Come on board!
Visit The Matthew of Bristol – the ship that put North America on the map.
Plan your visit to The Matthew
We are currently closed to the public. Join our email newsletter for the latest news. The Matthew is available to visit for free at the Bristol Floating Harbour. Ever popular, The Matthew provides an unrivalled platform to view Bristol from the water.
Tickets and gift vouchers
Book tickets for one of our public trips or come aboard and explore. You can also buy gift vouchers for a trip.
Getting here
Get the most out of your visit to The Matthew. There’s lots to see on board and nearby, so why not make a day of it?
Hire The Matthew
The Matthew is available for private hire, weddings, engagement shoots, school groups, corporate events, and as a location for filming and photography.
The Modern Matthew
The Matthew that you see in Bristol Harbour today is a modern reconstruction of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1497, built between 1994 and 1996.
The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the 15th-century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497. In 1997 she sailed across the Atlantic once more to mark the 500th anniversary of the historic voyage.
Learn more about the history of The Matthew here.
Today, The Matthew is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage with a busy schedule of public boat trips, film and festival work, corporate and celebratory events. When we’re moored at the quayside, entry is free. However, as a registered charity, any donations in the collection box are very much appreciated.
The Matthew is an expensive boat to maintain and we rely hugely on the generosity of visitors to keep the ship running. Play your part in giving England's history a future.
