About
Bristol’s beautiful and historic Cathedral is located on College Green in the West End of the city. A church has almost certainly stood on the site for over a thousand years, but it came to prominence in 1140 when Robert Fitzhardinge founded the Abbey of St Augustine. The Chapter House and Abbey Gatehouse remain clear to see, and the other remains are to be found within Bristol Cathedral School.
The eastern end of the Cathedral, especially in the choir, gives Bristol Cathedral a unique place in the development of British and European architecture. The nave, choir and aisles are all the same height, making Bristol Cathedral the major example of a hall church in Great Britain and one of the finest to be found anywhere in the world.
Bristol Cathedral is free to enter and open to the public 365 days a year.
Tower Tours
Step behind closed doors and climb the soaring tower of Bristol Cathedral on a special guided tour that will take you through 900 years of history and architecture.
Climb the 172 steps of Bristol Cathedral's Tower for a guided tour where you'll learn how the Cathedral has evolved over time and the engineering feats that have made it into the beautiful building you see today.
You will come face to face with some of the finest medieval bells in the world, tales of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and uncover the mysteries of the original 12th-century abbey that once dominated College Green.
This tour involves ascending almost 200 steps up a spiral staircase which is narrow in places, with low-hanging doorways and pipes along the route. To make sure the tour is suitable for you and your group please consult the terms and conditions before buying the tickets.
Virtual Tour
See Bristol Cathedral's spectacular stained-glass windows and find out about its history via their online tour. Click here for the virtual tour.
Dog-Friendy
Everyone is welcome to explore Bristol Cathedral including well-behaved dogs on leads.
Times:
8am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, unless you wish to attend Choral Evensong or Evening Prayer at 5.15pm
8am - 3.15pm Saturday and Sunday, unless you wish to attend Choral Evensong at 3.30pm
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Free Admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Opening Times
Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
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* The Cathedral is open 365 days each year from 8.00am until after Evensong.
Awards
- Regional and Miscellaneous WTTC Safe Travels 2021
Further Information
Other
- Gift Shop
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Catering
- Picnic Site
Establishment Features
- Cater for groups
- Conference facilities
- Dog Friendly
- Event Venue
- Tea / Coffee Shop
- Toilets
- Wedding Venue
Key Features
- In town/city centre
- Indoor Attraction
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times
Parking & Transport
- On Bus Route
Payment Methods
- Blue Badge Guides admitted free
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals
Venue Facilities
- Groups Accepted
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
- Excellent752
- Very Good459
- Average92
- Poor8
- Terrible10
Recent Reviews:
- 583robinhBristol, United KingdomTrip Type:Solo travelYou can't sit down, she saidFriday, 17th November 2023It is happening more often, one simply needs a seat, I am getting old. But I really did not need a bossy Canon to try and stop me sitting in the porch. Fortunately a nice lay lady sat me down and... Read full review
- Kathy CMuch of it is closed for renovationWednesday, 6th March 2024We are semi local and finally got round to visiting Bristol Cathedral today. However, we were disappointed that a large proportion of it is closed for 18 months for renovation, including the choir... Read full review
- Mudger DOn going Renovations, visit at a later date.Thursday, 14th March 2024Bristol Cathedral was part of my "quest" to visit as many English cathedrals as I can before I hit 60. We arrived at the cathedral and were greeted warmly by a volounteer. Admission fee is... Read full review