Bristol Ferry Boats
Scenic water transport linking Bristol's landmarks with friendly crews and harbour-side charm.
Bristol Ferry Boats offers scenic water-based transport and sightseeing tours across Bristol Harbour and the city's waterways. Operating from The Grove in the city centre, the service provides hop-on, hop-off access to major attractions including Temple Meads Station, Brunel's Suspension Bridge, and the historic harbour. The fleet features well-maintained vessels with onboard bars, making it an enjoyable way to explore Bristol's waterfront character while avoiding traffic congestion.
A brief summary to Bristol Ferry
- 44 The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB, GB
- +441179273416
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Purchase a day ticket to maximise value and flexibility—hop on and off at multiple stops to explore different neighbourhoods without time pressure.
- Visit during late morning or early afternoon to avoid peak crowds and secure comfortable seating with good sightlines for photography.
- Bring a camera or smartphone for unobstructed waterfront views of Brunel's Suspension Bridge and the historic harbour architecture.
- Check the timetable in advance, as service frequency varies by season and weather conditions may occasionally affect operations.
- Inform crew members of any mobility requirements or accessibility needs when boarding—staff are trained and willing to provide assistance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from City Centre
Multiple bus routes serve The Grove area, with journey times of 5–15 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads Station depending on traffic and route. Services run frequently throughout the day. Single journey fares typically range from £1.50–£2.50, with day passes available for £5–£6. The stop is clearly signposted and accessible from the main shopping and business districts.
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Walking from Temple Meads Station
A 20–25 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads Station through the city centre. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through busy commercial areas with clear signage. Suitable for most fitness levels, though luggage may be cumbersome. No cost involved, and the walk itself provides orientation to the city layout.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Bristol with typical fares of £6–£12 from Temple Meads Station or the city centre, depending on traffic. Journey time is usually 5–10 minutes. Services are available 24 hours, though peak-time surcharges may apply during busy periods.
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Cycling
Bristol's cycle network includes routes to The Grove, with journey times of 10–15 minutes from central locations. Bike parking is available at the ferry terminal. The route is relatively flat and suitable for casual cyclists. No cost beyond bike hire if needed (typically £3–£5 per day from local schemes).
Bristol Ferry location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Bristol Ferry
A Waterborne Gateway to Bristol's Heritage
Bristol Ferry Boats operates from a prime location at The Grove, positioned at the heart of Bristol's vibrant waterfront district. The service functions as both a practical water taxi and a leisurely sightseeing experience, connecting key landmarks and neighbourhoods across the city's extensive network of waterways. The ferry provides a distinctive perspective on Bristol's architectural heritage, industrial past, and contemporary character—all from the vantage point of the water.Routes and Destinations Worth Exploring
The ferry network extends from Temple Meads Railway Station in the south to Brunel's iconic Suspension Bridge in the north, with stops at numerous points of interest throughout the journey. Passengers can use the service as a traditional hop-on, hop-off transport system, disembarking at various locations to explore neighbourhoods and attractions before rejoining a later boat. The figure-of-eight route configuration allows visitors to experience different sections of the harbour and waterways, revealing the city from angles inaccessible by land. The journey itself becomes part of the Bristol experience, offering unobstructed views of historic quaysides, contemporary developments, and the working harbour environment.Vessels and Onboard Amenities
The fleet comprises well-maintained boats, each with distinct character and capacity. Vessels are equipped with bars serving refreshments and a reasonable selection of drinks at fair prices. Several boats feature toilet facilities, making longer journeys comfortable for all passengers. The boats are designed for accessibility, with crew members trained to assist passengers with pushchairs, mobility aids, and pets. The clean, well-kept condition of the vessels reflects the operational standards maintained throughout the service.The Crew Experience
The defining characteristic of Bristol Ferry Boats lies in the professionalism and warmth of its crew. Staff members are consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, offering insights into notable landmarks and local history during journeys. The crew demonstrates particular care when assisting elderly passengers, families with young children, and those with accessibility requirements. Their local knowledge enhances the journey, transforming a simple boat ride into an informative experience about Bristol's significance and character.Seasonal Patterns and Visitor Experience
The service operates year-round, with peak usage during summer months and school holidays when families and tourists explore the city. The ferry accommodates group bookings for celebrations and special occasions, with boats configured to host parties complete with bar service and entertainment systems. Day tickets provide excellent value for visitors planning to explore multiple attractions, as the hop-on, hop-off model allows comprehensive coverage of Bristol's waterfront in a single outing without the constraints of walking or navigating traffic.Integration with Bristol's Transport Network
The ferry's location at The Grove positions it as a natural extension of Bristol's broader transport system. The proximity to Temple Meads Station makes it an accessible option for arriving visitors, while the connection to the Suspension Bridge opens access to Clifton and the Downs. The service functions as a genuine alternative to bus and car travel, reducing congestion while offering a more memorable journey through the city's most distinctive landscapes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prince Street Bridge
0.1 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.3 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.3 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.3 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Cascade Steps
0.3 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.5 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
Bristol Bridge
0.6 km
A historic stone bridge spanning Bristol’s Floating Harbour, linking the Old City with Redcliffe and centuries of the city’s story.
Old Post Office
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.6 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
The Nails
0.6 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Medieval Vaults
0.6 km
Explore Bristol’s hidden medieval cellars beneath High Street, where Gothic vaults tell tales of centuries past beneath the city’s modern bustle.
Old City Walls
0.7 km
Trace the vanished medieval walls that shaped Bristol’s historic Old City, revealing centuries of rich heritage and urban evolution.
St Mary Le Port Church
0.7 km
Historic Saxon-era church ruins in Bristol’s Castle Park, a poignant landmark of medieval heritage and wartime resilience.
Historic England - Bristol Office
0.7 km
Discover Bristol's rich history and heritage at the Historic England office, a key player in preserving the city's architectural treasures.
Unmissable attractions to see
Narrow Quay
0.1 km
Historic Narrow Quay in Bristol blends maritime heritage with vibrant arts and waterside charm in the heart of the Floating Harbour.
Pero's Bridge
0.2 km
Discover Pero's Bridge in Bristol, a blend of modern architecture and historic charm, perfect for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the harbor.
Queen Square
0.2 km
A serene Georgian square in Bristol’s center, blending historic charm with peaceful green space and vibrant cultural life.
Bristol Harbour Railway
0.2 km
Step aboard Bristol Harbour Railway’s heritage steam train for a scenic 15-minute journey through the city’s historic waterfront.
M Shed
0.2 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
Bristol Aquarium
0.3 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
The Bristol Wheel
0.3 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.3 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Watershed
0.3 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Redcliffe Caves
0.3 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
Millennium Square
0.3 km
A vibrant urban square by Bristol’s Harbourside, blending modern design, cultural events, and family-friendly fun year-round.
We The Curious
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Bristol Old Vic
0.3 km
Experience the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, where history and innovation meet on Bristol’s King Street.
Harbourside
0.3 km
Discover Bristol Harbourside, where rich maritime history meets vibrant culture, waterside dining, and lively urban charm.
Welsh Back
0.3 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
Essential places to dine
Rick's
0.1 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
The River Grille
0.1 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Riverstation
0.2 km
Stylish harbourside dining in Bristol with dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic river views from a smart, nautical-inspired restaurant and bar.
Hole In The Wall Bristol
0.2 km
Historic Bristol gastropub offering classic British fare, vibrant atmosphere, and a charming beer garden in the heart of Queen Square.
Harbour House - Restaurant, Bar & Terrace
0.2 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
0.3 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
Tare Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Adelina Yard
0.3 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
The Bristol Stable
0.3 km
Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Casa Bristol
0.3 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
Under the Stars
0.3 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Harbour & Browns
0.3 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Gambas
0.3 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
No.1 Harbourside
0.3 km
Bristol's independent waterside gem serving bold burgers, local drinks, and genuine hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Will's doss pit
0.2 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
my a2space
0.2 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Something Elsie
0.3 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
Fig1
0.4 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Orendo
0.5 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Zhyper
0.5 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Over Here
0.5 km
Discover quirky gifts and stylish clothing at Over Here, a hidden gem in Bristol's historic St Nicholas Markets arcade.
This Feeling
0.5 km
Trendy threads in Bristol's historic market heart—independent fashion amid Georgian charm and bustling stalls.
Riff Raff Gifts The Bong Shop
0.6 km
Specialist smoking accessories retailer in historic St Nicholas Market's Covered Market.
uchi clothing co
0.6 km
Discover stylish, sustainable fashion in Bristol’s historic Corn Exchange at Uchi Clothing Co, where quality meets contemporary design.
Memories
0.6 km
Explore 'Memories' in Bristol for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of your visit.
Quadrant Trading
0.6 km
Discover handcrafted Bristol treasures at Quadrant Trading in the historic Corn Exchange—a shopper's delight of local artistry and unique souvenirs.
Japonicat
0.6 km
Discover unique Japanese gifts and charming collectibles at Japonicat, nestled in Bristol’s historic St Nicholas Market.
Urban Fox
0.6 km
Unearth retro gems at Urban Fox, Bristol's vintage clothing nook in vibrant St Nicholas Market—quality finds with 25 years of expertise.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.7 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shakespeare Tavern
0.1 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Architect
0.1 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.2 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.2 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Small Bar
0.3 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Kongs of King Street
0.3 km
A lively Bristol bar blending arcade games, craft beers, and vibrant music for unforgettable nights on King Street.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
0.4 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
0.4 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
The Clockwork Rose
0.5 km
Bristol's steampunk speakeasy where airship captain's cocktails blend Victorian flair, fantastical lore, and masterful mixology into unforgettable evenings.
Brozen Bar - Bristol
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s Brozen Bar, where inventive frozen cocktails and a cosy atmosphere create a unique, must-visit cocktail experience.
Revolution Bristol
0.5 km
Two-storey cocktail bar in Bristol’s Old Fish Market — colourful interiors, mezzanine balcony and cocktails for day and night.
Secret Cocktail Club - Bristol
0.5 km
Discover Bristol’s hidden basement bar blending historic charm with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, secretive setting.
Slug & Lettuce - City Centre Bristol
0.5 km
Bristol's go-to cocktail haven on St Nicholas Street, blending lush drinks, tasty bites, and vibrant nights in the Old City heart.
The Boardroom
0.5 km
Grazing boards, rum mastery and historic charm in Bristol's Old City—perfect for intimate drinks or private hires till late.
The Mothers' Ruin
0.5 km
Bristol's dive bar legend: cheap pints, basement beats, live tunes, and pizza in a historic street nook – pure debauchery awaits.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Waterfront
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
