The Matthew of Bristol
The Matthew of Bristol
The Matthew of Bristol, a replica of the English ship that explorer John Cabot used to discover North America in 1497.
Learn about how The Matthew after the voyage's sponsor Bristolian Richard Amerike (not Amerigo Vespucci as is widely believed) in 1507.
The Matthew is available to visit in Bristol Floating Harbour. Look around and talk to our knowledgeable volunteers, or take a trip with us around the harbour, down the river or out to sea. Book a ticket or book the whole boat.
The Matthew offers a unique venue for a party, team-build or corporate event.
The Matthew is now permanently moored alongside M Shed on Princes Wharf. All our trips now leave from here.
To track the present whereabouts of The Matthew online click here. For more information about our tracking system look at the Automatic Identification System section on our Visitor Information page.
Education
We offer reduced rates for students and can normally incorporate a harbour cruise when school visits take place in Bristol. We offer a number of one hour packages for KS1 and 2, suitable for explorer and Tudor themes. Email us or call the office for more information.
Pirates
Especially for reception class. Dress them up as pirates and come aboard for an exciting hour long adventure around the Historic Harbour. Learn about Black beard, the infamous Bristol pirate, and his scary pirate friends and even hoist the Jolly Roger flag! Aaaaaarrrrr!
Deckhand
A one hour static tour of the ship. Step aboard and learn about Tudor life at sea. How did sailors navigate across unknown and treacherous seas to undiscovered lands? Why did they go? What were they trying to find and exactly where did they end up? This is a fun talk with the captain and his crew. Learn some ropes, ‘steer’ the ship and see below the decks.
1st Mate:
Become part of The Matthew’s crew for a one hour trip around Bristol’s historic harbour like you have never had before. Learn about life onboard in Tudor times, how sailors sailed the ship and how it is done today. The lucky few may even get to steer the ship!
Download our Schools Pack here.
Pirate Resources
Key Stage 1
Jersey Heritage Key Stage 1 Pirates
Maritime Museum Key Stage 1 Pirates
Early Learning Pirate Resources
Tudor Resources
Maritime Museum Key Stage 2 Tudors
The Tudors Primary Homework Help Key Stage 2 Tudor
The Matthew of Bristol Resources