Host your next meeting on a Bristol film set

In keeping with its creative spirit, Bristol is a world-leading centre for TV and film production, as recognised by UNESCO City of Film status. A long list of high-profile productions has been filmed here, with producers seeking out our historic streets and buildings as well as the picturesque scenery and grand manor houses on the greener edges of the city.

From Bridgerton ballrooms to a Cornish courtroom in Poldark, many Bristol filming locations that have starred on screen are also event venues. Discover a selection where you can host everything from summer garden parties to large conferences.

We The Curious

We The Curious is one of the city’s top attractions – a hands-on science museum that encourages visitors to test ideas and stoke curiosity. It’s also known for its planetarium inside a giant silver ball on Millennium Square, near the Harbourside. This exterior area is where E4’s comedy horror series Crazyhead was filmed.

The museum is a fun and unique venue for events, whether that’s teambuilding among the award-winning exhibitions, summer parties on the rooftop terrace or a presentation in the planetarium.

Image - We The Curious 

University of Bristol

With some of the city’s finest buildings in its collection, it’s no surprise the University of Bristol often welcomes production crews to its venues.

One you may have spotted is Goldney Hall, an 18^th century house with a stunning orangery and landscaped gardens which are perfect for summer parties and meetings. Scenes in ITV’s crime drama McDonald & Dodds and The Trial of Christine Keeler were filmed here as well as Watson’s wedding in Sherlock.

McDonald & Dodds also features fellow University of Bristol venue the Wills Memorial Building, where a neo-Gothic great hall makes a dramatic setting for a banquet or conferences.

Image - Gardens at Goldney House

Leigh Court

If, like the rest of the world, you were hooked on Netflix’s Bridgerton, you will have seen Leigh Court – three of its sophisticated rooms were used to create the magical ballroom scenes. It’s also been a backdrop for Doctor Who, Poldark, Casualty and Access All Areas in recent years.

This prestigious Grade II* listed mansion house is based on the edge of Bristol, near the idyllic Leigh Woods. The venue has several versatile rooms including the beautiful Great Hall (spot the grand staircase from Bridgerton here) and regularly hosts everything from conferences to banquets to teambuilding days.

Image - Leigh Court

M Shed

Based in a former transit shed right on the Harbourside, M Shed is a living museum telling the story of Bristol through innovative exhibitions. Just outside is Princes Wharf, which doubled up as Irish docks in Stan and Ollie and a 1940s dockside in The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Society. The interior of M Shed also posed as a nightclub in Crazyhead.

As well as being a cultural landmark, M Shed is an adaptable venue for meetings, conferences, dinners and parties. The top-floor event suite includes a roof terrace where delegates can enjoy drinks and canapes with unbeatable views across the harbour.

Image - M Shed 

The New Room

As the oldest Methodist building in the world, The New Room has been a meeting place since 1739. Today, you can host events in one of its four distinct spaces, including the 18^th century chapel. It’s this chapel which was turned into a courtroom for period drama Poldark and a meeting room in Sanditon.

As well as being perfect for period drama, The New Room makes a fantastic historic setting for a meeting or conference too. It can hold up to 50 theatre style and is perfect for training and small to medium size meetings.

Image - John Wesley's Chapel, The New Room

Bristol Old Vic

From the oldest Methodist building to the longest running theatre in the English-speaking world, Bristol Old Vic is another of the city’s finest historic venues. Like The New Room, it dates back to the 18^th century (1766 to be precise) and has appeared in period film and TV programmes such as Poldark and The Duchess. Countless first-class actors have also graced the stage in the Grade I listed Georgian auditorium too, from Daniel Day Lewis to Judi Dench.

Bristol Old Vic is hard to beat as a culture-steeped event venue. There's space for 120 formally-seated guests, 150 theatre-style and 200 for canapés and drinks receptions in the elegantly renovated, Grade I listed Coopers' Hall, loved for its high ceilings and huge over-arch windows. 

Image - Bristol Old Vic, credit Philip Vile 

Bristol Beacon

Another cultural institution that’s played host to film crews is Bristol Beacon (formerly Colston Hall), the city’s largest concert hall. The building dates back to 1867 and the original cellars stood in for a Victorian morgue in the Sherlock Christmas special. While the building is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, the spacious foyer is still available to hire. With green credentials and impressive architecture, it’s a memorable space for press launches, exhibitions and parties.

Image - Bristol Beacon

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

With a statue of Queen Victoria just outside, The Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is located in a grand 150-year-old building at the foot of Park Street by College Green and Bristol Cathedral. It’s been a backdrop in two recent TV shows – ITV’s McDonald & Dodds and Netflix's The One. Among the preciously restored rooms, there are seven event spaces with capacity ranging from 10 to 350 people as well as plush suites for overnight stays.

Image - Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

To discuss hosting your event in Bristol or the surrounding areas contact the Meet Bristol and Bath team on events@meetbristolbath.co.uk or make an enquiry.

You might also like:

• 12 secret event locations in Bristol
• Bristol facts: Interesting accolades, unique venues and more
• Venues and accommodation: What's new in Bristol in 2021 and beyond