InItineraries,Things To Do

Learn more about Bristol's communities and local stories at these museums across the city.

For these journeys you can take a return train between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, or purchase a Freedom Travelpass for West of England for unlimited train and bus travel within Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Bristol’s must-do museum for a glimpse into local history is the free-to-visit M Shed (open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm), in its beautiful waterfront home at Princes Wharf. Housed in a 1950s transit shed, it explores Bristol through its people, places and experiences.

Like the city itself, M Shed is always evolving, hosting a dynamic programme of exhibitions, displays and events within its galleries. Working exhibits such as the Mayflower steam tug and Pyronaut fire boat are a particular highlight.

M Shed Bristol
Image - M Shed

Take bus numbr 19, 42 or 43 to the Kingswood Heritage Museum (open 2pm to 5pm, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays). The Museum is also only a 4 minute ride, or 12 minute walk from the Bristol and Bath Railway Path (Ashcombe Crescent/Thirlmere Court exit).

The museum is housed in the former zinc and brass works of William Champion. Uncover the history of the brass making factory and learn of the other industries that once thrived locally, from Douglas Motorcycles to shoe and boot manufacturers. Don’t miss the 18th Century gardens and impressive 30-foot-high statue of the Roman God Neptune.

Kingswood Heritage Museum
Image - Kingswood Heritage Museum

Otherwise you could head to to Bristol Temple Meads (around a 20 minute walk from M Shed) for the train to Weston-super-Mare. Approximately ten minutes’ walk from the station, you’ll find Weston Museum (open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm).

Experience Clara’s Cottage, depicting a typical Weston home from the early 1900s, glimpse the glory days of Weston as a popular Victorian seaside resort, and visit the changing exhibitions in the William Mable Gallery.

Weston Museum
Image - Weston Museum

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