About

Standing at the heart of Bristol’s vibrant city centre, Bristol Cathedral is one of England’s great medieval churches. Known for its remarkable architecture and historical significance, the cathedral still serves as a place of worship and community. Open daily, Bristol Cathedral is a place for everyone and extends a warm welcome to all, regardless of faith or background. Visitors are invited to experience the beauty and diverse life of this place that has stood in the heart of Bristol for almost 900 years.

History and Heritage

The location dates back over 1000 years to the era when Christianity first came to this island. It is the story of a sacred site on a plateau between two rivers; of the building of a monastery, which eventually became a cathedral; and of the rise of a great mercantile city with a history of trading and exploration. The site where the cathedral stands is known as College Green, an open and tree-lined space, which is the civic heart of modern Bristol.

From the tale of St Jordan of Bristol (yes, Bristol has a saint!) through to the ordination of the first women priests in 1994, joining one of our Guided Tours is the best way to get to know one of the grandest buildings in the city of Bristol!

The Lord Mayor’s Chapel

Once the chapel for a hospital and more recently a place where those who governed the city gathered to worship, The Lord Mayor’s Chapel is has been in the care of Bristol Cathedral since June 2023. It remains a beautiful and peaceful space in a busy city and you can find out more about The Lord Mayor’s Chapel here.

Events at Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral hosts a broad range of events throughout the year. The venue showcases classical and contemporary music, from Lunchtime Recitals to vibrant concerts, visual displays and exhibitions that blend cultural enrichment with spiritual reflection.

Find out What’s On

For families and younger visitors, the cathedral offers educational and entertaining children's trails and crafty cathedral workshops. These activities are designed to engage young minds and encourage a deeper connection with the cathedral's historical and cultural significance.

Education Visits

Worship and Liturgy

At Bristol Cathedral, services span the entire liturgical year, from Christmas through Easter to various saints' days, following the Christian story. Daily Anglican services are a cornerstone of spiritual life at the cathedral, enriched by the beautiful singing of the talented cathedral choirs, echoing the monastic pattern of prayer of the Augustinian canons who lived and worshipped on this very site before it became a cathedral.

Bristol Cathedral hosts a program of group sessions and opportunities to learn together, including Quiet Days, with reflective input from nationally recognised spiritual leaders or writers, courses on prayer. All are welcome to attend, and clergy are always willing to answer questions or to accompany you on your journey in whatever way seems most appropriate.

Planning Your Visit

We recommend visiting between 10.00am and 4.00pm and suggest arriving no later than one hour before closing time to make the most of your visit. Please check the website for the latest information, as opening times may occasionally change due to special services and events.

Cathedral shop

The Shop is open during visiting hours and stocks a beautiful range of locally sourced souvenirs and gifts.

Toilets

Female, male, accessible, gender neutral and baby changing facilities are available. Please be aware that step free access to the toilets is around the outside of the building.

Language guides
Information about the chapel is available in multiple languages including English, English in a Dyslexia friendly font, Dutch, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian.

Storage

There are no storage facilities for holding baggage whilst visiting the Cathedral. You must always keep your personal belongings with you.

Accessibility

There are steps and uneven floors throughout the Cathedral. You can find more information on the accessibility section of our website. For more information click here.

A hearing loop is available throughout the Cathedral.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.