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Exploring Glenside: guided walking tours for summer 2026
Free Things to Do in Bristol - Walk Fest Trail
A free outdoor trail in Fishponds
As part of Bristol Walk Fest's packed programme of events around the city we welcome you to discover a free walking trail in Bristol for families, kids and adults.
Download the free Bloomberg Connects app to follow an easy route around the historic grounds surrounding Glenside Hospital Museum.
The walking trail is completely free, but you can take your visit to the next level with entry to the museum, where fascinating objects and stories truly bring the route to life.
No pre-booking required.
📍 Fishponds, Bristol (BS16 1DD)
Easy to access from central Bristol.
Discover the history of Bristol Lunatic Asylum
Originally built as Bristol Lunatic Asylum in 1861, these spacious grounds were created to aid mental health and wellbeing.
Satisfy your curiosity by unearthing the rich history hidden within the walls of the old hospital, which later became known as Glenside Hospital. This free walk in Bristol is perfect for a spontaneous wander on a sunny spring morning.
In a pre-medication era the only options available to manage mental illness were lifestyle interventions such as a good quality diet, plenty of exercise and a meaningful occupation, followed by adequate sleep. The extensive Glenside site was developed to provide an uplifting and spacious environment, both indoors and out.
Whether you have personal connections with the hospital, or are simply looking for a unique family day out in Bristol this May, our free Fishponds walking tour offers something truly different.
Visiting information for Glenside Hospital Museum
Explore the history of mental health care in Bristol
Glenside Hospital Museum is open Wednesdays 10am-1pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm. As Bristol museums go, we're often classed as a hidden gem!
The main body of the museum is fully accessible, and includes an accessible toilet.
Our current art exhibition 'What brings me Joy' is running for the duration of Bristol Walk Fest. This colourful display is very popular with children and families, as is our quirky Tea in the Turret experience, hidden up a secret spiral staircase (pre-booking is required).
Scroll down for more info.
Location & Parking in Fishponds
On Saturdays we offer free parking outside the museum, in the small car park (subject to availability of spaces).
The car park is not available on Wednesdays, but on-street parking can be located on nearby streets.
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Walking terrain & duration
The walking trail is an easy route to navigate, on flat ground with a mixture of paths and grass. It takes around 20-30 minutes and is suitable for people of all ages, from families with kids through to older adults.
More free things to do in Bristol
Extend your day out by discovering more free outdoor activities in East Bristol:
- Visit picturesque Stoke Park Estate to meet some grazing Street Goats at the graffiti-covered Purdown gun battery
- Stroll down Blackberry Hill from Glenside for a wander in Snuff Mills
- Take a wildlife adventure in nearby Eastville Park - can you spot the Kingfisher?
- Bring a picnic and let the kids loose at Oldbury Court play park
Free self-guided walking trail
To follow our free self-guided trail, please download the Bloomberg Connects app and search for Glenside Hospital Museum's profile.
Download the app for free here.
The walk can be taken independently, but is best enjoyed when paired with a visit to Glenside Hospital Museum.
Tea in the Turret experience
This quirky afternoon tea experience takes you on an adventure up a secret spiral staircase and into the hidden balcony area, giving an aerial view of our museum while you relax with a cup of tea and slice of cake in amongst a creative display.
Booking required.
Pair your walk with other museum events
We have a full programme of events at Glenside Hospital Museum, which you can enjoy alongside walking this historic trail. Check out our calendar to match your perfect pairing.
Future events and experiences
If you wish to be informed of future events please subscribe to our newsletter.
