Temple Church, Bristol: A Medieval Legacy in Ruins
Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Temple Church in Bristol, originally founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, stands as a haunting yet evocative ruin following destruction in World War II. Its distinctive leaning tower and remnants of the original round church mark a site rich in medieval history and spiritual significance. Now maintained by English Heritage, the site offers visitors a glimpse into Bristol’s Templar past and the church’s evolution through centuries of religious and civic change.
A brief summary to Templar Stone
- Temple Back E, Bristol, Redcliffe, BS1 6DX, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit between 10am and 4pm from April to January for full access to the ruins and gardens.
- Take time to explore the marked outline of the original round Templar church on the ground.
- Enjoy the peaceful public garden in the former graveyard area, perfect for a quiet break.
- Look out for special events like the Bristol Light Festival, which sometimes features the church.
- Nearby pubs such as The King’s Head offer a complementary historic atmosphere after your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Several bus routes serve the Redcliffe area near Temple Church, with typical travel times from Bristol city centre ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, making this a convenient and affordable option. Tickets cost around £2-£3.
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Train and Walk
From Bristol Temple Meads railway station, it is a 15-20 minute walk to Temple Church through mostly flat urban terrain. The station is well connected to regional and national rail services, making this a practical route for visitors arriving by train.
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Car
Driving to Temple Church is possible with on-street parking available nearby, though spaces are limited and subject to charges. Parking fees typically range from £1.50 to £3 per hour. Traffic can be busy during peak times, so allow extra travel time.
Templar Stone 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 Templar Stone
Origins and Templar Foundations
Temple Church’s story begins in the early 12th century when Robert, Earl of Gloucester, granted land in Bristol’s Redcliffe area to the Knights Templar, a famed medieval military order. Around 1140, the Templars built a distinctive round church, modeled after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, symbolizing their spiritual mission and connection to the Crusades. This original oval-shaped church, approximately 50 by 30 feet, served as a monastic place of worship and a base for managing their extensive lands and trade interests in southwest England.Medieval Transformation and Community Role
Following the suppression of the Templars in the early 14th century, ownership passed to the Knights Hospitaller. They expanded and rebuilt the church on a larger rectangular plan, completed by 1460, which included the construction of a now-famous leaning west tower. The church became the parish church for the Temple Fee area, a bustling district supported by the wealth of local cloth workers. The graveyard was extended during the Black Death, and the churchyard featured notable elements such as a statue of St John the Baptist and a Lady chapel dedicated to St Mary.The Impact of War and Preservation Efforts
Temple Church suffered devastating damage during the Bristol Blitz of World War II, when German bombing reduced much of the structure to a shell and destroyed many historical records. Despite this, some artifacts, including a 15th-century brass chandelier, survived and were relocated to Bristol Cathedral. The church remained closed for decades until a major restoration project costing over £1 million was completed between 2021 and 2023. This work stabilized the ruins and made the site safe and accessible to the public once more.Present-Day Experience and Significance
Today, Temple Church is a Grade II* listed building under the guardianship of English Heritage. Visitors can explore the evocative ruins, including the marked outline of the original round church on the ground and the leaning tower, a unique architectural feature caused by marshy foundations. The former graveyard has been transformed into a public garden, offering a tranquil space within the city. The church is open daily from 10am to 4pm between April and January, welcoming history enthusiasts, families, and those interested in medieval heritage.Legacy of the Knights Templar in Bristol
The Knights Templar left a lasting imprint on Bristol’s geography and history. Street names such as Temple Back, Temple Gate, and Temple Bridge reflect the order’s former presence. Bristol’s role as a major port and embarkation point for crusaders highlights the strategic importance of the Templars’ estate here. The site’s history intertwines with tales of medieval power, religious devotion, and the dramatic events of the Reformation and modern warfare, making it a poignant symbol of resilience and heritage.Architectural and Cultural Highlights
The church’s architectural evolution—from the original circular design inspired by Jerusalem to the later Gothic rectangular structure—illustrates changing religious and social dynamics. The leaning tower, visible from afar, serves as a distinctive landmark. Archaeological excavations have revealed foundations and remnants of the Templar hall, enriching understanding of the site’s original layout. The church’s connection to notable historical events, including a famous 18th-century exorcism, adds layers of intrigue to its cultural narrative.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Templar Stone
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Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
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Royal Talbot Buildings
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Historic England - Bristol Office
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Fermentation Buildings
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Bristol Bridge
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Bristol Castle
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Old City Walls
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Medieval Vaults
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St Mary Le Port Church
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The Nails
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Old Post Office
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King George V Memorial Fountain
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Prince Street Bridge
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A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Cascade Steps
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Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
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Castle Park
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Round Pool
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St Peter's Church
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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 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.
Welsh Back
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TimeTrail
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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.
St Nicholas Market
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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 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.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
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BRISTOL
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Broadmead: Bristol’s bustling historic shopping quarter blending heritage charm with vibrant retail and cultural experiences.
Queen Square
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A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Essential places to dine
Don Giovanni's
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La Panza
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Pasture
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Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
Three Brothers Burgers
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Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Adelina Yard
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Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Aqua Welshback
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Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
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Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
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Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
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Riverstation
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Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
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Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
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Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
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.
Pasta Ripiena
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A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
The Ox
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Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Good Store Studio
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A vibrant independent shop and creative hub in Bristol’s Old Market, showcasing eco-friendly products and supporting local artists.
Fig1
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Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
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.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
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Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
This Feeling
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Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
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Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered 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.
& Other Stories
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Discover contemporary women’s fashion and accessories blending Scandinavian design with urban style in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Garmden of Eden
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A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Urban Fox
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Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Everything one pound shop
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Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
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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Menkind
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Bristol's premier destination for unique gifts, gadgets, and toys that delight all ages.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
To The Moon
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The Library Bristol
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Bristol's enchanting chameleon: vintage tea parlour by day, exclusive cocktail lounge by night—where elegance meets mixology in a hidden urban gem.
The Mothers' Ruin
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The Rummer
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Kongs of King Street
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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.
The Boardroom
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Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
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.
Small Bar
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The Gold Bar
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Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Brozen Bar - Bristol
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Dirty Martini - Bristol
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Blame Gloria - Bristol
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The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
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Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
