X
Future Inns

REWARDS

LOGIN | REGISTER
|

Theatre Breaks in Birstol

The Bristol Hippodrome Theatre

 

The Bristol Hippodrome is one of the UK's leading touring theatres and the heart of Bristol's theatre scene, hosting spectacular West End musicals, award-winning plays, ballet, opera, comedy and family shows throughout the year.

Stay close to the Bristol Hippodrome by booking your stay at Future Inn Bristol. Perfect for couples, families, friends, and theatre-goers, the hotel offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities for a relaxing stay before or after the show. Kids stay free, making it an excellent choice for family theatre breaks in Bristol.

Guests also benefit from convenient city-centre free parking, making it easy to travel to and from the theatre and explore Bristol's top attractions. With the shops, bars, and restaurants of Cabot Circus just a short walk away - plus the on-site Chophouse Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Future Inns is the perfect base for a memorable theatre break. Book direct for our best available rates. Join Future Club Rewards, and you'll also get up to 12% off your stay - join free today!

Book a Room

Theatres in Bristol

The Bristol Hippodrome is one of the UK's leading provincial theatres and one of the city's most iconic entertainment venues. Located in the heart of Bristol, it has been welcoming audiences since 1912 and is renowned for hosting spectacular West End musicals, Broadway productions, ballet, opera, comedy, live music, family shows and its much-loved annual pantomime. Whether you're planning a theatre break or a night out in the city, the Bristol Hippodrome offers a memorable experience in a beautiful historic setting.

Originally designed by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham, the Grade II listed building combines stunning Edwardian architecture with modern facilities. One of its most remarkable original features was a huge water tank beneath the front of the stage, capable of holding around 450,000 litres of water for elaborate aquatic performances. A protective glass screen could be raised to shield the orchestra and audience, while the theatre's distinctive dome was designed to open for ventilation before the days of air conditioning. Today, these fascinating engineering features remain part of the theatre's rich history.

The theatre regularly welcomes major touring productions direct from London's West End, alongside performances by the Welsh National Opera, dance companies, comedians and internationally acclaimed performers. Thanks to its central location, it's easy to combine an evening at the theatre with dinner, shopping or an overnight stay in Bristol.

Bristol Hippodrome Seating Plan

The auditorium is arranged across three levels - the Stalls, Grand Circle and Upper Circle - with a variety of seating options to suit different budgets and preferences. If you're looking for the best view, seats in the centre of the Stalls and Grand Circle generally offer excellent sightlines, while the Upper Circle provides a more affordable way to enjoy performances. Accessibility seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing assistance are also available, making the theatre welcoming to all visitors.

Bristol Hippodrome Capacity

The Bristol Hippodrome has a seating capacity of 1,951, making it one of the largest theatres in the South West. Its impressive size allows it to host large-scale musicals, spectacular stage productions and nationally touring shows while still creating an intimate atmosphere inside the historic auditorium.

Bristol Hippodrome Tickets

Bristol Hippodrome tickets are available for performances throughout the year, from blockbuster musicals and family favourites to comedy, concerts and opera. Popular productions often sell out well in advance, so it's worth booking early if you're hoping to secure the best seats or attending during school holidays and the festive season.

Visitor Information

Before your visit, it's worth checking the latest information about performance times, accessibility, age guidance and venue policies. The theatre has bars and refreshment areas throughout the house, accessible facilities, and friendly staff on hand to help visitors enjoy their experience. Throughout the year, the Bristol Hippodrome also hosts special performances, including relaxed, captioned, audio-described and British Sign Language interpreted shows, ensuring theatre is accessible to as many people as possible.

Read More

What's On at The Bristol Hippodrome

What shows are coming to Bristol Hippodrome?

The Bristol Hippodrome has something for everyone; whether you prefer musicals, ballet, opera, concerts, comedians or children’s shows, the venue’s comprehensive programme is likely to have something that takes your fancy.

  • Miss Saigon - 21 July to 1 August 2026
  • Waitress - 4 to 8 August 2026
  • The Bodyguard - 11 to 15 August 2026
  • Annie - 18 to 23 August 2026
  • We Will Rock You - 25 to 29 August 2026
  • Mean Girls - 8 to 12 September 2026
  • Back To The Future The Musical - 8 October to 21 November 2026
  • Cats - 24 to 28 November 2026
  • Panto 2026: Sleeping Beauty - 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
  • Grease - 2 to 7 August 2027
  • Pretty Woman The Musical - 17 to 28 August 2027
  • Chicago - 31 August to 4 September 2027
  • Jesus Christ Superstar - 19 to 30 October 2027
  • Six - 23 to 27 November 2027
  • Hairspray - 10 to 15 January 2028
FULL THEATRE PROGRAMME

Hotels with Free Parking near Bristol Hippodrome

Future Inn Bristol is a modern and comfortable hotel in Bristol city centre. It offers easy access to key attractions and vibrant areas. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, and a laptop safe. Guests can also enjoy added comforts such as complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, enhancing the overall experience. The biggest perk of staying at our Bristol hotel is the free parking at Cabot Circus, directly across the road from Future Inns.

Book a Room

Getting to The Hippodrome

It's incredibly easy to get to Bristol Hippodrome from Future Inn Bristol:

  • Bristol Hippodrome is a 9-minute drive or taxi ride from Future Inn Bristol.
  • It would take around 11 minutes on public transport. Several bus routes depart regularly from across the road. 
  • If you prefer to cycle, it would take around 5 minutes.
  • It is approximately a 19-minute walk from the hotel, passing Castle Park.

Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

More information

Restaurants near Bristol Hippodrome

Chophouse Restaurant offers a modern twist on classic dishes showcasing the best of the region's produce. From hearty breakfasts to indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike. Whether you enjoy a succulent steak, a hearty burger, or a fresh fish dish, every meal delivers bold flavours and satisfying portions.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Buttcombe, Bristol Harvey Cream and Bristol Rum. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

If you are staying in the hotel, room service is available 24/7. 

BOOK NOW


Food & Drink Special Offers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Bristol Hippodrome is fully air-conditioned, making it a comfortable venue to visit throughout the year. Interestingly, when the theatre first opened in 1912, it featured an opening dome to provide natural ventilation before modern air conditioning was installed.

Yes. Bristol Hippodrome is located within Bristol's Clean Air Zone. If you're travelling by car, check whether your vehicle is subject to the daily charge before you travel. Guests staying at Future Inn Bristol can benefit from free parking and walk to the theatre.

The Bristol Hippodrome is located on St Augustine's Parade in Bristol city centre, opposite the Centre Promenade and close to Bristol Cathedral, Harbourside and College Green. Its central location makes it easy to combine a theatre trip with shopping, sightseeing or dining.

There are plenty of ghost stories surrounding the Bristol Hippodrome. Staff and performers have reported unexplained footsteps, strange noises and sightings over the years, with many believing the theatre is haunted by several friendly spirits. While there's no evidence to prove these tales, they remain a fascinating part of the theatre's history.

Yes. The Bristol Hippodrome has lifts providing access to most public areas, along with accessible toilets, wheelchair spaces and other facilities to help visitors with access requirements. It's recommended to contact the theatre in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.

The Bristol Hippodrome opened in 1912, making it over 110 years old. It remains one of the UK's finest surviving Edwardian theatres and continues to host world-class productions.

Construction began in 1911, and the Bristol Hippodrome officially opened its doors on 16 December 1912. It was designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham and is now a Grade II listed building.

Bristol Hippodrome is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from Bristol Temple Meads railway station. It takes around 20 minutes to walk, approximately 5-10 minutes by taxi, or you can catch one of the frequent buses into the city centre.

The Bristol Hippodrome has a seating capacity of 1,951, making it one of the largest theatres in the South West. The auditorium is arranged across the Stalls, Grand Circle and Upper Circle.

The Bristol Hippodrome is one of the largest and busiest theatres outside London. With seating for 1,951 people across three levels, it regularly hosts major West End musicals, touring productions, opera, ballet, comedy and concerts.

Cabot Circus is approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from the Bristol Hippodrome. The walk takes around 15-20 minutes, making it easy to combine shopping, dining and a theatre show in one visit. Future Inn Bristol is located opposite Cabot Circus, so guests can easily walk to both destinations during their stay.

The Bristol Hippodrome's stage door is located on St Augustine's Parade, to the side of the theatre. This is where performers and production staff enter and leave the building, and it's often where theatre-goers wait after performances to meet cast members or collect autographs.

There are several city centre car parks within walking distance of the theatre, including Trenchard Street Car Park, Millennium Square Car Park and NCP Queen Charlotte Street. If you're staying overnight, Future Inn Bristol offers free parking, allowing you to leave your car at the hotel and walk to the theatre.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants within a short walk of the Bristol Hippodrome, including steakhouses, Italian restaurants, tapas bars and waterfront dining around Bristol Harbourside. If you're staying at Future Inn Bristol, the on-site Chophouse Restaurant is an ideal choice for a pre-theatre dinner or a relaxed breakfast before exploring the city.

If you're planning a theatre break in Bristol, Future Inn Bristol is an excellent choice. Located opposite Cabot Circus, it's a short walk or drive/taxi from the Bristol Hippodrome; the hotel offers spacious bedrooms, city-centre free parking, free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. It's the perfect base for combining a show with shopping, sightseeing and a relaxing overnight stay.

Explore Bristol

Cabot Circus

Explore

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Explore

Bristol Cathedral

Explore

Bristol Harbourside

Explore

For the latest news and exclusive offers

Sign Up

Book Room Book a Table Buy a gift voucher Join Rewards Club