If you’ve got a spare 40 minutes while exploring Bristol, hop aboard a bright yellow and blue ferry for a trip around the city’s waterways. The charming Bristol Ferry Boats ply their trade from the City Centre, next to the Watershed, and head in two different directions: out towards Temple Meads or past Baltic Wharf to Hotwells.
On a recent visit, we climbed aboard and enjoyed a round-trip to Temple Meads. It was a pleasant journey and afforded us a chance to view sections of this fine city from a different perspective.
Remarkably, the company has been ferrying people along the routes for around four decades. There is a daily scheduled waterbus service, so you can hop on and off along the route, or sit back – like we did – and enjoy the 40-minute harbour and river tour.
The ferries leave the City Centre every 40 minutes and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the water, passing floating restaurant boats, modern office blocks and old warehouses lovingly renovated into sought-after accommodation. The Hotwells’ route, which we’ve saved for another visit, takes in impressive views of Brunel’s masterpiece: SS Great Britain.
Although there is no commentary from either crew member, it’s a trip I recommend highly – so sit back and enjoy the varied cityscapes on offer.
More information:
www.bristolferry.com, tel: 0117 927 3416
Reviewed: January 2016