FREQUENTLY asked questions
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Trip dates are announced in batches throughout the year as and when they are confirmed. Keep an eye on our website and social media for news.
Alternatively, why not subscribe to The Matthew newsletter and be amongst the first to find out all our latest trip news? You’ll be alerted when new dates are announced and tickets are on sale!
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WINTER: NOVEMBER – MARCH
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 3pm
SUMMER: APRIL – OCTOBER
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Please note:
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
The Matthew is generally open for visitors during these hours when moored at Princes Wharf. However, opening hours are subject to change without notice.
During our sailing season (April to October), we run public, private and school trips from Tuesday to Sunday so we may not be at our mooring when you visit.
During the winter (November to March), the crew are busy with the ship’s annual maintenance programme. The ship may be closed at short notice if it’s not safe for the public to board.
The Matthew is closed on Mondays throughout the year.
The ship may be closed to the public at any time without prior notice.
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The Matthew is located at Princes Wharf, Bristol, BS1 4RN. Please visit our How To Find Us page for all your transport and parking information.
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During our summer sailing season, we run regular public and private trips throughout the day so we may not be at our mooring, or we may be closed to the general public for a short while before or after a trip.
During the winter, the ship may be closed or away from its mooring for annual maintenance.
We may need to close the ship due to maintenance works or for visitor safety at other times of the year.
The Matthew will be closed to visitors if the weather is very bad at any time of the year. The ship may also close early during the winter due to poor daylight hours.
If you are planning a special visit, please contact the office to find out if the ship is moored. -
The Matthew is free of charge to visit – no tickets required! You are welcome to come aboard, have a look around, climb the steps to the upper decks, and talk with our knowledgeable guides when we are at our mooring and open to visitors.
However, if you want to join us on a boat trip, you’ll need to book tickets in advance.
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Of course! You are very welcome to explore the upper decks. However, please be aware that some areas of the ship may not be open to the public when you visit, such as below decks or areas that may be closed to the public due to maintenance works, etc.
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The Matthew is wheelchair-accessible for boarding – this is via a ramp at the main entrance (1000mm gate width) and a 710mm wide gate in the bulwark (the side of the ship). The crew will also be on hand to help you if you need them.
However, as The Matthew is built in a traditional way with steep ladders between decks, it does not have accessible toilet facilities – the toilets on board are below the main deck down a set of steep steps. Visitors with restricted mobility are advised to use public toilets elsewhere before boarding the ship.
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Yes, you can if it fits through the gateway – the main entrance gate width is 1000mm. There is then ramp access down to the ship (no steps).
The ship itself is boarded via a 710mm wide gate in the ship's side (the bulwark).
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Well-behaved dogs are generally welcome on board and may be allowed on trips where no food is served – Harbour Trips and Avon Gorge Cruises only. Dogs are not permitted on board during Fish & Chips Trips. All dogs permitted to board must be kept on a short lead and under your control at all times.
If you want to bring your canine companion on board, please be aware that ultimately, the Captain is responsible for everyone on board the ship, so it will be his decision when you board whether or not your dog can board with you.
Reasons that your dog may not be allowed on board include, but are not limited to:
There are already several other dogs on board.
Your dog is not well-behaved around other people or dogs.
Other passengers on the trip do not want to share a restricted space with dogs for reasons such as allergies, they’re scared of dogs, etc.
Your understanding is appreciated.
Things to consider if you want to take your dog on a tripThere are no doggie toilet facilities on board! When the ship is underway you will be unable to disembark until we return to the mooring at Princes Wharf.
Please be aware that Avon Gorge Cruises can be four+ hours long, which can be a long time to be on board a small ship with limited shelter (and no doggie toilet facilities) on board, especially when the weather is either very warm or very wet.
Is your dog trained and well-behaved around strangers? Owners who bring their dogs on board should be mindful at all times of other passengers and the crew on the ship.
Service animals are always welcome. -
No. As the ship is almost entirely constructed of wood, smoking is not permitted anywhere on The Matthew.
For the comfort of all our visitors and passengers, vapes and e-cigarettes are also not permitted.
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Yes, The Matthew is located in the Clean Air Zone – you may be charged to drive your vehicle in the zone when you visit The Matthew.
For more information and to use the government’s checking tool to check if you will be charged to drive your vehicle in Bristol’s Clean Air Zone, please visit the Bristol City Council website.
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We get a lot of requests for prizes. However, The Matthew of Bristol is itself owned by a registered charity: The Matthew of Bristol Trust. The trustees and crew members who look after the ship are all volunteers.
The Trust does not receive any public funding towards the upkeep of The Matthew so any profits generated from the trips we run, and all donations we receive from the general public, are invested back into the running and maintenance of the ship and the development of our educational programme.
For these reasons, we are not in a position to donate any items. We do know how difficult it is to raise funds and so we wish you well in your fundraising endeavours.
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If you're looking for information about our trips, please check our FAQS for Public Trips, Private Hire and School Trips.
If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for on our website, please do contact the office – we’d be happy to help!
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All of our currently confirmed dates are available on the Public Boat Trips page on our website – click on the Timetable & Online Booking button for dates and times. Our timetable is updated as soon as new trips are announced, so please keep an eye on this for dates and tickets.
You may also like to sign up for our email newsletter - we send one to all subscribers when new trips are confirmed.
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Prices for our 2025 trips are:
Harbour Trip
Adult: £15
Concessions: £12.50
Child (5–17 years): £12.50
Child (0-4 years): FreeAvon Gorge Cruise
Adults: £47.50
Concessions: £42.50
Child (5–17 years): £42.50
Child (0-4 years): FreeFish & Chips Trip
Adults: £36.00
Concessions: £33.00
Child (5–17 years): £33.00
Child (0-4 years) - food included: £10.00
Child (0-4 years) - no food: FreeFish & Chips Trip with Piratitude
Adult: £42.50
Child (5–17 years): £42.50
Child (0-4 years) - food included: £20.00
Child (0-4 years) - no food: £10.00Fish & Chips Trip with Sea Shanties
Adult: £42.50
Child (5–17 years): £42.50
Child (0-4 years) - food included: £20.00
Child (0-4 years) - no food: £10.00
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Concessions:
Concession tickets are valid for seniors (age 65+), disabled people, and carers
Concession tickets are not available for Fish & Chips trips which include entertainment
Trips with food:
The ticket price for our Fish & Chips Trips include food, except where stated.
Meal options must be selected during the booking process.
All meals are gluten free.
Some items may contain nuts or traces of nuts, flour and other allergy-associated products.
2025 menu:
Fish & Chips
Sausage (plain or battered) & chips
Meat-free sausage (plain or battered) & chips
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Visit our Public Trips page and click on the Timetable & Online Booking button to select your chosen trip and date (all trips are subject to availability).
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Children are very welcome on board The Matthew but must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18+ and supervised at all times. The adults in your group are responsible for the safety and behaviour of your children for the duration of a trip – a moving ship can be a dangerous place for all ages if safety procedures are not adhered to.
• Children and babies aged 4 years and younger go free on some trips on The Matthew but will still require a ticket – when making your booking, you will need to book a ticket for all children you intend to bring on the trip. Anyone not on our passenger list or without proof of purchase for a valid ticket will be refused entry if we have reached our maximum capacity.
• Our longer trips, such as the Avon Gorge Cruise (up to 4 hours long) or our Fish & Chips Trip (2 hours long) may not be a suitable option for very young children.
• Fish and Chips Trips with musical entertainment (sea shanties, Piratitude) may not be a suitable option for very young children.
• If you are bringing your baby on a trip, please be aware that The Matthew is a replica of a 15th-century ship and does not have any suitably private spaces for breastfeeding or any baby-changing facilities. However, you are very welcome to speak with a member of the crew and they will do their best to accommodate you, where possible.
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We offer tickets for some of our trips at a reduced rate for seniors (65+) and disabled persons and their companion/carer. When booking your tickets, please select a concession ticket for each qualifying person.
Anyone not on our passenger list or without proof of purchase for a valid ticket will be refused entry. If you do not have a ticket but we have spaces available, you will be required to purchase a ticket before boarding. Payments on board the ship are cash only.
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Your gift voucher can be redeemed either in full or part payment against tickets for the public trips listed on our website (subject to availability) when you book online in advance. You will be invited to enter your voucher code during the online booking process.
All tickets booked using a gift voucher must be purchased in advance – we cannot accept vouchers for tickets purchased on the day.
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When you order tickets, a confirmation is sent to the email address you entered for the order.
Please get in touch with The Matthew office as soon as possible if you haven’t received a confirmation – we will need your name, trip date/time and the email address you used for booking to identify your order.
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Your booking confirmation email is your ticket. However, you do not need to print this. The Matthew operates a passenger list – all passengers will be asked to state their name when boarding.
Please get in touch with The Matthew office as soon as possible if you haven’t received your booking confirmation – we will need your name, trip date/time and the email address you used for booking to identify your order.
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All bookings are made using our online booking system – The Matthew does not have an in-person Box Office.
If you are having trouble using the online booking system or you do not have access to a computer to make your booking, please call The Matthew office on 01179276868 during our office hours and a member of staff will be happy to help.
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We limit group bookings to 10 people on all of our public trips. As The Matthew’s maximum capacity is 40 people (or 35 people for trips that include musical entertainment). Limiting the group size allows everyone on board to enjoy their experience.
There is no set or reserved seating on The Matthew, and all passengers are free to walk around on deck during their trip. In our experience, larger groups can cause problems for other passengers as they tend to (quite unintentionally) take over particular areas of the ship, thus making that area inaccessible to everyone else. Our group booking policy is in place to be fair to all our passengers and is intended to prevent large groups from unintentionally monopolising areas of the ship and spoiling the experience for others.
For those planning a trip for a larger group, we offer private hire for parties of 11 or more people. Please note that the cost for the exclusive use of The Matthew for your group is reflected in the hire price.
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The capacity of The Matthew is strictly limited to 40 passengers (including children and babies) for the majority of our trips. Capacity is 35 passengers for trips that include musical entertainment.
If a trip is marked as sold out or online booking now closed, this does mean that we have no tickets left for advance bookings or on board on the day.
Waiting lists
We operate waiting lists for sold-out trips. To be added to the waiting list for a particular trip, you can do so by selecting the relevant trip during the booking process and entering your details. You may also contact The Matthew office stating the date of the trip, your name, phone number and how many tickets you’d like.
The Matthew office will contact you if we get any cancellations.
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If a trip is sold out then we have reached maximum capacity and have no tickets left.
However, if we get a cancellation, tickets may become available at short notice so please do contact The Matthew office to add your details to the waiting list.
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Online booking may be closed up to 24 hours before a trip. You will not be able to book online on the day of a trip.
If we have tickets remaining after online booking has closed for a non-food trip (e.g. an Avon Gorge Cruise or a Harbour Trip), you can purchase these tickets on board (cash only) before the trip starts – email the office to find out if there are any tickets available. Any remaining tickets will be available on board on a first come, first served basis only and cannot be reserved.
Our volunteers can only take CASH payments for tickets purchased on board on the day. Unfortunately, the ship does not have the facilities to accept card payments on board the ship. However, our volunteers will be happy to direct you to the nearest cashpoint.
Online booking closes up to one week in advance for our Fish & Chips Trips as we need to order in the meals from our caterer. Unfortunately, when online booking has closed for these trips, you will not be able to purchase any more tickets.
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Food
Food is served only on trips when the option is given to order your food in advance at the time of booking your ticket. All food on The Matthew is supplied by outside caterers.
The Matthew bar
Our licensed bar will usually be open on Avon Gorge Cruises and Fish & Chips Trips. The bar will not be opened for public Harbour Trips or when the ship is static and open to the general public.
The crew can take cash payments only – the ship does not have the facility to accept card payments on board.
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Yes – you will be able to select your food choice during the booking process. Available options are fish, pork sausage (plain or battered) or meat-free sausage (plain or battered).
All options are served with chips.
Allergen information
• All batter is made using a gluten free recipe
• The chips are gluten free
• The meat-free sausages contain celery
• Some items may contain nuts or traces of nuts, flour and other allergy-associated products.Please note: Neither The Matthew of Bristol nor our outside caterer will be liable for any allergic reaction or illness that may occur as the result of attendees with allergies consuming food or being close to food supplied by either party.
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The Matthew is not a seated vessel – there is no set or reserved seating anywhere on the ship. However, the crew put out a selection of chairs for use by passengers on every trip, and there are also areas around the ship where you can comfortably sit.
Seating will be available on all Fish & Chips Trips and Avon Gorge Cruises.
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Yes, we do have a toilet available on certain trips, but usage is restricted:
• The onboard toilet is available for use only by passengers on the Avon Gorge Cruise, or on Fish & Chips Trips where food and drink is consumed.
• The toilet is not available to use when the ship is static – visitors are advised to use the public facilities elsewhere before boarding the ship.
Accessible toilets: The Matthew is built in a traditional way with steep ladders between decks and so does not have accessible toilet facilities – the toilet on board is below the main deck down a set of steep steps. Passengers with restricted mobility are advised to use public toilets elsewhere before boarding the ship.
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Well-behaved dogs may be allowed on public trips where no food is served – Harbour Trips and Avon Gorge Cruises only. Dogs are not permitted on board during Fish & Chips Trips. All dogs permitted to board must be kept on a short lead and under your control at all times.
If you want to bring your canine companion on board, please be aware that ultimately, the Captain is responsible for everyone on board the ship, so it will be his decision when you board whether or not your dog can board with you.
Reasons that your dog may not be allowed on board include, but are not limited to:
There are already several other dogs on board.
Your dog is not well-behaved around other people or dogs.
Other passengers on the trip do not want to share a restricted space with dogs for reasons such as allergies, they’re scared of dogs, etc.
Your understanding is appreciated.
Things to consider if you want to take your dog on a tripThere are no doggie toilet facilities on board! When the ship is underway you will be unable to disembark until we return to the mooring at Princes Wharf.
Please be aware that Avon Gorge Cruises can be four+ hours long, which can be a long time for a dog to be on a small ship with limited shelter (and no doggie toilet facilities) on board, especially when the weather is either very warm or very wet.
Is your dog trained and well-behaved around strangers? Owners who bring their dogs on board should be mindful at all times of other passengers and the crew on the ship.
Service animals are always welcome. -
The Matthew is an outdoor venue with very little cover or protection from the elements. As it is an open, uncovered ship, please dress for comfort according to the weather – bear in mind that you will be more exposed to the weather when out on the water.
It can feel colder than it does on the quayside if it's windy, and more exposed to the sun if it's sunny. We recommend you consider bringing an extra layer, waterproofs, and/or sun protection! In the event of rain, we have large umbrellas that you can use.
Please wear comfortable, preferably flat, footwear. We strongly discourage stiletto heels as these can be dangerous in the event of an emergency and will also damage the wooden deck.
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The ship is equipped and licensed as a modern safe passenger vessel, so we do carry life jackets in case of emergency.
Generally, you won't be required to wear a life jacket during your trip. However, if there is an emergency and the Captain or crew instruct you to do so, you would be expected to wear one for your own safety and for the safety of others.
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We don't offer commentary on any of our trips.
You are invited to ask our knowledgeable volunteer crew any questions you have – they love to talk about The Matthew, John Cabot and local maritime history and will be very happy to answer as best they can.
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Passengers may only board and disembark at our Princes Wharf mooring (just outside M Shed). Unfortunately, we are unable to allow passengers to disembark the ship at any other point during the trip.
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If it is raining or overcast, your trip will go ahead as planned.
The only reason we would not go ahead with a trip due to the weather is in the event of extreme weather and/or strong winds as it can be dangerous to manoeuvre the ship in the harbour under these conditions. However, all trips are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. The Captain may have to cancel your trip at short notice if there are any safety concerns.
In the event that the Captain does need to cancel your trip, we will endeavour to let you know as far in advance as possible. If you have not heard from us (either by phone or email) please assume that your trip will be going ahead and arrive for boarding 10 minutes before your trip’s scheduled start time. However, the decision to cancel may be made by the Captain immediately before the trip if there are any safety concerns.
In accordance with our Booking Terms and Conditions, if you decide at short notice that you no longer wish to take your trip for any reason, refunds or reschedules will not be available under any circumstances.
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Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions (agreed to at the point of purchase) for our full cancellation and refund policy. These Terms and Conditions are made available at the time of your booking and are also supplied with your booking confirmation email.
If you are eligible for a refund or reschedule, please contact the office.
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The ship leaves promptly at the advertised start time. As stated in the booking terms and conditions agreed to at the time of booking, we are unable to wait for latecomers and do not give refunds or reschedule bookings if you arrive late and miss your trip.
Passengers are advised to arrive around 10 minutes ahead of the advertised start time for boarding.
BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS -
If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for on our website, please do contact the office – we’d be happy to help!
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The Matthew is available for private hire during our sailing season between April and October from Tuesday to Sunday (the ship is closed on Mondays).
The ship is not available for private hire during our annual winter maintenance period (from November to March).
Evening trips:
In the summer, our latest start time for evening trips is 5pm.
In the spring and autumn, trips are limited by sunset times. Low light is a health and safety issue, so evening trips are scheduled accordingly.
To enquire about a private hire trip and get a quote, please visit our Private Hire page and submit an enquiry form. -
See our Private Hire page for all the information about ship hire and catering costs.
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You can choose a private trip around Bristol’s Floating Harbour (with or without catering) or you can hire the ship for a static event at our usual mooring at Princes Wharf. Or a combination of the two!
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All trips depart from our mooring at Princes Wharf (just outside M Shed). The ship will also return here at the end of your trip.
Please note that all passengers may only board and disembark at our Princes Wharf mooring. Unfortunately, we are unable to allow passengers to board or disembark the ship at any other place during the trip.
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A private hire trip on The Matthew will take you on a trip around Bristol’s historic Floating Harbour – you’ll sail from (and return to) our mooring at Princes Wharf, taking in the beautiful harbour between Prince Street Bridge and The Pumphouse/Junction Lock.
Please note that the Avon Gorge Cruise is not available for private hire events. Your private hire trip will not leave Bristol Harbour.
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The Matthew can accommodate up to 40 people for a cruise or 50 people for a static hire. Please note that this includes small children and babies. This maximum is strictly enforced due to licensing and insurance restrictions.
Please contact The Matthew office should you require more information.
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That depends on the length of your trip! The majority of our private hire trips are between one and two hours long. Please discuss with the office if you require a longer hire period.
At the end of your private hire, The Matthew crew politely requests that all passengers disembark promptly when the ship arrives back at its mooring and it is safe to do so.
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Yes, of course!
Children are very welcome on board The Matthew but must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult aged 18+ at all times. The adults in your group are responsible for the safety and behaviour of their children for the duration of your private hire – a moving ship can be a dangerous place for all ages if safety procedures are not adhered to.
Please also take into account the ages of the children you would like to bring. Trips over an hour long and taking place in the evening may not be a suitable option for very young children.
The Matthew can accommodate up to 40 people for a cruise or 50 people for a static hire. These maximum numbers include all small children and babies in your group.
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The Matthew is not licensed to hold civil marriage or civil partnership ceremonies.
However, if you would like to celebrate your marriage or civil partnership, we can accommodate blessing ceremonies. Please note that a blessing ceremony is symbolic only – it is neither legally binding nor a legally recognised marriage ceremony.
Please contact the office to discuss your requirements.
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Whilst we would love to be able to accommodate all occasions, we are sorry but we do not take private hire bookings for stag or hen parties.
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We have a licensed (cash-only) bar on board which will be open for the duration of your private hire. The bar is stocked by local wine merchants Averys of Bristol, and with beers and ciders supplied by Bristol Beer Factory.
Soft drinks and hot drinks are also available.
As we are a licensed venue, we do not allow any alcohol on board that has not been purchased from our bar, nor do we offer corkage options. Alcoholic drinks cannot be taken off the ship – all drinks purchased from the bar must be consumed on board.
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Generally no, we do not allow passengers to bring their own food on board the ship. However, we are happy to make exceptions should you wish to bring your own birthday cake, or if any of your party have allergies, for example.
Please ask us about catering options when making your enquiry.
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Yes, there are! The food options are: fish, sausage (plain or battered), and meat-free sausage (plain or battered).
All options are served with chips and we also provide salt, vinegar and ketchup.
Allergen information
• All batter is made using a gluten free recipe
• The chips are gluten free
• The meat-free sausages contain celery
• Some items may contain nuts or traces of nuts, flour and other allergy-associated products.Please note: Neither The Matthew of Bristol nor our outside caterer will be liable for any allergic reaction or illness that may occur as the result of attendees with allergies consuming food or being close to food supplied by either party.
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The caterer for our 2025 season is Salt & Malt, who provide a gluten-free menu:
“Our signature batter is 100% gluten free. We have a completely separate fryer for any products containing gluten, and different utensils are used. This means there is no cross contamination in regards to gluten. We pride ourselves on this, and are suitable for coeliacs.”
Allergen information
• All batter is made using a gluten free recipe
• The chips are gluten free
• The meat-free sausages contain celery
• Some items may contain nuts or traces of nuts, flour and other allergy-associated products.Please note: Neither The Matthew of Bristol nor our outside caterer will be liable for any allergic reaction or illness that may occur as the result of attendees with allergies consuming food or being close to food supplied by either party.
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If it is raining or overcast, your trip will go ahead as planned.
The only reason we would not go ahead with a trip due to the weather is in the event of extreme weather and/or strong winds as it can be dangerous to manoeuvre the ship in the harbour under these conditions. However, all trips are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. The Captain may have to cancel your trip at short notice if there are any safety concerns.
In the event that the Captain does need to cancel your trip, we will endeavour to let you know as far in advance as possible. If you have not heard from us (either by phone or email) please assume that your trip will be going ahead and arrive for boarding 10 minutes before your trip’s scheduled start time. However, please be aware that the decision may be made by the Captain immediately before the trip if there are any safety concerns.
In accordance with our booking terms and conditions, if you decide at short notice that you no longer wish to take your trip for any reason, refunds or reschedules are not available under any circumstances.
See our booking terms and conditions for more information about our cancellation and refund policy.
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The Matthew is an outdoor venue with very little cover or protection from the elements. As it is an open, uncovered ship, please dress for comfort according to the weather – bear in mind that you will be more exposed to the weather when out on the water.
It can feel colder than it does on the quayside if it's windy, and more exposed to the sun if it's sunny. We recommend you consider bringing an extra layer, waterproofs, and/or sun protection! In the event of rain, we have large umbrellas that you can use.
Please wear comfortable, preferably flat, footwear. We strongly discourage stiletto heels as these can be dangerous in the event of an emergency and will also damage the wooden deck.
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No, you won't be required to wear a life jacket during your private hire trip.
The ship is equipped and licensed as a modern safe passenger vessel, so we do carry life jackets in case of emergency. However, you would only be expected to wear one if there is an emergency and the Captain or crew instruct you to do so.
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The Matthew is not a seated vessel. For private hires, the ship is best suited to informal, standing events.
However, we do have a mix of chairs and areas around the ship where you can comfortably sit. There will also be seating available if your trip includes food.
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Yes, we do have a toilet available, but usage is restricted:
The onboard toilet is available for use by passengers on private trips where food and/or drink is consumed.
The toilet is not available to use when the ship is static.
Accessible toilets: The Matthew is built in a traditional way with steep ladders between decks and so does not have accessible toilet facilities – the onboard toilet is below the main deck down a set of steep steps. Passengers with restricted mobility are advised to use public toilets elsewhere before boarding the ship.
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Well-behaved dogs are generally welcome on board for private hire trips. All dogs permitted to board must be kept on a short lead and under your control at all times.
However, if you want to bring your canine companion on your private hire trip, please be aware that ultimately, the Captain is responsible for everyone on board the ship, so it will be his decision when you board whether or not your dog can board with you.
Reasons that your dog may not be allowed on board include, but are not limited to:
There are already several other dogs on board.
Your dog is not well-behaved around other people or dogs.
Your understanding is appreciated.
Things to consider if you want to take your dog on a tripThere are no doggie toilet facilities on board! When the ship is underway you will be unable to disembark until we return to the mooring at Princes Wharf.
Depending on your length of hire, you may be on board for some time. Please be aware that your trip may be a long time for your dog to be happy on a small ship with limited shelter (and no doggie toilet facilities), especially when the weather is either very warm or very wet.
Is your dog trained and well-behaved? Owners who bring their dogs on board should be mindful at all times of other passengers and the crew on the ship.
Service animals are always welcome. -
We don't offer commentary on any of our trips.
You are invited to ask our knowledgeable volunteer crew any questions you have – they love to talk about The Matthew, John Cabot and local maritime history and will be very happy to answer as best they can.
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The Matthew doesn’t have a sound system on board, but you are more than welcome to bring your own music and portable speakers to play on your private hire trip. However, please be aware that when the ship is underway there will be no power available to plug in to, so you will need your own battery pack.
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Please read our full Booking Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and refund policy.
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS -
If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for on our website, please do contact the office – we’d be happy to help!
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• School trips which include a harbour boat trip are available during term time between April and October.
• Static school sessions are available during term time between February and December.
• All sessions take place in one-hour timeslots from Tuesday to Friday. Sessions start at 10:45am, 11:45am, 12:45pm and 1:45pm (subject to availability).
• The Matthew is closed in January and on Mondays throughout the year.
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School sessions are one hour in duration and are available to book in one-hour session blocks.
• Pirates! and 1st Mate sessions consist of a short talk on your chosen topic, given by our crew whilst the ship is moored, plus a trip around Bristol Harbour, starting and finishing at our mooring at Princes Wharf and sailing between Junction Lock and Prince Street Bridge.
• Deckhand sessions are static sessions. The ship will remain at its Princes Wharf mooring for the entirety of your one-hour session.
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For sessions including a Harbour Trip: the maximum number of passengers per session is 40, with a maximum ratio of 34 students and 6 supervising adults.
For static sessions (the ship is moored): the maximum number of passengers is 50, with a maximum ratio of 42 students and 8 supervising adults.
For health and safety reasons, we require at least 1 supervising adult to be present for every 5-6 students on all school trips on The Matthew. The teachers and other adults with the group remain responsible for the safety and behaviour of the children at all times during your trip.
Parents are welcome to join the trip as one of the supervising adults but must be made aware by the lead teacher that they are responsible for up to five other children as well as their own child and they must supervise all of them for the full duration of your time on the ship.
An operational ship can be a dangerous place whether moving or static, so it's essential that all adults and children adhere to the safety information provided by the crew.
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Our maximum capacity for a sailing trip is 40 people. However, for larger groups of up to 50 students, we can run any of the above trips as a static session – it will have the same theme, but the ship just won't be moving!
Alternatively, you are welcome to book two or more sessions to accommodate everyone for trips around the harbour.
Please note that due to health and safety requirements, we require at least 1 supervising adult to be present for every 5-6 students on all school trips on The Matthew.
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Of course! If you have a group of older students Years 7 to 11), we would be delighted to adapt your session to work with your requirements. For example, we could look at early exploration and John Cabot.
You are also welcome to use The Matthew as a space for your own teaching session.
Get in touch with The Matthew office and let us know what you need.
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Please arrive at our mooring at Princes Wharf (just outside M Shed) around 5-10 minutes before your trip is due to start. Although we do our best to accommodate groups who arrive late, if we have another booking immediately after yours we cannot guarantee you’ll have a full hour on board if you are late for your session.
Bearing in mind that we are in central Bristol, please make sure to allow plenty of time for your journey, especially if you are coming to visit from further afield – there may be delays, road closures, etc.
For details on coach pick up/set down points and parking, please visit the TravelWest website.
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There is no parking for coaches at The Matthew, but they can drop off/pick up within yards of the ship. Follow Museum Street behind the M Shed to the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps. This is a through-road with no parking, so please be aware that waiting is not permitted here at any time.
Your coach may also be able to drop off/pick up at the M2 bus stop (Wapping Wharf) on Cumberland Road, but please be aware that this is a busy main road. There is no waiting at any time here.
There is coach parking at the Maritime Heritage Centre car park on Gasferry Road/Caledonian Road (BS1 6JL), near the SS Great Britain. If your coach drops you off here, please factor in an extra half an hour for toilet stops and walking to The Matthew. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee you will get a full hour on board if we have other bookings.
For more details on coach pick-up/set-down points and parking in central Bristol, please visit the TravelWest website.
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Bristol’s Clean Air Zone will start on Monday 28 November 2022.
The Matthew is located in the Clean Air Zone – your coach company may be charged to drive in the CAZ when you visit The Matthew. The cost for non-compliant coaches is £100 – this charge may be passed on to you. You will need to check this with your coach company when you book.
For more information, please visit the Bristol City Council website.
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Your group will board the ship via our main entrance gate which leads to a slightly inclined boardwalk to the ship entrance – this is all enclosed with fencing. As The Matthew is an accurate replica of a Tudor sailing ship, it does not have full disabled access – the main deck of the ship is wheelchair accessible, but please be aware that the upper decks and below deck can only be accessed by steep steps/ladders.
During the trip, students are free to explore the main and upper decks under the direct supervision of the adults with your group. For the talk section of the session, the ship will be moored and the students will be able to sit on the raised area on the main deck.
Everyone is welcome on board The Matthew. However, if you have students with disabilities or special educational needs in your group, we do recommend a visit to the ship beforehand so that you can assess whether or not the trip will be suitable for your student’s needs.
Sensory information: If you have students in your group who are sensitive to their environment, please be aware that school trips are held entirely outdoors and the ship is open-air. There may be loud noises from the ship, which are mainly due to the engine starting and running throughout the trip. You may also be able to smell the diesel when the engine starts. There will also be harbour-related noises and smells as the ship sails around Bristol Harbour.
Wheelchair access: The Matthew is wheelchair-accessible for boarding – this is via a ramp at the main entrance (1000mm gate width) and a 710mm wide gate in the bulwark (the side of the ship).
Accessible toilets: The Matthew is built in a traditional way with steep steps between decks, so it does not have accessible toilet facilities – the onboard toilet is below the main deck down a set of steep steps. If there are people in your group with restricted mobility, please use the public facilities elsewhere before boarding the ship. The nearest accessible public toilets are located in M Shed
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There is a toilet below deck which can be made available for the children to use in an emergency. However, the crew politely requests that you use the public facilities elsewhere before boarding the ship. There are public facilities available just across the quayside at M Shed.
Accessible toilets: The Matthew is built in a traditional way with steep ladders between decks, so it does not have accessible toilet facilities – the onboard toilet is below the main deck down a set of steep steps. If there are people in your group with restricted mobility, please use the public facilities elsewhere before boarding the ship. The nearest accessible public toilets are located in M Shed.
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The Matthew doesn’t have lunch facilities. However, there are open areas to eat your lunch nearby on the quayside. Or you may like to take your class across the river to the space outside Lloyds Amphitheatre or at Millennium Square.
You can also find green spaces nearby for your picnic at Queen Square, College Green and Brandon Hill – the home of Cabot Tower, opened in 1897 to commemorate to 400th anniversary of the historic voyage made by John Cabot and The Matthew.
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Your trip will go ahead as planned if it is raining or overcast.
The only reason we would not go ahead with a trip due to the weather is in the event of extreme weather and/or strong winds as it can be dangerous to manoeuvre the ship in the harbour under these conditions.
However, all trips are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. The Captain may have to cancel your trip at short notice if there are any safety concerns.
In the event that the Captain does need to cancel your trip, we will endeavour to let you know as far in advance as possible. If you have not heard from us (either by phone or email) please assume that your trip will be going ahead. However, this decision may be made by the Captain immediately before the trip if he has any safety concerns.
In accordance with our booking terms and conditions, if you decide at short notice that you no longer wish to take your trip for any reason, refunds or reschedules are not available.
See our booking terms and conditions for more information about our cancellation and refund policy.
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The Matthew is an outdoor venue with very little cover or protection from the elements. As it is an open, uncovered ship, you should dress for comfort according to the weather – bear in mind that we are more exposed to the weather when out on the water.
It can feel colder than it does on the quayside if it's windy, and more exposed to the sun if it's sunny. We recommend you consider bringing an extra layer, waterproofs, and/or sun protection! In the event of rain, we have large umbrellas that you can use.
Footwear should be comfortable and preferably flat. We strongly discourage stiletto heels as these can be dangerous in the event of an emergency and will also damage the wooden deck.
If you are joining us for a Pirates! trip, come dressed for the occasion in your best pirate gear! Arrrr!
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The ship is equipped and licensed as a modern safe passenger vessel, so we do carry life jackets in case of emergency.
Generally, you won't be required to wear a life jacket during your school trip. However, you would be expected to wear one if there is an emergency and the Captain or crew instruct you to do so for your own safety and the safety of others.
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School groups are authorized to take photos of their session – there are no restrictions on photography intended for internal use by the school. However, we kindly request that The Matthew has permission to use any photos intended to be used by the school on their social media or other public places.
Please enquire with The Matthew office if you would like to film or make audio recordings during your session.
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Of course. When you book a school trip, you’ll receive our School Trip Information PDF booklet. This includes everything you’ll need to know for your trip, plus links to useful resources.
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School trips are offered at a discounted rate of over 60% less than our standard hourly private hire rate. We are unable to give any additional discounts.
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Unfortunately, we cannot run school trips outside of normal school hours.
• School trips that include a harbour boat trip are available during term time between April and October, from Tuesday to Friday.
• Static school sessions are available during term time between February and December, from Tuesday to Friday.
• All one-hour school sessions start at 10:45am, 11:45am, 12:45pm and 1:45pm.
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If your particular question isn’t here, please do contact the office – we’d be happy to help!