Thekla — Bristol’s Iconic Music Boat
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Moored in Bristol’s Floating Harbour, Thekla is a converted German cargo ship that has been a live-music venue and late-night club since the 1980s. The compact, atmospheric interior, gritty industrial fittings and layered stages host touring bands and club nights; expect loud sound, standing-room capacity, late finishes and a raw, maritime character that sets it apart from conventional city venues.
A brief summary to Thekla
- The Grove, Bristol, East Mud Dock, Bristol, BS1 4RB, GB
- +441179293301
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Thursday 9:30 pm-3 am
- Friday 10 pm-3 am
- Saturday 9:30 pm-4 am
Local tips
- Check the specific event listing for door times and age restrictions — Thekla runs both early-evening concerts and late club nights with different start times.
- Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared for standing-room only: the interior is compact with uneven surfaces typical of a converted ship.
- Bring valid photo ID for 18+ events; security checks are routine and essential companion access can be arranged through the venue where required.
- Expect busy bar queues during set changes or peak club hours; bring cash and card if you can to speed purchases.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Thekla location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Windy Conditions
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Thekla
A ship reborn as a stage
Thekla began life as a German cargo vessel and now sits permanently in Bristol’s Floating Harbour, its hull repurposed into an intimate performance space where the ship’s structure becomes part of the show. Inside, steel beams, low ceilings and exposed fittings give the venue a workmanlike, industrial feel that complements a wide musical programme ranging from indie and punk to electronic club nights.The venue’s layout and atmosphere
Space is compact and largely standing-room; low decks, narrow passageways and a set of tiered performance areas create immediate proximity between audience and performers. The venue’s lighting rigs and PA are scaled for intensity rather than finesse, producing a visceral, close-up experience: bass that thumps through the metalwork, stage lights cutting through harbour mist on late nights and the occasional creak of timbers reminding you that you’re on a boat.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Prince Street Bridge
0.2 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.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.4 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.4 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Cascade Steps
0.4 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
Statue of Cary Grant
0.5 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
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.
Royal Talbot Buildings
0.6 km
Discover the Royal Talbot Buildings in Redcliffe, Bristol: A luxurious executive suite experience perfect for your city escape.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
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.
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.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.6 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
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.
Old City Walls
0.6 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
Redcliffe Caves
0.1 km
Explore Bristol’s mysterious underground network of historic sandstone caves, once vital to glassmaking and now a captivating cultural venue.
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.
Narrow Quay
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Welsh Back
0.3 km
Historic waterfront street in Bristol, blending maritime heritage, abolitionist history, and vibrant cultural life along the Floating Harbour.
M Shed
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant history and harbour heritage in the dynamic and free M Shed museum on Princes Wharf.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
0.3 km
Discover Bristol’s iconic Gothic marvel with soaring spire, rich maritime heritage, and over 800 years of spiritual and architectural splendor.
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.
TimeTrail
0.4 km
Step into history with TimeTrail, an immersive live-action adventure on Bristol’s historic King Street that challenges your wits and teamwork.
Floating Harbour
0.4 km
Explore Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour—a vibrant waterfront blending maritime heritage, cultural attractions, and lively harbourside charm.
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.4 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
Watershed
0.4 km
A vibrant cultural cinema and creative hub on Bristol’s Harbourside, blending film, food, events, and sustainability in a welcoming setting.
Bristol Aquarium
0.4 km
Explore captivating marine life and conservation stories at Bristol Aquarium, a vibrant underwater world in the heart of Bristol.
The Bristol Wheel
0.4 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
Essential places to dine
Riverstation
0.0 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
0.1 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
0.1 km
Historic waterfront restaurant celebrating southwest seafood and seasonal produce with stunning harbour views.
Adelina Yard
0.2 km
Modern European fine dining on Bristol’s historic Welsh Back, where seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes create an intimate, Michelin-recognized experience.
Casa Bristol
0.2 km
Refined Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe harbourside, blending tradition and innovation.
MUSE Brasserie - Bristol
0.2 km
Discover the exquisite blend of French and Indian flavors at MUSE Brasserie, Bristol’s premier fusion dining destination in an elegant bistro setting.
Rick's
0.3 km
Discover Rick's in Bristol - where exceptional cocktails meet delightful brunches in a vibrant waterfront setting.
The River Grille
0.3 km
Elegant Harbourside fine dining with West Country steaks, fresh seafood, and panoramic waterfront views.
Pasture
0.3 km
Premium West Country steaks cooked over charcoal in a vibrant Victorian warehouse with live music and craft cocktails.
Tare Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
0.4 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Three Brothers Burgers
0.4 km
Waterfront burgers of genuine quality in Bristol's vibrant harbourside district.
Gambas
0.4 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Under the Stars
0.4 km
Discover exquisite tapas and crafted cocktails at Under the Stars in Bristol's scenic waterfront area – where culinary delight meets vibrant ambiance.
Aqua Welshback
0.4 km
Stylish Italian-inspired dining with seasonal British flair on Bristol’s scenic Welsh Back harbourside.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Will's doss pit
0.3 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
0.3 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.
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.
Orendo
0.6 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
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.
Zhyper
0.7 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop at Windmill Hill City Farm
0.7 km
Discover unique handmade gifts by Bristol artists at the vibrant Home Grown Pop Up Gift Shop within Windmill Hill City Farm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shakespeare Tavern
0.2 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Architect
0.2 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
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.
Small Bar
0.3 km
Bristol's compact craft beer gem: sample microbrew masterpieces in rustic intimacy amid King Street's historic buzz.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.4 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.4 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
0.5 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
0.6 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Thekla
0.0 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
PRYZM
0.4 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Popworld - Bristol
0.5 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
0.5 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Basement 45
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.7 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
OMG
0.7 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
The Loco Klub
0.8 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Antix
0.8 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Silk Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.9 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
La Rocca
1.2 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
1.2 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
Motion
1.2 km
Bristol’s legendary warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground electronic music and community spirit in an iconic industrial setting.
Bristol Lola Lo
1.2 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Live music venue
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly