Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

At a glance

Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour is a 2h – 3h private experience in Bristol, England, operated by Exploro Limited. Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 15 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $12.10 per person. Included: Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need, Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app, Helen will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!).

Quick facts

Duration

2h – 3h

Group

Private tour — only your group

Languages

English

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

See cancellation policy

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 10m

   Millennium Square is on a site known as Canon’s Marsh. This was originally marshy land found where the river Frome, flowing from the North-East, joined the Avon, flowing from the East. The land was drained and built on in the early 18th Century. Dive deep in all it's rich history.

2. Stop 2 · 5m

   The amphitheatre is popular with skateboarders and you may see some whilst you are here. This is one part of the city where skateboarders are able to ride, whereas in other places you will see anti-skateboarding architecture. Learn all about the historical past and the importance of this awesome place here!

3. Stop 3 · 5m

   Pero’s bridge opened in 1999 and was named in honour of an important local figure in Bristol. But who was this important figure? Why the Bridge has a pair of horn-shaped sculptures? Helen will answer all these questions and give you the whole story on her tour.

4. Stop 4

   During the Middle Ages, a harbour was developed along the riverside at the confluence of the rivers Avon and Frome. This stood in the approximate location of the present-day fountains. Hear this awesome tale and some recommendations worth visiting around this beautiful area.

5. Stop 5 · 15m

   College Green is a popular area for people to congregate in the city. Here you will learn about an important Church (Abbey), some works of art of an extremely famous artist, another beautiful chapel and a museum. Tag along!

6. Stop 6 · 5m

   In the past, King Street would have been a busy place, with the hustle and bustle of ship captains, traders and ship workers moving goods back and forth between boats and stores. Imagine these scenes while you hear Helen's awesome stories.

7. Stop 7 · 5m

   Queen’s Square is a Georgian park surrounded by trees and cobbled streets. This area used to be marshland that was used for dumping rubbish and weaponry practice. Houses were built here from 1699, beginning with the south side of the square.

8. Stop 8 · 10m

   This would have been a busy area in the past and remains busy to this day. This area is a bustling hub in the evening, with bars and fine restaurants, some of which are on boats. But what about its unusual name? What does it say about it's history?

9. Stop 9 · 5m

   Castle Park is the site of the old castle and Bristol’s medieval settlement. Discover its bristling history with Helen.

10. Stop 10 · 5m

    This stop has a good view of the Bristol Bridge, with St Peter’s, St Nicholas’ and St Mary Le Port churches in the background. The Bristol Bridge is believed to have been the place where the settlement of Bristol began. Relax, watch and listen to Helen's stories here.

11. Stop 11 · 5m

    This part of the city is called Redcliffe. The church that you see today is not the original; the church from Henry I’s time fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in the 14th century.

12. Stop 12 · 10m

    Redcliffe is named after the bright red Triassic sandstone rocks that can be seen from where you’re standing. Houses along Redcliffe Wharf are built above a cave system leading all the way back to St Mary Redcliffe church.

13. Stop 13

    Bathurst Basin lost its water supply as the New Cut was dug out in 1809. The Ostrich pub (at the entrance to the basin) was built around 1745. It would once have been used by sailors, dock workers and merchants.

14. Stop 14 · 10m

    Almost all of the city docks are now closed to cargo ships. The docks are therefore very different today from their very busy trading times of the past. If you look closely enough, you will find lots of evidence of what the city docks were like.

15. Stop 15

    The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the original Matthew that John Cabot sailed to the Americas in 1497. This surprisingly small replica ship sailed across the Atlantic to Canada in 1997 to mark the 500th anniversary of Cabot’s journey.

16. Stop 16 · 15m

    The M Shed is free to enter museum about Bristol. It is one of the few parts of the harbourside to retain all of its original features and is well worth a visit if you have time.

17. Stop 17 · 5m

    Wapping Wharf was formerly used for shipbuilding and repair. This location wasn’t always as pleasant as it is today. In the 1800s, Bristol Docks would have been packed with boats loading and unloading their goods.

18. Stop 18

    The SS Great Britain was built on this dock. Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was the largest ever and the first ship to be constructed using iron. When the ship was launched in 1843, it was said to be ‘the greatest experiment since the creation’.

Meeting point

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Self-Guided Audio Tour

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Frequently asked questions