History & Heritage
Kings Weston House stands on the last hill before Bristol meets the sea, with panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. This Grade 1 listed Palladian mansion is the only house in Bristol designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect behind Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.
From Roman Villa to Wedding Venue
Romans built a villa here, choosing this spot for its stunning views across the water to Wales.
Centuries later, Sir William Wynter chose this same spot for his Tudor manor. As one of Elizabeth I’s admirals, he knew the value of a good lookout point – legend has it he watched for Spanish ships from these heights.
But it was Edward Southwell who created what you see today. Fresh from travels through Italy and inspired by Palladian architecture, he hired Sir John Vanbrugh to tear down Wynter’s manor and build a new one. Local stone was used to create this masterpiece, which has stood here for over three centuries, watching Bristol grow from a port town into a city, surviving wars and changing hands more than once.
Walk through History and Step Into Nature
Kings Weston is more than a building – it’s 300 acres of parkland to unwind, explore and enjoy, right here in Bristol.
For centuries, the hill and its landscape were celebrated by Georgian visitors, and even feature in the setting of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey.
Today, the estate remains a peaceful retreat and a welcome break from city life. The grounds offer open lawns, sweeping views, and a “small arboretum” of tree species that attract a wealth of wildlife. You might spot deer, foxes, and plenty of birdlife, or just enjoy a quiet stroll under the trees.