The Red Lodge Museum — Attraction in Bristol

Who knew that I could exist for several decades and not know of this hidden gem within Bristol! One literally enters the building via a door that looks just like any other door - and could be easily missed if not for signage.

This place boasts of being one of the oldest interior rooms to exist in Bristol, and with the many portraits hung upon its walls, glaring down at you in various stages of melancholy, it's not hard to believe.

Yet, the staff are extremely accommodating, in their willingness to put up with our tour group's shenanigans of costume play (to confirm, these were provided outfits, not illegal museum raids). While I was greatly impressed by the amount of bonnets to try out, what left the greatest mark in my mind was the miniscule courtyard to the rear of the building. It was like a lost fragment of a previous time. A fraction of heritage whose charm is added to by the fact it is so hidden and therefore not swarming with visitors.

It is also free - regardless of history, this fact tempted me to visit here in the first place....

This museum is in Park Row next to the Trenchard Street car park

The museum is FREE but donations would be gratefully received

The museum is open from 1st April to 31st December each year and Saturdays to Tuesdays from 11.00 to (close for the rest of the year)

I was given an information sheet which does tell you about the building and there is a garden at the back

Not really suitable if you are wheelchair bound or have a pushchair as soon as you enter you go down a flight of stairs and there is no disabled access

The rooms, ceilings and paintings are great and is all part of Bristol's history and is well worth a visit

The museum is over 2 levels as the 3rd is not open for the public

Donations can be given either at the reception or at the in a box

There is a small shop for purchases by...

A wonderful place to visit. Visiting involves entering through the small red door on Park Road and immediately going down a flight of stairs. It is then suggested you go up the majestic staircase to the level that has fantastic wood panelled rooms with objects and art works from the Tudor period. You then go back downstairs to the rooms where you started. The well in the small back room is a bit of a treat, only discovered this century, it is well presented as a feature of the floor with a glass cover. Thirty to fourty minutes would be enough time to visit this site. However, given the number of stairs I would recommend checking with the museum if they have options for those with...