St John on the Wall, Bristol
A medieval church built into Bristol’s city walls, St John on the Wall is the last of five gate churches, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s fortified past and spiritual life.
St John on the Wall is a striking medieval church built into Bristol’s 14th-century city walls, the only survivor of five once-guarding the city’s gates. Rising above a Gothic city gate on Broad Street, it served as a place of prayer for travelers and now stands as a beautifully preserved historic gem. Inside, tall perpendicular interiors, 17th-century fittings, and a richly decorated crypt reveal centuries of civic and religious life. The church is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and remains open to visitors.
A brief summary to St John's Church
- Broad St, Bristol, BS1 2EZ, GB
- +441179291766
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 11 am-2 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit midweek to enjoy the church and crypt with fewer people and more time to appreciate the details and atmosphere.
- Take a moment to examine the alabaster tomb in the crypt and the effigy of Walter Frampton in the chancel, both fine examples of medieval craftsmanship.
- Look for the grooves of the old portcullis in the gate arch and the conduit remains on the north side of the church to connect with Bristol’s medieval infrastructure.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking
From Bristol Temple Meads station, follow signs through the city centre to Broad Street; the walk takes about 15–20 minutes on level, paved routes through pedestrianised areas.
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Bus
Several local bus routes stop near Broad Street or College Green; from there it is a short, flat walk of 3–5 minutes to the church on well-maintained pavements.
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Tram
The nearest tram stop is at College Green; from there, walk along Broad Street for about 3 minutes on level, accessible paths to reach the church.
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Car
Driving visitors should use nearby city centre car parks; the church itself has no dedicated parking, and access is via narrow, busy streets best suited to drop-offs.
St John's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St John's Church
A Church Built into the City Walls
St John on the Wall, formally St John the Baptist, is a rare survivor of Bristol’s medieval defences. In the 12th century, five churches were built into the city walls, each straddling a gate and serving both as part of the fortifications and as a place where travelers could pray before setting out. St John is the only one still standing, perched dramatically on the old town wall above the North Gate. As you approach along Broad Street, the church’s elegant perpendicular spire rises above the Gothic arch of the gate, creating one of Bristol’s most distinctive and atmospheric city-centre views.From Medieval Foundations to Modern Care
The origins of the church go back at least to the 12th century, but the current structure largely dates from the late 1300s, when it was rebuilt on the town wall. It was founded by Walter Frampton, a wealthy Bristol merchant and three-time mayor who died in 1388; his impressive alabaster effigy lies in the chancel, complete with heraldic shields and a long-tailed dog at his feet. Over the centuries, the church was modified and restored, with much of the visible fabric reflecting 15th-century work on a 14th-century crypt, later updated in the 19th century. Since 1985 it has been in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, ensuring its preservation as a historic and spiritual space.Inside the Church and Crypt
The interior of St John is tall and graceful, with an aisleless nave and fine 17th-century fittings that give a sense of quiet grandeur. The chancel holds several notable monuments, including Frampton’s tomb and others that speak to Bristol’s medieval mercantile wealth. Beneath the church lies a remarkable vaulted crypt, originally dedicated to the Holy Cross and closely associated with the Guild of the Holy Cross. Unusually ornate for a crypt, it features ribbed vaulting with fine decorative bosses and once served as a chantry chapel and burial place for prominent citizens, including a striking alabaster tomb of a merchant and his wife with their ten children carved in panels below.Water, Wine and the City’s Life
Built into the city wall on the north side is the remains of St John’s conduit, part of a medieval system that brought fresh water from springs on Brandon Hill into the city. This conduit once supplied water to the Carmelite Friary and continued to function into the 20th century, even providing vital water during the Bristol Blitz. A small fountain nearby, once a branch of this conduit, is said to have run with wine during election times, a vivid reminder of how the church was woven into the civic and festive life of the city. These details bring to life the practical and symbolic role St John played in Bristol’s daily rhythms.A Living Monument in the Modern City
Today, St John on the Wall is no longer an active parish church but remains open to visitors as a place of history, quiet reflection, and architectural beauty. The Churches Conservation Trust has preserved both the upper church and the crypt, making them available for quiet visits, events, and occasional hire. Its location in the heart of Bristol means it is easily accessible, yet it offers a sense of stepping back in time, where the weight of centuries, the stories of merchants and mayors, and the echoes of travelers’ prayers still resonate in the stone and vaulted spaces.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Nails
0.2 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Old Post Office
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.3 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Medieval Vaults
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Old City Walls
0.3 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Bristol Bridge
0.4 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Fermentation Buildings
0.4 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.4 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Cascade Steps
0.4 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.5 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Bristol Castle
0.5 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.5 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Bristol Aquarium
0.6 km
Discover the enchanting underwater world at Bristol Aquarium, where marine life thrives in captivating exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Wills Memorial Building Tower
0.7 km
Climb Bristol's iconic 68-metre tower for breathtaking city views and explore a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
0.0 km
Explore Palestinian heritage and culture at Bristol’s vibrant Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre, a hub for history, art, and community events.
The Christmas Steps
0.1 km
Step back in time on Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps, a charming medieval street rich in culture, history, and cozy local character.
The Lanes
0.1 km
Bristol’s ultimate destination for boutique bowling, live music, karaoke, and great pizza in a lively, vibrant setting.
Christmas Steps
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s enchanting Christmas Steps, a historic cobbled lane blending medieval charm with vibrant arts and rich local stories.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.2 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Cosy Club
0.2 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant British dining in a stunning former banking hall at the heart of Bristol’s Old City.
St Nicholas Market
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan crafts, and global street food in a charming Georgian arcade.
Bristol Beacon
0.3 km
Bristol Beacon: Where historic charm meets vibrant live music and cultural celebration in the heart of Bristol.
St James' Priory
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s oldest building, a Norman priory with nearly 900 years of history and stunning medieval architecture.
Bristol city centre
0.3 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
The Red Lodge Museum
0.3 km
Step behind a red door into a 16th-century Tudor lodge and discover 400 years of Bristol’s history, from merchant grandeur to Victorian reform, in a free, atmospheric city-centre museum.
The Centre
0.4 km
The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
St Peter's Church
0.4 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
John Wesley's New Room
0.4 km
Step into the world’s oldest Methodist chapel, where faith, history and social justice meet in the heart of Bristol.
Round Pool
0.4 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
Essential places to dine
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
The Ox
0.2 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.2 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Four Wise Monkeys
0.2 km
Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.2 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Pasta Ripiena
0.3 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
Bambalan
0.3 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.3 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Pieminister
0.4 km
Award-winning British pies, piled high with mash, peas and gravy, in a lively harbourside restaurant with views of Bristol’s fountains and waterfront.
Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
0.4 km
Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine, tropical cocktails, and lively reggae vibes in Bristol’s vibrant Broad Quay district.
Aqua Welshback
0.4 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Hat Bistro
0.4 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and warm hospitality at Hat Bistro, Bristol’s cozy Mediterranean gem with locally sourced flavors.
Ciao Amici Restaurant
0.4 km
Authentic Italian dining with handmade pizzas and a warm, inviting atmosphere in the heart of Bristol’s cultural scene.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.5 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
No.1 Harbourside
0.5 km
Bristol's independent waterside gem serving bold burgers, local drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Blaze
0.2 km
Unique gifts and artisanal treasures in Bristol's creative heart—perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Colston Street.
Urban Fox
0.2 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Memories
0.2 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.2 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
uchi clothing co
0.2 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.2 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
This Feeling
0.3 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Over Here
0.3 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
The Ethical Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s charming boutique for sustainable, fair-trade gifts and eco-friendly treasures in the heart of Broadmead.
Garmden of Eden
0.4 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Everything one pound shop
0.4 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.5 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Wild Thing
0.5 km
An independent Bristol boutique for alternative, festival and dopamine fashion with an ethical heart.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.5 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Milk Thistle
0.1 km
Bristol's multi-level speakeasy masterpiece: inventive cocktails, taxidermy charm, and intimate lounges in a historic townhouse—pure nightlife alchemy.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.1 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
The Gold Bar
0.2 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.2 km
Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
Flight Club Bristol
0.2 km
Experience the thrill of Social Darts® and vibrant cocktails in Bristol’s lively, carnival-inspired cocktail bar on historic Corn Street.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.2 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
The Rummer
0.2 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.2 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Clockwork Rose
0.3 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
The Boardroom
0.3 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Revolution Bristol
0.3 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.3 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Library Bristol
0.3 km
Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Bristol
0.3 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.3 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.5 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Silk Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Antix
0.5 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
OMG
0.5 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.6 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
PRYZM
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Lakota
0.7 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
Thekla
0.8 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Bristol Lola Lo
0.8 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
The Pearl NightClub
0.8 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
La Rocca
0.9 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
Lizard Lounge
0.9 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
