Glenside Hospital Museum

Built in 1861 as a pioneering psychiatric hospital, the site has evolved from the Bristol Lunatic Asylum through various incarnations, including as Beaufort War Hospital, a World War I military facility, and in its later years Glenside Hospital.

Discover artefacts, artworks, and powerful personal histories, including links to famous artists such as Sir Stanley Spencer and Denis Reed. With objects from institutions like Stoke Park Hospital and the Burden Neurological Institute, every visit reveals something new.

The museum hosts regular art exhibitions across various themes relating to mental health and wellness, and frequently hosts talks and events, including a secret room where you can book tickets to enjoy afternoon tea!

During the Heritage Open Days event the museum is offering free entry, and once there you'll have the option to upgrade your visit to take part in ` special experience: History in your Hands, a unique opportunity to handle various items from our collection, including a real straitjacket you can try on, and a deactivated ECT machine.

So whether you’re curious about history, medicine, or the stories behind them, this 'hidden gem’ in Bristol offers a compelling glimpse into the past. Please visit the museum's website for more information.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

10am-4pm

Location & directions

Glenside Hospital Museum, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, Bristol, BS16 1DD

Directions:

Glenside Hospital Museum is based within the UWE Campus at Glenside in Fishponds. There are two entrances to the UWE Campus, please use the one at the top of Blackberry Hill, and you'll find the museum (a chapel with small car park) immediately on the left.

Contact on day:

Stella Man

Telephone number:

+441179651300

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Booking is not essential for this event, but will greatly assist in speeding up your entry time and freeing up our volunteers' time to offer the best possible experience at Glenside Hospital Museum.

Booking contact name:

Stella Man

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://glensidemuseum.org.uk/introducing-our-pow-protect-our-wellbeing-initiative-971/

Booking opens:

01 Jun 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

20 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Glenside Hospital Museum has a small car park outside the museum, allowing for easy drop-off for those who are less mobile, or disabled. Visitors may use the car park for free on Saturdays, but it will quickly exceed capacity on Heritage Open Days due to the increased number of visitors. Parking is available on nearby streets.

Additional information

Subject to volunteer availability, we hope to be able to host a refreshment area with delicious cakes and drinks. Please keep an eye on our website, social media pages (or sign up to our newsletter!) for event updates closer to the time.

Max number of people:

500

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results