The Matthew Of Bristol
The Matthew Of Bristol
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
The Matthew that you see in Bristol today is a modern reconstruction of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1497. It is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage with a busy schedule of public boat trips, private hire for corporate and celebratory events, and film and festival work. The Matthew is berthed in Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour, offering Harbour Trips and its ever-popular Fish & Chips Trip around the harbour, or cruises down the Avon Gorge during its summer sailing season (April to October). Please check The Matthew website for up-to-date ticket availability. When not out on a trip, the ship is open to the general public. Come aboard for a visit to explore the ship and have a chat with the dedicated crew of volunteers! Entry is free, but donations are very much appreciated!
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The Matthew Of Bristol
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
399 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
96
Average
31
Poor
8
Terrible
5
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klingoneddie
Pembroke, UK240 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Went to the ship on a sunny afternoon in October. It's easy to find, right on the dockside outside the M shed museum.
It's free to go on the ship and look around but it's worth a donation. Friendly volunteer staff are happy to chat about the ship and its voyage across the Atlantic. This little ship actually made the voyage some years ago , just like the original Matthew.
This ship takes regular trips onto the river but you need to book in advance for those
Well worth a visit.
M museum cafe is right next to the ship and parking is literally 2-3 minutes away
It's free to go on the ship and look around but it's worth a donation. Friendly volunteer staff are happy to chat about the ship and its voyage across the Atlantic. This little ship actually made the voyage some years ago , just like the original Matthew.
This ship takes regular trips onto the river but you need to book in advance for those
Well worth a visit.
M museum cafe is right next to the ship and parking is literally 2-3 minutes away
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review.
We're so glad you enjoyed your visit - the volunteers do love to talk about the ship and its history. It's amazing to think the ship made it across the Atlantic and back!
The Matthew team would love to welcome you aboard for a trip!
Written April 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
futtock21
London, UK17,274 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
It’s a recreation or perhaps even re-imagining of John Cabot’s caravel which he sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497. It was built between 1994-1998 in time for the 500th anniversary complete with a mast donated by the Duke of Edinburgh. It recreated Cabot’s voyage by setting sail on 2 May 1997 and arriving in Bonavista on 24 June where she was welcomed by the Queen. She has since feature in numerous voyages and starred in many films but now seems to have settled down as a tourist attraction in Bristol’s docklands.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DBInTheHouse
Birmingham England134 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A great way to see Bristol from the water, on board a wooded ship that has actually travelled across the Atlantic.
Just imagine how it must have been for sailors on this ship. A replica of the ship that discovered Norther America in 1497.
I understand visitors can board at any time but to go sailing on the water from the harbour near the SS Great Britain is great fun at £14 each.
Just imagine how it must have been for sailors on this ship. A replica of the ship that discovered Norther America in 1497.
I understand visitors can board at any time but to go sailing on the water from the harbour near the SS Great Britain is great fun at £14 each.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aw522015
Bristol, UK46 contributions
Aug 2021
An hour around the harbour on such an histical replica ship. We grandparents and teenage grandchildren loved it. The youngsters clambered on to the top decks while there was adequate seating on the lower deck for us. People on land seemed to love watching the boat sail and lots of waving from them and other sailors. The hardworking volunteers were helpful and rightfully sticklers for health and safety instruction. So felt in safe hands. We also had an entertaining and informative talk from one of the crew. Would advise taking warm wet weather items as not a sheltered trip. We were lucky with the weather.
Good luck to the Matthew project and thanks to the volunteers.
Good luck to the Matthew project and thanks to the volunteers.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrayKier
United Kingdom22 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Excellent trip down the Avon Gorge. Very friendly and knowledgeable group of volunteers who were both enthusiastic & courteous. Particularly thank you to Jane -for sharing her experiences and her rope souvenirs & the Captain who steered us on our time travelling adventure and helped us avoid the pirates of the car park!
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for leaving a review of your Avon Gorge trip. We're really glad you enjoyed your cruise, and that you managed to avoid the pirates!
Written October 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William L
Erpe-Mere, Belgium34 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Did the fish & chips tour (2 hours). You sail for a little more than 30 minutes and then moor, someone goes with a small boat to deliver the fish & chips... who stayed away for almost 30 minutes. The fish & chips weren't great at all, but I didn't expect that either.
Then we sailed back and we arrived after 1.50 hours (of which we sailed for perhaps an hour, very slowly).
I can understand that they do these tours to raise money to maintain the boat, bravo to the volunteers (that's why I give it 2 out of 5), but £35 for this is a lot of money...
If you want to see the boat you can do so every day, for free even, and if you want to support you can always make a donation on the ship.
Then we sailed back and we arrived after 1.50 hours (of which we sailed for perhaps an hour, very slowly).
I can understand that they do these tours to raise money to maintain the boat, bravo to the volunteers (that's why I give it 2 out of 5), but £35 for this is a lot of money...
If you want to see the boat you can do so every day, for free even, and if you want to support you can always make a donation on the ship.
Written April 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our volunteer crew work hard to give all our passengers a great experience when they join us on a trip on The Matthew, so we're sorry you didn't enjoy your trip as much as we would have hoped.
Written June 20, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah L
Bristol, UK1 contribution
Sep 2022
Fantastic! Our private fish & chip trip on The Matthew was a really lovely experience. Our trip was 5-7pm and it was a beautiful evening. Most of the party were from abroad and they really enjoyed seeing Bristol from the water, being on a historic ship and eating delicious British fish and chips, and drinking from the bar! All the volunteers on the ship were lovely and friendly. Jane gave a really interesting talk about the boat. The area around the ship is really interesting too, so you can spend time in the M-Shed or in the bars and restaurants at Whapping Wharf either before or after the trip. I'm already thinking of an excuse to organise another trip!
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so pleased you enjoyed your trip. We got very lucky with the weather for a September trip! The crew had a lovely evening with your group and would love to welcome you aboard again.
Best wishes,
The Matthew team
Written September 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoff
135 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Well today we managed to use a Christmas present from 2019 and take the 4-hour trip on the Matthew. Well what a great trip it is and worth every penny to see the sights of Bristol from a different angle.
Great crew who looked after us.
Would highly recommend
G
Great crew who looked after us.
Would highly recommend
G
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christopher s
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
This was a birthday outing for 9 yo grandson, but secretly a treat for us too. The weather (importantly) co-operated. The autumn colours of the woods in the Avon Gorge were - well, gorgeous (!). The crew of the Matthew all did their best to make our trip both fun and informative (if you asked - nothing was forced on us). There was lots of information available in writing too if you wanted. A bar with everything from tea to wine was welcome. Timing was exact (impressively so).
Grandson and grandparents thought it was great and it is difficult to think how it c could be improved. So thank you so much to all the VOLUNTEERS!
Grandson and grandparents thought it was great and it is difficult to think how it c could be improved. So thank you so much to all the VOLUNTEERS!
Written October 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcelle H
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Wow! My 15 year old grandson and myself were treated to sunshine after an overcast morning. There were only a few of us onboard, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute, imagining what it would have been like to be part of Cabot’s crew all those years ago. Very relaxing.
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm going to be visiting in March...how long will it take to look around? Are there toilets on board?
Written January 15, 2018
If you're just looking around, 10-15 minutes would be plenty. A trip is a different matter.
I doubt there are toilets on board as there were no such amenities in the time of the original Matthew! You could use the ones at the M Shed.
Written January 16, 2018
Russ B
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Hi are there any scheduled sailing for tommorrow the 3rd
Thanks
Written September 2, 2017
no sailings today and its going to rain all day ....miserable
Written September 3, 2017
Hi. My 7 year old son has been studying pirates in school. Are you open on weekends please and would you say it's worth a visit to extend his learning and interest? Thanks.
Written February 12, 2017
Dear Carla,
Many thanks for your question. Currently the Matthew is undergoing some maintenance work in the Underfall Yard, so you can come see it out of the water, but you won't be able to come on board. We will be open to the general public from 19 March.
I think that a visit on the Matthew with your son will certainly extend his learning. While the original Matthew was not a pirate ship, our guides have a wealth of knowledge of Bristol's maritime history.
And finally, perhaps your son's school would be interested in coming for a school trip on the Matthew? We run a trip called Pirates! and it's been very popular with schools. They can contact us directly on 0117 927 6868 for more information.
I hope this helps.
Warm regards
Dovile
Office and Marketing Manager
The Matthew
Written February 14, 2017
Hi could you tell me what trips are available on Friday 12th and 13th of August and at what cost. Many thanks.
Written August 5, 2016
Hi Susie R, I hope that you managed to find all the info you needed on our website. The rest of our trips for the season are up on line and we are open Tues-Sunday 10 to 4 for visitors when the ship is not on a trip.
Many Thanks
The Matthew Crew
Written August 23, 2016
we are booked on the sailing next week. When you say 'refreshments', how substantial? Our sailing is 11.30 - 3.30 and we don't want to be hungry. Perhaps we should take a small picnic?
Written September 19, 2015
Hi PetalBristol!
Rowen from the Matthew of Bristol office here!
On the Avon Gorge Trip that you are attending the 'light refreshments' will be teas, coffee and biscuits or pastries. So as it is a trip over lunchtime, do feel free to bring a small picnic on board.
In response to the other comments we run a number of different trips, all with different food offerings. These include fish and chip trips and cream tea trips. We also run a number of catered private hire events and we have a small bar on board which sells alcoholic and soft drinks.
I hope that helps and that you enjoy your trip tomorrow.
Rowen - The Matthew of Bristol
Written September 22, 2015
The car park behind the Mshed is called Wapping Wharf car park and it is very reasonably priced for the city centre. Any further questions do feel free to get in touch with the office.
Looking forward to seeing you on the Matthew soon.
Best Wishes
Rowen
Written June 12, 2015
Angela J
Defford, United Kingdom
Hi We are due to attend a party on board the Matthew soon can you tell me if there is a dedicated car park available
Written June 11, 2015
Dear Angela,
The closest car park is Wapping Wharf, which is located at the rear of the Mshed and so is only a stones throw away from the Matthew. For the centre of Bristol it is also very reasonably priced. I hope that helps, but of you do have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to seeing you soon on the Matthew.
Written June 12, 2015
inkberry
London, United Kingdom
Is there anything which is useful to bring along on the boat trip?
Written June 11, 2015
The main thing to remember is to dress for the weather! It sometimes feels slightly chillier on the water than it does on the dockside so an extra layer helps if there's a bit of a breeze. At the other end of the scale it can also feel a bit exposed on a lovely sunny day so a hat or sunscreen can also be useful. We provide umbrellas in case of rain and we also advise women not to wear high heels.
I hope this helps - please do call us in the office on 0117 927 6868 if you'd like any more information. Thanks for getting in touch and hope to see you on board soon.
Charlotte
Written June 11, 2015
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