Church of St John the Baptist, Bristol BS1 2EZ

Details

Accessibility

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/bristol-st-john#access-information

2026: There are three and a bit steps down into the crypt totaling approximately 610mm in height. There is no handrail.

There are 6 steep steps up into the main church building. There is a handrail. 

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St_John_the_Baptist,_Bristol

2026:

The Church of St John the Baptist in Bristol, also known as St John on the Wall, is a historic church in the care of heritage charity the Churches Conservation Trust.[1] The upper church and its medieval vaulted crypt is located at the lower end of Broad Street and is built into the old city's medieval walls. It is a Grade I listed building.[2]

The church was built in the 14th century (and heavily modified in the 19th century) with the tower and steeple over St John's Gate, the last remaining city gateway.[3] The church is very narrow as it is built into and alongside the city walls. Consequently, it is also known as St John's on the Wall.[4] The rood stair entrance high up on the wall shows where the earlier great rood screen would have stood. Similar rood stair entrances can be seen at St Peter's, St Philip and Jacob, St Stephen's and Temple.[5]

Beneath the church is a vaulted crypt, which was dedicated to the Holy Cross.[6] A conduit has supplied water from Brandon Hill since 1374, and the course of the pipe is marked in places by small plaques set into the pavements.[7].

St. John on the Wall is cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust, the national heritage charity. It is open daily for free tours and interactive visitor displays telling the story of medieval Bristol. The Trust have also produced a visual slide story for visitors.[8] St John on the Wall hosts a small programme of free family events, gigs, exhibitions and concerts. It's recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.[9] The church was vested in the Trust on 25 June 1985.[10]

The Churches Conservation Trust promotes 'The Crypt' as an atmospheric art space for hire as a live music venue and art gallery. It can be toured virtually.[11] The crypt can also been used as a filming location[12]

in 2022 the church was closed due to fears that the spire was becoming unstable.[13]"

Download a copy of the church guidebook

A Visual Story of St John's can be downloaded here

You can access a free online audio guide to the church here.

A virtual 360 google tour is available here.

A video introduction to the church presented some of our volunteers is here

Address

St John on the Wall, Broad Street, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 2EZ

Email

• enquiries@thecct.org.uk

Phone

• 0207 841 0400

Website

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/bristol-st-john

Directions

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/bristol-st-john#access-information

Church is situated on the junction of Broad Street and Quay Street. Entrance to upper church is on the Broad Street side and entrance to crypt on Quay Street/Nelson Street via a small door. Metered car parking on Broad Street and multiple city centre car parks nearby. Due to the churches location it can not remain unlocked outside of volunteer opening times.

The Grand Hotel is located nearby and the Guildhall is the closest landmark.

Steps to the church are worn and steep. The crypt entrance is narrower and lower than a modern door.

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2026: 

• Wednesday     11am - 2pm
• Saturday         10am - 4pm
• Sunday            12noon - 4pm

Times subject to volunteer availability.

Transport

Close to most city centre bus routes. Bus and coach terminus 0.25 mile.

Nearest railway station: Bristol Temple Meads (1 mile).

Amenities

The Upper Church and Crypt are available for hire and are unique and beautiful spaces.

Due to its historic nature this church has no heating, running water or toilet facilities.

There is no dedicated parking.

The maximum capacity of each space is 60.

Please view the following information before contacting us about hiring St John on the Wall. 

Venue Hire Information - St John on the Wall

If you wish to hire St John on the Wall please complete this enquiry form