Bristol Harbourside
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M Shed Museum
Learn about Bristol's History
M Shed is Bristol's museum of people and place, telling the story of the city through fascinating objects, interactive exhibits and personal stories. Located on the historic harbourside, it's the perfect place to discover Bristol's maritime heritage, industrial past, music scene and the people who shaped the city. Best of all, admission is free, making it a great stop for visitors of all ages.
Stay close to the museum by booking your stay at Future Inn Bristol. Perfect for families, couples, and groups, the hotel offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities. Kids stay free, making it an ideal choice for family city breaks.
Guests also benefit from free parking in Bristol city centre, making it easy to explore M Shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and other nearby attractions. With the shops and restaurants of Cabot Circus just across the road - plus the on-site Chophouse Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner - Future Inns is the perfect base for discovering Bristol. Book direct for our best available rates. Join Future Club Rewards for up to 12% off your stay - join free today!
Book a RoomMuseums in Bristol
Housed in a former 1950s transit shed on Bristol's historic Floating Harbour, M Shed is the city's award-winning social history museum. The building, known simply as M Shed, has been transformed into an engaging museum that tells the story of Bristol through the voices, memories and experiences of the people who have lived and worked here.
Often described as an icon of Bristol's harbourside regeneration, M Shed explores more than 2,000 years of the city's history, from prehistoric settlements to modern-day Bristol. Through fascinating objects, photographs, films, interactive displays and personal stories, visitors can discover how Bristol has evolved into the vibrant city it is today.
Hotel near M Shed Bristol
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.
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Getting to M Shed from Future Inn Bristol
It's incredibly easy to get to M Shed from Future Inn Bristol:
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!
Bristol Restaurant
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is M Shed Bristol?
M Shed is Bristol's social history museum, showcasing more than 2,000 years of the city's history through objects, films, interactive displays and personal stories. Located on the Floating Harbour, it explores everything from Bristol's maritime heritage to its music, industry and diverse communities.
Why is it called M Shed?
The museum occupies a former dockside transit shed that was historically known as M Shed. Rather than rename the building, the museum kept its original dockside identity when it opened in 2011.
Where is M Shed Bristol?
M Shed is located on Princes Wharf beside Bristol's Floating Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre, Wapping Wharf and the SS Great Britain.
Where is Banksy in M Shed?
M Shed displays Banksy's famous The Grim Reaper mural, which originally appeared on the side of a boat moored in Bristol Harbour. The artwork is preserved inside the museum as part of Bristol's story, while many other Banksy works can still be found across the city.
Is M Shed free?
Yes. Entry to M Shed is free, although donations are encouraged. Some temporary exhibitions and special events may charge an admission fee.
What are the most interesting places to see in Bristol?
Some of the top attractions include M Shed, Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain - now known as Bristol Dockyards, Bristol Cathedral, Cabot Tower, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, St Nicholas Market and the colourful streets of Stokes Croft.
What are the best activities to do in Bristol?
Popular activities include exploring the Floating Harbour, visiting museums, taking a harbour boat trip, discovering Banksy's street art, climbing Cabot Tower, shopping in Cabot Circus, visiting Clifton Village and enjoying Bristol's independent food scene.
Where is the best place to view the different artworks by Banksy in Bristol?
Banksy's works are spread throughout Bristol, with notable pieces in Stokes Croft, Nelson Street, Park Street and around the city centre. M Shed is also worth visiting to see The Grim Reaper, while guided Banksy walking tours provide additional background on the artist and his work.
Why has street art become a popular attraction for touring Bristol?
As Banksy's hometown, Bristol has become internationally recognised for its vibrant street art culture. Colourful murals by internationally renowned and local artists cover buildings across the city, making street art one of Bristol's most distinctive attractions.
What are some of the free things to do in Bristol?
Free attractions include M Shed, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Bristol Cathedral, Brandon Hill, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, walking around the Floating Harbour, exploring St Nicholas Market and discovering Bristol's street art.
What are some unique landmarks that visitors to Bristol should explore?
Some of Bristol's most distinctive landmarks include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, Cabot Tower, the colourful houses overlooking the Floating Harbour, St Mary Redcliffe Church, the Wills Memorial Building and the historic harbourside itself.
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