The BRISTOL RAILWAY CIRCLE was founded in 1934, originally catering for both 'full-size' and model railway enthusiasts. The Circle had its own permanent club rooms for many years, firstly in Clifton, then Redland Station, then a couple of venues in the Sea Mills area, Redland Parish Church Hall, and the BAWA Club on Southmead Road. As from January 2025, the Circle holds one formal meeting a month (summer months excepted) at a room in Redland Parish Church Hall again. Other meetings are held at the President's house on Redland Road.

Informal Circle meetings are on Tuesday evening between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Formal meetings at Redland Parish Church Hall are on the third Tuesday of the month between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and take the form of lectures, slide shows, etc. Other evenings given over to informal discussion (Club Nights), DVD shows or short presentations. Books from the Circle’s extensive library and the latest magazines are available. Light refreshments in the form of tea, coffee and biscuits are also served. The Circle’s lecture programme covers a wide range of subjects of railway and associated interest (other transport, industrial archaeology, etc.).

During the summer months most Tuesday evenings are publicised as Club Nights although at least one evening a month will have an alternative activity (local walk, BBQ, etc.). Occasional day trips are made to specific events on nearby preserved railways as well as to those on the Network Rail owned network. Until the early 1980s, the Circle chartered a special train to a destination further afield with appeal both to the enthusiast and the public at large. We also hold an annual party held sometime over the Christmas or New Year period for Circle members and their families.

Details of subscriptions, etc are available from the Honorary Secretary: