The Red Lodge Museum, Bristol
Step into over 400 years of Bristol’s history at The Red Lodge Museum, a beautifully preserved Tudor house with Georgian charm and a secret Elizabethan garden.
The Red Lodge Museum in Bristol is a captivating historic house showcasing over 400 years of history, from its origins as a Tudor merchant’s lodge to a Victorian reform school. Visitors explore well-preserved Tudor and Georgian rooms, including the Great Oak Room with original oak panelling and plasterwork ceilings, alongside a charming Elizabethan knot garden. Free to enter, this Grade I listed building offers a unique glimpse into Bristol’s architectural evolution and social history.
A brief summary to The Red Lodge Museum
- Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5LJ, GB
- +441179211360
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 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
- Allow 30 to 40 minutes for a quick visit, or up to 2 hours for a deeper exploration of the house and gardens.
- Be prepared for multiple staircases; accessibility is limited, so inquire in advance if mobility is a concern.
- Admission is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly cultural experience in central Bristol.
- Check the volunteer guides’ schedule as they sometimes represent specific historical periods, enriching the visit.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Georgian House Museum for a fuller picture of Bristol’s architectural heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services to the Park Street area in Bristol city centre; from there, it is a 5-10 minute walk to The Red Lodge Museum. Bus journeys typically take 10-20 minutes from major city points. Note that parking near Park Row is limited.
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Walking
From Bristol city centre, The Red Lodge Museum is approximately a 15-20 minute walk through historic streets. The route is urban and accessible but includes some cobbled sections.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Bristol takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. This is a convenient option if you prefer direct access, although parking remains limited.
The Red Lodge Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Red Lodge Museum
A Tudor Merchant's Legacy Preserved
Step through the bright red door of The Red Lodge Museum and enter a world frozen in time. Originally built between 1579 and 1580 for a wealthy Bristol merchant, this Grade I listed building offers a rare glimpse into Elizabethan domestic life. The house retains its original Tudor oak panelling and the magnificent plasterwork ceiling in the Great Oak Room, a highlight that reflects the craftsmanship of the era. The building’s intimate scale and authentic features create a sense of stepping back over four centuries.Architectural Layers Through the Ages
The Red Lodge is a fascinating architectural palimpsest, blending Tudor origins with Georgian and Victorian modifications. In the early 19th century, the house was remodelled, adding new stylistic layers that contrast with the Elizabethan core. Visitors can observe this evolution in the varied room styles and structural details, offering insights into changing tastes and social functions over time. The grand staircase and intricate woodwork stand as testaments to the building’s enduring significance.From Royal Parties to Reform School
The lodge’s history is rich and varied. It once served as a royal party house, hosting notable gatherings in its heyday. Later, in the Victorian era, it was repurposed as a reform school for girls, reflecting shifting social priorities. This dramatic change in use adds depth to the museum’s narrative, illustrating Bristol’s social history and the building’s adaptability. The upstairs windows overlook a beautifully maintained Elizabethan knot garden, a rare surviving example of period garden design.An Immersive Visitor Experience
Visitors typically spend around an hour exploring the museum’s multiple floors and rooms. The exhibits are arranged to evoke the building’s historical atmosphere, with original furnishings and detailed interpretive materials. While the house’s multiple staircases may pose challenges for those with mobility issues, the intimate setting and free admission make it an accessible and rewarding experience for history enthusiasts, families, and casual visitors alike.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Park Row in central Bristol, The Red Lodge Museum is nestled amid the city’s historic core. The surrounding area offers additional attractions, including the nearby Georgian House Museum, making it ideal for a combined cultural outing. The museum’s modest footprint and central location provide a tranquil retreat from the bustling city streets, enhanced by the peaceful knot garden visible from the upper windows.Preservation and Public Access
Managed by Bristol City Council, The Red Lodge Museum is committed to preserving this unique heritage site. Entry is free, encouraging broad public access and educational use. The museum’s opening hours are limited to select days from Easter to October, typically 11am to 4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with closures midweek and Fridays. This schedule reflects the museum’s status as a specialist historic house attraction within Bristol’s cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Cascade Steps
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King George V Memorial Fountain
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The Nails
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Medieval Vaults
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St Mary Le Port Church
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Old City Walls
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Bristol Bridge
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Statue of Cary Grant
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Millennium Square
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Floating Harbour
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Queen Square
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Experience the serene beauty and historical charm of Queen Square, a stunning green oasis in the heart of Bristol, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
St Peter's Church
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Christmas Steps
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Banksy’s Well Hung Lover
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The Christmas Steps
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Step back in time on Bristol’s historic Christmas Steps, a charming medieval street rich in culture, history, and cozy local character.
Smoke & Mirrors
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Bristol’s intimate boutique magic theatre pub blending comedy, live music, and classic ales in a cozy, theatrical setting.
The Centre
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The Centre, Bristol: where history, transport, and culture converge in a vibrant urban open space.
The Georgian House Museum
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St George's Bristol
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haunted and hidden bristol walking tour
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Discover Bristol’s spooky secrets and cinematic history on this award-winning haunted walking tour led by a charismatic local guide.
St John's Church
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Cosy Club
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Wills Memorial Building
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Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
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Statue of Queen Victoria
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Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
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Essential places to dine
Bambalan
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Vibrant Mediterranean dining with rooftop views, lively DJs, and a spirited social scene in the heart of Bristol.
Ciao Amici Restaurant
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Authentic Italian dining with handmade pizzas and a warm, inviting atmosphere in the heart of Bristol’s cultural scene.
Hat Bistro
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Pieminister
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Turtle Bay Bristol Broad Quay
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Four Wise Monkeys
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Lively pan-Asian fusion dining with retro Tokyo vibes and bold flavours in Bristol’s city centre.
The Ox
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Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
No.1 Harbourside
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Pasta Ripiena
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San Carlo - Bristol
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Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Under the Stars
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Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
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Harbour Kitchen & Bar
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Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
The Bristol Stable
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Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Botanist Bristol
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Uncle Sam's Vintage
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Blaze
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Ganesha
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Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Memories
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Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
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Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
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Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
uchi clothing co
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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
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Urban Fox
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Zhyper
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Clockwork Rose
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Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Dirty Martini - Bristol
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The Gold Bar
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Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
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The Boardroom
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The Rummer
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The Mothers' Ruin
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
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Antix
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Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
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OMG
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Popworld - Bristol
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Thekla
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Lakota
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Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
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
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
