Explore inside Jacobs Wells Baths
Jacobs Wells Baths, Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1DX
The industrial Pump Room, featuring Victorian steel columns, brickwork, and a dramatic high ceiling, will be accessible to the public for the very first time. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the site's restoration and heritage activities and share their thoughts on the future community arts centre. Pre-booked tours will be led through the rest of the building which is under development, including the main hall and beyond, with guides providing information on its history, usage, architectural features, and future vision.
Jacobs Wells Baths opened in 1889 to serve the working poor who built Bristol's industrial harbour and to help prevent further devastating cholera outbreaks. In 1981, the building transitioned from a public swimming pool to the Bristol Community Dance Centre, which raised significant funds for repairs and a change of use. This centre offered a wide range of dance workshops and performances for all ages and abilities, showcasing multicultural dance forms in Bristol, along with acclaimed international performances such as the Pan African Orchestra.
In 2024 following community campaigns and consultations, Bristol City Council granted Trinity Community Arts a 35-year lease and leadership of the Community Asset Transfer. To date, Trinity has raised over £2.5 million, including National Lottery Heritage Funds, to support the long process of restoring the building into a thriving, sustainable community, arts and heritage hub.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1100am, 12 midday, 13:30, 14:30
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1100, 12 midday, 13:30, 14:30
Location & directions
Jacobs Wells Baths, Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1DX
- Directions:
- Find us in the Pump Room on the south side (harbour direction/ downhill) of the building through an entrance set back from the road. You can view building plans and heritage materials here and wait for your tour.
- Contact on day:
- Jude hutchen
- Telephone number:
- +447352616234
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Follow the link to the website to book your free place in a group of 6 people or contact Jude Hutchen for accessibility support. If you are unable to make the tour on the day please cancel as spaces are very limited.
- Booking contact name:
- jude hutchen
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://hdfst.uk/e135818
- Alternative booking website:
- https://hdfst.uk/e135823
- Booking opens:
- 12 Aug 2025 03:00 PM
- Booking closes:
- 19 Sep 2025 03:00 PM
Accessibility details
Jacob Wells Baths is currently a working building site. As a result, the floors are uneven and have rubble. The Pump Room is accessible from street level where visitors can view plans, heritage materials, and speak with staff. The rest of the building, including toilets, is not yet wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for children under 12 years old. Access to the rest of the building requires a reservation. Tour groups will be closely supervised, with a maximum of 6 people. Guests will be informed about any trip hazards. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended for safety.
Additional information
Join us to share your vision for the multi-use community, arts and heritage centre and how we can honour its history in the development.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 6
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
