Inside Bristol's (literally) hidden gems

Inside Bristol's (literally) hidden gems - from caves to secret vaults

Deep under the ground of our city lie some of the most swanky venues or fascinating historical locations that few people know about.

From secret vaults under Clifton Suspension Bridge to a hidden club beneath Temple Meads Train Station, there's a host of little-known rooms just waiting to be discovered.

And most of them are open to tourists, depending on the time of year.

Here we take a look inside some of the most exciting hidden gems.

Secret Vaults

The vaults underneath Clifton Suspension Bridge (Bristol Post)

For decades experts believed the foundations of our city's famous suspension bridge were solid. But in 2002, secret vaults were discovered lying hidden under Leigh Woods. Tours of the vaults can be booked between Easter and October.

Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA

The Wardrobe Theatre

The Wardrobe Theatre is hidden at the back of The Old Market Assembly (Image: Paul Blakemore)

Hidden at the back of the Old Market Assembly, down a dark long corridor is The Wardrobe Theatre.

This venue might be relatively small in size (with only 100 seats) but it still manages to welcomes more than 35,000 people every year across more than 500 performances.

Its programme is a lovingly curated mix of theatre, comedy, storytelling, live music, poetry/spoken word, dance and much more.

25 West St, Bristol BS2 0DF

Underground city

Between the towns of Corsham and Box near Bristol stands the mysterious underground Ministry of Defence site, formerly known as Basil Hill Barracks.

This is unlike any other Ministry of Defence building because it sits entirely underground and was built to house thousands of people if the world ever faced a nuclear war.

Nowadays, there are some who believe that such things as aliens are hidden away down there.

Smoke and Mirrors

This backstreet boozer's unique selling point is that it's home to a 46-seat theatre which is accessed through a 'secret' curtain at the back of the pub.

Intimate in nature, the venue plays host to some of the top magicians and comedians from across the UK, as well as local acts looking for a chance to show off their talent.

Although there are lots who are aware of this hidden space, there are many others who have no idea it exists.

8 Denmark St, Bristol BS1 5DQ

Redcliffe Caves

Hidden behind a small door in the banks of the harbour are the Redcliffe Caves. They consist of series of man made tunnels built in the Middle Ages. But to this day the mines are shrouded in mystery.

Rumours persist that around this time the Redcliffe Caves were used to keep slaves chained to walls but there’s very little evidence to support this. And we still have very little knowledge about how far they actually go on for.

Tours of the caves can be booked throughout the year.

Phoenix Wharf, Redcliffe Way, Bristol BS1 6SR

Loco Klub

Loco Klub is one of Bristol's coolest underground venues (Image: A.Pattenden)

Deep underneath Bristol Temple Meads is an intimate cultural club called The Loco Klub.

A creative collaboration between The Invisible Circus and Artspace Lifespace, Loco Klub is hidden in the former ashpits of the original railway station.

With a programme which includes everything from circus performance, to opera, all the way to techno and drum & bass nights, it aims to be a 'collaborative, cultural hub for a creative city'.