15 places to visit on Bristol Doors Open Day

This year’s Bristol Doors Open Day on Saturday, September 12 once again sees more than 70 buildings, tunnels and caves across the city open to the public. Discover wind turbines in Avonmouth, Roman remains in Kings Weston and Bristol’s medieval city wall in the Old City.

Here are some more not to miss:

1. Church and crypt of St John the Baptist, Broad Street

Part of Bristol’s very fabric, now looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust. Built into the medieval city walls, there is a 14th century vaulted crypt and church with graceful seventeenth century fittings. Find out about ancient water systems relating to the fountain head outside.

2. Triodos Bank, Deanery Road

A building that proudly showcases innovation, excellence, sustainability and entrepreneurship. HQ of sustainable banking pioneers Triodos, with multiple green features from intelligent heating to a living wall.

3. The Wigwam, Park Row

A rare opportunity to see inside the Wigwam – home of the Bristol Savages, a society concerned with the pursuit of the fine and performing arts. See interesting pictures and artefacts in building designed on the lines of a Gloucester tithe barn.

4. Bristol Grammar School great hall, University Road

Magnificent Victorian Gothic style first-floor schoolroom, with 56-foot-high hammer-beam roof. This incredible space is believed to be Britain’s largest first-floor hall. Enjoy a cup of tea in the company of headmasters’ portraits, and maybe hear the fine organ being played.

5. The old stable block, Underfall Yard

Built in 1882 to stable the Harbour Master’s horses as part of docks engineer JW Girdlestone’s extension of Underfall Yard. View old maps and learn about the site’s history.

6. Redcliffe Caves, Phoenix Wharf

Complex series of 15th to 18th century tunnels excavated for red sandstone to make glass. The tour is self-guided. There is also no lighting in the caves so bring efficient torches and wear sturdy shoes.

7. Bristol Temple Meads tunnels

A 50-minute tour of the extensive underground area below the current station.

8. Clifton Rocks Railway

Clifton Rocks Railway is tunneled funicular railway between Clifton and Hotwells built in 1893 later converted for wartime use. Take a guided tour of the top station only, with views down steep tracks. Catch a vintage bus to the railway on Saturday.

9. Redland Parish Church

One of Bristol’s finest Georgian buildings, built in 1740s as private chapel for Redland Court (now Redland High School for Girls). See work by leading craftsmen including Thomas Paty, and enjoy tea and homemade cakes in the walled churchyard.

10. Elsie Briggs House; Church Road, Westbury-on-Trym

One of Bristol’s oldest domestic buildings – a mid-15th century cottage with many original features including complete roof timbers. Beautiful garden open to sit in and for children to explore.

11. Slipper baths at Bristol South Swimming Pool

A swimming pool built in 1931, with marble terrazzo construction and art deco style bathing cubicles. There are tours of the original ‘slipper baths’ sealed off from public use for 50 years.

12. Knowle West Media Centre, Leinster Avenue

Knowle West Media Centre is a modern, creative and climate-friendly facility for the whole community. Visit the straw-bale building and take part in hands-on family friendly workshop mixing up art, tech and craft.

13. Glenside UWE Campus, Blackberry Hill, Fishponds

Grade II listed 19th century former mental health hospital, now part of UWE. See areas unchanged since the 1880s, including dining and exercise halls, in beautiful setting with unusual trees and shrubs.

14. Blaise Castle dairy, Henbury Road, Blaise Castle

Once-a-year opportunity to see inside this 19th century thatched dairy and its lovely garden, designed by fashionable architect John Nash. Have a go at making butter by hand and dress up as a dairymaid.

15. Avonmouth & Royal Portbury Docks

See behind the scenes on a 60-min guided coach tour of the docks taking in ships, warehouses and future plans.

For more information of all buildings taking part in the day, visit www.bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk