Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about trips, special events, charter or any other query.

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Location of the Matthew

The Matthew is moored on Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN.

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Welcome to the Matthew of Bristol

 a replica of the English ship that discovered North America in 1497. 

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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.

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 original voyage.

Today, The Matthew is a much-loved part of Bristol’s maritime heritage with a busy schedule of public trips, film and festival work, corporate and celebration events. Entry when we’re moored at the quayside is free though as a registered charity any donations in the collection box are very much appreciated.

Find out more about how you can help support The Matthew.

Photo By Carolyn Eaton
Photo by Carolyn Eaton.

Discover the ship that discovered America

The Matthew is available to visit at the Bristol Floating Harbour. Ever popular, the Matthew provides an unrivalled platform to view Bristol from the water.

Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Get the most out of your day out at the Matthew and around Bristol. There’s lot to see so why not make a day of it.

Education

Education

We offer reduced rates for schools and can normally include a harbour cruise when school visits take place in Bristol.

Hire the Matthew

Hire the Matthew

The Matthew is available for private hire, corporate events and as a location for filming and photography.

Upcoming Public Trips on the Matthew

All trips depart from the M Shed.

Captain Barnacle's Pirate Panto! Static

Captain Barnacle's Pirate Panto! Static 1 hrs

Wednesday 23 August

Join legendary Captain Barnacle the Bristol pirate for a rip roaring trip aboard The Matthew.

Fish and Chip Trip

Fish and Chip Trip 2 hrs

Wednesday 23 August

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Matthew as she sails around Bristol’s historic harbour with fish and chips.

Harbour Trip

Harbour Trip 1 hr

Saturday 26 August

1 hour harbour trip. Sail around the Bristol harbour and experience the city from the water.

Harbour Trip

Harbour Trip 1 hr

Saturday 26 August

1 hour harbour trip. Sail around the Bristol harbour and experience the city from the water.

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Trip Advisor: 2016 Winner
  • Trip Advisor

    “An absolute Bristol must!”

    We have boarded the Matthew several times and learn something new every time. The volunteers are always so delighted to tell stories and share history and are very good at engaging little ones…

    Sarah R via Trip Advisor

  • Trip Advisor

    “The Majestic Matthew”

    What a great day we had sailing majestically up the river to Pill and back, waving to the people seeing us from riverside vantage points including those walking above us across the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

    PetalBristol via Trip Advisor

  • Trip Advisor

    “Day on a Ship”

    This is a great living ship which is free to look round - all parts of the ship are open and if not ask the crew (guides). Trips on the ship can also be booked on their web site, which are fantastic.

    Paul76543 via Trip Advisor

  • Trip Advisor

    “Ship ahoy.”

    A really interesting visitor attraction. Crew will answer any questions about the ship and how the ancient mariners sailed across the ocean. Kids loved it.

    fishypioneer via Trip Advisor

  • Trip Advisor

    "Beautiful ship”

    We found this ship on the way to visit S/S Great Britain. It looked very nice. It would have been nice to get on board but it seemed it was closed. I guess it's open to public in...

    Marie-Louise K via Trip Advisor