About

Discover the world’s oldest Methodist building in the centre of Bristol, John Wesley’s New Room– the Room that changed the world.  Three hundred years ago, John Wesley started a mission here that sparked a worldwide movement.  His message of social justice for all remains pertinent in the 21st century and still changes lives today.  Nestled amongst the shops in Broadmead, John Wesley’s New Room is a chapel, a museum, a café, and meeting rooms – a place where everyone is welcome to explore, step back, reconnect and recharge. 

Take a moment to enjoy the calm of the 18th century chapel and discover a key part of Bristol’s history with still-relevant stories of anti-slavery, healthcare, welfare rights, education and more in the museum.  It features many original objects and furnishings from Wesley’s time as well as interactive displays. There is also a focus on the expansion of Methodism to America through the respective works of George Whitefield, Thomas Webb, Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke each of whom has a significant Bristol connection.

Museum tickets entitle you to free return visits for 12 months, with discounted family tickets available, and under-fives go free.  Guided tours are available at various times throughout the week as well as a programme of events and activities throughout the year - visit the website for full details on admission, tour and opening times.

The visitor centre offers a Fairtrade café on the ground floor serving light lunches, homemade cakes, gluten free and vegetarian treats in a beautiful airy atrium as well a gift and bookshop.  There’s room to read and study in the library and archive facilities on the first floor, and room to meet in the conference room on the second floor, all fully accessible by lift.  John Wesley’s New Room was awarded ‘Small Attraction of the Year 2018-19’ by the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, and offers room for everyone to explore Bristol’s history, to find your own space and room to just be.

The story of John Wesley's New Room

Virtual Tour

Visit John Wesley's New Room virtually via their online tour and see inside this historic chapel. Click here for the virtual tour.

For Families:

Explore the story of John Wesley’s New Room with ‘museum detective’ trails around the museum, lots of hands-on displays and of course a wonderful dressing up cupboard.  During the school holidays, get involved in ‘Back in Time’ activity days – free with our museum entry ticket.

Charles Wesley’s House:

Charles Wesley is widely regarded as the world’s greatest hymn writer.  He worked in Bristol from 1739 to 1787, supporting his brother John, and making a family home with wife Sally on Charles Street, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from John Wesley’s New Room.  Discover the five-storey Georgian townhouse where he wrote many of his well-loved hymns such as ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ with a private guided tour, including an exploration of hymnody and 18th century styled herb garden.  Currently the house is open only for pre-booked groups (of ten or more people) – please allow four weeks’ notice.  For individuals, seasonal tours of the house take place throughout the year.

Groups:

Join an experienced guide for a talk in the chapel explaining the story of John Wesley’s New Room and the work begun by John and Charles Wesley in Bristol.  As part of the group tour, you have access to the museum, located above the chapel, to go deeper into the history and legacy of the oldest Methodist building in the world.  Group visits to nearby Charles Wesley’s House also available.  Please allow two weeks’ notice for visits to John Wesley’s New Room and four weeks’ notice for visits to Charles Wesley’s House. A range of pre-order tour group lunch deals are available from their award-winning Fairtrade Cafe, as well as cream teas and bespoke refreshments. Learn more about group visits