We invite you to explore our fascinating museum of mental health in Bristol

The key to well-being is understanding our health. Walk the tiles of Glenside Hospital Museum, once scrubbed by the artist Stanley Spencer in 1915 and discover stories from three unique hospitals: Glenside Hospital (earlier known as Bristol Lunatic Asylum), Stoke Park Hospital and Beaufort War Hospital.

The Museum is based within the1881 asylum church, with beautiful stained glass windows and set within the walled landscaped grounds of Bristol's purpose built asylum all designed to give hope and cure.

Unlock the history of mental health care through an exploration of our psychiatric hospital collection. Gain a glimpse of life in Bristol Mental Hospital through the beautiful Denis Reed documentary drawings of patients. Find the key a patient made which unlocked all the doors.

From 1915-1919 the asylum became Beaufort War Hospital, specialising in orthopaedics. Over 29,000 wounded soldiers were treated here.

Always wanted to know what stories the yellow house on the hill has to tell? We have the history of the Dower House, Stoke Park, part of the hospitals caring for children and adults with learning disabilities.
We have frequent art exhibtions, which are all included in your standard ticket price, so please check our social media channels for the latest offerings.

The museum provides a stimulating environment to discuss mental health, there is something to interest everyone, from straitjackets to a padded room.

Our exhibition Answering the Call (live until the last week of April 2025)is based on interviews with people who came from the Commonwealth 1950-1970 to train as nurses and work in the NHS. Interviews with these amazing, now elderly, people were the inspiration for sewers to make the experiences visual.

Opening hours
Glenside Hospital Museum is open Wednesday mornings 10am-1pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm.
Book tickets online £5.00 per ticket (annual pass, allowing unlimited repeat visits for 12 months). Under 18s enjoy free entry with a parent/guardian.
Average visiting time is 1-2 hours, but please stay as long as you like during our opening hours.

NEW FOR 2025: From Saturday 29th March onwards
If you'd like to enjoy a cup of tea and cake, we have an experience which is new for 2025:
"Tea in the Turret" takes you on an adventure up a secret spiral staircase and into the hidden balcony area, giving an aerial view of our museum. This experience also includes a visit to the main body of the museum, including exhibitions.
To book your tickets, please use this Eventbrite link: click here for tickets.

Group bookings and tours
We are also open for group bookings and tours. In addition to offering an educational handling collection for adults and young people to discuss mental health care through the lens of history. For further information contact the Museum through the website.

Location postcode: BS16 1DD
We are within the walls of the old asylum in Fishponds, Bristol. There are two entrances on Blackberry Hill. If you head for the Old Tavern Pub and go through that entrance the church is on the left. We are based inside the church.

Parking
The car park outside our museum belongs to the University of the West of England (UWE) on Wednesdays so please park outside the campus. On Saturdays you may use the car park free of charge.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less