The team at the New Room in Bristol have been celebrating the announcement that their iconic Grade I listed chapel and state-of-the-art visitor centre have been awarded the coveted Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2020.

Awarded as a result of outstanding visitor feedback submitted to the well-known international review site, these annual accolades are given only to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are highly ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Reviews of the New Room frequently mention the peace and serenity of the historic chapel, and of the museum – which opened in 2017 backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund – reviewers said: “Very glad that we (visited) as it really interesting and I felt that I really learned a lot. Deals with the social history of Bristol very well. A lovely little quirky museum which I would recommend.”

And: “Overall, this was the best tenner I've spent on a day out with my kids in ages. The staff were excellent and it is a fabulous museum. I'm looking forward to returning (the ticket is valid for a year) without the children so I can have a more detailed look at the museum.”

New Room director, David Worthington, said: “Our award is the result of consistently great reviews from our visitors over the last year.

“Thank you to everyone who has already visited and contributed such great reviews, and we hope those will inspire lots of other people – both locals and tourists – to pop in and see us as soon as they can.”

The venue has also been awarded the We’re Good To Go Industry Standard by Visit England, acknowledging the many coronavirus safety precautions that have been introduced to ensure people have a relaxing and enjoyable visit, including a ‘timed entry slot’ system to manage social distancing around the museum, with online pre-booking available and entry tickets being paid for on arrival.

The New Room, also known as John Wesley’s Chapel, is the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world and the cradle of the early Methodist movement, and is open to all as a place for private prayer and reflection. The new Arts Council-accredited museum occupies what used to be the preachers' rooms above the chapel (with a lift for disabled access).

Opening hours for the New Room chapel, museum, award-winning café and shop are Tuesday - Saturday from 11am-3pm. For further details see www.newroombristol.org.uk