Location: Bristol
Top Things to do in Bristol
The 7 Best Architectural Buildings 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. Wills Memorial Building
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 494 reviews
Take a tour of the Bristol University Wills Memorial building and meet the 7th largest bell in the UK, as well as being there when the famous Great George strikes. Whilst on the tour, you can climb to the top of the 68m tower and see the panoramic views of Bristol. You will also visit the Great Hall, the Library, the Old Council Chamber and the Reception Room. The tours are held on Saturdays , Prices Visitors: £5 Students and Senior Citizens: Group bookings and Evening tours are available upon request.
Reviewed By remshall - London, United Kingdom
A very enjoyable tour which lasted about an hour and a half made even better by a great knowledgeable and humorous guide aided by two assistants.An interesting and beautiful building with superb views of Bristol and the surrounding area(unfortunately rather wet and misty when we visited).They make the most of the Harry Potter connection. Highly recommended but try to do it on a fine day to appreciate the views.
2. Corn Exchange
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By stevel269 - Bristol, United Kingdom
If you are visiting the Corn Exchange, don’t forget to check out the clock on the front facade, or the four short pillars (called The Nails) outside. First the clock. Unique in that it has three hands. The history behind that relates to the railway. Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the railway between Bristol and London. And until then time keeping was determined by the sun. Midday was always when the sun was at its highest point in the sky. Due to the rotation of the earth, and the distance between Bristol and London, midday happens ten minutes earlier in London. Not an issue unless you are through to run an efficient train timetable between the cities. Time was standardised to Greenwich Mean Time but the clock continues to record the time in Bristol and also in London which is always 10 minutes different (according to solar calculations) Then the Nails. Built at different time hence the different styles, the earliest dates to 1623 and the reign of Charles 1. Corn and other merchants would have transacted business at these nails and possibly displayed a sample of their wares on them. When the deal was agreed the money would be placed on the top of the Nail, leading to the expression ‘paying in the Nail’. Deal finalised. If you have seen this and the market inside the Corn Exchange, look up The Church of St John in the Wall which is just around the corner. Dating to the 14th century, the only remaining part of the medieval wall, with the only remaining medieval gateway into the old city.
3. The Architecture Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
The Architecture Centre champions better buildings and places for people. By demonstrating the value of good design we aim to increase public awareness and enjoyment of the built environment, and stimulate demand for design excellence. The Architecture Centre exists to foster a greater understanding and enjoyment of architecture and to promote the value of a better built environment. We believe that by increasing public awareness and working with those responsible for development, we will help raise expectations and thereby provide both opportunities and demand for better buildings and places. Every aspect of the work undertaken by The Architecture Centre aims to: Widen public awareness Develop understanding and appreciation Demonstrate the value of good design Encourage good practice The Architecture Centre is the leading regional expert on engaging the public with the built environment and championing the creation of better quality neighbourhoods, buildings and public spaces. Based in Bristol and relating directly to that particular urban environment we respond equally to the needs of the wider South West region. The Centre’s programme includes exhibitions, events, lectures and critical debate, work with artists, and visits to inspiring buildings. Our learning programme delivers engaging built environment education to children and young people in the South West. We promote the value of good design - empowering communities undergoing change to shape their environment for the better, and working with built environment professionals, local authority officers and councillors to achieve design excellence. The Centre is based on Bristol’s Harbourside and our gallery is open to the public 5 days a week (we are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Please visit our website for more information on opening times and current exhibition and events programme.
4. The Victoria Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
The Victoria rooms apart from being a marvellous building has an amazing fountain in front of it and King Edward statue, well worth the walk up Park st to visit.
5. The Clifton Arcade
6. Ashton Gatehouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Ashton Gatehouse is an historic building working with Ashton Park school to provide meaningful heritage experience to the local community. Also available for hire.
