St Mary Redcliffe Church: Bristol’s Gothic Masterpiece
Discover Bristol’s iconic Gothic marvel, St Mary Redcliffe Church, with its soaring spire, intricate medieval art, and centuries of maritime heritage.
St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol is a stunning example of English Gothic architecture with origins dating back to the 12th century. Known as one of England’s finest parish churches, it boasts a soaring 89-meter spire, intricate medieval carvings, and a rich history tied to Bristol’s maritime heritage. Visitors can explore its magnificent vaulted ceilings, historic stained glass, and the famous north porch, all set on a striking red sandstone cliff overlooking the River Avon.
A brief summary to St Mary Redcliffe Church
- The Parish Office, 12 Colston Parade, Bristol, Redcliffe, BS1 6RA, GB
- +441172310060
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the north porch to admire its rare hexagonal design and the detailed carvings of gargoyles and grotesques.
- Take a guided tour to access hidden areas and learn about the church’s rich history and architecture.
- Look for the whalebone from John Cabot’s voyage displayed inside as a symbol of Bristol’s maritime past.
- Attend the traditional Rush Sunday service if visiting in late summer to experience a unique local custom.
- Explore nearby Redcliffe Quay to see remnants of the original red sandstone cliff and historic port area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
From Bristol Temple Meads station, take a 10 to 15-minute walk to St Mary Redcliffe Church. The route is mostly flat but may be busy during peak hours. No direct train stops closer to the church are available. Train tickets to Bristol Temple Meads vary but typically range from £10 to £50 depending on origin.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop on Redcliffe Way near the church, including routes 1, 2, and 3. Buses run every 10 to 20 minutes from central Bristol and nearby neighborhoods. A single adult fare costs approximately £2 to £3. Check current schedules for evening and weekend service variations.
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Car
Driving to St Mary Redcliffe is possible but parking is limited in the city center. Nearby public car parks are available within a 5 to 10-minute walk, with hourly rates around £2 to £4. Traffic congestion can be heavy during weekdays, so plan accordingly.
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Walking
If staying in central Bristol, walking to the church offers a pleasant 10 to 20-minute stroll through historic streets. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for most visitors, though cobblestones may require caution for wheelchair users.
St Mary Redcliffe Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Mary Redcliffe Church
Historical Foundations and Maritime Legacy
St Mary Redcliffe Church stands on a site of Christian worship for over 800 years, with the earliest parts of the current building dating from the late 12th century. The church’s name reflects its dramatic location atop a red sandstone cliff overlooking the River Avon, once the bustling medieval Port of Bristol. The original church was funded by wealthy merchants whose maritime ventures shaped the city’s prosperity. Notably, figures such as John Cabot, who sailed to North America from Bristol, are commemorated here, linking the church to early global exploration and trade.Architectural Grandeur and Gothic Mastery
The present church, largely constructed between 1292 and 1872, is a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture. Its soaring 89-meter spire, the tallest building in Bristol and among the tallest parish church spires in England, dominates the skyline. The church features exquisite lierne vaulting on the nave ceiling with over 1,200 intricately carved bosses, including England’s only medieval labyrinth carving. The north porch is a rare hexagonal design from the early 14th century, creating a unique double-porch entrance with the earlier 1185 porch. Gargoyles and grotesques add whimsical charm to the exterior stonework.Interior Treasures and Artistic Highlights
Inside, the church is richly adorned with medieval and later features. The stained glass windows range from 14th-century fragments to vibrant 20th-century installations, including a notable East window from the 1960s. The Lady Chapel and south transept contain memorials to prominent local figures like William Canynges, a wealthy merchant and five-time mayor who greatly contributed to the church’s construction. The church also houses a medieval font with carved foliage and a whalebone from John Cabot’s voyage, symbolizing Bristol’s seafaring heritage.Community, Worship, and Cultural Significance
St Mary Redcliffe remains an active parish church welcoming worshippers and visitors daily. It serves as a place for reflection, prayer, and community events, maintaining centuries-old traditions such as the annual Rush Sunday service, where the church floors are strewn with rushes and herbs. The church’s resilience is notable, having survived lightning strikes, the English Civil War, and the Bristol Blitz with minimal damage. Its Grade I listed status highlights its national and international importance as a heritage landmark.Recent Conservation and Visitor Experience
Ongoing restoration projects, including work on the Great West Window, ensure the church’s preservation for future generations. Visitors can join guided tours to access hidden parts of the church and learn about its rich history and architecture. The church’s location near Redcliffe Quay offers scenic views and a connection to Bristol’s maritime past, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.Legacy and Inspiration
Celebrated by Queen Elizabeth I as "The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England," St Mary Redcliffe continues to inspire awe with its architectural beauty and historical depth. It stands as a testament to Bristol’s medieval wealth, maritime power, and enduring cultural heritage, offering visitors a profound glimpse into England’s ecclesiastical and civic history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prince Street Bridge
0.5 km
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.
Templar Stone
0.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Bristol’s 12th-century Temple Church, a landmark steeped in Knights Templar history and medieval mystery.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.5 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Bristol Bridge
0.6 km
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
0.6 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
0.6 km
Grade II-listed former brewery warehouses reborn as a creative office and waterfront dining hub on Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Cheese Lane Shot Tower
0.7 km
Bristol's brutalist shot tower—where gravity shaped ammunition and history shaped preservation.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.7 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Medieval Vaults
0.7 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
Cascade Steps
0.7 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.7 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Old Post Office
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
The Nails
0.8 km
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
0.2 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Welsh Back
0.4 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Queen Square
0.4 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Temple Church
0.5 km
Explore the architectural beauty and historical significance of Temple Church, a stunning landmark in Bristol that showcases the city's rich heritage.
Floating Harbour
0.5 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Bristol Ferry
0.5 km
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
TimeTrail
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
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.
Narrow Quay
0.6 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
M Shed
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
Pero's Bridge
0.6 km
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
0.6 km
The vibrant heart of Bristol, blending rich history, culture, shopping, and scenic waterfront charm in a lively urban setting.
Castle Wharf
0.7 km
Modern waterside living in Bristol’s Redcliffe district, with views across the Floating Harbour to Castle Park and the city centre.
Watershed
0.7 km
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
0.1 km
Authentic Italian trattoria celebrating unpretentious hospitality and exceptional seafood pasta in Bristol's Redcliffe.
Pasture
0.1 km
Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.3 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Riverstation
0.3 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.3 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Adelina Yard
0.3 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Casa Bristol
0.3 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Don Giovanni's
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Bristol’s historic Redcliffe district at Don Giovanni's.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.5 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Aqua Welshback
0.5 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.5 km
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
0.6 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
0.6 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Tare Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
0.6 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Will's doss pit
0.6 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
0.6 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Something Elsie
0.6 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Over Here
0.6 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.7 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Fig1
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
0.7 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
uchi clothing co
0.7 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
0.7 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.7 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.7 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Urban Fox
0.8 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Orendo
1.0 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Prior Shop - Cabot Circus (Independent Superstore)
1.0 km
Bristol's award-winning ethical design hub showcasing 150+ independent makers in a gallery, workshop, and community space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
Shakespeare Tavern
0.5 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
Small Bar
0.5 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
The Architect
0.6 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.7 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
Revolution Bristol
0.7 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.7 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
The Library Bristol
0.7 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 Boardroom
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
The Clockwork Rose
0.7 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.7 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
The Rummer
0.7 km
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
0.3 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.
The Loco Klub
0.5 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.
PRYZM
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
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
0.9 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
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.
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.
Dare to Club
1.2 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
Lakota
1.5 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
La Rocca
1.5 km
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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
