We invite you to explore hidden histories at Glenside Hospital Museum
Location: Glenside Hospital Museum, Church within the old hospital grounds, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 1DD
Opening Hours: Wednesdays 10am–1pm and Saturdays 10am–4pm
Tickets: £5 (Annual Pass) | Under 18s Free
Special Events: 16th October "Did Victorians believe heavy drinking caused spontaneous human combustion?" A talk by Dr Pam Lock. Book tickets here.
Step inside one of Bristol’s most fascinating hidden gems
Located in the stunning 1881 former hospital chapel with stained glass windows and peaceful landscaped grounds, Glenside Hospital Museum invites you to discover the powerful and often surprising stories of mental health care in the U.K.
This unique museum reveals the history of three important institutions:
🔹 Glenside Hospital (formerly Bristol Lunatic Asylum)
🔹 Stoke Park Hospital (caring for people with learning disabilities)
🔹 Beaufort War Hospital (where over 29,000 WWI soldiers were treated)
From a patient-made key that unlocked every door, to evocative documentary drawings by artist Denis Reed, you'll encounter personal and poignant glimpses into the lives of patients and staff. Walk the very same tiles once scrubbed by artist Stanley Spencer during his wartime service as an orderly at the hospital.
We host frequent art exhibitions and our displays explore everything from Victorian psychiatry to early learning disability care and WWI rehabilitation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be first in the know about our events and exhibitions.
🌟 Tea in the Turret: now extended until 29th November 2025
Climb a secret spiral staircase to our hidden balcony for a bird’s-eye view of the museum. Relax with tea and cake in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
Includes a visit to the museum. Booking essential. Buy tickets via Eventbrite.
🎟 Tickets
£5 standard ticket gives you unlimited visits for 12 months
Under 18s free with a parent or guardian
🕰 Average Visit Time: 1–2 hours (but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like during opening hours)
📍 Getting Here
We're located within the old Bristol asylum walls in Fishponds. Enter via Blackberry Hill near the Old Tavern Pub then look for the church on your left.
🚗 Parking Info
Saturdays: Free parking available outside the museum
Wednesdays: Please use nearby street parking as the car park is only for UWE students and staff.
💬 Group Bookings & Educational Tours
We welcome schools, colleges, and community groups. Our educational handling collection offers a hands-on way to explore mental health history. Visit our website for more info or to arrange a tour.
Whether you’re curious about the “yellow house on the hill” or just looking for an inspiring and thoughtful day out, Glenside Hospital Museum is a place where history speaks...and it might just change how you think about mental health today.
