Flavour, The Faraway Tree, and St Georges Hall, all located within 0.5 km.
What are the bar options at The Dark Horse Pub?
The hotel features a fully stocked bar with local craft beers and farmhouse ciders.
What unique features does The Dark Horse Pub offer?
The hotel has a sound-proofed event space called the Long Room and a rooftop terrace.
Is free Wi-Fi available at The Dark Horse Pub?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What cultural attractions are close to The Dark Horse Pub?
Cultural attractions nearby include the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre and Roman Baths, both within 5 km.
Is there a lounge area at The Dark Horse Pub?
Yes, there is a lounge area featuring a cozy fireplace and board games available for guests.
What recreational features are available at The Dark Horse Pub?
Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace and the unique disco lounge available for hire.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room