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• Tall-masted vessels may proceed as far up the Harbour as Bristol Bridge, (subject to bridge movement and depth of water) the historic crossing point of the River Avon, some 2.5km from Cumberland Basin. Prince Street Swingbridge and Redcliffe Bascule Bridge are passed on the way.

• St Augustine’s Reach is an arm of the harbour constructed by the citizens of Bristol and Redcliffe between the years 1240 and 1247. Narrow Quay (formerly Bristol Quay) is on the starboard side of St Augustine’s Reach. At times of flood the River Frome discharges into the Harbour at this point. (At other times it discharges through Mylne’s Culvert to the diverted course of the River Avon known as the New Cut). The new bridge crossing St Augustine’s Reach was the subject of a public art competition. It is distinguishable by its two horns acting as counterweights. Designed by Eilis O’Connell, it was installed in 1998 and named Peros Bridge. (For its dimensions, see Bridges over Floating Harbour).

• Beyond Prince Street Bridge on the port hand is the ‘Mud Dock’ built in 1625 by Robert Aldworth to provide a soft mud berth for shipping in the days before the Floating Harbour was created (1809). Halfway between Prince Street Bridge and Redcliffe Bridge, on the starboard hand, is Guinea Street Lock which leads through to Bathurst Basin in which are situated the Cabot Cruising Club’s moorings and headquarters vessel, John Sebastian.

• Redcliffe Bascule Bridge can only be lifted by prior arrangements with the Harbour Master.

More information about Bristol Harbour

Contact us

For all general visitor information, please call the Bristol Harbour Office, Underfall Yard, Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG on 0117 903 1484 or email harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk or click here for a full list of harbour contacts

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