About

Visit The Matthew at Bristol's harbourside, moored in her usual spot opposite M Shed at Princes Wharf. 

Based in Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour for much of the year, The Matthew is popular for both harbour tours and longer sailing trips.

Hop on board

The Matthew provides an unrivalled platform to view the city from the water. 

When moored at the M Shed, The Matthew is free of charge to visit – you can go on board, have a look around, climb the steps to the upper decks, and have a chat with the knowledgeable guides.

If you want the full sailing experience, you can choose from a Harbour Trip or a Fish & Chips Trip, cruising gently around the Floating Harbour, past the SS Great Britain and the old dock cranes, enjoying all the water activity that makes Bristol one of Europe’s most interesting maritime cities. Or go a little further afield on the ever-popular Avon Gorge Cruise, sailing down the River Avon, under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and along the Avon Gorge towards Pill. 

The Matthew is also available for private hire and school trips.

Contact The Matthew on 0117 927 6868, send an email to info@matthew.co.uk, or visit the website for further information about dates, to buy tickets for your trip, or for private hire information.

The Matthew – Past and Present

Owned by The Matthew of Bristol Trust, the modern Matthew is a fabulous and faithful reconstruction of the ship used by the explorer 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 in 1997, 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 Matthew was welcomed into port at Bonavista, Canada by Queen Elizabeth II.

In June 2012, she took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames, returning to Bristol shortly afterwards. She has also appeared at various maritime festivals, both at home and abroad – Brest and Vannes in France, and Falmouth, Plymouth, Gloucester and Portsmouth, a bit closer to home here in Bristol.

Today, when not moored in Bristol's historic Floating 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.

Opening Times

April–October: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm
November–March: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am–3pm 
The ship is also open to visitors on bank holidays (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Dog-Friendly

Well-behaved dogs are generally welcome on board and may also be allowed on trips where no food is served (Harbour Trips and Avon Gorge Cruises). Dogs must be kept on a short lead and under your control at all times. The Captain will ultimately make the decision when you board as to whether or not your dog can board with you. Your understanding is appreciated.

Things to consider if you want to take your dog on a trip:

1) Avon Gorge Cruises are up to four hours in duration. When the ship is underway, you will be unable to disembark until we return to the mooring at Princes Wharf. Because of this, it may be unsuitable for passengers to bring their dogs on a trip – there are no toilet facilities for dogs on board!
2) At all times, dog owners who bring their dogs on board should be mindful of other visitors and passengers (both adults and children) who may be scared of dogs.
3) Service animals are always welcome.