Features / Bristol Doors Open Day 2017
108 venues to visit on Bristol Doors Open Days 2017
There are more than 100 places in Bristol opening their doors from September 7-10 as part of Bristol Doors Open Days, offering a sneak-peek of some of the city’s little-known views, historic buildings and areas not usually open to the public. Events are mostly free but booking is strongly advised.
This year there are also a number of special events including debates and talks. For the full programme, visit www.bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk.
Here are all of the venues that will be open during Bristol Doors Open Days, arranged by postcode:
is needed now More than ever
BS1
M Shed and the dockside cranes. Image by Jon Craig
M Shed
Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, BS1 4RN, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Take a steam railway trip to the ss Great Britain.
The Architecture Centre
16 Narrow Quay. BS1 4QA, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun
Explore the exhibitions in the central hub for Bristol Doors Open Day.
Canopy & Stars at Crane 29
Bristol Harbourside, BS1 4RW, Thurs 3-10pm, Fri 6am-10am
Take a look around the world’s first treehouse on a crane.
Light Vessel 55 aka John Sebastian
John Sebastian Quay, Bathurst Basin, BS1 6SG, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Jump aboad this wooden ship and explore Britain’s fascinating maritime history.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
12 Colston Parade, BS1 6RA, Sat 10am-4pm
Experience the splendour of this 800 year old church in the heart of Bristol.
The view from the roof of St Mary Redcliffe
Redcliffe Caves
Phoenix Wharf, Redcliffe, BS1 6SW, Sat 10am-4pm
Explore Bristol’s underground caves on a self-guided tour.
Benjamin Perry Boathouse
Phoenix Wharf, Off Guinea Street, BS1 6TJ, Sat 10am-4pm
Discover the history of this building and its abundant character.
Historic England Office
29 Queen Square, BS1 4ND, Fri 5-8pm
Come inside to explore one of Queen Square’s 18th century townhouses, previously home to merchants.
Radisson Blu Hotel
Broad Quay, BS1 4BY, Fri 6-7am
Experience a magnificant sunrise from this 18-storey hotel in the centre of Bristol.
Bristol Energy Hub
5-6, 1 Canon’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UH, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun 11am-4pm
Find out how much ‘pedal power’ it takes to make a lightbulb glow.
Light streaming in through the windows in Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Cathedral
College Green, BS1 5TJ, Fri 5-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm
Take a guided tour of Bristol’s very own Cathedral and its impressive tower.
Bristol City Hall
College Green, BS1 5TR, Thurs and Fri 10am-1pm
Pass through the political hub’s ceremonial entrance and explore sights including the Lord Mayor’s room.
The Vestibules: City Hall
City Hall, College Green, BS1 5TR, Thurs and Fri 10am-5pm
Discover art exhibitions by Bristol art community and meet the artists behind them.
Triodos Bank
Deanery Road, BS1 5AS, Sat 10am-4pm
Find out about the careful planning and ecological research that helped shape this building.
Triodos’ Bank’s striking modern architecture
The Georgian House Museum
7 Great George Street, BS1 5RR, Sat 11am-4pm
Explore eleven untouched rooms and a unique cold plunge pool.
Averys Wine Cellar
9 Culver Street, BS1 5DL, Thurs & Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Discovers how the Averys have been pioneering winemaking since 1793.
Ken Stradling Collection
The Design Study Centre, 48 Park Row, BS1 5LH, Sat 11am-3pm
Discover an amazing collection of 20th and 21st century decorative arts.
University of Bristol Theatre Collection
Vandyck Building, 21 Park Row, BS1 5LT, Sat 10am-4pm
Explore an early 20th century printing house and its uses.
Red Lodge Museum
Park Row, BS1 5LJ, Sat 11am-4pm
Experience 400 years of history in Bristol’s only surviving 16th century banqueting house.
The Wigwam – Bristol Savages
Red Lodge, Park Row, BS1 5LJ, Sat 10am-4pm
Step inside the home of art and music society Bristol Savages.
Colston Hall
Colston Street, BS1 5AR, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Tour historic features backstage and venture down into the cellars.
St Stephen’s Church
21 St Stephens Street, BS1 1EQ, Thurs 6am and 7.30am, Sat 10am-4pm
Book to see the sunrise from the top of this 15th century tower.
Bristol Harbour Hotel
49-55 Corn Street, BS1 1HT, Thurs 5-8pm
Find out how two former banks have been renovated into a luxurious hotel and spa.
St Nicholas Market
Corn Exchange, BS1 1JQ, Sat 10am-4pm
Book for a 45 minute tour of this Grade I listed building.
Inside St Nick’s covered market
Christ Church
Broad Street, BS1 2EJ, Sat 10am-4pm
Explore the extraordinary features of this church, built in 1792 and designed by William Paty.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
27 Broad Street, BS1 2HG, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun 11-7pm
Learn about the wealth of Palestinian culture in this volunteer-run museum.
St John on the Wall
Broad Street, BS1 2EZ, Sat 10am-4pm
Explore this tucked away church and descend into the vaulted crypt in Bristol’s old city.
The Emmanuel Meeting House
Lewins Mead, BS1 2NN, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Learn about the many uses of this site from medieval, the blitz, right through to modern day.
The Island
Old Bridewell Police Station, Nelson Street, BS1 2LE, Sat and Sun 10am-5pm
Explore a former Edwardian police station and tour the old police cells.
View through the peephole at Bridewell Police Station
YMCA Hostel
Old Police Headquarters, Bridewell Street, BS1 2QD, Sun 10am-4pm
Go behind he oak panelled doors to explore this exciting restoration project.
The New Room – John Wesley’s Chapel
36 The Horsefair, BS1 3JE, Thurs, Fri and Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm
Retrace the steps of 18th century Bristolians who walked the very same streets we do today.
Premier Inn Bristol City Centre Haymarket
Haymarket Walk, BS1 3LR, Thurs 6-9am
See Bristol’s skyline from an amazing viewpoint, followed by an optional breakfast afterwards.
St James Priory Church and Church House
Whitson Street, BS1 3NZ, Thurs, Fri and Sat 10am-4pm
Step back in time and enter this Norman church and Jacobean Church House.
Charles Wesley’s House
4 Charles Street, BS1 4NN, Thurs, Fri and Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm
Delve into the world of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing writer Charles Wesley and look around his former house.
Hamilton House.
80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Discover Bristol’s ultimate creative and social hub, and find out how derelict offices were successfully turned into a home for more than 400 cultural projects.
Brunel’s Other Bridge
Cumberland Basin, Under Plimsoll Bridge (A370), BS1 6XL, Sat 10am-4pm
Discover how Brunel’s wrought iron opening bridge works were saved from collapsing.
Bristol Archives
B Bond Warehouse, Smeaton Road, BS1 6XN, Thurs and Fri 4-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm
Travel through time on a pre-booked behind the scenes tour of Bristol’s 1000 year old archives.
Underfall Yard
Cumberland Road, BS1 6XG, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Visit the sluice room to discover why Bristol’s harbour is floating.
Boats outside the historic Underfall Yard
Bristol Adventure Sea Cadets
Deal Cottages Cumberland Basin, BS1 6XL, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Try your hand at seamanship skills and maritime boat handling.
The Old Stable Block
Underfall Yard, Avon Cresent, BS1 6XQ, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Built in 1882 to home the Harbour Master’s horses.
Spike Island
133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Be inspired whilst taking in the contemporary art and design in this international design and arts hub.
Explore behind-the-scenes at Spike Island
Puppet Place
Unit 18 Albion Dockside Estate, Hanover Place, BS1 6UT, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Discover the UK’s centre for puppetry and animation and this old converted dockside building.
Brunel’s ss Great Britain
Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, BS1 6TY, Thurs 7am and 8am, Fri and Sat 10am-4pm
Book for a range of activities, where budding seafarers can go aloft as the sunrise sweeps over the city.
Bristol Temple Meads Station tunnels tour
Station Approach, BS1 6QF, Fri and Sat 10.30am-3pm
Explore the network of tunnels hidden deep underneath Bristol’s main station.
Brunel’s Engine Shed
Station Approach, Temple Meads, BS1 6QH, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
See for yourself how local businesses are pioneering the digital world.
St Thomas The Martyr’s Church
Thomas Lane, BS1 6LG, Thurs and Fri 6.30-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Book in to experience the sun rising on the city in this beautiful church.
BS2
Meet the artists at Jamaica Street Studios
Jamaica Street Artists Studios
39 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP, Sat 11am-3pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Meet the vibrant artists working on textiles, film, print and everything in between!
Bristol Medical Simulation Centre
Univeristy Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Upper Maudlin Street, BS2 8AE, Sat 9am-3pm
Book to discover how the simulation centre is run and how they make the manikins look realistic.
Colston’s Almshouse Chapel
St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DY, Sat 9am-3pm
Experience the stunning Baroque period chapel tucked away with the Grade I listed Almshouses.
Julian Trust Night Shelter
Little Bishop Street, BS2 9JF, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Find out how this entirely volunteer-run shelter give out 60+ meals a night to help Bristol’s homeless community.
St Paul’s Church
Circomedia, Portland Square, BS2 8SJ, Sat 10am-4pm
Roll up to the UK’s oldest circus academy, housed in a Grade I listed church, and try out your circus skills.
Students at Circomedia’s Portland Square church
One25 Drop In and Van Outreach
Grosvenor Centre, 138A Grosvenor Road, BS2 8YA, Sat 12noon-4pm
Discover how One25 helps saves the lives of Bristol’s most vulnerable women and helps them escape street sex work.
Bristol Waste Company Depot and Transfer Station
Albert Road, BS2 0XS, Thurs and Fri 12noon and 1pm, Sat and Sun 10am-3pm
Find out where your rubbish goes by seeing the depot in action recycling our materials.
St Philip and St Jacob Church
Tower Hill, BS2 0ET, Thurs and Fri 12noon-2pm
Explore one of the oldest Christian sites in Bristol, constructed in around 900AD.
SPACE
6 West Street, Old Market, BS2 0BH, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Uncover fascinating stories about Old Market at an exhibition celebrating the diversity of the local area.
The Trinity Centre
Trinity Road, BS2 0NW, Thurs and Sun 10am-4pm
Discover more about this busy event space, which hosts over 250 events for over 50,000 people every year.
BS3
The old Robinson factory building off North Street
The Robinson Building
Norfolk Place, BS3 4AE, Sat 10am-4pm
Take a tour of this former Victorian factory, which has been recently redeveloped into flats.
Windmill City Farm
Philip Street, BS3 4AE, Thurs and Fri 7.45-8.15am
Get closer to nature with this vibrant city farm and have a go at feeding the sheep, pigs and chickens on your way to school.
Ashton Gatehouse
Blackmoors Lane, Bower Ashton, BS3 2JL, Sat 10am-4pm
View objects found during the recent restoration of this building.
BS4
The modern architecture of Filwood Green Business Park
Filwood Green Business Park
1 Filwood Park Lane, off Hengrove Way, BS4 1ET, Sat 10am-4pm
Learn how the UK’s second highest performing industrial building reaches outstanding environmental standards.
Bristol Vintage Bus Group
Flowers Hill, BS4 1NH, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Admire a collection of vintage Bristol buses and coaches, currently being restored.
Arnos Vale Cemetery Trail
Bath Road, BS4 3EW, Fri 12-2pm, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Drop in to enjoy the peace and quiet in this 45 acre cemetery.
Explore the rambling Victorian Arnos Vale Cemetery
St Luke’s The Evangelist Brislington
Church Hill, BS4 5A, Fri 2-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Strikingly detailed, see this listed parish church and its handsome tower for yourself.
Bristol Blue Glass
357-359 Bath Road, BS4 3EW, Sat 10am-4pm
Put your questions to the glass blowers and see them at work, and you can also make your own.
BS5
Dawkins Ales
Unit 2 Lawnwood Industrial Units, Lawnwod Road, BS5 0EF, Fri 5-8pm, Sat and Sun 10am-6pm
Book for a custom tour of this microbrewery and samples delicious Dawkins ales.
Malago Greenway Berry Maze
Brixham Road Open Space, BS3 5LQ, Sat 10am-4pm
Get an exclusive preview of this 856 square metre maze currently in the process of being constructed.
All Hallows Church
All Hallow Road, BS5 0HH, Sat 10am-4pm
Be there at 11am to see live African drumming and find out about this Anglo-Catholic church.
The Old Library
Muller Road, BS5 6XP, Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 12noon-6pm
Join the volunteer team opening the library’s door to the public, for food, fun and family games.
Bedminster Quaker Meeting House
Wedmore Vale, BS3 5HX, Sat 10am-4pm
Explore the shrubs and garden, and stroll further and see the beautiful orchard and meadow.
BS6
Archfield House observatory will open to the public for just one day
Observatory at Archfield House Nursery
4 Archfield Road, BS6 6BE, Sun 10am-4pm
Once owned by a wealthy merchant, this breathtaking viewpoint provides a 360° panoramic view.
Sakya Buddhist Centre
121 Sommerville Road, BS6 5BX, Sat 8am-4pm
Join in with the early morning meditation, and all ages can reflect over a cup of tea whilst little ones enjoy some storytelling.
Redland Chapel
Redland Green Road, BS6 7HE, Sat 10am-4pm
Originally a private chapel built by John Cossins, this church is opening its doors so you can enjoy homemade cakes and marvel at the stained glass windows.
Redland Parish Church Halls
Redland Green Road, BS6 6YE, Sat 10am-4pm
Check out Redland’s community hub in this striking and sustainable building.
BS7
Discover the edible plants in this community garden in BS7
The Golden Hill Community Garden
End of Monk Road, BS7 8NE, Fri 12noon-2pm
Have a picnic in the gardens and look at the edible forest, before taking a dip in the pond.
212 Eco House
1 Bishop Lane, BS7 8NU, Sun 10am-4pm
Experience life in an organic, concrete free house in the heart of Bishopston.
BS8
The impressive Victorian structure of Jacob’s Wells Baths is a Bristol landmark
Jacob’s Wells Baths
Jacob’s Wells Road, BS8 1DZ, Sat 10am-4pm
Fed by local springs, these baths are now used to help the community.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queen’s Road, BS8 1RL, Sat 10am-5pm
Explore a treasure trove of Egyptian mummies, art and dinosaurs.
The Great Hall and 1532 Performing Arts Centre, Bristol Grammar School
University Road, BS8 1SR, Sun 10am-4pm
Enter the magnificent gothic schoolroom with a 56 foot high roof.
Bristol School of Art
Queen’s Road, BS8 1PX, Sat 10am-4pm
Meet the staff and students of this rare purpose-built art school.
Royal West of England Academy
Queen’s Road, BS8 1PX, Sun 10am-4pm
Take a sneak peak at an exhibition being set up.
Take a tour of the RWA. Image: Jon Craig
Broadcasting House, BBC Bristol
Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LR, Sat 10am-5pm
Grab some hands-on experience from current BBC DJs and producers to help you learn more about the TV industry.
Everyman Bristol (former Whiteladies Picture House)
Whiteladies Road, BS8 2NS, Sat 9.30pm
See the vintage bar and lounge of this Grade 2 listed building and catch a short archive film screening.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Bridge Road, BS8 3PA, Sat 11am-4pm
Take a sneak peak down the shafts of the Anchorage Pits.
Clifton Rocks Railway
Sion Hill, BS8 4LD, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Take of guided tour of this railway carved deep into the Avon Gorge.
All Saints Church
Pembroke Road, BS8 3ED, Sat 10am-4pm
See how the full height John Piper windows create a stunning atmosphere of light and colour in this outstanding modern church.
Merchants’ Hall
The Promenade, BS8 3ED, Sat 10am-4pm
Discover the hall that is home to the philanthropic Society of Merchant Ventures.
Portland Centre for Integrative Medicine
2 Portland Street, BS8 4AL, Sat 10am-4pm
Discover the history of homeopathic and holistic medicine and watch yoga demonstrations
BS9
The University of Bristol’s Botanical Gardens are a hidden treasure
University of Bristol Botanical Garden
Stoke Road, BS9 1JB, Sat 10am-4pm
Feast your eyes on the contrasting gardens and glasshouses set against a beautiful Victorian house.
Elsie Briggs’ House
38 Church Road, BS9 3EQ, Sat 10am-4pm
Look out for original features in this medieval hall house.
Holy Trinity Church Tower
Church Road, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3EQ, Sat 6am, Sat and Sn 2-4pm
Book a sunrise tour for Saturday as the church celebrates its 1300th anniversary this year.
BS10
Henleaze Swimming Lake is usually only open to members
Henleaze Swimming Club
Lake Road, BS10 5HG, Fri and Sat
Discover a freshwater haven with the early morning swim and sauna sessions.
Brunel Building, Southmead Hospital
Southmead Road, BS10 5NB, Sat 10am-3pm
Explore this award winning medical facility on a guided tour.
Blaise Castle
Blaise Castle Estate, BS10, Sat 10am-6pm
Discover this 18th century gothic style castle folly.
A very rare chance to see inside the Gothic folly
Blaise Castle House Museum
Henbury Road, BS10 7QS, Sat 10am-6pm
Join in the fun at Goram fair, celebrating Bristol’s legendary giant!
Blaise Community Garden
Henbury Road, BS10 7QS, Sat and Sun 10am-6pm
Explore the beautiful meadow and original greenhouses in this community project.
BS11
The impressive Kings Weston House is now a civic building
Kings Weston House
Kingsweston Lane, BS11 0UR, Sat 10am-4pm
Experience the grace and charm of this building designed by architect John Vanburgh.
Kings Weston Roman Villa
Long Cross, BS11 0LP, Sat 10am-4pm
View the only Roman bath suite in Bristol and handle real Roman artifacts.
Avonmouth Asphalt Plant
John Wainwright & Co. Ltd., Rockingham Park, Smoke Lane, BS11 0YA, Sat 10am-3pm
Discover how asphalt is made and used and the manufacturing process which it goes through.
Thrive Renewables Avonmouth Wind Farm
Avonmouth Wind Farm, Off Kingsweston Lane, BS11 0YS, Sat 10:30am-4pm
Discover how these turbines transform green energy to be used in our homes and businesses.
Bristol Sewage Treatment Works
Kings Weston Lane, BS11 0YS, Sat 10am-4pm
Nose pegs aren’t needed on this exclusive tour of Bristol’s sewage works.
Shirehampton Public Hall
32 Station Road, BS11 9TX, Sat 10am-4pm
Drop in for a family-friendly printmaking session in this listed building.
Further afield
Glenside Hospital Museum
UWE Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, BS16 1DD, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm
Discover the 130 year story of Bristol’s former mental asylum and its curious artefacts.
UWE Glenside Campus
Blackberry Hill, BS16 1DD, Sat 10am-4pm
Find out how this Grade II listed building has been transformed into an innovative centre for healthcare education.
Feed Bristol
181 Frenchay Park Road, BS16 1HB, Sat 10am-4pm
Explore this amazing 6 acre community food growing garden.
Bristol and Avon Family History Society
BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, BS34 7RG, Sat 10am-4pm
Get hands on and trace your family’s past.
Zion Community Space
Bishopsworth Road, BS13 7JW, Sat and Sun 10am-2pm
Explore this unique methodist chapel turned community art space.
The Bottle Yard Studios
Whitchurch Lane, BS14 0BH, Sun 10am-2pm
Go behind the scenes at the studios which have hosted Sherlock, Wolf Hall, Poldark and many more.
Penny Brohn UK
Chapel Pill Lane, BS20 0HH, Thurs and Fri 11am-3pm
Find out how this benevolent charity run services helping people with cancer.
Read more: Doors Open Days 2017 to be biggest and boldest yet
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