M Shed

M Shed
M Shed showing a marina
M Shed which includes interior views
M Shed featuring a marina
M Shed featuring interior views


From its famed art and music to groundbreaking industries and technology, over 2,000 years of city history comes to life at this museum.

Discover the story of Bristol, its influence on the world, its people and their creativeness and tenacity at M Shed. Set inside a 1950s dockyard transit shed, M Shed retraces citywide events from the prehistoric era right up to the present day. Browse a collection of 3,000 artifacts, which range from archive movies and newspaper clippings to artwork, dinosaur relics and photographs. See working machinery that highlights the city’s industrial and maritime trade.

In the Bristol Placesgallery you’ll learn about the evolution of the city. See the skeleton of the Thecodontosaurus, understand Bristol’s involvement in World War II, walk on a giant map and admire a display of transport vehicles. Bristol Peoplecelebrates pioneering events such as the creation of the trip hop music genre in the 1990s. Glimpse into the city’s maritime trading past and role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Don’t miss the Window on Bristol, which is a large mural that portrays the city’s major landmarks in the form of a street art-style dinosaur. Another notable piece of artwork is The Grim Reaper by the acclaimed graffiti artist Banksy.

Lining the museum’s waterfront area is a collection of working machines. Watch huge electric cranes and a banana-shaped Fairbairn steam crane in motion. Take a ride on a steam locomotive, the Pyronaut fire-boat and a steam-powered tug boat. In an adjoining shed, the Treasure in Store gallery has thousands of artifacts once exhibited in the former Bristol Industrial Museum.

Find the museum on Prince’s Wharf, in the Bristol Harbourside district. It’s just 20 minutes on foot from Bristol Temple Meads station. Drivers can use the metered car park at nearby Wapping Wharf. Public buses stop a short walk away at Queen Square.

M Shed is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free, although donations are welcome. An on-site café has excellent city and harbor views. A list of temporary exhibitions and a timetable for the crane, boat and train rides is available on the museum’s official website.

Plan a trip to see M Shed

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Things to do near M Shed

At M Shed in Bristol, immerse yourself in a variety of activities including theatre performances, shopping, and entertainment options. Don't miss the opportunity to join scenic tours and free tours that highlight the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring the local art scene or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, M Shed offers a delightful glimpse into Bristol's creative spirit.

Shopping

St Nicholas Market, 311m from M Shed, offers a vibrant mix of local crafts and food stalls. Cabot Circus, 559m away, features a range of high street shops and eateries. Broadmead Shopping Centre, 497m from M Shed, provides a lively shopping atmosphere for all the family.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Ashton Gate Stadium, just 1.6km from M Shed, where you can enjoy various sports events. For a lively evening, head to O2 Academy, half 1.6km away, featuring exciting concerts. For a serene outdoor experience, Knowle Golf Club, three miles away, offers a beautiful golf course.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at The Wave, a premier water sports venue located 4.3km from M Shed, offering exhilarating outdoor activities. For family fun, visit West Country Water Park, also 4.3km away, featuring exciting water attractions. Don’t miss Bath Maze, a captivating adventure 6.2km from M Shed.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife around M Shed offers a mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre or the Old Vic Theatre, both within a short walk. For some adventurous fun, head to Skirmish Paintball Bristol for an exciting evening with family and friends.

Find the best attractions near M Shed

During your visit to M Shed in Bristol, you'll discover a vibrant mix of attractions, including urban parks, modern colleges, and charming churches. Ideal for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences, you can explore the M Shed museum and enjoy the picturesque Bristol Harbourside. This area promises a delightful blend of history, nature, and urban life, making it a must-visit for any traveller.

  • University of Bristol: Nestled 435m from M Shed, this modern university boasts vibrant city vibes and stunning architecture. Explore its beautiful campus and enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with students and cultural events.
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge: A mile from M Shed, this iconic historic bridge offers breathtaking views of the Avon Gorge. Its impressive design and rich history make it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs.
  • SS Great Britain: Located just 249m from M Shed, this maritime museum showcases the world's first great ocean liner. Experience the fascinating history of Victorian engineering and maritime exploration, all within a culturally rich environment.

Best time to go to M Shed

The best time to visit M Shed is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for M Shed

To save money on your visit to M Shed in Bristol, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help reduce costs, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly hotels within your budget. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can lead to further savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around Bristol to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around M Shed are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around M Shed is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around M Shed is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable rates and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your M Shed hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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