Matthew

Bristol


The most striking thing about this replica of the vessel in which John Cabot made his landmark voyage from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497 is its size. At 24m it seems far too small, but it would have carried a crew of around 18. Step aboard to climb below into their quarters, walk the deck and gaze up at the rigging.

On summer weekends the Matthew is sometimes away from its berth – it runs one-hour trips around Bristol's harbour (adult/child £12/9), and four-hour sailings along the Avon Gorge (adult/child £40/10).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bristol attractions

1. M Shed

0.09 MILES

Set amid the iconic cranes of Bristol's dockside, this impressive museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia. It's divided into four main sections: People,…

2. Arnolfini

0.15 MILES

At time of writing, the art galleries here were only open for special events. The ground floor houses the Front Room, a venue for talks, special events…

3. Bristol Aquarium

0.21 MILES

The underwater habitats you'll encounter here include a Bay of Rays, Coral Sea, Shark Tank and an Amazon River Zone. The underwater viewing tunnel adds…

4. We the Curious

0.21 MILES

Bristol's interactive science museum is a playful, hands-on space where 300 'exhibits' fly the flag for curiosity, scientific collaboration and creativity…

5. Bristol Cathedral

0.28 MILES

Originally founded as a 12th-century monastery church, Bristol Cathedral was heavily remodelled during the 19th century. It's one of Britain's best…

6. Castles Stencil

0.3 MILES

Hidden away down the side of the Central Library, hunt out the 2011 Banksy stencil that states 'you don't need planning permission to build castles in the…

7. Brunel Institute

0.38 MILES

A maritime archive housing a wealth of materials relating to engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain and Bristol's naval history. To visit,…

8. Brunel's SS Great Britain

0.4 MILES

This mighty, innovative steamship was designed by engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843. You get to wander the galley, surgeon's quarters and…