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, film and festival work, corporate and celebratory events. Unless it’s away taking part in events around the UK and Europe, The Matthew is berthed in Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour for much of the year. The ship offers the city’s residents and visitors regular boat trips around the harbour or down the Avon Gorge to Pill during its summer sailing season (from April to October). When it’s not out on a trip, the ship is also open to the general public. You can go aboard for a visit to explore the ship and have a chat with the dedicated crew of volunteers when the ship is moored at its Princes Wharf berth – entry is free, but any donations are very much appreciated!
Bristol, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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The Matthew of Bristol
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(24 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
357 reviews
Excellent
226
Very good
91
Average
29
Poor
6
Terrible
5
futtock21
London, UK11,437 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.
Sarah L
Bristol, UK2 contributions
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.
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.
aw522015
Bristol, UK38 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.
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.
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.
Geoff
127 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.
Brenda D
Gloucester, UK7 contributions
Sep 2020
My Husband and I went on the fish and chip trip aboard The Mathew.... enjoyed it from start to finish.
The crew were all so friendly and knowledgable and you could ask any question and they would answer. It was a fun evening and we both thoroughly enjoyed the fish supper.
Would recommend this trip to anyone and would definitely go again.
Thank-you “The Matthew” 😀
The crew were all so friendly and knowledgable and you could ask any question and they would answer. It was a fun evening and we both thoroughly enjoyed the fish supper.
Would recommend this trip to anyone and would definitely go again.
Thank-you “The Matthew” 😀
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, thank you for leaving a review. We're so glad you enjoyed your trip and chatting with our volunteer crew - they really are very knowledgable! We look forward to seeing you on board again.
Written October 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sasalice83
england73 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Beautiful boat with friendly volunteers who shared the history and lots of interesting stories. We only popped on while it was docked but will definitely book a trip when we are able to so we can learn more. The lady volunteer was particularly kind and gave us lots of information about the crows nest before we got on which the kids loved
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, thank you for leaving a review. We're really glad you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to welcoming you on board for one of our trips!
Written October 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
louisajanesmith
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We took a four trip down the Avon to Pill which was fantastic. I cannot rate it highly enough. The volunteers on board were extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the Matthew and kept us entertained throughout the trip. The ship is wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone. One of our party was in a wheelchair But that was no problem and the volunteers were on hand to help us to get on and off the ship.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, thank you for leaving a review. We're so glad your party enjoyed the trip - we certainly had a lovely day for it. Our volunteers are so passionate about the ship and love to talk about all things 'Matthew', so we're pleased they could share their knowledge with you all!
Written October 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tiredbunyip
2 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Truly fantastic way to spend a sunny Autumn Saturday morning. The crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. The ship was a true wonder to explore and, in these challenging times, COVID-19 safety very evident.
Many thanks for a lovely hour on the river. Wish we had booked the longer trip!
Many thanks for a lovely hour on the river. Wish we had booked the longer trip!
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, thank you for leaving a review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your time on board and had a lovely trip. Health and safety for visitors and our volunteer crew are extremely important to us, so we're very glad you were happy with the procedures we have put in place. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for one of our longer trips in the future!
Written October 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
denisep6872020
Bristol, UK2 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
A lovely couple of hours spent with family seeing the sights of the harbour. Fun to be able to walk around the ship, youngest grandchild liked to think of all the treasure in the chests. Lovely fish and chips.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello, thank you for leaving a review. We're so glad you enjoyed your birthday treat and that your grandchild had fun too! The ship is great for activating the imaginations of our younger (and our more mature!) visitors.
Written October 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichelleMoore84
London, UK219 contributions
I'm going to be visiting in March...how long will it take to look around? Are there toilets on board?
L N
Bristol, UK311 contributions
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.
Russ B
Portsmouth, UK
Hi are there any scheduled sailing for tommorrow the 3rd
Thanks
HarleyMatt
Bristol, UK469 contributions
no sailings today and its going to rain all day ....miserable
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.
The Matthew of Bristol
Bristol, UK
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
Susie R
Great Torrington, UK6 contributions
Hi could you tell me what trips are available on Friday 12th and 13th of August and at what cost. Many thanks.
The Matthew of Bristol
Bristol, UK
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
PetalBristol
Bristol15 contributions
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?
Rowen_Mackenzie
Bristol, UK1 contribution
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
Angela J
Defford, UK
Is there a dedicated car park
The Matthew of Bristol
Bristol, UK
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
Angela J
Defford, UK
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
The Matthew of Bristol
Bristol, UK
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.
inkberry
London, UK
Is there anything which is useful to bring along on the boat trip?
The Matthew of Bristol
Bristol, UK
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