Bristol Cathedral Reviews Summary

Architecture and Design

Pros:

• "Remarkable medieval hall church with a unique design featuring vaulted ceilings in the Nave, Quire, and Aisles, all at the same height."
• "Splendid architecture. It has always been a living place of sanctuary, teaching, prayer and music right in the heart of the city."
• "The ceiling of this cathedral is very unique in the UK, so it's worthwhile to pay attention to it."
• "Remarkable features are the side isle vaults being equal in height to that of the nave, and the superb chapter house."

Cons:

• "Not especially impressive from outside (compared to other English cathedrals) but full of interest inside."
• "I enjoyed my visit, but I was disappointed to discover that the quire is cordoned off for the organ refurbishment and scaffolding ruins the view."
• "It wouldn't make it into the top 10 most beautiful or impressive cathedrals in England (unlike nearby Wells, Salisbury, probably even Exeter)."

Accessibility and Experience

Pros:

• "No entrance fee and we are allowed to take photos."
• "It's free and open to the public and there is a lot of information available both in small plaques and in a booklet."
• "Free entrance, kind staff. The cathedral is quite big with a central big nave."
• "Free to visit, and well worth 20 minutes of your time."

Cons:

• "The signage to get there is diabolical, in fact non-existent. We had to buy a street map to find our way."
• "The cafe is closed."
• "Unlike many other English cathedrals, Bristol is free, although they ask for a donation, which I was happy to give."

Historical and Educational Value

Pros:

• "Superb building. There is a large amount of historical information here in the form of dedications and inscriptions."
• "A truly astonishing building. Real history here and such a well-preserved monument."
• "There was an excellent exhibit on slavery and the cathedral's connections with it."
• "Historic place in Bristol. Nice looking building. Interiors are photo worthy too."

Cons:

• "But the staff is rude..at 5 it's shuts down..we were praying and about to leave but they kept interrupting."
• "Good for history lovers... Entry fees very costly...."

Atmosphere and Spirituality

Pros:

• "Visited May 6, 2019: Beautiful architecture, but have to highlight the back area, since not all cathedrals have such, and how much of a peaceful atmosphere it had."
• "Quiet, clean and well maintained. Free to visit but you could donate for a good cause should you wish."
• "The Cathedral is stunning from outside and inside. Very peaceful inside."
• "I wondered about the building structure and the ambience we got from the cathedral. We really liked the spiritual ambience which helped us to pray to God with a peaceful mind."

Cons:

• "It's a very beautiful and magnificent building however, not suitable for the graduation ceremony because of the huge pillars blocking the view of the stage."
• "Not very welcoming on a Sunday, if you look different to the majority of the congregation. In 3 years not once has anyone said welcome to me on a sunday."