About
Based in Bristol’s floating harbour for much of the year, the Matthew is popular for harbour tours as well as longer sailing trips.
The Matthew is owned by The Matthew of Bristol Trust, and when in Bristol she is moored outside Bristol's M Shed museum. In June 2012 she took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames, and returned to Bristol shortly afterwards.
Hop on board
The Matthew has been in Bristol for the majority of the summer, and was, as ever, a star attraction at Bristol's Harbour Festival in July. Ever popular, the Matthew provides an unrivalled platform to view the city from the water. Cruise gently past the SS Great Britain, the old dock cranes and enjoy all the water activity that makes Bristol one of Europe’s most interesting maritime cities. For tickets and dates, contact the Matthew on 0117 927 6868.
About the Matthew
The Matthew is a fabulous and faithful reconstruction of the boat used by John Cabot when he discovered Newfoundland in 1497. The stunning replica was built here in Bristol to mark the 500th anniversary of Cabot's voyage, and upon her completion she set sail to reconstruct Cabot's original journey.
On this historic journey, the Matthew followed the same course to Newfoundland as John Cabot had in 1497, carrying the same number of crew members and taking exactly the same amount of time to complete the crossing. On 24 June 1997 the replica of the Matthew was welcomed into port at Bonavista by Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, when not in Bristol Harbour, the sails are unfurled and the ship continues to explore the exciting wild seas around the British isles and Northern Europe - creating a spectacle wherever she ventures.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Find out about the latest on the roads and get travel directions from TravelWest.infoPublic Transport Directions
For comprehensive information about getting here by public transport, please visit TravelWest.infoTripAdvisor

- Certificate of Excellence 2018
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
- Excellent140
- Very Good72
- Average20
- Poor3
- Terrible4
Recent Reviews:
- Captain_CondorTwickenham, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilySmall boat for a long journeyWednesday, 21st November 2018An enlightening bit of history everyone should visit. Appreciate the huge task of crossing the Atlantic in such a small vessel, and the kids get to run around and romanticise too Read full review
- Julie LTrip Type:FamilyStep back in timeSunday, 16th December 2018Free to go on the Matthew when docked very quaint Ship people on board to tell about the ship Can be hired for private functions Read full review
- LibralassBristolTrip Type:FamilyA nice half day sailing tripTuesday, 5th February 2019A great birthday or anniversary treat. we did the fish and chip lunch trip but they also do a cream tea sailing trip, you can buy advance gift vouchers, a ideal present for family or friends Read full review
Princes Wharf
Wapping Road
Bristol
BS1 4RN
Tel: +44 (0)117 927 6868
Opening Times
Maintenance Period - Opening hours will change on 1st March 2019 (1 Jan 2019 - 31 Dec 2019) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday | Closed | |
Tuesday | Closed | |
Wednesday | Closed | |
Thursday | Closed | |
Friday | Closed | |
Saturday | Open | |
Sunday | Open |
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