Prince Street Bridge

Heart of the Floating Harbour

Prince Street Bridge crosses the Floating Harbour at one of its most central points, linking Bristol’s city centre with the Cumberland Road area near Temple Meads. The bridge sits where the River Avon once flowed freely, before the creation of the Floating Harbour in the early 19th century. Today, the water beneath is a calm, man-made channel, part of a system designed to keep ships afloat regardless of the tide. The bridge’s low clearance and regular swing operations mean it’s still very much a working part of the harbour’s infrastructure, not just a static monument. Boats of all kinds pass beneath or wait for the bridge to open, giving a real sense of Bristol’s ongoing relationship with its waterways.

An Iron Swing from 1879

The current Prince Street Bridge is an iron swing bridge built in 1879, replacing an earlier drawbridge that had stood on the same site. It was constructed on the location of the ancient Gib ferry, once operated by the Dean and Chapter of Bristol Cathedral, which carried people and goods across the Avon before any permanent bridge existed. The bridge’s design reflects late Victorian engineering, with a robust iron structure and a hydraulic mechanism that allows it to rotate on its central pivot. It is the lowest bridge in the Floating Harbour, and its limited air draft means that taller vessels must arrange for it to swing, usually at half past the hour during operating times. This regular, rhythmic opening is a small but distinctive feature of life on the harbour.

A Working Harbour Crossing

Unlike many historic bridges that are now purely for pedestrians and vehicles, Prince Street Bridge remains an active navigational point. During the summer months, it swings frequently to allow boats to pass, operated by water hydraulic power. Mariners must contact the harbour authority in advance to arrange a swing, and the bridge is typically opened at set times, prioritising vessels around high water. The bridge’s operation is a reminder that Bristol’s Floating Harbour is still a living, working waterway, not just a scenic backdrop. For visitors, this means there’s a good chance of seeing the bridge in motion, with the central span rotating to create two clear channels for boats to pass through.

Views and Atmosphere

Walking across Prince Street Bridge, the atmosphere is one of quiet industry and history. On one side, the city centre rises with its mix of old and new architecture; on the other, the Cumberland Road area and the approaches to Temple Meads. The views along the harbour are excellent: moored boats, the distant silhouette of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the historic quays lined with converted warehouses. The sound of water lapping against hulls, the occasional horn from a passing vessel, and the creak and clank of the bridge mechanism all contribute to the sensory experience. It’s not a grand, ornate bridge, but its unassuming presence and constant use give it a genuine local character.

History Beneath the Surface

The site of Prince Street Bridge has been a crossing point for centuries. Before the 19th century, a ferry operated here, connecting Bristol with Bedminster and the south side of the river. The first permanent bridge at this location was a drawbridge built in 1809 as part of the wider Floating Harbour scheme. That early bridge was replaced in 1879 by the iron swing bridge that stands today. Over the years, the bridge has seen changes in traffic, from horse-drawn carts and early motor vehicles to modern buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. It was closed for repairs in 2015 and later reopened, ensuring that this historic link remains in use for future generations.