Tea in the Turret: Museum visit with tea & cake
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EmailTucked away in the heart of Fishponds within UWE's Glenside Campus, our museum of mental health care has been hosting a unique immersive experience since spring 2025 and it’s been fully booked right through summer and autumn so we've snuck in a few more dates before Christmas.
If you’re searching for fun things to do in Bristol this winter, whether with friends & family, or curious little explorers, Tea in the Turret is an uplifting and inspiring activity you won’t want to miss. We invite you to relax and enjoy a private tea party in this quirky little space, accessed via a secret spiral staircase.
Tea in the Turret is a little slice of calm, offering a playful showcase of the 5 elements of Victorian-era mental health care: a good diet, adequate exercise and plentiful sleep, alongside purposeful occupation and pleasant surroundings.
All this while sipping a cup of tea (or coffee/herbal tea if you'd prefer...) and nibbling a delicious slice of cake.
The turret room and balcony are part of our Grade II listed chapel, constructed in 1881. While once it played host to the hospital's most senior doctor and his family during church services, we’ve now transformed it into a lighthearted reflection of the content of our museum.
Children are very welcome to join us to climb the hidden spiral staircase. In fact, their curiosity often leads as they wander through our creative displays and discover something new around every corner.
In November 2025 we opened What Brings Me Joy, a feel-good art exhibition, which is a riot of colour and inspiration to spark joy in visitors of all ages.
Come and experience one of Bristol’s most unusual and engaging local events for yourself!
We reckon it'll be the most unusual afternoon tea party you've ever had...
A visit to our museum of mental health care is included.
ANY QUESTIONS? Drop us a message, we'll be happy to help. Capacity is usually 4 people but can stretch to 6. If you’re happy to be snug we can adjust your booking's capacity on request.
AVAILABILITY If your preferred date isn’t shown, please let us know. We manage multiple platforms and update slots frequently.
GIFT EXPERIENCE You can buy this as a gift now and arrange a convenient date with the recipient later.
ACCESSIBILITY Please note: the Turret room isn’t fully accessible for those with limited mobility due to its spiral staircase.
Minimum fitness level required.
Age restrictions: 5+
| Adult (Tea & cake in the Turret, plus museum entry) | £15 |
| Child (Tea & cake in the Turret, plus museum entry) | £6 |
What people are saying
Oct 2025
Really enjoyed our visit especially our coffee and cake in the Turret. Volunteers full of inform...
Jul 2025
Such a unique place! All of the staff were helpful & friendly. The turret area was wonderful to e...
How to get there
Facilities
- Family friendly
- Parking
- Refreshments available
- Toilets
On the day
Tea in the Turret slots are 90 minutes long.
Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your booking time to allow us to check you in at our reception desk.
If you have dietary requirements please let us know at least 7 days ahead of your booking. Given adequate notice we can cater gluten & dairy free.
You may stay for as long as you like exploring the main body of our museum during opening hours (10am-4pm)
Changes happen, don't worry
You'll be hosted by
Glenside Hospital Museum
Glenside Hospital Museum's extensive collection of objects, images and history collected since 1984 from several hospitals including Bristol's purpose built psychiatric hospital, which had a brief spell as Beaufort War Hospital during the First World War and the Stoke Park Colony of learning disability hospitals.
The museum provides a stimulating environment to think about hospital care; there is something to interest everyone. The purpose built mental health hospital opened in 1861 as the Bristol Lunatic Asylum. The collection is in the Victorian chapel, it self a unique example of the care the placed on providing hope to the patients, with the exquisitely carved alter piece depicting the joyous navity scene of the birth of Jesus. To support patient well-being the x-hospital and chapel building are set within extensive landscaped grounds. Throughout its history the building has gone through many changes, but looking at the warm grey pennant stone and walking round the museum you can begin to imagine the lives of the many people who have lived and worked here.
New for 2025 - We invite you to enjoy tea and cake in our quirky little secret space
The turret room and balcony were constructed in 1881 as part of the Chapel. We've transformed this historic and unique space into a light hearted reflection of the museum's content. A visit to the museum is included.
Stella Man
Museum Director at Glenside Hospital Museum of mental health care in Fishponds, Bristol.
Carly Wong
I cover digital engagement, social media and event management for Glenside Hospital Museum. I curated the Tea in the Turret experience with help from a team of volunteers in 2025 in order to give visitors a fun way to approach our collection, and am thrilled to see so many people enjoying it. Who wouldn't love a museum visit with a side of tea and cake?
I'll be managing your booking and am happy to answer any questions you may have about Tea in the Turret. Our knowledgable and friendly volunteer team will give you a warm welcome, hosting your experience on arrival at the museum.
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Glenside Hospital Museum .