Wills Memorial Building

Wills Memorial Building featuring night scenes and a city
Wills Memorial Building showing heritage elements
Wills Memorial Building showing landscape views, a city and heritage elements
Wills Memorial Building featuring heritage architecture
Wills Memorial Building which includes heritage architecture


Tour majestic halls and climb a tower to enjoy sweeping views over Bristol’s city centre at this emblematic university building.

The resplendent neo-Gothic Wills Memorial Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the University of Bristol. Unveiled in 1925, it is the main site of the School of Law and School of Earth Sciences. Besides being a teaching center, Wills Memorial Building is a venue for conferences and graduation events. Visit the elegant rooms, hear the chime of a huge bell and spot other city landmarks from the tower lookout.

Dominating the building’s façade is the 215-feet (66-meter) tall Wills Tower. At the top is an octagonal belfry, which houses one of the biggest bells in England. The bell chimes on the hour and resonates across the city. Gargoyles, heraldic shields and spires add artistic detail to the tower. The building extends to the right and features multiple Gothic windows and small turreted towers.

Access to the interior is via guided tour only and begins in a lofty reception hall notable for its fan-vaulted ceiling. Visit the medieval Great Hall, whose walls are clad in oak paneling. This is the venue for university graduation ceremonies. You’ll also see the council chamber and libraries.

A staircase climbs to the top of the tower. Go inside the belfry and learn about the mechanisms of the mighty Great George bell. The views stretch for miles in all directions over the city and its encompassing countryside. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and St. Mary Redcliffe are among the many city landmarks that are visible.

The building stands in the city center and adjacent to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Public buses stop outside. Those arriving by car will find metered car parks less than a 10-minute walk away.

Tours of Wills Memorial Building take place on Saturdays and the first Wednesday of the month. There’s an admission fee and proceeds go to charity. It’s advisable to reserve your tour in advance. Either visit the building’s reception or contact the guide via the University of Bristol’s official website.

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Things to do near Wills Memorial Building

Nearby the Wills Memorial Building, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including theatre performances, shopping, and entertainment. Notable experiences include the brilliant tower tours of Bristol, which offer insightful guided tours during the day as well as enchanting evening tours, allowing guests to fully appreciate the architectural splendour and history of this iconic landmark.

Shopping

St Nicholas Market, only 311m from Wills Memorial Building, offers a vibrant public market experience. Broadmead Shopping Centre and The Clifton Arcade, both 497m away, feature a mix of shops ensuring family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options in nearby areas.

Recreation

Ashton Gate Stadium, located 621m from the Wills Memorial Building, offers a lively atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. O2 Academy, 249m away, hosts thrilling music events for entertainment lovers. For a leisurely outdoor experience, Knowle Golf Club, 1.9km distant, provides a relaxing golf setting amidst nature.

Adventure

The Wave, located 4.3km from Wills Memorial Building, offers thrilling water sports for adrenaline seekers. For family fun, West Country Water Park, also 4.3km away, features a variety of water attractions. If you're looking for a challenge, navigate the Bath Maze, situated 6.2km from the building.

Nightlife

The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, just 186m from Wills Memorial Building, offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment. Nearby, the Old Vic Theatre, 249m away, adds to the romantic atmosphere. For a more adventurous night, Skirmish Paintball Bristol, located 435m away, promises family fun.

Find the best attractions near Wills Memorial Building

The Wills Memorial Building in Bristol offers a delightful blend of urban parks, modern university life, and stunning churches. Nearby attractions include the iconic Wills Memorial Building Tower, the Bristol City Museum, and the magnificent Bristol Cathedral, perfect for those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Whether you're stopping by the building itself or exploring the surrounding area, there’s plenty to discover that will enrich your visit to this historic city.

  • University of Bristol: A vibrant hub of academic life, the University of Bristol boasts stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere. The campus combines modern facilities with historical charm, making it a delightful place to explore.
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge: An iconic symbol of Bristol, this historic bridge offers breathtaking views over the Avon Gorge. Its remarkable engineering and picturesque setting provide a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography.
  • SS Great Britain: Step aboard Isambard Kingdom Brunel's masterpiece, the SS Great Britain. This maritime museum showcases the ship's fascinating history and innovative design, immersing visitors in the rich maritime heritage of Bristol.

Best time to go to Wills Memorial Building

The best time to visit Wills Memorial Building can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wills Memorial Building falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Wills Memorial Building falls in January, 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 Wills Memorial Building

To save money on your visit to the Wills Memorial Building, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays tend to be the most affordable days for stays, while Saturdays are pricier. Use platforms like Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly options, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. For the best prices, sort accommodation options from lowest to highest and keep an eye out for special offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wills Memorial Building 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 Wills Memorial Building is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Wills Memorial Building is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you favour. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Wills Memorial Building with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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