The Story of John Wesley

The Museum at the New Room tells the story of John and Charles Wesley and eighteenth-century Methodism and its relevance today.

The museum is housed in the rooms that were originally constructed in 1748 to accommodate the Wesleys and the early Methodist preachers. As part of your visit you will see John Wesley’s study and bedroom, as well as the main parlour for the preachers.

Visit the Museum

To manage social distancing around the Museum we encourage you to book online. Please arrive within your chosen 30 minute time slot.

Visitors can buy tickets on the day, subject to availability.

Book a tour

Volunteer-led tours are a unique way of exploring the highlights of John Wesley's New Room. These tours provide a wonderful introduction to our collection and will give an insight into the fascinating stories behind the oldest Methodist building in the world. Step into the preachers’ rooms above the chapel to see John Wesley’s bedroom and study, discover the earliest membership book, and try on costumes from our dressing up cupboard.

Audio Tour at Home

Explore 12 rooms which bring to life the work of early Methodism.  During your visit you will discover what life was like in Georgian Bristol and how Methodism spread throughout Britain, America and across the rest of the world.

Discover how the New Room played a vital role in providing healthcare and education for those in need and how John Wesley took a stand against slavery. Discover the challenges faced by Wesley in his fight for social justice and be inspired to continue that work today.

Watch the video