The Best Historical Sites in Bristol, UK
![Bristol isn’t short of historic attractions – among them, the SS Great Britain, which is dry-docked in Bristol Harbour](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ss-great-britain-2-bristol-e1593425996958.webp)
Over 1,000 years old, Bristol is brimming with history. From the port to the centre of town, buildings, statues and landmarks can be found in every corner of this city, each telling its own story. Here are six of the best monuments to visit.
1. Clifton Observatory
Building
![Clifton Observatory, Bristol.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/clifton-observatory-bristol.webp)
2. The Red Lodge Museum
Museum, Park, School
![England Bristol West End Park Row Red Lodge Tudor knot garden](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/red-lodge-museum-garden-bristol.webp)
3. Berkeley Castle
Historical Landmark
![3. Berkeley Castle](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2a824fm.webp)
4. Kings Weston Roman Villa
Historical Landmark
Long before Bristol was the city we know today, the area was occupied by Romans. Evidence of this is scattered across the region, but perhaps the best preserved is Kings Weston. It contains the only Roman bath suite in Bristol, as well as two mosaic floors and even evidence of Roman central heating. Kings Weston is near Avonmouth, 20 minutes by car from the city centre. It’s free and open year round.
5. The SS Great Britain
Historical Landmark, Museum
![s s great britain floating harbour bristol](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ss-great-britain-bristol.webp)
Bristol’s entire history is rooted in shipping. The city began on the banks of the Rivers Avon and Frome and grew into one of the biggest, busiest ports in the country. The SS Great Britain was a huge passenger ship which ran between Bristol and New York. Now dry docked, it serves as a museum for visitors. The SS Great Britain is a 20-minutes walk from the city centre.
6. King John’s Hunting Lodge
Historical Landmark
![The medieval square in Axbridge, Somerset, England, UK. The half timbered building is King Johns Hunting Lodge, now the museum.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/king-johns-hunting-lodge-bristol.webp)
Despite the name, this excellently preserved 15th-century building did not belong to King John. It was thought to have been a wool merchant’s house, and now serves as one of the best examples of local history in the region. King John’s Hunting lodge is in Axbridge, 35mi (56km) south of Bristol, and is open all year round.