Tea in the Turret: Museum Visit & Cake
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EmailWe invite you to relax while enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of cake in this quirky little secret space, alongside a visit to our museum of mental health care.
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 medical superintendent and his family during church services, we’ve now transformed it into a lighthearted reflection of the content of our museum.
Tea in the Turret is a playful showcase of the 5 elements of mental health care in a pre-medication era: a good diet, adequate exercise and plentiful sleep, alongside purposeful occupation and pleasant surroundings.
An uplifting homely environment was thought to lift to the spirits in a way that could improve mental health, so the wards were often decorated in patterned wallpaper and cheerful colours. This can be seen in the artist Stanley Spencer’s painting “bed making”, inspired by his time here as a medical orderly during the institution’s time as Beaufort War Hospital.
Occupation often comprised work on the hospital farm for men, and laundry or needlework for women.
If you have any questions about this experience, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message.
Please note, the Turret room is not a fully accessible part of our venue if you have 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 |
How to get there
Facilities
- Family friendly
- Parking
- Refreshments available
- Toilets
On the day
Tea in the Turret slots are 90 minutes long. Max capacity = 4 people.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your booking time to allow us to check you in at our reception desk.
If you have specific dietary requirements please let us know at least 7 days ahead of your booking. Given adequate notice we can cater for gluten free, dairy free and vegan diets.
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
Glenside Hospital Museum of mental health care in Fishponds, Bristol.
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Glenside Hospital Museum .