Top Bristol landmarks
Top Bristol landmark tours
Top Bristol activities
Top Bristol landmarks
Beyond Bristol
Bristol trip ideas
  • Top Bristol landmark tours

Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour

16 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 16 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Bristol, England

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

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

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bristol Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square

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!
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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!
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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?
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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’.
Read more
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

(6)

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 Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Historic Bristol Walking Tour and Suspension Bridge

This private historic walking tour reveals the architectural heritage and cultural legacy of Bristol. Explore ancient streets shaped by centuries of maritime influence and urban...

3 hoursFree Cancellation
3 hoursFree Cancellation
3 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$249

Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Join us for a fantastic fun filled and fact packed tour of Bristol, take in world leading street art by Banksy and others, nestled in...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (2,105)
from
$17.83

Ghosts, Ghouls & Gallows :The Original Bristol Ghost Walk

Calling fans of all things spooky! Do you love hearing wicked, twisted, and macabre tales from years gone by? Combine your love of frights and...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (252)
from
$27.35

Cocktail Classes in Bristol, England

Our cocktail classes are interactive and super fun. Our fun loving cocktail experts will show you how to make a selection of classic cocktails. You...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (14)
from
$61.54

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Join us for a fantastic fun filled and fact packed tour of Bristol, take in world leading street art by Banksy and others, nestled in...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (2,105)
from
$17.83

Air Raid Shelter + St. Nicholas Market Walking Tour

We are the only tour company with access to Bristol's secret underground Air Raid Shelters! Discover Bristol's subterranean Raid Shelter, explore the historic Old Town...

2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hoursFree Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (2,137)
from
$17.11

Guided Walking Tour of Bristol Old City and Harbour
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Walking around a city, whilst listening to a tour guide, is a perfect form of exercise. 1000 years of Trade and Industry made Bristol the...

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation
2 hours 15 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (165)
from
$29.32

Guided Walking Tour Suspension Bridge Clifton Splendour & City.
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A guided walk, for a maximum of six people, between 2.5 - 3 Hrs long, 12-15,000 steps circa 4-5 miles long, listening to the guide...

150 to 180 minutesFree Cancellation
150 to 180 minutesFree Cancellation
150 to 180 minutes • Free Cancellation
5.0 (102)
from
$164.29

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
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Exploro Limited

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Non-refundable

Activity name

Non-refundable

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.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.