1. Sacred Destinations
  2. England
  3. Bristol

Bristol, England

Clifton Bridge over the River Avon by night, Bristol. Photo Creative Commons License Joe Dunckley.

Bristol is a city of about 500,000 people in southwest England, close to Wales. Thanks to its port, it has been continuously settled since prehistoric times. A thoroughly modern city, Bristol is nevertheless home to several historic religious monuments. Bristol Cathedral was founded in the Norman period, although much of it was rebuilt in the 19th century. The Church of St. Mary Redcliffe, with a tall and slender Gothic spire, is one of the largest and finest parish churches in the country. There are also a number of sights of Protestant interest in Bristol, thanks to the city's connection with John Wesley, founder of Methodism. Follow a link below to explore the religious heritage of Bristol and plan a trip to experience it for yourself.


  • Bristol Map Our detailed, interactive city map of Bristol, showing the location of sacred sites and religious attractions.
  • Bristol Photos Our galleries of hand-selected photos of religious sites in Bristol.
  • Bristol Books Selected travel guides and other books on Bristol.
  • Bristol Hotels Search availability, read reviews, browse photos, view a map and book a room in Bristol at the guaranteed lowest price.

Sacred Sites and Religious Attractions in Bristol

  • Bristol Cathedral
    Bristol Cathedral began life as a Norman abbey church, became an Anglican Cathedral after the Dissolution in 1539, and was almost entirely rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century.
  • St Mary Redcliffe
    St Mary Redcliffe is a grand Anglican parish church that is often mistaken for a cathedral. It is the second-largest parish church in England and the tallest building in Bristol.
  • Wesley's New Room
    The first Methodist chapel in the country, the New Room was built by John Wesley in 1739. The design is attractive in its simplicity and features the double pulpit from which Wesley preached.