About

Bristol Packet Boat Trips offer a range of public sailings complimented by award winning, live commentary. Whether you want to discover the fascinating history of Bristol’s floating harbour, cruise under Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension bridge or head upriver whilst tucking into their legendary Cream Tea Bristol Packet has trips to suit the whole family and any occasion.

Bristol Packet run five unique boats each with its own fully stocked bar providing hot and cold drinks and W.C. facilities. All public sailings depart from Bristol Packet office (BS1 6UN) which can be found next to the SS Great Britain. For further information on their Public Sailings please see Bristol Packet Website.

In addition to their public sailing Bristol Packet can also provide private charters for groups of up to 95 passengers. From baby showers to Weddings and Birthdays Bristol Packet has hosted some great parties over the years!

General Public Sailings 

City Dock Tour

Cream Tea Cruise

Avon Gorge Cruise (under Bristol Suspension Bridge)

Lunch Trip to Beese’s

Evening Cruise to Beese’s

Pub Lunch Cruise to Hanham Mills

Establishment Features:

Public Tours, Private Charter, Licensed Bar

Dog Friendly

Dog-friendly for some trips, please call beforehand to check.

Sustainability

Since our establishment in 1974, Bristol Packet Boat Trips has continuously adapted to the changing landscape of Bristol and beyond, maintaining our heritage whilst embracing innovation.

Most notably, in 2024, we made an industry-leading move towards sustainable boating when we successfully converted our 1936 traditional narrowboat, Redshank, to 100% electric propulsion through the use of lithium iron phosphate batteries. This conversion was primarily carried out to improve Bristol Packet's sustainability through a reduction in dependence on traditional fuels such as diesel and oil. However, it has also significantly reduced the noise pollution emitted by the vessel, resulting in a cleaner and quieter experience for passengers and the harbour community alike.

In addition to Redshank, we also have Hydrogenesis, the UK’s first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel, in our fleet. Since being commissioned in 2010, Hydrogenesis has been awarded the Mansura Trophy (Inland and Lake Category) in 2012 for the pioneering work of delivering the UK’s first hydrogen-powered passenger ferry and ‘Environmental Innovation of the Year’ in the Sustainable Shipping Awards 2011.

Sustainability is something we are continuously striving to improve upon here at Bristol Packet, and we hope that in the near future we will be in a position to invest in the electrification of more boats in our fleet.