Book your trip on The Matthew of Bristol - a modern reconstruction of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1497.
The modern Matthew was built between 1994–1996 on Redcliffe Quay for the 1997 voyage to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Cabot’s most famous journey to Newfoundland and back. The ship is now owned by the registered charity, The Matthew of Bristol Trust – all money raised from donations and profits made from public and private trips are used to maintain the ship and its legacy.
Located in the heart of central Bristol, The Matthew is the ideal place to start your exploration of Bristol's historic harbourside and is one of the first maritime attractions you will see as you walk from the city centre along the quayside. All trips depart from our mooring at Princes Wharf, Bristol, BS1 4RN.
Avon Gorge Cruise
Take a trip down the River Avon and look out into the river through one of the deepest locks in the world! We leave Floating Harbour through Junction Lock, then sail down the river under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and along the Avon Gorge to Pill and back. These trips are tide-dependent, so we can only offer a limited number of trips each year – early booking is very strongly advised!
DATES: Saturday 20 June, Sunday 21 June, Saturday 4 July, Sunday 5 July, Saturday 11 July, Saturday 25 July, Sunday 26 July
Fish & Chips Trips
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on The Matthew as we sail around Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour on this two-hour trip. Setting off from our Princes Wharf mooring, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sail on this round trip around the harbour between Prince Street Bridge and The Pumphouse/Junction Lock. Fresh fish and chips from our local caterers are delivered to you on deck when we moor up at The Pumphouse Landing (about 45 minutes into the trip).
DATES: Saturday 23 May, Wednesday 17 June, Wednesday 24 June, Wednesday 1 July, Wednesday 8 July, Wednesday 15 July, Wednesday 22 July
Sea Shanty Fish & Chips Trip
Sail around Bristol's historic Floating Harbour on a Fish & Chips Trip with live musical accompaniment from one of our resident Sea Shanty groups. Setting off from our Princes Wharf mooring, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sail on this round trip around the harbour between Prince Street Bridge and The Pumphouse/Junction Lock. The sea shanty crew will entertain you whilst we are sailing. Fresh fish and chips from our local caterers are delivered to you on deck when we moor up at The Pumphouse Landing (about 45 minutes into the trip).
DATES: Wednesday 13 May
Fish & Chips with Piratitude
Ahoy, matey! Take a fun cruise around Bristol Harbour on The Matthew, enjoying delicious fish & chips and some brilliant entertainment from local pirates, Piratitude. Arrrr! Setting off from our Princes Wharf mooring, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sail on this round trip around the harbour between Prince Street Bridge and The Pumphouse/Junction Lock. And Piratitude will entertain you with their raucous sing-along pirate-themed folk-rock songs whilst we are sailing! Fresh fish and chips from our local caterers are delivered to you on deck when we moor up at The Pumphouse Landing (about 45 minutes into the trip).
DATES: Wednesday 20 May
Cream Tea Cruise
Sail around Bristol's historic Floating Harbour on a relaxing Cream Tea Cruise! Setting off from our Princes Wharf mooring, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sail on this round trip around the harbour between Prince Street Bridge and The Pumphouse/Junction Lock. Your Cream Tea will be served on deck when we moor up at The Pumphouse Landing, halfway through the trip.
DATES: Saturday 13 June
Harbour Trips - Bristol Harbour Festival
Enjoy a cruise around Bristol's historic Floating Harbour on board The Matthew and experience our beautiful city from the water on this 45-minute round trip. Setting off from our Princes Wharf mooring, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sail around the harbour, taking in all the sights and sounds between Prince Street Bridge and The Pumphouse/Junction Lock.
DATES: Saturday 18 July x 3, Sunday 19 July x 4