A Day Out with the Bristol Waterbus, Bristol, England (B)

Bristol has been an important port since early times. The River Avon and Bristol Harbour run through the city, and a trip on the Bristol Waterbus is an excellent way to explore the town and its history. Travelling along the harbour, with 16 stops along the way, it is also a good way to get around.

The River Avon has always been a major transport route, linking the city with the Bristol Channel and the sea in one direction, and flowing inland toward Bath in the other. The Bristol Harbour, a tidal bypass, was originally created in the 13th century and runs between Temple Meads Station and Hotwells.

As the ferry moves along the harbour you travel through the history of Bristol. You pass historic ships and old warehouses, many now transformed into apartments or restaurants. There are museums, an aquarium and a modern marina. And the boat goes right into the city centre, where the harbourside is now a bustling shopping and dining area. Then there is one of Bristol’s most famous landmarks, the SS Great Britain. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).