Lloyds Amphitheatre at Canons House, Bristol Harbourside
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre on Bristol’s harbourside, blending historic dockside heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Lloyds Amphitheatre is a striking outdoor venue located on Explore Lane in Bristol’s historic harbourside district. Formed as part of the Canons House development, a Grade II listed postmodern office complex built between 1988 and 1991 for Lloyds Bank, the amphitheatre features a semi-circular design with a prominent 19th-century crane base as its focal point. It serves as a vibrant public space hosting concerts, festivals, and cultural events, offering a unique blend of architectural heritage and lively urban atmosphere.
A brief summary to Lloyds Amphitheatre
- Explore Ln, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 5LL, GB
- +441172140098
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the event schedule in advance as the amphitheatre hosts concerts and festivals that may require tickets.
- Visit during daylight to appreciate the architectural details of Canons House and the surrounding waterfront.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing since the amphitheatre is an open-air venue exposed to the elements.
- Explore nearby harbourside attractions like Millennium Square and Pero’s Bridge to enrich your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Number 8 or 9 bus from Bristol city centre to Anchor Road stop, approximately 10-15 minutes travel. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to Explore Lane. Buses run frequently with tickets costing around £2-£3.
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Train
Arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station, about 1.5 km from the amphitheatre. A taxi or bus ride takes 7-10 minutes, with taxi fares around £6-£10. Alternatively, a 20-minute walk along the harbourside offers scenic views.
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Car
Drive to nearby public car parks such as the Harbourside car park or Millennium Square car park, located within 5-10 minutes walking distance. Parking fees vary but expect £2-£4 per hour. Note that traffic can be heavy during events.
Lloyds Amphitheatre 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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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Lloyds Amphitheatre
Architectural Landmark Rooted in Postmodern Design
Lloyds Amphitheatre is integrally linked to Canons House, a landmark office building designed by Arup Associates and completed in 1991 as the regional headquarters for Lloyds Bank. The building and amphitheatre exemplify postmodern architecture, combining classical elements such as rusticated stone, paired limestone columns, and a colonnaded crescent with modern materials and innovative structural features. The columns appear to bear no weight due to a steel-supported leaded canopy, a playful architectural gesture. Canons House’s design was pivotal in Bristol’s harbourside regeneration and has been awarded Grade II listed status for its cultural and architectural significance.Harbourside Regeneration and Public Assembly Space
The amphitheatre sits on the site of the former Canon’s Marsh docks, an area once bustling with shipbuilding and industrial activity until the mid-20th century. As Bristol’s docks declined, the area was transformed into a vibrant cultural quarter. The amphitheatre was conceived as a major public gathering space, forming a semi-circular plaza that opens onto the waterfront, anchored by a preserved 19th-century stone crane base. This space fulfills the original vision of creating a civic venue for outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events, contributing to the social and cultural revival of the waterfront.Design Features and Setting
The Lloyds Amphitheatre’s design reflects a harmonious dialogue between the historic dockside context and contemporary urban life. Its large open-air semi-circular form provides excellent acoustics and sightlines for performances. The amphitheatre’s stone and concrete materials echo the industrial heritage of the site, while the adjacent Canons House building’s curved colonnade frames the space, creating a sense of enclosure and civic grandeur. The venue’s waterfront location offers scenic views across Bristol Harbour, enhancing its appeal as a lively cultural destination.Community and Cultural Role
Over the years, Lloyds Amphitheatre has become a beloved venue for Bristol’s outdoor cultural life. It regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and public events, drawing diverse audiences and supporting the city’s vibrant arts scene. The amphitheatre’s design encourages social interaction and community engagement, making it a key landmark not only for its architectural merit but also for its role in fostering cultural expression and leisure on the harbourside.Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
Canons House and its amphitheatre represent a forward-thinking approach to office and public space design from the late 20th century. The building incorporated innovative environmental features, including a heating and cooling system using harbour water. This integration of sustainable technology with bold architectural form highlights the project’s pioneering spirit and commitment to functional, humane design within an urban regeneration context.Continuing Importance to Bristol’s Urban Fabric
Today, the Lloyds Amphitheatre remains a vital component of Bristol’s harbourside landscape. It stands as a testament to the city’s successful transition from industrial port to cultural hub, embodying the blend of history, architecture, and community that defines this dynamic waterfront area. Its enduring presence enriches Bristol’s identity and offers visitors a unique space to experience music, performance, and the waterfront atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Matthew of Bristol
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Statue of Cary Grant
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Prince Street Bridge
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Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
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King George V Memorial Fountain
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Cascade Steps
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Statue of Edmund Burke
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Old Post Office
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The Red Lodge Museum
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Cabot Tower
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The Nails
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Bristol Bridge
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Medieval Vaults
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Royal Talbot Buildings
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Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
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Unmissable attractions to see
Millennium Square
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A vibrant urban square by Bristol’s Harbourside, blending modern design, cultural events, and family-friendly fun year-round.
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.
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.
Hannover Quay
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Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
The Bristol Wheel
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Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
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.
We The Curious
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Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Narrow Quay
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Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
Bristol Aquarium
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Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
Bristol Ferry
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Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Harbourside
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Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
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.
Bristol Cathedral
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Guided Walking Tour - From Blackbeard to Banksy
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Queen Square
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Essential places to dine
Harbour & Browns
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Tare Restaurant
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The Olive Shed
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Gambas
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Root
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BOX-E
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Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
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Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
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.
Steak of the Art
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A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
New MoOn On The Quay
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Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
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.
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.
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.
Casa Bristol
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Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
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.
Orendo
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Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
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Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
my a2space
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A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
0.4 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Alices Secret Empourium
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Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Ganesha
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Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Uncle Sam's Vintage
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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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Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
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Memories
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Quadrant Trading
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
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Steinbeck and Shaw
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The Architect
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Shakespeare Tavern
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Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
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Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
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Small Bar
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Kongs of King Street
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Bag of Nails
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The Clockwork Rose
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Brozen Bar - Bristol
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Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
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Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
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The Boardroom
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
PRYZM
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Thekla
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OMG
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Antix
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Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
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La Rocca
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The Pearl NightClub
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Lizard Lounge
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The Loco Klub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Postmodern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
