Bristol Cathedral
Church Medieval cathedral in Bristol with fan-vaulted nave
Bristol Cathedral combines Norman origins with later Gothic work and an undercroft; visitors attend choral services, study the architecture and explore the nearby historic harbour.
Bristol Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral for the Diocese of Bristol in England, occupying a site that dates back to a medieval abbey and featuring architecture from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
The building combines Norman and Gothic elements, with a long ecclesiastical plan that includes an early medieval crypt and later medieval choir and nave sections. Visitors come to view the historic fabric, liturgical spaces and periodic cultural events held in the cathedral.
The church began as the abbey church of St Augustine’s and, following the Reformation, was designated the cathedral for the new Diocese of Bristol in 1542. Over centuries it has undergone restorations and alterations reflecting changing liturgical and architectural fashions.
The cathedral stands in central Bristol, close to the city centre and riverfront, acting as an urban landmark within walking distance of the city’s main civic and commercial areas.
- Cathedral status: Originally the abbey church of St Augustine, it became the seat of the Bishop of Bristol when the diocese was created during the English Reformation in 1542.
How to Get to Bristol Cathedral #
Bristol Cathedral sits on College Green next to the city centre. From Bristol Temple Meads railway station it is about a 15-20 minute walk (1.2 km) northwest along Temple Way and Baldwin Street. Multiple bus routes serve the city centre, and the cathedral is a short walk from Broadmead shopping area.
Tips for Visiting Bristol Cathedral #
- Attend Evensong on a weekday evening (when scheduled) to see the cathedral's medieval and Gothic features quietly used in worship.
- Look down: worn stone steps and the shallow grooves on the choir stalls are the fingerprints of centuries of use.
- The cathedral is compact; for the best photographic light aim for late morning when sunlight slants through the east windows.
Best Time to Visit Bristol Cathedral #
Late spring through early autumn balances good weather and active programming in the cathedral.
Weather & Climate near Bristol Cathedral #
Bristol Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (869 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 92 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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