The best way to get to know Bristol’s Floating Harbour and Harbourside is by boat.

Take your pick from ferry rides up and down the Floating Harbour, themed cruises on the water, afternoon tea trips along the River Avon and wildlife spotting trips to the Avon Gorge with local experts. Tours run all-year-round, so whenever you visit you'll be able to hop-aboard a boat trip in Bristol and enjoy the city from the water.

Water bus services

Bristol Ferry Boats and Number Seven Boat Trips offer scheduled ferry services, which you can hop-on and simply use to get from A to B or spend longer and do the full round-trip of the Harbour. Stops are located around the Harbourside and behind Temple Meads Station - just look out for the boards, or head over to their website for details of times and services.

Harbour tours and days out

Bristol Packet Boats offer lots of different tours, including Harbour tours, afternoon tea and lunch trips up the picturesque River Avon and Avon Gorge cruises. Bristol Ferry Boats do longer themed tours in the spring and summer, including trips to Beeses for live music nights or Sunday lunch.

The Matthew is the replica of John Cabot's 1497 ship that he used to discover Newfoundland, which is open for visits and cruises around the harbour and through the Avon Gorge and under the Clifton Suspension for a boat trip experience like no other in Bristol. 

Most of the companies offer private charter and hire, so get in touch and travel in style with your group.

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• Harbourside activities
• Things to do outdoors
• Family-friendly Bristol