Visit the Bristol Hippodrome for a wide variety of performances and to see the domed ceiling that can be opened up to the night sky.The Bristol Hippodrome is one of the U.K.’s most prestigious old theaters and one of the city’s major entertainment venues. It’s known as Bristol’s “West End Theatre” and offers a wide variety of shows, including musicals, opera, ballet, stand-up comedy and traditional English “panto.” The year-round program has a much more varied line-up than venues like London’s West End. For instance, certain musicals might only run for a few days, rather than a few months, before being replaced by another. Book ahead on the venue’s website to ensure you get good seats.The hippodrome’s auditorium consists of stalls, a grand circle and an upper circle. Rich red and gold trim lend the theater a dramatic feel. The theater’s pièce de résistance is its grand domed ceiling. On special occasions, this is opened up to reveal the sky above. Frank Matcham designed the building, which opened in 1912. Matcham was the architect behind a number of the U.K.’s major theater venues of the time. These include the London Palladium, Hackney Empire and Victoria Palace. The Bristol Hippodrome seats approximately 1,980 people and is considered one of Matcham’s masterpieces.If you’re especially interested in the hippodrome’s history, take the two-hour guided tour held on Saturday mornings. A knowledgeable guide takes you front of house and backstage. Expect to learn a lot about past productions, actors who have performed here, and one or two ghost stories. Buy tickets for the tour on the hippodrome’s website.Bristol Hippodrome is on St. Augustine’s Parade in the city center. From the main train station, Bristol Temple Meads, it’s a five-minute taxi ride, or slightly longer bus journey. There is also metered car parking nearby.
Bristol Hippodrome Theatre Tours and Activities
Visit Bristol Hippodrome Theatre
Tours & day trips
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Private & custom tours
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Shows & concerts
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabBristol: The House Magicians Comedy and Magic Show
Classes & workshops
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabBristol: 6 O'clock Gin Distillery Tour, Thornbury
Holiday & seasonal tours
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Popular places to visit
Lord Mayor's Chapel
See dedications to former city mayors, the tombs of ancient knights and exquisite stained glass at this 800-year-old church.
Queen Victoria's Statue
Standing in the shadow of landmark buildings at the edge of College Green is a statue dedicated to one of Britain’s longest-serving monarchs.
Watershed
Movie screenings, festivals, art exhibitions and live music present a busy schedule of events at this digital media center.
Banksy Graffiti Frogmore Street
Decorating the side of a former medical clinic is a thought-provoking street mural created by one of Britain’s most-loved and prolific graffiti artists.
Bristol Cathedral
This 900-year-old religious monument is revered for its exquisite vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows and Romanesque-style Chapter House.
Bristol City Hall
An impressive Neo-Georgian landmark presides over a pretty square and is home to the exquisitely decorated chambers of Bristol’s city council.
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