No, you can't tour Aardman's actual studio in Bristol. It's a working animation studio on Gas Ferry Road, not a visitor attraction, and there's no public booking system or ticket for getting inside. What you can do is see the characters' permanent home at the Grand Appeal's Gromit Unleashed Shop at Cribbs Causeway, catch Bristol Museum & Art Gallery's rotating Aardman-related exhibits when they're on, and watch for the next Gromit Unleashed sculpture trail, which has returned to the city's streets several times over the past decade, most recently in 2025.
Why you can't just walk in
Aardman has made Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run from Bristol since 1976, and the studio is still a working production space rather than a museum. Visitors who've gone looking for it report being unable to get past reception, since the building is actively in use for filming and production. Some window displays showing characters and props are visible from outside, but that's the extent of casual access. If you're hoping for a studio tour the way some film and TV productions offer them, Aardman doesn't run one for the general public.
What you can actually do
The Gromit Unleashed Shop, Cribbs Causeway
The Grand Appeal, the children's charity behind the Gromit Unleashed sculpture trails, runs a permanent shop on the upper floor of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, on the bridge between Next and Castore. It's the most reliable year-round way to take home something Aardman-related, from Gromit merchandise to other charity gifts, and it doesn't need booking.
Museum exhibits, when they're on
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has hosted temporary exhibitions marking Aardman's history, including activities tied to the studio's 50th anniversary. These aren't permanent installations, so check the museum's current listings before planning a special trip around one, since exhibition runs are time-limited and move on once they close.
Gromit Unleashed sculpture trails
Periodically, the Grand Appeal fills Bristol's streets with large, individually decorated Gromit (and other character) sculptures as a fundraising trail, most recently Gromit Unleashed 3 in summer 2025. The sculptures are auctioned off at the end of each trail, so they aren't a fixed, year-round attraction, but when a trail is running it's a genuinely good way to see Aardman's world out in the city rather than in a gallery case. There's no fixed schedule for when the next one lands, so check the Grand Appeal's website if you want to time a Bristol visit around one.
Aardman's own anniversary celebrations
2026 marks Aardman's 50th year, and the studio has partnered with local museums on events in its home city to mark it, alongside a touring concert experience, Aardman in Concert, bringing orchestral scores from its films to venues around the UK. Specific Bristol dates and venues change, so check current listings rather than assuming a particular event is still running.
Where to actually see Bristol's film and animation heritage
If Aardman is part of a wider interest in Bristol's creative side, the city's street art scene, including work connected to Banksy, and M Shed, the city museum covering Bristol's industrial and cultural history, are both solid stops that don't depend on a limited-run exhibition being open. Watershed, Bristol's independent cinema and media centre on the harbourside, also runs talks and screenings tied to the city's film and animation industry from time to time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tour Aardman's actual studio?
No. It's a working production studio on Gas Ferry Road with no public tours or bookable visits. Some window displays are visible from outside, but you can't get past reception.
Is there a permanent Wallace & Gromit attraction in Bristol?
The closest thing is the Grand Appeal's Gromit Unleashed Shop at Cribbs Causeway, a permanent shop on the upper floor of The Mall. Sculpture trails and museum exhibitions run periodically rather than year-round.
What was Gromit Unleashed, and will it happen again?
It's a Bristol-wide charity sculpture trail featuring large decorated Gromit figures, run by the Grand Appeal to raise money for Bristol Children's Hospital. It's happened several times since 2013, most recently in 2025, with sculptures auctioned off at the end of each run. There's no fixed schedule for the next one.
Does Bristol Museum & Art Gallery have a permanent Aardman exhibit?
No, its Aardman-related displays have been temporary, tied to anniversaries and events. Check the museum's current listings before visiting specifically for one.
Where can I buy Aardman merchandise in Bristol?
The Grand Appeal's Gromit Unleashed Shop at Cribbs Causeway is the main permanent option in the city.
Is Aardman's studio open for anniversary events in 2026?
Aardman is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026 with museum partnerships and a touring concert series, but these are specific, time-limited events rather than open studio access. Check current listings for what's actually running before you visit.