Bristol’s ‘hidden gem’ viewpoint over the city centre

The Wills Memorial Building is set to open its “hidden gem” tower attraction for free as part of the national Heritage Open Days, offering panoramic views across Bristol

A landmark Bristol structure offers one of the finest panoramic views across the city – yet countless residents remain oblivious to its existence. Thousands pass the Wills Memorial Building daily, presuming entry is restricted to students alone.

The city centre icon, forming part of the University of Bristol’s estate, gives people the chance to unveil its “hidden gem” attraction every weekend.

Tour guides provide visitors with an exclusive glimpse into the building’s heritage every Saturday at 11am and 1pm. The university typically requires £5 admission for adults or £3 for youngsters to join the tour.

These must be reserved ahead of time, with proceeds going to the Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital charity. One visitor commented in a TripAdvisor review: “A brilliant tour of an iconic building. Informative and amusing 1 and half hours! Well worth the £5 admission. Including the great hall, library and a climb to the top with amazing views.”

Another branded it a “hidden Bristol gem”, noting: “Very friendly and entertaining guides, great value tour, not just the tower but all the interesting bits in the building and timed so you get to see the clappers strike the bell.”

Formally inaugurated by King George V and Queen Mary in 1925, before sustaining severe damage during the Bristol Blitz in 1940, the Wills Memorial Building currently accommodates the University of Bristol Law School and the School of Earth Sciences.

At street level, a further attraction will be accessible free of charge within the building’s EarthArt Gallery as part of the heritage festival. The present exhibition there is Collapsing Time, examining the evolving terrain of the River Avon by utilising research from Bristol’s geologists, oceanographers and flood specialists.