The matthew visitor information
Located in the heart of central Bristol, The Matthew is the ideal place to start your exploration of Bristol's historic harbourside and is one of the first maritime attractions you will see as you walk from the city centre along the quayside.
Visitors are welcome to come on board, have a look around, climb the steps to the upper decks, and have a chat with our knowledgeable volunteer guides and crew. It’s free to visit – donations are gratefully received, though! – and booking is not required, but please note that large groups may need to wait to board if the ship is busy.
Please contact the office if you’d like to hire the ship for your group of more than ten people. See our Private Hire or School Trips pages for more information and prices.
Visitor Opening Hours
Summer 2025
(April – October)
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
(last entry: 3:30pm)
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Winter 2025/26
(November – March)
Saturdays & Sundays: 11am to 3pm
(last entry: 2:30pm)
The Matthew is generally open for visitors during these hours when moored at Princes Wharf. However, opening hours are subject to change without notice.
The Matthew may open at different times than the advertised opening hours. Reasons may include (but are not restricted to) public or private trips taking place, a lack of daylight, poor weather conditions, and general visitor safety due to maintenance.
During the winter, we carry out our annual maintenance programme so the ship may be closed to the general public or away from its usual mooring at any time.
During our summer season, we run regular public and private trips so we may be away from our mooring or closed to the general public. If we are not at our mooring, keep an eye out for us as we sail around the harbour!
The Matthew will be closed in the case of bad weather, whatever the time of year.
The Matthew is closed on Mondays throughout the year.
If you are planning a special visit, contact the office to find out if The Matthew will be moored and open to the public.
Download your free copy of The Matthew Visitor Information Guide and find out all about:
the different areas of the ship
the ship’s features
the original 1497 voyage
the 500th-anniversary voyage in 1997
general information about your visit
Photo credit: Andy Holliday
Taking a trip on The Matthew
Visit our booking page for trip details and online booking for our confirmed public trips.
Have a look at our boat trips timetable to see our upcoming public trips at a glance. The timetable is updated as soon as new trips are added.
See our private hire page to book the ship for your special event, corporate event, film location or festival.
Want to bring your class for a visit? Book your school trip here.
Gift vouchers are available to purchase online. They are valid for two years and can be redeemed on any of our public trips (subject to availability).
Visit our FAQ page for more information about our trips.
Our Facilities
Toilets: The Matthew’s toilet facilities are only available when the ship is out sailing on trips where food and/or drinks are served. They are not available for visitors when the ship is moored.
The Bar: We run a cash-only licensed bar on board during our Fish & Chips Trip and our Avon Gorge Cruise – you may purchase teas and coffees, alcoholic and soft drinks when on one of these trips.
Catering: We don’t sell food on board The Matthew. A local caterer provides catering for our Fish & Chips Trips. If you are joining us on a trip where food is provided, you must order in advance when purchasing your ticket. If you are joining us for an Avon Gorge Cruise, we recommend you bring a packed lunch or snacks.
Please note: The Matthew does not have card payment facilities. If you would like to purchase drinks from the bar (when it’s open) or would like to make a donation, please bring cash with you!
Accessibility
The Matthew is a replica of a 15th-century medieval caravel and so accessibility is limited in some areas of the ship.
Boarding is via a wheelchair-accessible ramp at the main entrance (1000mm gate width) and a 710mm wide gate in the bulwark (the side of the ship). The crew are also on hand to help if you need them.
The Matthew does not have accessible toilet facilities. The toilet is located below decks and accessible only via steep steps.
Please visit Accessable for more details.
Other information:
The crew has lots of experience working with groups of children and adults with special educational needs or learning disabilities.
Assistance dogs are very welcome on board.
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BRISTOL BOAT TRIPS
The Matthew is an unrivalled platform to view Bristol from the water. Book your tickets for a trip around Bristol’s Floating Harbour and beyond…
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HIRE THE MATTHEW
The Matthew offers a unique location for your special occasion or corporate event. The ship is also available as a location for filming and photoshoots!
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More things to do!
Take a trip on The Matthew, find some great places to eat and drink, or simply take in the sights on a stroll around Bristol's historic Floating Harbour.