Temple Church, Bristol: Ruins of the Knights Templar Legacy
Explore the evocative ruins and leaning tower of Bristol’s medieval Temple Church, a testament to the Knights Templar’s enduring legacy.
Temple Church in Bristol, originally built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, is a striking medieval ruin known for its leaning tower and historical significance. Though damaged during World War II, the site preserves the footprint of the original round church and offers tranquil gardens, medieval stonework, and a vivid connection to Bristol’s Crusader past.
A brief summary to Temple Church
- Victoria St, Bristol, Redcliffe, BS1 6HS, GB
- +443703331181
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours between 10am and 4pm for the best experience and to safely explore the ruins and gardens.
- Take time to stroll through the tranquil Temple Gardens surrounding the church, ideal for peaceful reflection.
- Look for the marked outline of the original 12th-century round church on the ground to appreciate the site's medieval origins.
- Check local event listings for occasional guided tours or cultural events held at the site for deeper historical insight.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Number 8 or 9 bus from Bristol city center; the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently, but check schedules for evening services. A single fare costs around £2.50.
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Train
Arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station, a 20-minute walk from Temple Church through the Redcliffe area. The station is well connected to regional and national rail services.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Bristol city center to Temple Church takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6 to £10.
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Walking
From Bristol city center, a pleasant 25-minute walk along city streets and through historic neighborhoods leads to Temple Church. The route is accessible for most visitors.
Temple Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Temple Church
Medieval Origins and the Knights Templar Heritage
Temple Church, also called Holy Cross Church, was founded around 1140 when the Knights Templar received land from Robert, Earl of Gloucester. The original church featured a distinctive round nave modeled after Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, symbolizing the Templars’ spiritual mission and connection to the Holy Land. This circular design was rare in England and reflected the importance of Bristol as a major port and embarkation point for Crusaders. The church served as a Templar preceptory and later passed to the Knights Hospitaller after the Templars’ suppression in 1312.Architectural Evolution and the Leaning Tower
By the early 14th century, Temple Church was rebuilt on a rectangular plan, completed by 1460. Its most famous architectural feature is the leaning west tower, which developed a dramatic tilt due to unstable marshland foundations during construction. This leaning tower has become an iconic symbol of the church, often compared to the Tower of Pisa for its pronounced angle. The church complex also included chapels such as St Katherine’s Chapel, linked to Bristol’s medieval weaving industry.Destruction and Preservation in the 20th Century
Temple Church suffered extensive damage during the Bristol Blitz in November 1940, when German bombing raids reduced much of the structure to a shell. Despite the devastation, several artifacts survived, including a 15th-century brass chandelier now housed in Bristol Cathedral. The ruins were preserved as a historical monument, and English Heritage took guardianship in 1958. Excavations in 1960 revealed the footprint of the original 12th-century round church, which is now marked on the ground for visitors to appreciate the site's medieval layout.Temple Gardens and Community Significance
Surrounding the ruins are the peaceful Temple Gardens, featuring lime trees, copper beeches, and flower beds. These gardens provide a tranquil green space in the heart of Bristol’s Redcliffe district, offering visitors a contemplative setting amid the city bustle. The site has hosted cultural events such as the 2015 ‘Sanctum’ performance and the Bristol Light Festival in 2023, highlighting its ongoing role as a community and artistic venue.Future Vision and Conservation Efforts
Current conservation initiatives led by English Heritage and local partners aim to restore and reimagine Temple Church and its gardens. A co-design project involving architects, landscape designers, and the community envisions transforming the site into an inspirational destination that balances heritage preservation with vibrant public use. These efforts seek to secure Temple Church’s place as a cherished landmark and a symbol of resilience and hope.Visiting Today
Today, Temple Church is open daily from 10am to 4pm, allowing visitors to explore the ruins and gardens freely. While the interior is not accessible due to safety concerns, walking around the site offers a powerful glimpse into Bristol’s medieval past and the enduring legacy of the Knights Templar. Entry to the grounds is free, making it an accessible and evocative heritage attraction in the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Templar Stone
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.3 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.3 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Fermentation Buildings
0.3 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Bristol Bridge
0.4 km
A historic Georgian stone bridge spanning Bristol’s floating harbour, blending medieval roots with modern pedestrian charm.
Old City Walls
0.4 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Medieval Vaults
0.4 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Bristol Castle
0.4 km
Discover the historic heart of Bristol at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet serene urban green space along the scenic Welsh Back waterfront.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.5 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
The Nails
0.6 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Old Post Office
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.7 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.8 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.8 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Unmissable attractions to see
Castle Wharf
0.3 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
Floating Harbour
0.4 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Bristol city centre
0.4 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
TimeTrail
0.4 km
Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
St Peter's Church
0.4 km
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of St Peter's Church, a beloved landmark in Castle Park, Bristol, steeped in centuries of heritage.
Welsh Back
0.4 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Round Pool
0.4 km
Discover Castle Park’s blend of medieval ruins, peaceful gardens, and vibrant community spirit in the heart of Bristol city centre.
Castle Park
0.4 km
Discover Bristol’s historic heart and peaceful riverside green space at Castle Park, where medieval ruins meet vibrant urban life.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s iconic Gothic marvel with soaring spire, rich maritime heritage, and over 800 years of spiritual and architectural splendor.
St Nicholas Market
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Redcliffe Caves
0.6 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Queen Square
0.6 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Alcotraz Bristol: Cell Block Two-Two-Six
0.6 km
Discover the immersive cocktail experience at Alcotraz Bristol, where every drink tells a story in a unique prison-themed setting.
Bristol Shopping Quarter
0.6 km
Explore Bristol Shopping Quarter, where historic charm meets modern retail in a vibrant city-centre shopping and leisure destination.
Essential places to dine
Pasture
0.3 km
Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
La Panza
0.4 km
Authentic Italian trattoria celebrating unpretentious hospitality and exceptional seafood pasta in Bristol's Redcliffe.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.4 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Aqua Welshback
0.4 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Adelina Yard
0.4 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Don Giovanni's
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Bristol’s historic Redcliffe district at Don Giovanni's.
Mugshot Restaurants Bristol
0.5 km
Experience 1920s vintage glamour and interactive hot stone steak dining in the heart of Bristol’s historic old town.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.5 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.5 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Marmo Restaurant & Wine Bar
0.6 km
Michelin-recognized Italian cooking with organic wines in Bristol's vibrant restaurant quarter.
Harbour Kitchen & Bar
0.6 km
Stylish seafood dining with British seaside soul in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Corn Street.
San Carlo - Bristol
0.6 km
Elegant Italian dining in Bristol with sumptuous seafood, grand interiors, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Riverstation
0.6 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Pasta Ripiena
0.6 km
A tiny Bristol gem where every bite of handmade stuffed pasta bursts with seasonal Italian flavour.
The Ox
0.6 km
Charcoal-grilled steaks in an atmospheric basement vault with cocktails and old-money elegance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Over Here
0.5 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.5 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.5 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
0.5 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Urban Fox
0.5 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Fig1
0.5 km
Discover stylish Scandinavian-inspired homewares and gifts in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Broadmead shopping district.
Memories
0.5 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.5 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.5 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
0.5 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Good Store Studio
0.6 km
A vibrant independent shop and creative hub in Bristol’s Old Market, showcasing eco-friendly products and supporting local artists.
Garmden of Eden
0.6 km
A Bristol vintage clothing gem where retro style meets sustainable fashion in a welcoming, independent shop on Union Street.
Everything one pound shop
0.6 km
Discover unbeatable bargains and a vibrant shopping experience at Everything One Pound Shop in Bristol’s The Galleries.
Will's doss pit
0.7 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
& Other Stories
0.7 km
Discover contemporary women’s fashion and accessories blending Scandinavian design with urban style in Bristol’s Cabot Circus.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Library Bristol
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
The Rummer
0.5 km
A cozy, spirit-focused pub in the medieval heart of Bristol—fireside rooms, hundreds of gins and a distilled approach to cocktails.
Revolution Bristol
0.5 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
The Boardroom
0.5 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
Kongs of King Street
0.5 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.5 km
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
0.6 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
The Gold Bar
0.6 km
Experience Bristol’s ultimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar with opulent décor, masterful mixology, and vibrant weekend entertainment.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Dirty Martini - Bristol
0.6 km
Bristol's dazzling cocktail bar on Corn Street, blending royal elegance, masterful martinis, bottomless brunches, and electric nights in the heart of Old City.
The Clockwork Rose
0.6 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
The Cocktail Club - Corn Street Bristol
0.6 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife with expertly crafted cocktails, galactic-themed interiors, and an unforgettable party atmosphere at The Cocktail Club Corn Street.
Blame Gloria - Bristol
0.6 km
Dive into Bristol’s wildest retro cocktail bar with themed brunches, dazzling performances, and a party atmosphere like no other.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Loco Klub
0.4 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Thekla
0.6 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Popworld - Bristol
0.7 km
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.
Forró Bristol
0.7 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Motion
0.8 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
PRYZM
0.9 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Dare to Club
0.9 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
Basement 45
1.0 km
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
1.0 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
1.0 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
Lakota
1.1 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
Antix
1.1 km
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
1.1 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
1.2 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
The Pearl NightClub
1.5 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
