The Matthew of Bristol - Bristol

Adam W.

We went on an incredible 45 minute harbour cruise on the Matthew today. Absolutely amazing - obviously this isn't the original ship, it was built 500 years after John Cabot's voyage to Canada in 1497, in 1997, but this replica has crossed the Atlantic itself - just as much of a feet on a boat I wouldn't even cross the Severn in! The cruise gives amazing views - we werr concerned by some spots of rain that suddenly arrived when we set sail but then it miraculously came out sunny, with amazing views.

You can see the cathedral, Willis Tower, Cabot Tower (particularly fitting that it can be seen most of the way!), SS Great Britain, and even the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The boat is much taller and slower than the other river cruises/harbour tours so the views are better and it's a bit more relaxing. No commentary but the crew are really helpful and happy to explain and have a chat.

I'd love to come back and do an Avon Gorge cruise under the suspension bridge when those begin again - but I'd highly recommend any cruise on this beautiful ship.

Genevieve C.

Really enjoyed the fish and chips cruise on The Matthew, such a lovely way to view the harbourside from high up like I have never seen it before. Delicious salt and malt fish and chips (generous portions) served half way through the trip. The crew were all lovely and very friendly. Thanks for a great trip!

Helen M.

A wonderful step back in time. The stewards are really knowledgeable and helpful. Family friendly, although children must be accompanied by an adult. Free veiwing but donations are relied upon.We will definitely be coming back to try one of the fish and chip events 😀

Claude L.

What a fun ride around the harbour. To be on such awesome looking boat was thrilling, the best bit was of course the fact that we could go up the stairs on the upper deck and enjoy the view. The staff was friendly and put us all at ease. This short 45 minutes trip is perfect for children who like to be very active.
We will do this again.

Andy

You can expect a warm welcome and a very enjoyable trip up and down the length of the Floating Harbour. We had booked the fish & chip excursion and our food was very nice at the mid-point when we moored up. There is also a talk from one of the crew, which is very informative about the history of the ship and of John Cabot.
The weather was very good on the day that we visited, but be aware that your booked trip goes ahead pretty-much come rain or shine. There is no shelter on the ship, so if the weather is less good make sure you dress accordingly.

Jackie P.

I've always wanted to go on board for a trip around the harbour, so thought that joining the fish and chip cruise would be a good option for our family.

Unfortunately the hugely inflated price is not worth it. It cost us over £110 for a family of 3 for the trip. We went slowly down to the Pump House, moored up whilst the fish and chips were delivered. It was quite chaotic while they slowly worked through the list of all passengers and handed out their food. Our chips were luke warm by the time we got them and we had to eat them standing up as there aren't enough seats.

The cash bar is very overpriced too - £6 for a can of beer and £2 for a small plastic cup of 'Coke' which was the dregs or a flat bottle of Coke Zero. The plastic cup also had a crack in it so half of it drained away by the time we got back to where we were standing. The person manning the bar was complaining loudly about all the passengers who 'hadn't read the small print' and were expecting to pay by phone or card. I think we were among the few who remembered to bring cash along, and she kept commenting on how awful it was that no one carried cash any more, so I didn't want to go back to complain about the flat Coke or broken glass!

It was a pretty depressing experience and I definitely wouldn't recommend the trip to anyone.

Simon B.

The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of John Cabot's caravel which he walked to Newfoundland in 1497. Built and sailed across the Atlantic to and from Newfoundland in 1997, it is a true working ship model of the genre and has real need of support since it is a trust reliant on contributions to continue is placed in Bristol's maritime heritage. Visit us, book a trip on us, support us.

Michael J.

Wonderful part of Bristol's maritime history. It wouldn't be Bristol Harbour without The Matthew. Really interesting history and great educational prop for people of all ages. The one thing I would change is the captain on the day I was rowing nearby. He needs to learn the order of priority on the water, and that rudely shouting "Get out of the way" to other users that have right of passage does not show The Matthew in a good light. Harbour users are generally very polite and respectful. This guy would do well to attend a course in basic good manners before being let loose on the water again.