The Georgian House Museum, Bristol
Explore an authentic late 18th-century Bristol townhouse with rich history, elegant rooms, and a powerful story of slavery and legacy.
Step back into late 18th-century Bristol at The Georgian House Museum, a beautifully restored townhouse built for John Pinney, a wealthy sugar merchant and slave owner. Explore 11 rooms across four floors, showcasing authentic period furnishings, elegant formal rooms, servant quarters, and a poignant exhibition on the history of slavery connected to the house. Free entry and a glimpse into Georgian life await in this intimate, historically rich museum.
A brief summary to The Georgian House Museum
- 7 Great George St, Bristol, BS1 5RR, GB
- +441179211362
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book timed tickets online in advance to secure entry, especially on weekends and busy days.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the 11 rooms and exhibitions.
- Be prepared for limited accessibility due to narrow staircases and multiple floors.
- Visit the basement kitchen and plunge pool to see the servants’ working quarters.
- Take time to reflect on the slavery exhibition and the story of Pero Jones, the enslaved servant.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple city bus routes serve stops near Great George Street. Travel times from Bristol Temple Meads station range from 10 to 20 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, with standard single fares around £2.50. Note that some routes may have reduced service on weekends.
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Walking
The Georgian House Museum is approximately a 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station via mostly flat urban terrain. The route passes through the city centre with paved sidewalks, suitable for most visitors, though some narrow streets may require caution.
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Car
There is no dedicated parking at the museum. Nearby public car parks are available within a 5 to 10-minute walk, with typical city centre parking rates of £2–£4 per hour. Parking can be limited during peak times.
The Georgian House Museum 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 The Georgian House Museum
A Window into Georgian Bristol's Elite Life
The Georgian House Museum stands as a remarkable example of a late 18th-century urban townhouse, constructed between 1788 and 1791 for John Pinney, a prosperous sugar merchant with ties to the West Indies. Designed by architect William Paty, the house reflects the tastes and social standing of Bristol’s affluent merchant class during the Georgian era. Visitors can wander through 11 rooms spread over four floors, including formal reception rooms, a library with built-in bookshelves, and a grand drawing room where guests were entertained. The architecture and interior decoration capture the restrained elegance typical of the period, with authentic furnishings and carefully recreated domestic scenes.Life Above and Below Stairs
The museum offers a vivid contrast between the lives of the wealthy family and their servants. The basement houses the kitchen, pantry, housekeeper’s room, and even a cold water plunge pool once used by John Pinney himself. Upstairs, the bedrooms and formal rooms reveal the comforts enjoyed by the family, including a four-poster bed and period-appropriate decor. The attic rooms were occupied by servants, including Pero Jones, Pinney’s personal valet and enslaved African who lived and worked in the house for over three decades. This division of space offers a tangible understanding of social hierarchy during the Georgian period.A Sobering Reflection on Slavery and Legacy
The museum does not shy away from the darker aspects of its history. A dedicated exhibition explores John Pinney’s involvement in the sugar trade and his ownership of slaves on his Caribbean plantation. The story of Pero Jones is particularly significant, commemorated locally by Pero’s Bridge in Bristol. This narrative provides visitors with a crucial context about Bristol’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and invites reflection on its lasting impact.An Intimate and Educational Experience
Though relatively small, The Georgian House Museum offers an immersive and educational visit. The house is maintained by Bristol City Council’s Museums Service, ensuring its preservation and accessibility. Knowledgeable volunteers often provide insightful commentary, bringing the history and atmosphere of the house to life. The museum’s free entry policy encourages exploration, though booking timed tickets in advance is recommended during busy periods. Accessibility may be limited due to the historic layout, including narrow staircases.Setting and Surroundings
Located at 7 Great George Street in Bristol’s city centre, the museum is close to the vibrant Park Street shopping area and other cultural landmarks. The house’s position once overlooked the city from its hilltop, though modern views are less dramatic. The museum’s garden and period-appropriate window treatments contribute to the authentic Georgian ambiance.Preserving Bristol’s Heritage
The Georgian House Museum plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting Bristol’s Georgian heritage. It offers a focused lens on the city’s mercantile past, architectural style, and complex social history. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the era’s lifestyle, the economic foundations of Bristol’s wealth, and the human stories intertwined with this historic home.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
