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About
Bristol Ferry have been proudly serving Bristol’s waterways since 1977. Their iconic yellow and blue boats have been brightening up the Harbour and showcasing Bristol’s wealth of history and maritime heritage to locals and visitors alike. They are a Community Business, well known for their friendly crew and relaxing rides.
Waterbus Service
The Waterbus is Bristol’s favourite ferry service to get around the Harbour, serving seven conveniently located ferry stops: Temple Meads, Castle Park, City Centre, Wapping Wharf, ss Great Britain, Hotwells and The Cottage.
Operating daily April – September, just wave at the ferry to be picked up and pay for your ticket once you have boarded - single fares are available for those wishing to get from A to B, or a stay-on-board fare for those wanting to sit back and sightsee.
From October – March, the service operates Weekends and Bristol School Holidays only.
All information on the Waterbus Service and Travel Updates can be found here.
Trips & Events
Bristol Ferry offer a range of events which can be booked through their website.
Thirsty Thursdays
Enjoy a 1.5 hour trip with an onboard floating bar. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as their crew help to quench a thirsty Thursday. Book Here.
Trips to Beeses
Beese’s is a charming riverside venue with a beautiful garden, just tucked away along the leafy Conham River Park. Bristol Ferry offer frequent trips to Beeses on Friday nights, weekends and Bank Holidays, plus offer transport for their Special Events & Festival dates.
Harbour History
Fun and factual tours which explore the history of Bristol’s maritime heritage, led by their most knowledgeable crew and delivered throughout the year. Book Here.
Private Hire & Boat Parties
All of their boats are available for Private Hire – most weekends you can see groups on board having the night of their lives – cruising around the docks and visiting riverside venues along the way.
Prices starting from £265, you can browse the pricing of each boat using the Boat Party Info Pack and encouraged to contact their friendly Bookings Team on 0117 927 3416.
The boats are also all available to hire for private trips from educational tours, corporate events, birthdays, weddings, hen and stag dos, transfers and of course the classic boat party.
Accessibility
Whilst all the served landing stages are wheelchair accessible, the fleet is only suitable for those who are able to take a few steps on or off the boats – crew are available to help with boarding – wheelchairs must be collapsible in case of emergency evacuation.
View the access guide for Bristol Ferry Boats and several ferry stops from AccessAble
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Video
- Ferry Boats - Heading Home Video
Opening Times
| Open (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
|---|
* Please note that Bristol Ferry are operating with a reduced winter timetable, starting at 10:40 and finishing at 16:20. They are only operating during weekends and Bristol school holidays throughout November and December 2023. In January Bristol Ferry Boats will not be operating a service, they will be re-opening in February for weekends and School Holidays until Easter.
From Thursday 28 March you can now catch our Waterbus Service every day from then, until the end of September. When the clocks change, we will be extending our timetable, starting from 10am, up until 5pm.
Awards
- Bristol Tourism & Hospitality Award
Small Attraction of the Year Winner 2013 2014
Further Information
Accessibility
- Guide Dogs Permitted
Children & Infants
- Facilities for children
Establishment Features
- Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
- Available for wedding receptions
- Cater for groups
- Dogs-Accepted
- Event Venue
- Open All Year
- Toilets - On all covered Boats, not on open Boats
Key Features
- Film or TV location
- In town/city centre - Based in the historic Harbour area.
Parking & Transport
- On Bus Route
Payment Methods
- Booking essential
- Euros accepted
- Special group rates
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards children
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
Venue Facilities
- Groups Accepted
TripAdvisor
- Excellent968
- Very Good368
- Average50
- Poor10
- Terrible14
Recent Reviews:
- TravellingTrippersBristol, United KingdomSailing with Santa
Monday, 18th December 2023A wonderful experience for our grandson (and us) for a Christmas treat to see Santa aboard the Matilda. The elves helped us find Santa downstream, who then handed a present to all the children once... Read full review - UrsosarctosUnited KingdomGreat way to experience downtown BristolSaturday, 6th April 2024A wonderful way to see waterside Bristol - much better than a map for getting to grips with the layout and character of the city. The crew were very safety conscious, and the fares are very... Read full review
- Michael MFantastic lifesaversTuesday, 9th April 2024The whole team at Bristol Ferry boats were fantastic and Lifesavers!! Another boat company let me down a week before the trip I'd booked. For 25 friends for a big birthday. Bristol Ferry Boats... Read full review
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