The Most Impressive Buildings In Bristol UK

The historic city of Bristol has an abundance of beautiful buildings, each with their own story and purpose. We’ve rounded up 11 must-see buildings in the city that architecture fans will love to visit.
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St Mary Redcliffe Church

This beautiful church, situated on Redcliffe Hill, is a pure masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Over 800 years old, the building boasts impressive ironwork, incredible stained glass windows and a infamous organ. Even just admiring this building from the outside is inspiring.

Cabot Tower

Situated in the picturesque setting of Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower is 105ft tower boasting the best views of the surrounding city. It was built to commemorate John Cabot’s voyage from Bristol to the continent of North America over four hundred years ago.

Bristol Cathedral

Located at the bottom of bustling Park Street, Bristol Cathedral is a stunning, historic building overlooking College Green. The building is used for many prestigious events, including graduations from the local universities.

Ashton Court Mansion

Ashton Court is a huge country estate in the heart of the city, boasting huge green grass surroundings. The building is steeped in history and was even used as a military hospital in the first World War.

Arnos Vale Cemetery

Based on a walled Greek Necropolis, this beautiful cemetery building is very aesthetically pleasing, to say the least. Made up of four Grade-II listed buildings (two Entrance Lodges and two Mortuary Chapels), this is a really breathtaking piece of architecture that’s not to be missed.

St James Priory

This is the oldest church in Bristol and is still operating today. Built between 1124 and 1137 by the first Earl of Gloucester, this incredible building offers a haven of peace and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Saint Stephen’s

This church seems slightly out of place, hiding away in its own garden right off busy Corn St in the city centre. The fairly small but incredibly pretty building was first built in 1248, was rebuilt 1470 and again in 1703, after a lot of damage caused by the Great Storm.

The Victoria Rooms

The Victoria Rooms is somewhat of a Bristol landmark, standing tall at the famous Clifton Triangle. First opened in 1842, the cultural venue has hosted the likes of Charles Dickens, who did a number of readings at the building. Nowadays, the Victoria Rooms plays a bit part in Bristol’s music scene, with a 700-seat auditorium and a number of recording studios.

Clifton Cathedral

This stunning building was built by architects in 1965, the concept being to create enough space for up to 1,000 people to be close to the High Altar to enable them to really feel a part of the Mass, which is why the building is such a unique shape.

Bristol Old Vic

This is the oldest, continuously-running theatre in the whole of the UK. This charming building plays host to a number of shows and talks and even after a huge £12 million refurbishment, still holds on to its old-school charm and character.

Central Library

Also located on College Green, this beautiful old building was built in 1906 and it’s said that the design of it played in a part in the influence of Edwardian Free Style architecture.

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