Wills Memorial Building, Bristol
Iconic neo-Gothic tower and academic heart of the University of Bristol, offering historic grandeur and panoramic city views.
The Wills Memorial Building is a striking neo-Gothic landmark in Bristol, England, standing 215 feet tall atop Park Street. Completed in 1925 and designed by Sir George Oatley, it is one of the last great Gothic secular buildings in Britain. Funded by the Wills family in memory of Henry Overton Wills III, it houses the University of Bristol's Schools of Law and Earth Sciences and is renowned for its grand Great Hall, historic tower with the Great George bell, and panoramic city views.
A brief summary to Wills Memorial Building
- Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, GB
- +441179545219
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-10 pm
- Thursday 8 am-10 pm
- Friday 8 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book the Saturday tower tours in advance to secure your spot and experience the panoramic views and historic interiors.
- Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the tower’s narrow staircases during the guided tour.
- Visit the Great Hall to appreciate its carved oak paneling and vaulted ceilings, a highlight of the building’s interior.
- Check tour availability and pricing ahead; general admission is £5, with discounted rates for children.
- Explore the surrounding Clifton area and Park Street for additional historic and cultural experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 1, 2, 8, and 72, stop near the top of Park Street close to the Wills Memorial Building. Journey times from Bristol city center range from 10 to 20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2 to £4. Service frequency varies, with reduced schedules on weekends.
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Train and Bus Combination
From Bristol Temple Meads railway station, take a 10-minute bus ride on routes 1 or 2 to Park Street, or enjoy a 30-minute uphill walk through the city center. Train connections to Bristol are frequent from London and the South West, with fares starting around £15.
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Car
Parking near the Wills Memorial Building is limited. Available options include residential parking in Redland or Clifton and the Trenchard Street car park. Expect to pay £5 to £10 for parking. The area is best accessed by car outside peak hours due to traffic congestion.
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Walking
The building is approximately a 20-minute uphill walk from Bristol city center and harbourside areas. The route involves some steep sections and uneven pavement, so suitable footwear is recommended. The walk offers scenic views of the city.
Wills Memorial Building location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Wills Memorial Building
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Legacy
The Wills Memorial Building, completed in 1925, is a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic Revival architecture designed by Sir George Herbert Oatley, Bristol’s most important 20th-century architect. Commissioned in 1912 by George and Henry Wills in honor of their father Henry Overton Wills III, a major benefactor and first Chancellor of the University of Bristol, the building was constructed using reinforced concrete faced with Bath and Clipsham stone. Its monumental 215-foot tower, adorned with heraldic shields and topped by an octagonal lantern housing Great George—the ninth-largest bell in England weighing over 9.5 tonnes—dominates the Bristol skyline and is a symbol synonymous with the university and city alike.A Hub of Academic and Ceremonial Life
The building serves as the centerpiece of the University of Bristol’s Clifton campus, accommodating the Schools of Law and Earth Sciences along with their libraries. Its grand Great Hall, used for graduation ceremonies and examinations, features carved oak paneling, vaulted ceilings, and leaded windows, evoking the academic traditions of Oxford and Cambridge. The Wills Memorial Building also contains the Council Chamber, Reception Room, seminar rooms, and lecture theatres, making it a vibrant hub of university life and events.Endurance Through Time and Conflict
Construction was delayed by World War I, and the building was officially opened by King George V and Queen Mary in June 1925. During the Bristol Blitz of World War II, the Great Hall and tower sustained serious damage but were restored by 1963. Over the decades, the building has witnessed the evolution of the university and the city, including recent public discussions addressing the Wills family’s historical links to the tobacco trade and its complex legacy.Visitor Experience and Tower Tours
Visitors can explore the Wills Memorial Building through guided tours held on Saturdays, which include access to the Great Hall, Council Chamber, historic libraries, and the tower. Climbing the tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of Bristol and its surrounding countryside from 68 meters above Park Street. The tours also provide insights into the building’s history, architecture, and the striking Great George bell, which rings hourly. Proceeds from tours support local charities.Location and Cultural Significance
Situated at the top of Park Street on Queens Road, the Wills Memorial Building is a prominent landmark visible throughout Bristol. It is closely associated with the identity of the city and the university, often compared to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in iconic status. The building’s Gothic Revival style and imposing presence make it a key cultural and architectural attraction, reflecting both Bristol’s heritage and academic prestige.Modern Use and Community Engagement
Today, the Wills Memorial Building continues to function as an academic facility and event venue, hosting conferences, ceremonies, and public events. It remains a focal point for university tradition and community engagement, balancing its role as a historic monument with contemporary educational and cultural activities. The university actively acknowledges the building’s complex history through dialogue and artistic commissions, ensuring its story is told with transparency and respect.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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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
