If you have even the slightest interest in either Methodist or Bristolian history, you will find much delight in this space. Stepping into the chapel is a bit like time travelling, you can easily imagine the many gatherings and sermons delivered here, inspiring early Methodists and the general public to go out and make a positive impact in their city and the world at large. The museum is amazing! For such a small exhibit, its curators have pulled out all the stops to create fascinating, engaging, and often entertainingly interact displays, covering all aspects of John Wesley's career and private life (including the bed he used to sleep on!) and offering a glimpse into Methodism's influence on Bristol's development. There's one entire display dedicated to Slavery, a bold statement in these contentious times. The souvenir shop carries a nice selection of odds and ends to tempt the casual tourist, and many books are available on various subjects; there's also a huge selection of used books available for purchase in a corner of the chapel, not to be missed! The café is a lovely little space of respite, where you can get a decently priced cup of tea and a sandwich or slice of cake. I will also note that the space is very Accessible for people with physical disabilities, with lifts to the upper floors and carefully designed toilet spaces. I don't know about Deaf/HoH or Blind/VI options for the museum, as I haven't asked about them, but perhaps I will do so in a future visit and update this review to reflect the response.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Built by John Wesley, The New Room is the world's oldest Methodist building. When you step off Broadmead and through its doors, it's like stepping into a time machine and being whisked back to the 18th century. Upstairs from the chapel are the preachers' rooms - where the likes of Charles Wesley and George Whitefield would have stayed and where early Methodist Conferences would have been held. These rooms are home to a small museum. One of the rooms, Charles Wesley's, has recently been refurbished. Highlights include an 18th century view of Bristol transposed onto the window and little radio dramas of events that might have happened in the room, which you can listen to when sitting in the window seat. You can also listen to the most well-known of Charles Wesley's hymns. It provides a fascinating insight into the 18th century and is well worth a visit whether you're a Methodist or not.

I’m giving this a 3 star because of modern adaptations. I love the place, the history is incomparable. The issue is that they are using this space in advertisements for anti-Christian events. For example they are openly welcoming LGBTQ+ couples attending the church and hosting pride events. I’m all for LGBTQ+ events happening outside the church because why should everyone have to live a Christian life that’s not a Christian? But the issue comes when churches try to change the bible to adapt to the current world. John Wesley lived to spread the gospel, the gospel is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We must stop changing the bible to fit the world - but change the world to fit the bible. As it’s commanded in the bible. It’s Christian 101.

John Wesley was an English cleric, theologian, and evangelist who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The societies he founded became the dominant form of the independent Methodist movement that continues to this day. Born: 28 June 1703, Epworth Died: 2 March 1791, London Wesleyans believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Savior of all persons who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

I shouldn't say this really!! But what a wonderful place this is . Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Bristol city centre here is a true oasis in the middle of concrete jungle . Here is a quiet warm cafe where you can enjoy Coffee and snacks at a very reasonable price.With the nicest staff I have ever had the good fortune to be served by my visit here was the highlight of my visit to Bristol city centre.An added bonus was the choir rehearsing in the lovely chapel nextdoor.Well done to all the staff here and thank you for cheering me up especially on cold December day!!

Our first time doing the Methodist Heritage trail with a stop at New Room. The historical account of John Wesley's life and the beginning of Methodism were well documented. For myself, a layman, I like the details like photos, letters and writings. The Chapel is so quaint and authentic. We managed to sit in for a short sermon and a chat with some enthusiastic volunteers. We also did the London trail with Wesley's house and his mother's grave. Very happy to be able to trace our Methodist roots in UK. 1 tick off my bucket list :)

Nice,historical place that reminds of effective people like John and James wesley on Christianity long time ago in Bristol. The church is beautiful and well maintained. It is nice to have cafe. We couldn't see the museum because the system was down, i was surprised for not letting us see it and pay cash at least. Coming for the first time from abroad and not able to see the museum was disappointing and strange!!!.thanks.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The worlds first Methodist church. John Wesley was an English cleric and theologian who, with his brother Charles and fellow cleric George Whitefield, founded Methodism. Educated at Charterhouse School and Christ Church, Oxford, Wesley was elected a fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford in 1726 and ordained as an Anglican priest two years later. He rejected the established church..and preached wherever he could..

A place of huge historical importance - the home of Methodism! Some folk may find it plain uninspiring; others will understand the simple beauty of Wesley's first chapel. Enjoy the chapel and museum but do also visit the café. Basic stuff like coffee, cake and soup as good as its many competitors around in Bristol's Broadmead shopping centre but cheaper and supporting a wonderful bit of religious history.

The people inside are very helpful and the new museum is great! Very informative; I learnt a lot about a fascinating man and his brother, and their role in shaping the lives of so many people in Bristol and around the world. The museum is well laid out and fits a lot in to a surprisingly small space. The chapel itself is well maintained. I'll return again to learn more soon, and maybe try out the cafe!

Awarded best small attraction in the area and bronze for best South West attraction. Multi award winning cafe - food and coffee all made with local organic fairtrade ingredients. Chapel is an oasis of tranquillity in the midst of the busy Broadmead area and the museum is brilliant, very hands on for kids and interesting for adults too. Ticket for museum is valid for 12 months. Excellent!!

An interesting little chapel just off a busy shopping street and easy to miss. Doesn't take long to visit and well worth it for a dose of history. The tree stump chair looks like it might not be very comfortable (you can't sit it it as it is fragile), but looks very cool. If you work nearby and haven't seen it yet then take 15 to 20 minutes one lunchtime to take a look.

Beautiful tiny Chapel hidden away in Bristol. Can you find it? Obscure entrances opposite Primark on the Horsefair at one end, opposite Boots on Broadmead at the other. Don't trust the location Google maps gives you. The chapel has had a new steel orning and museum added, whereas it used to be tiny Chapel in yard before. You can see the history of it in the museum.

I visited the museum on one of the guided tours and really enjoyed it. Our guide was really knowledgeable and the tour itself was really interesting and informative. We went into the chapel and the rooms above and learnt a lot about Methodism - would really recommend!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

A fascinating chapel steeped in history and a museum, suitable for all ages and families. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, including dressing up and the museum is engaging for both young and old. The cafe is also well worth a visit and serves delicious home made cakes, soups and sandwiches. A super hidden gem in the centre of Bristol.

The first Methodist Chapel in the world is not the easiest place to find - so use Google Maps... Once inside, it's always a quiet place - somewhere to sit and think in the centre of the city. And you don't get any more minimalist than here: everything is functional form; there are no superfluous decorations; no symbolism.

Standing in the first ever Methodist Church built was just humbling and I felt very blessed by God. I prayed in the Church auditorium, I sang and took pictures with my wife. We have been blessed to have just chanced on it. I believe it is a Holy Place to rededicate one's life to Jesus Christ our Saviour

Fascinating history of how one family, the Wesley's, fired a revolution of justice,love and self-sacrifice with little more than a deep belief in the bible and its main subject, Jesus Christ.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's a lovely place. Very quiet and peaceful with a nice coffee bar. Museum and a very good bookshop. It's attached to the chapel and is very interesting. Really worth a visit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

If your looking for a nice quiet cafe for a wonderful coffee and a snack ( macaroons are highly recommended )with a very welcoming atmosphere head here. Super friendly staff all round , amazing food in the cafe and the church itself is very interesting.

Independent coffee shop near primark. Coffee is as good if not better than the Costa / Starbucks franchise. Staff are polite and helpful, area is clean well lit. If your in the area try it out, can't fault the place.
Visited on
Weekday

evangelist, who was a leader of a revival movement within the Church of England known as Methodism. The societies he founded became the dominant form of the independent Methodist movement that continues to this day.
Visited on
Weekday

Only went to the cafe for a coffee and a piece of cake which was delicious! There was a nice atmosphere and the staff were welcoming and friendly.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Wonderful Methodist Church, were John Wesley preached. This was the very first Methodist Church. Lovely cafe at the back of the chapel were wholesome snacks can be had. Nice shop and well worth having a look at the museum. 10/10

A place of history but also a place to relax, in the coffee shop. On a cold December day, the home-made soup did its job! Friendly staff, too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A lovely little chapel in the heart of the city nice to come to sit and take some silent the. They have books in the corner and a lovely cafe staff are friendly and helpful.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Never knew this was here! Very informative lady on the desk. Great museum, highly recommend going. Looks like a nice cafe as well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Important and enjoyable place to visit: can't ask for more. Coffee and cakes for those who aren't so keen on English cultural history...
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Worth a visit. The chapel is beautiful and the museum is fascinating. Cute cafe and gift shop just inside the entrance.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

It is extremely interesting with a lot of information and the presentation of the museum is the best that I have seen.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The starting point of a global religious movement, a small slice of Bristolian life that is felt around the world.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Really interesting place. This time was in the cafe. Small friendly place. Great for a light lunch or coffee and cake.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Well worth a visit if you are near Broadmead. Chapel is free to enter, although there is an entrance fee for the upstairs museum. There is a charming little cafe in the nearly renovated front entrance.

Nice little tourist attraction just off the shopping high street. The staff are super friendly and happy to have a chat and share their knowledge of the New Room. Cafe next door is pretty good too!

We had a tea and coffee, it was a cold day outside, and we needed a hot drink. It was okay, the price was okay, but I don’t think I would rush to go there again. Lacks something, but not sure what.

Fantastic exhibition. Wonderfully interactive even found myself singing the songs. Take the children there is loads for them to do. Very important account of world history told in a modern way.

Management of very good have a good cafe and being a volunteer myself but load of volunteers opportunities despite my disability people are very helpful and also suitable for disabled people

Really good museum, working on Mondays, etc (not like the Bristol museum, art gallery). Lovely to see it
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The staff we're loving. And best quiches I have tasted in a long.really would recommend visiting
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

At 72, this was the first time seeing "all things Wesley." The world is his parish, for sure.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

So much history to be found here. The rich heritage of Methodism and the controversy that came with it as Wesley preached a social gospel that demanded humane, kind treatment for all.

Nice and friendly place to grab a coffee while I wait for my brother in the hospital. Light and airy inside with very good coffee and even better cake. Staff were friendly.

Lovely little museum, chapel and cafe in the heart of Bristol. We learned a lot about the Wesleys but also about the economic and social conditions of the day. Great value.

It's OK, went in for a light snack and outta the 3 options of filling, they had only 1. The filling that we did get was really nice though, and the coffee was really good.

Small light and airy café nestled amongst the fast food joints serving fresh homemade food (sandwiches, baked potatoes, soup and cake). There is a great museum as well.

A tranquil oasis in our hectic lives. Also happy memories of my wedding here in 1978. Goose bumps when it was the venue for a scene in 'Sanditon' over the weekend!!!

For anyone witha Methodist background Very well kept with interested and informed guides. Make time for upstairs archive. Cafe on site serves nice tea and cakes

A tranquil place of worship and reflection in the heart of Bristol that you should visit if in the area :-) Coffee and cake available at the fine cafe too! :-D

Only been once in the cafe attached to the museum but very pleasant
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The food was tasty and we were served very quickly. A lovely calm space.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful place. This place is of great spiritual significance to me and it was great to visit the Chapel. I highly recommend you visit this place. Thank you

Wonderful exhibition on a man who lived by the book. I don't think he would have approved of Beyonce in the chapel! Rev 17.5 might have sprung to mind …

Peaceful retreat inside the bustling city. Nice café and not too pricey
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

An oasis of calm in the town centre, well worth a visit, interesting museum and lovely cafe serving home made soups, sandwiches, cakes and excellent coffee.

Very nice place to take a break, coffee really good but very disappointed with the cheese on toast which was one slice with mild cheese that cost almost £5

Fantastic visit! Lovely, helpful staff and a beautiful building. The museum is outstanding with lots of information clearly laid out. Thank you very much!

Lovely little chapel and museum full of character. I learned a lot.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fascinating place, so full of interesting info about the Wesleys.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Good atmosphere, nice selection of cakes. Welcoming in the chapel
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Really accessible and entertaining museum with an excellent cafe
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Had the chance to visit the chapel and was nicely impressed! And all staff are really friendly and welcoming. A hidden gem in busy central Bristol.

It's a wonderful little gem, steeped in history, learn visually about John Wesley, abolishment of slavery, history of faith in beautiful Bristol!!

Nice quiet place for a rest and a drink and snacks
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Excellent place to visit. We learned a lot. Nice cafe.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Restful and peaceful with no background music which was a lovely respite to being bombarded everywhere with noisy music everywhere else.

Attended a book launch event. The facilities are excellent and the chapel is quaint.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Jolly good staff and strsight forward food in cafe.. Chance to take some quite contemplative time or a chat in chapel area attached.

A very interesting place, well worth a visit. Sadly the problems faced and tackled by these early Methodists are still with us now.

Very nice to hear the all men choir but expensive to see the museum as when i was a kid it was free. Although it as been remodeled

Was there for Friday communion service.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Love the peace of this place ; and the cake!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A quiet refuge in the centre of a shopping center, the covered courtyard has a great atmosphere for either a quick or slow coffee

Really well curated and interesting small museum - thoughtful questions asked through out that engage adults and children alike.

Great new museum, definitely worth a visit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great food greater tea good service.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely friendly staff fantastic food home made nice relaxing atmosphere
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

I found out where the word "Methodist" comes from. That was the highlight. The museum was seven pounds so we skipped that.

I visited the museum which has a wealth of exhibits about John and Charles Wesley and you can visit a The New Room......

Alwayscwelcoming. Great soup!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A lovely evening of music
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Fab visit as always. Such a welcoming place, and very easy to take children. Lovely and friendly cafe. Thanks!

Dedicated staff: JW would be v. proud of their 'open arm's in welcome. An air of Eternity pervades everywhere.

I was here for a Methodist Reflect conference. The facility is excellent and the staff friendly and helpful.

Lovely food and great service, enjoyed in fabulous surroundings. A lovely place to visit and very historic.

Great place to learn about some of Bristols most interesting people, and the birth of the Methodist church.

Friedly Welcome, positiv atmosphere ans a Lot of interesting information abaut Wesley sind the Methodist.

Lovely secret place for coffee. Snacks and cakes excellent. Peacefully quiet. Lovely courtyard effect.

Excellent little place for a drink and snacks reasonably priced not to busy when we have been there .

I had no idea there were meeting rooms and a cafe inside, looks very modern and the service was great

Very slow service. Staff seem unhappy. Mediocre food. Really disappointing
Visited on
Weekday

An oasis of calm within the hustle and bustle of the retail mayhem. Very informative - a little gem.

Helpful guide in the chapel, friendly coffee shop staff, reasonable prices. Every where very clean.

Great museum space complete with cafe and shop right in the centre of town and yet had never been!

Calm reflective space at the centre of Bristol
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

One of my favourite places for history and with great event's as well as food served by the café.

Welcoming, interesting, and peaceful place in the middle of a busy shopping area. A sanctuary

Friendly with a nice cafe. Didn't have time to visit the museum but would like to go back.

Amazing refurb, with a fantastic cafe. The museum and chapel give a great view of history.

Interesting Place John Wesley's Chapel and museum Modern cafe. Enjoyed the soup and bread!

Lovely building in a hideaway place. Cafe a little expensive. Fabulous learning centre.