5 Places to Learn Something New in Bristol

Bristol’s museums present everything from naval aircraft to mental health issues but every first-time visitor should set aside a few hours for Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Housed in an Edwardian Baroque building, this eclectic museum is crammed with an array of Italian and Dutch Old Master paintings, and one of the best collections of Far Eastern glass, ceramics, and carvings you’ll find outside of Asia. 

There’s an equally strong showing for natural history, with one of Britain’s best-preserved dinosaur skeletons, and a fascinating display of taxidermy animals, including Alfred the gorilla, a former resident of Bristol Zoo who became a famous mascot for Bristol.

Conceived as an off-shoot of the world-famous London Old Vic, Bristol’s major repertory theatre company is today firmly established in its own right as one of Britain’s finest. Their home is the Theatre Royal, England’s oldest continually-operating theatre, which dates back to the mid-18th century. 

The company produces an incredible year-round programme of plays, encompassing everything from Shakespeare classics to ground-breaking contemporary drama and crowd-pleasing family shows.

Experience a taste of 18th century Bristol life by visiting this stunningly preserved family home, which was built in 1790 for a local sugar merchant and slave plantation owner. The interior is presented as it might have looked at the time, and is packed with antique furniture and art. 

In stark contrast, the cramped housekeeper’s quarters convey the sense that life could be much more of a struggle for those further down the social ladder.

It’s not just the exterior of Blaise Castle that’s eye catching. Described by none other than Jane Austen as “the finest place in England”, this handsome 18th-century mansion rests on sprawling acres of parkland and landscaped gardens.

Within its walls you’ll discover sumptuous oil paintings, antique toy collections, a recreated Victorian schoolroom, and more than 10,000 items of clothing dating back to the 1730s.