Bristol Harbourside
Floating Harbour
The Floating Harbour waterfront, converted from a tidal port. Museums, restaurants and bars occupy former warehouses along the banks, and a ferry tour of the harbour is a classic activity.
The Floating Harbour is an enclosed dock built in the early 19th century to avoid the Avon's huge tidal range. Today the old warehouses along both banks have been converted into museums, art centres, restaurants and flats, making it the city's most vibrant public space. You can walk along the quays to visit M Shed, the Arnolfini art centre, Millennium Square, the SS Great Britain and Wapping Wharf. Alternatively, take the yellow-and-blue Bristol ferries (about 2 to 3 pounds per trip; day tickets allow you to hop on and off) from Temple Meads station all the way to the SS Great Britain and Hotwells. Every July, the Bristol Harbour Festival brings sailing boats, performances and fireworks. In the evening, the bars and floating restaurants along the quays fill with young people.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- We The Curious
- M Shed
- Wapping Wharf & Cargo
- Bristol Cathedral
- Bristol Old Vic
- Banksy's Well Hung Lover
- St Nicholas Market
- St Mary Redcliffe