Local interest – Page 2 – Glenside Hospital Museum

January 22, 2026

Victorian patient portraits: a talk with Dr Paul Tobia 19th March 2026

Unlike the sometimes sterile notes of the medics, these photos brought back their humanity, though often pose more questions: What were they like? Can you tell what was wrong with them? Did they like having their photos taken? In this talk, Dr Tobia will discuss how people with psychiatric problems have been portrayed, how photography changed that, and how our asylum used these photographs.

January 18, 2026

2025 at Glenside Hospital Museum in Bristol

We're very grateful to everyone who supported our museum in 2025. Whether you volunteered with us, visited the museum, attended an event, bought from our eBay shop or museum gift shop, created art for one of our exhibitions or commented/liked/shared our social media posts to help raise our profile. Read on for a round-up of our best events of 2025.

November 27, 2025

Private tours of Glenside Hospital Museum in Bristol

We offer private group tours, at a time to suit you. Our experienced guide will host your group of 2-6 people for 2 hours. Every tour includes exclusive access to visit our secret Grade II listed turret room, with Tea in the Turret as an optional extra.

November 6, 2025

Vacancy Trustee Roles at Glenside Hospital Museum

We are seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees and play a vital role in destigmatising mental illness, preserving heritage, and shaping the future of our museum. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful impact within a respected and supportive team. Discover more about our current trustee vacancies and how you can be part of this important work.

September 7, 2025

Submission date extension 29th Sept for open exhibition: What brings me joy

One aspect of maintaining mental fitness is to participate in activities that bring joy. With this exhibition we would like to celebrate creativity as well as entertain our visitors. We welcome artists who would like to use our collection for inspiration, but this is not a requirement. The exhibition is in a church so it is not a traditional space. Submissions now close on 29th September, visit this page for full info on how to apply.

July 23, 2025

Purdown Hospital: The history of Stoke Park

Purdown Hospital was part of Stoke Park Colony, comprising Dower House, Elm Farm, Heath House and numerous wards at West Side in Stapleton including Towers and Beech House. Explore this page to take a walk through the Purdown wards.

July 23, 2025

Hanham Hall, Leigh Court & Anchor Lodge

In the early 1900s Hanham Hall, Leigh Court and Anchor Lodge were originally part of the Stoke Park Colony, supporting those with learning disabilities. At the time, it was the largest hospital group in the country.

July 23, 2025

Beech House in Stapleton Village. Historic mansion house with grass and yellow buttercup flowers in the foreground

July 23, 2025

Hidden history at Beech House

Beech House, once part of the West Side complex at Stoke Park Hospital, was originally named Stapleton Grove and has an unusual hidden history. Its mysterious link to a famous figure can be traced via 3 popular sites across Bristol, including Arnos Vale Cemetery.

June 30, 2025

Exploring Glenside: a guided walking tour, Sat 23rd Aug

Join us for a summer edition of our bestselling guided walking tour. Explore the historic grounds of this former purpose-built psychiatric institution, later known as Glenside Hospital. Tour lasts approx. 60 minutes and include an annual pass to our museum.