St Mary Redcliffe Church
Medieval Gothic masterpiece and eight centuries of Bristol's maritime heritage in stone
St Mary Redcliffe is one of England's finest parish churches and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, standing prominently in Bristol's Redcliffe district. With origins dating back over 800 years, this Grade I listed building rises 89 metres and features spectacular medieval stonework, intricate carved bosses, and stained glass windows. The church's rich history intertwines with Bristol's maritime heritage and notable figures including John Cabot, William Penn, and William Canynges. Today it remains an active place of worship and a major cultural landmark.
A brief summary to St Mary Redcliffe Church
- The Parish Office, 12 Colston Parade, Bristol, Redcliffe, BS1 6RA, GB
- +441172310060
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to experience the church with softer light flooding through the clerestory windows, highlighting the 1200 carved and gilded ceiling bosses.
- Allow time to explore the north porch's double entrance—the inner 1185 Early English porch and outer 1325 octagonal porch—one of the most architecturally significant features.
- Look for the embedded tramway rail in the churchyard, a poignant reminder of the Bristol Blitz and how close the church came to destruction during World War Two.
- Attend the Rush Sunday service in late spring to witness the 500-year-old tradition where the Mayor and City Council process across a fragrant floor of rushes and rosemary.
- Seek out the whalebone brought back by John Cabot, the model of The Matthew ship, and the stained glass window commemorating the 1497 voyage to North America.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
Bristol Temple Meads railway station is approximately 10 minutes' walk from the church. The station offers twice-hourly connections to London Paddington, extensive services to the South West, Wales, and the Midlands. Exit the station and head towards Redcliffe; the church's spire is visible from much of the city centre and serves as a landmark.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop directly outside the church on Redcliffe Way. Services run regularly throughout the day from Bristol city centre and surrounding areas. Journey times from the city centre typically range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and starting point.
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Car
The church lies between the A370 and A4044 roads and is accessible by car. However, parking in Bristol city centre is limited and can be challenging. On-street parking near Redcliffe is restricted; consider using nearby car parks such as Redcliffe Backs or Millennium Square, a 5 to 10 minute walk away. Parking charges typically range from £1.50 to £3.00 per hour depending on the facility.
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Walking
The church is a 5-minute walk from Bristol Harbourside and approximately 15 minutes from the city centre. The walk is straightforward through urban streets with level terrain and good pedestrian infrastructure. The church's prominent spire is visible from many vantage points and serves as an effective navigation landmark.
St Mary Redcliffe Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about St Mary Redcliffe Church
Eight Centuries of Continuous Worship
Christians have gathered at this sacred site for well over 800 years, making St Mary Redcliffe one of England's most enduring places of worship. The first church on this location may have been built in Saxon times, when Bristol was establishing itself as a port. A charter signed by Henry II in 1158 provides the earliest documented reference to a church in Redcliffe, confirming its existence and endowments. The present building, however, was founded in 1292 by Simon de Burton, a three-times Mayor of Bristol, who initiated an ambitious reconstruction programme. Construction began with the massive northwest tower base and west wall in 1294, then paused until 1320 when the rest of the church was rebuilt in the Decorated Gothic style. This phased approach allowed different sections to be consecrated and used as funds became available through bequests from wealthy Bristol merchants. The church's name derives from its dramatic location on a spur of red sandstone cliff overlooking the River Avon, which once formed the heart of Bristol's medieval port. Redcliffe Quay, the original quayside, still survives near the church, with fragments of the red cliff visible today. The area flourished as merchants moved outside Bristol's city walls to avoid taxation, establishing themselves as one of the most prosperous communities in medieval England.A Masterpiece of English Gothic Architecture
St Mary Redcliffe stands as a treasure of international importance and an outstanding example of English Gothic architecture. The building's principal style is Perpendicular Gothic, characterised by soaring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a strong vertical emphasis that draws the eye upwards. At 292 feet, the 19th-century spire makes it the tallest building in Bristol and the third highest parish church spire in the country. The church is so large that visitors often mistake it for Bristol Cathedral itself. The interior reveals extraordinary craftsmanship at every turn. The nave ceiling boasts 1200 beautifully carved and gilded bosses, including England's only surviving carved medieval labyrinth. The spectacular north porch is particularly notable, featuring an inner Early English porch from approximately 1185 and an outer octagonal section added around 1325, creating a double-porch entrance of exceptional beauty. Medieval carvings appear throughout the building, including an amusing series of gargoyles. The clerestory—large clear glazed windows in the upper nave walls—floods the interior with light, a feature inherited from ancient Roman basilica design. Elegant 18th-century ironwork, carved wood and stone, and stained glass windows frame views of the soaring architecture.Patrons, Merchants, and Historical Figures
The scale and brilliance of St Mary Redcliffe owe much to the generosity of William Canynges the Younger (1399–1474), probably the richest man in England at the time and a five-times Mayor of Bristol. With the largest merchant fleet in England by 1461, Canynges funded much of the church's present glory. After his wife's death, he renounced his wealth, took holy orders, and said his first mass at St Mary Redcliffe in 1468—an event still commemorated annually through the Rush Sunday service, dating back to 1493. His elaborate tomb and effigy lie in the south transept, displaying the contrast between his worldly success and his spiritual transformation. The church is intimately connected to Bristol's role in early exploration and colonial history. In 1497, John Cabot and his crew departed from Bristol in the wooden ship The Matthew, discovering Newfoundland and the North American continent. The church houses a whalebone brought back by Cabot, a fine model of The Matthew, and a stained glass window commemorating this voyage. Admiral William Penn, father of the founder of Pennsylvania, is buried in the south aisle, with his armour, coat of arms, and crest displayed prominently on the wall. His son, William Penn the Younger, became an early advocate for colonial unification and democratic principles that influenced the United States Constitution.Survival and Restoration Through the Centuries
St Mary Redcliffe has endured remarkable trials. In 1446, the spire was struck by lightning, causing two-thirds of it to collapse and inflicting considerable damage to the interior. The church tower remained oddly topped by the truncated remnant for over four centuries until the 1870s, when a major fundraising campaign raised £40,000 from the community to reconstruct the spire. The interior was completely refitted in Baroque style during the Queen Anne period, much of the original medieval decoration having been destroyed during the Reformation and English Civil War. During World War Two, the church survived the Bristol Blitz relatively intact, with only a tramway rail being blown into the churchyard—a rail that remains embedded there today as a poignant reminder of the bombing. Subsequent repairs were needed in the 1930s due to environmental pollution from nearby railway coal-yards and industrial activity. Following the removal of the railway and industrial premises, the church was cleaned, revealing a wealth of carved detail previously hidden beneath decades of grime.Stained Glass and Sacred Spaces
The church's windows tell stories spanning centuries. The oldest surviving medieval glass dates from the 14th century, while the magnificent Lady Chapel windows were created in the 1960s. The American Chapel, formerly known as the Chapel of St John the Baptist, was restored through donations from the United States and now houses most of the remaining medieval glass. A 13th-century stone font with an arcaded octagonal bowl and carved foliage stands near the shop entrance, relocated to the North Transept in 1762 and returned to its original position in 1839. Above it, a carved angel bracket bears a painted inscription, with traces of a second inscription visible on the pier itself.Living Heritage and Contemporary Significance
Today, St Mary Redcliffe remains an active Anglican parish church and a major cultural landmark. The building is normally open for private prayer and visitors throughout the week, and the church occasionally hosts art installations within its historic walls. The Rush Sunday service continues its 500-year tradition, with the Mayor and City Council processing across a fragrant floor covering of rushes and herbs, carrying traditional posies of flowers. The church's Grade I listed status reflects its supreme architectural and historical importance. As restoration work continues, including major work on the Great West Nave window, St Mary Redcliffe remains a living testament to eight centuries of faith, craftsmanship, and Bristol's enduring connection to maritime exploration and cultural achievement.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prince Street Bridge
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Templar Stone
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Royal Talbot Buildings
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Bristol Bridge
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A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Historic England - Bristol Office
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Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Fermentation Buildings
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Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
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King George V Memorial Fountain
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Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Medieval Vaults
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The Matthew of Bristol
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Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Old City Walls
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Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Cascade Steps
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St Mary Le Port Church
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Old Post Office
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Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
The Nails
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Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Redcliffe Caves
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Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Welsh Back
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Queen Square
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Temple Church
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Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Temple Church, a stunning landmark in Bristol that showcases the city's rich heritage.
Floating Harbour
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Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Bristol Ferry
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Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
TimeTrail
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Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
Bristol Harbour Railway
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Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
Bristol Old Vic
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Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Narrow Quay
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M Shed
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Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
Pero's Bridge
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Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
Bristol city centre
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The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
Castle Wharf
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Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
Watershed
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A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Essential places to dine
La Panza
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Pasture
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Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
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Riverstation
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Hole In The Wall Bristol
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Adelina Yard
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Casa Bristol
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Don Giovanni's
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Bristol’s historic Redcliffe district at Don Giovanni's.
Three Brothers Burgers
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Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Aqua Welshback
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Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
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Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Rick's
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Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
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Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Tare Restaurant
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Harbour & Browns
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Will's doss pit
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Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
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Something Elsie
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Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Over Here
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Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
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Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Fig1
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Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
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Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
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Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
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.
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.
Urban Fox
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Orendo
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Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Shakespeare Tavern
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Small Bar
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The Architect
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The Mothers' Ruin
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Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
Revolution Bristol
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Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
The Library Bristol
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The Boardroom
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Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
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Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
Steinbeck and Shaw
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Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Clockwork Rose
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Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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The Rummer
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A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Thekla
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The Loco Klub
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PRYZM
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Popworld - Bristol
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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.
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Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Motion
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Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
Basement 45
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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
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Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
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Antix
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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.
Silk Nightclub
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Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
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Dare to Club
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
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.
La Rocca
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A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
