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Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

16 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 16 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Bristol, England
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from $12.32 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover Bristol's rich history with Helen's self-guided walking tour of the city's harborside. Led by a local expert with 25 years of experience, she'll take you through the heart of the city, showcasing its vibrant culture and fascinating past.

From the ruins of the old castle to the SS Great Britain, you'll experience firsthand the transformation of the city over the centuries. With insider recommendations on the best places to visit, eat, and drink, this tour offers a unique and immersive way to explore Bristol.

Our self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, take breaks when you need to, and even revisit your favourite spots. The app is designed to provide a seamless experience, with offline maps, audio commentary, and insider recommendations for you to get the most out of your visit.

Whether you're a history buff or just looking to experience the city like a local, Helen's Bristol Experience is the perfect way to discover all that this vibrant city has to offer.

What's Included

  • Email with instructions to activate your tour.
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • In-person Guide
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

C9XX+WRR Bristol
UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Great Western Dockyard
Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY, UK

The tour ends in a central area of the city centre so you can wander around with the recommendations provided at the end.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
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Millenium Square

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lloyds Amphitheatre

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!
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Pero's Bridge

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cascade Steps (pass by)

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.
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College Green

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!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

King Street Brew House

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Queen Square

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Welsh Back

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?
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Castle Park

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

Bridge Quay

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Mary Redcliffe Church

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Redcliffe Caves

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bathurst Basin (pass by)

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.
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Princes Wharf

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Matthew of Bristol (pass by)

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.
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M Shed

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wapping Wharf

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.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Brunel's SS Great Britain (pass by)

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’.
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Show 17 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-329930P14

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.50
16 reviews

Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 16 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.
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Popular Bristol Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour?
A:
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Email with instructions to activate your tour.
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour.
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app.
  • Helen will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!).
  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need.
The following is NOT included:
  • In-person Guide.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 4..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Email with instructions to activate your tour.
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • Helen will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • In-person Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour

Report Product Issue

Activity name