You’ve been here for horror film screenings, and now the Bristol Film Festival team are inviting you to explore even deeper into the secret subterranean side of Bristol’s harbour area…
We’re delighted to announce that we will be running an exclusive weekend of guided tours of Redcliffe Caves, opening the doors to this unique venue for a rare opportunity to access one of Bristol’s most unusual and exclusive locations. The Festival team has been running events in the Caves for the past 10 years, and have developed a bespoke tour of the site that will bring this mysterious space to life.
Meet on Redcliffe Wharf where you’ll be issued a hard hat and given a health and safety briefing before stepping into the tunnels for a 40-45 minute tour. As your guide takes you through this underground labyrinth by torchlight, you’ll learn about the history of the Caves, including:
the origins of the Caves and their excavation
who used the Caves
local legends, from Blackbeard to the Bristol Blitz
ghost stories and tall tales
filming in Redcliffe Caves
the changing shape of Redcliffe
It’s a Bristol bucket list must-see - book your tour slot now and join us for this unforgettable experience!
Please note: Redcliffe Caves is a unique event space - we strongly recommend all guests read the ‘Venue & Event Information’ tab at this bottom of this page prior to booking.
About The Location
Redcliffe Caves are one of the most fascinating locations in Bristol. Originally created to mine sandstone for glass in the 17th Century, these caves (technically a quarry!) have a rich and varied history, having been used by hermits, prisoners of war, and even as an air raid shelter. Now, they are accessed through a gate on the Harbourside, and are usually closed to the public - Bristol Film Festival hosts its annual Horror In The Caves cinema season inside the Caves every October, and are delighted to be launching this inaugural weekend of tours to allow more people to visit this incredible space.
TICKETS
NB: a mandatory £1.50 booking fee is added to your order at checkout. This is per order, not per ticket
Getting Here
Redcliffe Caves is situated in the centre of Bristol on Phoenix Wharf (postcode BS1 6SR). There will be a gazebo structure marking the entrance to the Caves, and it is situated on the same wharf as the Benjamin Perry Boathouse (opposite Thekla). The what3words reference is fancy.oval.scope
The easiest ways to reach the Wharf on foot are:
- Via the pedestrian ramp that starts in the NCP car park on Redcliffe Parade East
- Following the footpath round from the Ostrich pub
- Heading south onto the Wharf from the entrance by the east side of Redcliffe Bridge
There is no parking onsite. The closest car park is the NCP car park on Redcliffe Parade East. Please do not park on the Wharf as it is regularly patrolled and vehicles without a permit are frequently towed from the site!
Wherever possible, we encourage walking or the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
Accessibility
Due to the nature of the space, all guests on a tour must be able to exit the Caves unaided in the event of an emergency.
The venue is technically wheelchair accessible, although there are occasional spots with uneven flooring, puddles and muddy patches. Please contact us if you would like to discuss further.
The venue may not be suitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
There will be an accessible Portaloo onsite.
We want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about this venue’s accessibility.
Venue & Event Information
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the stated start time on your ticket.
Please do not consume food in the Caves.
It is highly recommended that all guests wear warm, sensible clothing and sturdy footwear, as the Caves are a relatively cool environment. You are welcome to bring a torch for personal use, although your guide will be equipped with torches; there will be no other lighting in the venue.
Wearing a hard hat is mandatory and these will be provided at the start of the tour.
Any individuals behaving in an irresponsible, offensive, or disruptive manner during a tour will be removed from the venue. Please be respectful of others and of this historic space.
The Caves can be an intense environment, and may not be suitable for younger children. All under-16s attending tours must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
FAQs
What time should I arrive? Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the stated start time on your ticket. You will receive an email before your event with more information about what to expect from your tour.
What if I’m running late? We cannot wait for latecomers and cannot guarantee that you will be able to join the tour if late. Where possible, we will try to accommodate you on a later tour, but this is entirely dependent on availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I bring my child to a tour? Children are permitted on tours, but under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the event. We also advise parents to exercise their own discretion, as the Caves can be an unusual and intense environment that may not be suitable for younger children.
What should I wear to the tour? We recommend warm, weather-appropriate clothing for a tour of the Caves, as the Caves are naturally fairly cool and temperatures can vary throughout the day. Please wear sturdy and comfortable footwear; while the floor is relatively even, we advise against heels and sandals. There may also be puddles and muddy patches.
I have a BuyAGift/Red Letter Days/other voucher. How do I redeem this for this event? Head to this page for more information about redeeming Gift Vouchers.
Is my ticket refundable? If you have purchased refund protection, you can apply for a refund via Xclaim. Red Carpet Club members receive refunds up to 5 working days before an event.