About

Discover the history of Bristol’s harbour at Underfall Yard, the home of the crucial operation and maintenance of the city’s Floating Harbour and one of the only surviving Victorian dock workshops in the world.

Explore your curiosity by dropping by our Visitor Centre, where you can learn how the harbour came to be and how it’s maintained through interactive exhibits, fun quizzes and even being lifted into the air thanks to our Human Accumulator!

With a café on site, serving locally sourced food and drink, and a wonderful view of the harbour and the boats within in it, spend your day with us and you can feel more connected to the city and its maritime roots. We are the heart of the harbour.

Tours
An ideal day out for history buffs and engineering enthusiasts, our tours give people a behind-the-scenes look at the harbour and the Victorian-era workshops used by the tradesmen of the past. This tour will bring the boatyard to life with storytelling, stunning views and live demonstrations of historic machinery from the 19th and early 20th century.

Tours are available on selected dates for individuals and small groups through or Yuup listing, or to book a private tour for larger groups and clubs, please email info@underfallyard.co.uk or phone 0117 929 3250.

Patent Slipway

A great opportunity to get up close and personal to all types of vessels. The slipway at Underfall Yard, known as a ‘Heave-up Slip’, can lift out vessels up to 32m (105 ft) long and 8m (25ft) wide, and up to 180 tonnes dead weight. Boats can be taken out for a quick inspection, or for longer periods for major repair or alteration. Famous Bristol boats such as The Matthew, Mayflower and Bristol Ferry’s fleet of bright yellow transport use our slipway often. 

Underfall Café

If you’re looking to enjoy some food and drink with a one-of-a-kind view of the harbour, Underfall Café has got you covered! With a range of breakfast meals served in the morning and lunch plates served in the earl afternoon, we are happy to serve you as you sit on The Knuckle – our outside seating area with a view all the way down the water.

Our dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, and we have partnered with local businesses such as Wogan’s coffee and Bristol Beer Factory, ensuring a true taste of Bristol with every sip and every bite. Plus, every purchase directly supports the work of the Underfall Yard Trust.