Exploring Glenside: guided walking tours for summer 2026
Heritage Open Days: History in your Hands
Tea in the Turret: a quirky afternoon tea party in Bristol
Looking for interesting things to do in Bristol this autumn?
Climb a secret spiral staircase to discover this unique historic space, which we've transformed into a cosy and light-hearted place to enjoy tea, cake and a little time away from the everyday.
Hidden away high in our historic chapel at Glenside Hospital Museum, this unusual turret room was built in 1881 and has a fascinating story to tell. Once part of Bristol Lunatic Asylum (later renamed Glenside Hospital), it offers a glimpse into a little-known corner of Bristol's past.
Explore some niche history while indulging in a touch of escapism. Come and enjoy something wonderfully different to do in Bristol!
Fishponds, Bristol
Tea/coffee + cake
Museum entry included
90 minutes
Ages 5+
Up to 4 people
Autumn / winter 2026 dates available
Gift experiences
This can be purchased as a gift experience via Yuup, with a date to be arranged later with the recipient.
Could this be Bristol's best kept secret?
This might not be afternoon tea as you know it, but prepare to be surprised and delighted. If you're looking for fun and unusual things to do in Bristol, the search is over.
Tea in the Turret is a quirky afternoon tea party experience in Fishponds, Bristol. It combines tea and cake with a visit to a stunning Grade II listed structure within Glenside Hospital Museum.
Climb the hidden spiral staircase for a relaxed 90 minute experience. Each ticket includes a visit to our museum and is suitable for adults, families and curious explorers age 5+
Come and experience one of Bristol’s most unusual and engaging local events for yourself!
We reckon it'll be the most unusual afternoon tea party you've ever had...
A cosy autumn experience in Bristol
As the days get cooler, Tea in the Turret makes a particularly cosy autumn outing in Bristol. Escape upstairs into our balcony room for tea/coffee and cake, then explore the fascinating collections and art exhibitions at Glenside Hospital Museum.
It's an unusual choice for an autumn day out in Bristol, particularly if you're looking for something indoors, historic and a little different from the city's better-known attractions.
Here are the key details you need to know before booking, with detailed FAQs below:
Location: Glenside Hospital Museum, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 1DD
Tickets: £15 adults / £6 children
Includes: Tea or coffee, cake and museum entry
Duration: 90 minutes
Group size: Private experience for up to 4 people
Age: Suitable for ages 5+
When: Every Saturday 10.30am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm throughout autumn & winter 2026
Accessibility: The turret is accessed by a spiral staircase and is not wheelchair accessible
FAQs:
What is Tea in the Turret?
Tea in the Turret is a 90-minute experience at Glenside Hospital Museum in Fishponds, Bristol. Visitors enter our hidden turret to climb a secret spiral staircase into a historic balcony room to enjoy tea (or coffee) and cake, followed by time to explore the museum.
Where is Tea in the Turret?
Tea in the Turret takes place at Glenside Hospital Museum, UWE Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 1DD.
Is Tea in the Turret suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 5 and over are welcome, making it an unusual family-friendly activity in Bristol. The turret is accessed via a spiral staircase.
Is Tea in the Turret good for a rainy day in Bristol?
Yes. The experience takes place indoors and combines tea and cake with a visit to the museum, making it a cosy option when you're looking for something different to do in Bristol on a cooler or rainy day.
How long does Tea in the Turret last?
The Tea in the Turret experience lasts 90 minutes. Visitors can also spend time exploring the main body of our museum during normal opening hours.
How many people can book Tea in the Turret?
The turret room has space for a maximum of four people, making it particularly suitable for couples, families or a small group of friends.
Is the turret wheelchair accessible?
No. The turret room is reached via a spiral staircase, so unfortunately it isn't wheelchair accessible. The main museum itself is fully accessible.
Is there a toilet at the museum?
Yes. There is an accessible toilet in the main body of the museum.
What does the ticket include?
Tea in the Turret tickets include tea (or coffee) cake and entry to Glenside Hospital Museum.
When is Tea in the Turret available?
Tea in the Turret currently runs every Saturday throughout autumn 2026 and is continuing until the end of 2026. Check the booking calendar for current availability.
Any questions?
If you have any questions or have any issues with the booking process, please don't hesitate to drop us an email and we'll be happy to help.
