The best museums in Bristol in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Bristol, England, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Bristol, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Bristol.

Looking for the best museums in Bristol? These are the best ones:

  1. Brunel's SS Great Britain1

    Brunel's SS Great Britain

     Bristol
    The SS Great Britain, a British steamship weighing 3,300 tons, was constructed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843. This ship holds the distinction of being the first high-sea vessel to feature an iron hull and propeller propulsion. Today, it is preserved in the port of Bristol and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
  2. At-Bristol2

    At-Bristol

     Bristol
    We The Curious, formerly known as At Bristol, is a science and arts centre located in Bristol, England. It serves as an educational charity, offering a wide range of interactive exhibits and programs to engage the public and school groups. The centre is home to the United Kingdom's first 3D planetarium and aims to foster a culture of curiosity among its visitors.
  3. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery3

    Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

     Bristol
    The Bristol City Museum, located in Bristol, England, is a large art gallery that is funded by the Bristol City Council. This means that visitors can explore the museum's vast collection of exhibits without having to pay an entrance fee. The museum is a great place to spend a day exploring and learning about various aspects of art, history, and culture.
  4. M Shed4

    M Shed

     Bristol
    M Shed is a museum situated in Bristol, England. It is located on Prince's Wharf, adjacent to the Floating Harbour. The museum is housed in a dockside transit shed that was previously occupied by the Bristol Industrial Museum. This location offers a unique setting for the museum, providing a historical context that enhances the visitor experience.
  5. Avon Valley Railway5

    Avon Valley Railway

     Bristol
  6. New Room - John Wesley's Chapel6

    New Room - John Wesley's Chapel

     Bristol
    John Wesley's New Room, located in Broadmead, Bristol, England, is a historic building with a rich history. It was first opened in June 1739 and later enlarged in 1748. This building is significant as it housed the earliest Methodist societies.
  7. The Georgian House Museum7

    The Georgian House Museum

     Bristol
    The Georgian House, a 17th-century urban palace, is situated in Bristol, England, at 7 Great George Street. This historic building is a well-preserved example of a typical late 18th-century townhouse, showcasing the decor and furnishings of the era. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy during this period.
  8. Matthew of Bristol8

    Matthew of Bristol

     Bristol
    M Shed is a museum situated in Bristol, England. It is located on Prince's Wharf, adjacent to the Floating Harbour. The museum is housed in a dockside transit shed that was previously occupied by the Bristol Industrial Museum. This location offers a unique setting for the museum, providing a historical context that enhances the visitor experience.
  9. The Red Lodge Museum9

    The Red Lodge Museum

     Bristol
    The Antlers Gallery is known for its temporary exhibitions that are held in various locations. The gallery does not have a permanent physical location, instead, it operates primarily online. This unique business model is similar to pop-up galleries, but these exhibitions are tied together under the Antlers Gallery brand.
  10. Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre10

    Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre

     Bristol
    Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre is a museum in Bristol. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture, design, science and technology, social history, archives and inland waterways.
  11. Blaise Castle House Museum11

    Blaise Castle House Museum

     Bristol
    Blaise Castle, a folly built in 1766, is located near Henbury in Bristol, England. It is part of the Blaise Castle Estate, which also includes the Blaise Castle House, a Grade II* listed 18th-century mansion house. This estate offers a unique blend of architectural styles and historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  12. University of Bristol Botanic Garden12

    University of Bristol Botanic Garden

     Stoke Bishop
  13. Glenside Hospital Museum13

    Glenside Hospital Museum

     Bristol
    Glenside Hospital Museum, in Bristol has a nationally significant, unique collection relating to health care, mental illness and learning difficulties. Based in the 1881 church built for patients of Bristol's 1861 psychiatric hospital. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the s
  14. Clifton Rocks Railway14

    Clifton Rocks Railway

     Bristol
    Clifton Rocks Railway is a museum in Bristol. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War and Land Transport.
  15. Underfall Boatyard15

    Underfall Boatyard

     Bristol
  16. CREATE16

    CREATE

     Bristol
  17. Clifton Observatory17

    Clifton Observatory

     Bristol
    The tower at Clifton Observatory is home to our museum. From the Iron Age, when a Celtic fort that sat atop the hill, to the early 19th century when the Bristol School of artists used the site to observe and depict the landscape, the museum details the Clifton Observatory’s rich and unique history.
  18. 18

    The Architecture Centre

     Bristol
  19. 19

    Museum at Müller House

     Bristol
  20. 20

    Geology Collection, University of Bristol

     Bristol
    The Geology Collection at the University of Bristol safeguards a diverse range of over 100,000 geological specimens, maps and archival documents in support of the wider scholarly community and the general public. Visitors are welcome to view the public displays or book an appointment to access the c

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