Bristol Venues
Telephone Avenue
, Clifton
, BS1 4BQ
Bristol
, Bristol
Business profile
Premium venues in Bristol
Bristol Venues offers characterful venues, unique experiences, and unforgettable events. Enjoy a warm welcome, exceptional service, locally-sourced food and drink, and a fascinating heritage at each of Bristol Venues' historic sites. From the stunning views of Avon Gorge at Clifton Observatory, to a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere at the riverside Wellhead cocktail bar, to Edwardian elegance and modern amenities at Armada House, each venue has its own character and charm to offer. Bristol Venues' passion is restoring historic venues to their former glory, showcasing original architectural features and adding a little flair of its own.
Clifton Observatory
First constructed in 1766 on the site of a Celtic Iron Age fort, Clifton Observatory was originally a windmill. In 1828, artist William West transformed the building into an Observatory, installing many telescopes and other astronomical equipment, including an incredible 5 ft Camera Obscura which still operates today, offering unique views of Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge. Clifton Observatory also offers the only access to the legendary Giant's Cave, a 200 ft passageway through the rocks to a viewing platform set in the steep cliff-face of Avon Gorge. Today, Clifton Observatory is a popular tourist destination with unique attractions and a cafe. Clifton Observatory can also be hired for private events. The William West room - which boasts a stage, bar, and a comprehensive AV system - along with the Rooftop Terrace with its stunning views of Clifton Suspension Bridge, are both available for exclusive hire. Clifton Observatory is the perfect venue for your dream event, from summer parties to weddings.
The Wellhead
The Wellhead is an independent cocktail bar overlooking the harbourside in Bristol’s bustling city centre. With an ever-changing seasonal menu and a unique, exclusive atmosphere with gorgeous riverside views, the Wellhead aims to provide interesting, yet unpretentious, cocktails that are accessible to all. From date nights to parties, the Wellhead has everything you need for a perfect evening in a sophisticated and exclusive venue. The Wellhead offers cocktail masterclasses and exclusive venue hire for events, from birthday parties to wedding receptions.
Armada House
Armada House is a stunning Edwardian venue that has been newly renovated to provide multiple gorgeous event spaces, offices, and meeting rooms. Armada House offers two beautiful event spaces on the ground-floor, each with a fully-stocked, marble-topped bar, sound system and mood lighting, and comprehensive AV system. These modern spaces maintain their historic charm with original features such as pillars and parquet flooring, seamlessly marrying the old with the new into elegant and atmospheric spaces that are ideal for any event, from weddings to conferences. Armada House also offers beautiful, fully-furnished meeting rooms and office spaces on its first floor. Corporate hire comes with comprehensive amenities such as fast WiFi, all-day kitchen access, and complimentary tea, coffee, notepads and pens. Guests can expect exceptional hire in premium spaces that can accommodate a wide range of teams, from 4 to 40.
Clifton Rocks Railway
Clifton Rocks Railway first opened to the public in 1893 as a funicular railway that ran through the limestone rocks of Avon Gorge to serve as a link between Hotwells and Clifton. This remarkable feat of Victorian engineering was a popular attraction and form of public transport until 1934 when it closed after 41 years of operation. The Rocks Railway had several other uses after this, particularly during WWII: British Overseas Airways constructed an office suite in the upper part of the railway tunnel, while the bottom station was reserved by the BBC as a radio broadcast station to be used as a back-up broadcasting base. The broadcasting base remained until 1960, when the BBC's lease ended. The Rocks Railway remained largely unused until 2002, when a team of dedicated volunteers began work to restore and preserve this remarkable and historic site. Bristol Venues plans to further continue this work by embarking on a restoration journey to bring Clifton Rocks Railway back to public use.