Location: Bristol
Top Things to do in Bristol
The 10 Best Historic Sites in Bristol, England
Bristol is a quirky British city with beautiful hilly vistas and plenty of historic sights to explore. Anyone interested in ships will have a blast aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great oceanliner, and the Matthew, a replica of the ship upon which John Cabot sailed to America in the 15th century. The graceful Clifton Suspension Bridge is another must-see.
Restaurants in Bristol
1. Sea Mills Harbour
2. The Cenotaph
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Near the Harbourside and only a few steps away from the non-statue you can easily locate the rather grand Cenotaph, a splendid memorial and well worth locating and a few minutes of your time to pay your respects.
3. Bristol Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,263 reviews
Reviewed By fatfoodfreek179
Surrounded by the lovely College Green.If you are lucky you may hear the organ being played or the choir rehearsing in the background.There is a lovley shop there and a cafe.
4. Cabot Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,424 reviews
Reviewed By Shelbegrn - East Garston, United Kingdom
Cabot Tower offers serene and beautiful park surroundings with plenty of park benches and natural water features to revive tired souls or even calm hectic ones. The path to the tower is very steep and may be impossible to climb for those with mobility issues.
5. John Wesley's Chapel & New Room Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
The New Room in Bristol is the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world (originally built in 1739 and extended in 1748) and the cradle of the early Methodist movement. It was built and used by John and Charles Wesley and the early Methodists as a meeting and preaching place and the centre for helping and educating the needy members of the community. The chapel itself is on the ground floor (where there is also a shop) and is accessible from either the Broadmead or Horsefair courtyards. Upstairs, there is an admission charge Arts Council accredited museum which tells the story of John and Charles Wesley and their life and work in Bristol.
Reviewed By Swedishtomcat - Diss, United Kingdom
This historically-religious building, slap bang in the centre of Bristol’s shopping quarter, is where Methodism got its first foothold with a purpose-built chapel in 1739. There are a number of rooms upstairs which have been converted into a museum explaining the history of the Wesley brothers and Methodism. Downstairs is the New Room where you can imagine John Wesley preached. All the volunteers were very friendly especially the lady who was warmed the cockles of our hearts.
6. St Mark's, the Lord Mayor's Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 157DavidM - Taunton, United Kingdom
Like any building of its age there have been changes over the years, but when you step inside and take in the ornate tombs of Bristol Mayors dating back to 1580, the richness of the history here unfolds itself. Utterly unique and beautifully maintained.
7. St John on the Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Step through the city gate and into medieval Bristol with a visit to St John on the Wall. Explore the hidden church built into Bristol's old city wall. Discover the simple elegance of the airy upper church and then descend into the atmospheric crypt below. As you walk through over 600 years of history uncover the stories of those who lived their lives in the medieval city of Bristol. Visit St John on the Wall for a free guided tour of this old city landmark. Discover: - why Walter Frampton - three times mayor of Bristol - paid for the rebuilding of St John on the Wall in the 1300s - what the merchants of Bristol imported and exported in one of the most prosperous times of the city's history - how vital St John's conduit was to the old city and why it sometimes poured wine rather than water - the symbols and stories hidden in the puzzling stained glass - why it was a good idea to build a church into a wall If the doors are closed please call us as the key is available nearby
Reviewed By martyncymro - Coimbra, Portugal
The exterior of this old church, which is no longer functioning as such, is very interesting and well worth including on your tour of Bristol city centre. Sadly the door was locked and there was no access when I called one afternoon. I have since leaned from its web-page the church, which is run by volunteers, is usually open between 11am and 2pm, and that you should (quote) 'Call Ed McGregor Volunteering Officer 07872 502 118 in advance to ensure that the church will be open for your visit.'
8. The Red Lodge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
What secrets lie behind the bright red door? Step inside the TARDIS and experience more than 400 years of history in the museum where you feel you have left the modern world behind. From 'royal party house' of the 16th Century to Victorian reform school for girls, see how the lodge has changed over time.
Reviewed By 497JennyC - Norwich, United Kingdom
A Tudor building hidden amongst all the Georgian buildings. Fabulous wood panelled room with wonderful carvings and plaster ceiling. An interesting insight into part of Bristol ‘s history.
9. St Mary Redcliffe Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 873 reviews
'The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England' - Elizabeth I The Christian community has worshipped continuously on the site occupied by St Mary Redcliffe Church for well over 800 years. The first church may have built here in Saxon times, when Bristol first became a port – the original quayside was just across the road, below the red sandstone cliff from which this area gets its name, located on what is now Redcliffe Quay. The present church is a treasure of international importance, a Grade I listed building that is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. All the features of St Mary Redcliffe speak clearly of the beauty and the infinite variety in God’s world. The church building is open daily for all to visit, reflect, pray, join in formal worship or simply “be”. Everyone is welcome here. Use this page to find out more about our church and some of the famous people who have contributed to its rich history.
Reviewed By 912nathanielb
From my journal: Yesterday we visited St. Mary Redcliffe, “The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England,” as Queen Elizabeth remarked on the occasion of her visit in 1571 – and she’d seen a few! We were in time to sit in on a sung service – I always prefer to go to a service if possible, and “feel” the church being used for what it was designed to do. The was even more special: For the first time in my life, I heard a 32-foot open wood organ stop, something you feel more than hear, and this particular Harrison & Harrison organ (1912, refurbished in 2012) is a very famous example of the very finest English organ-building. It is stunning. (From a note from Robert Gage: “The 32’ rumble was undoubtedly an open wood. This is much more powerful (one can hardly say ‘louder’) than a stopped wood (which would probably be called Subbass – in Germany, Untertsatz). The bottom note is the next C off the bottom of the piano – 16 vibrations per second! The lowest pipes are about a foot square, or even more. It is an English invention!”)
10. Blaise Hamlet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By Petesail - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
Wonderful picture postcard old cottages. Used in many a film set.. Make sure you visit Blaise Castle museum near by.
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