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Bristol Cathedral

College Green, West End, Bristol, BS1 5TJ

Tel: +44 (0)117 926 4879

Add Bristol Cathedral to your Itinerary

Bristol Cathedral West End

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.

Find out more here

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 TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* The Cathedral is open 365 days each year from 8.00am until after Evensong.

Awards

  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels 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

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      752
    • Very Good
      459
    • Average
      92
    • Poor
      8
    • Terrible
      10

    Recent Reviews:

    • 583robinh
      Bristol, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      You can't sit down, she said
      1 of 5 stars
      Friday, 17th November 2023
      It 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 C
      Much of it is closed for renovation
      3 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 6th March 2024
      We 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 D
      On going Renovations, visit at a later date.
      3 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 14th March 2024
      Bristol 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

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