We visit the new Christmas story trail at Bristol Cathedral with a nativity scene and prayer trees

If you are looking for an indoor family activity where you can reflect upon the story of Christmas and its meaning, look no further than Bristol Cathedral and its new Christmas Story Trail.

Standing at the heart of Bristol’s city centre, the Cathedral was originally an Augustinian Abbey founded by Robert Fitzharding in the 12th century.

The remains of the abbey can be seen in the Chapter House in the eastern part of the Cathedral. During Henry VIII's reformation in 1539, the abbey was dissolved, and in 1542, the church became a Cathedral.

The Nave was built between 1868 and 1881, and electricity was installed soon after, making Bristol Cathedral the first cathedral to be lit by electricity.

The vaulted ceilings in the Nave, Quire and Aisles are all at the same height, creating a light and airy space with a series of elegant arches, making Bristol Cathedral one of the finest examples in the world of a medieval "hall church".

For almost 900 years, Bristol Cathedral has been a living place of sanctuary, teaching, prayer and music.

As part of its Christmas activities, Bristol Cathedral has organised a Christmas story trail following the story behind Jesus' birth. Each station includes a related suggested activity to complete.

The story trail concludes next to the Christmas Prayer Trees, where visitors are encouraged to write a prayer or Christmas wish and hang it on the Christmas trees.

The Christmas Prayer Trees will be there until January 6, and the Christmas Story Trail will continue until February 6.

Bristol Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and Sunday from 8am to 3pm, and entrance is free. Here are 13 photos from our visit: