After showcasing some of the fantastic outdoor spaces on offer in and around the city, here we feature some of Bristol’s most historic venues ideal for summer parties. Discover a Tudor castle, the world’s first great ocean liner, a grand concert hall and more venues with an intriguing past.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Book the SS Great Britain for a brilliantly Bristolian summer party combining boats, Brunel and our lovely Harbourside. Originally built and launched here in 1843, the ship was returned to Bristol in 1970 and is now an award-winning tourist attraction as well as a one-of-a-kind event venue.
Summer parties can be held in the The Dockyard, which has indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy Pimms and a BBQ as the sun goes down over the harbour. There’s also the Harbourside Kitchen, the SS Great Britain’s café which can seat up to 60 guests inside with outdoor seating and a balcony too.
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Image - Brunel's SS Great Britain
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
As well as housing an amazing collection of artefacts from the past, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is an impressive landmark in its own right. The Edwardian Baroque building is located at the top of Park Street, with grand staircases, vaulted glass ceilings and chandeliers providing an incredible backdrop for events.
The two event spaces – Wills Hall and Winterstoke Hall – can accommodate up to 400 people for drinks receptions and 250 people for formal dinners. Your delegates can also enjoy the special experience of having exclusive access to the museum’s exhibitions and collections.
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Image - Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, credit Pyramid AV
Bristol Old Vic
As the oldest continually working theatre in the English-speaking world, Bristol Old Vic is a venue full of history. An incredible variety of notable productions and stars of the stage have appeared here through the centuries.
The theatre was built in 1766 but the Grade I listed Coopers' Hall predates this. Constructed all the way back in 1743, it’s been elegantly renovated and is now a sophisticated event space in the city with high ceilings and huge over-arch windows looking out to cobbled King Street. Holding up to 200 people, it’s perfect for a summer canapes and drinks reception.
Image - Bristol Old Vic
Thornbury Castle
Built during the Tudor era, Thornbury Castle is a former royal residence just outside Bristol where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked the grounds and rooms. The venue has reopened this May after a major refurbishment – book a party here soon and you could be among the first to enjoy the newly renovated castle.
Stunning period features and beautiful landscaped grounds make this a memorable summer party venue, with plenty of space for teambuilding activities and BBQs. While Thornbury Castle is tucked away on a private estate, it’s still easily accessible via the M4, M5 and Bristol.
Image - Thornbury Castle
M Shed
M Shed is based in a 1950s transit shed from the days when Bristol’s working docks were based on the Harbourside. Today, it’s an innovative museum that tells the city’s story through thought-provoking and fun exhibits.
It’s also a sought-after event space, with a fabulous rooftop terrace overlooking the harbour that’s ideal for summer parties. During summer 2021, a brand new street food menu is available and for an additional cost, your event can include a viewing of the Vanguard: Bristol Street Art exhibition featuring works by the likes of Banksy and Inkie.
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Image - M Shed, credit Quintin Lake Photography
St George’s Bristol
St George’s Bristol is considered one of the finest concert halls in the country where renowned musical acts in genres spanning from classical to jazz and blues regularly perform. While it’s only been a music venue since 1976, the Greek Revival style building is a former church that dates back to the 1820s.
Event spaces here include the atmospheric Grand Hall, the light-filled Glass Studio and Café Bar in the new pavilion-style extension and an even newer gin garden. Delicious dinner, canape and buffet menus using locally sourced food are also available.
In 2021, you can enjoy free venue hire at St George's for summer party bookings made on weekdays, 5pm to 11pm. There's a minimum spend of £600 required and bookings are subject to availability.
Image - St George's Bristol
To discuss hosting your event in Bath or the surrounding areas contact the Meet Bristol and Bath team on events@meetbristolbath.co.uk or make an enquiry.
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A multi award-winning venue for non-residential conferences, corporate and private events and weddings.
An inspirational setting for sophisticated entertaining in the heart of the city.
Opened in 1766, Bristol Old Vic is the country’s oldest continuously working theatre offering an historic venue, central location and flexible event spaces, ranging in capacity from 12 to 550.
Thornbury Castle has all the majesty of a royal residence. A wonderful retreat from everyday routine.
M Shed is a world-class cultural landmark set on the harbourside in the heart of Bristol.
Their elegant Grand Hall and sophisticated new Glass Studio are available to hire for corporate and private events – from conferences and award ceremonies, to meetings, networking events and wedding parties.
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