Bristol Harbourside is well known and used around the city – there’s the buzzing nightlife, bar and restaurant area in the centre near Millennium Square and the museum quarter where Brunel’s SS Great Britain is moored and where M Shed stands, which includes it’s working exhibits – the iconic electric cargo cranes dating from the 1950s, the Fairbairn Steam Crane, the two steam trains Henbury and Portbury which give visitors rides along part of the harbour, and lastly the three boats which includes the Mayflower which is believed to be the oldest surviving tug in the world.
But suppose visitors and locals alike are feeling brave, or just want to have a wander further along the harbourside past the SS Great Britain and Aardman Studios HQ (tucked just up from the signposted Bristol Harbourside walk). In that case, you will be rewarded for your efforts. As what comes into view is the lovely sight of the little gem that is the Underfall Yard.
The Underfall Yard first came into existence in the 1990s when a small, independent charity called the Underfall Yard Trust took over a few of the buildings to manage. Now the entire site is the responsibility of the Trust, which is no mean feat considering it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The site is rather unique in that as well as being historically significant, it is also a working dockyard with maritime businesses based in it’s buildings as well as for the Harbour master. In addition, it also welcomes visitors to come and have a look around the site. The Visitor Centre is in the Hydraulic Power House, which delves into the history of the Bristol Floating Harbour and shows how the Underfall Yard is connected. The popular café is also housed in the same building.
When I visited Underfall Yard, there was a range of people looking around and enjoying the café. The small group I was with said the bacon rolls they had were the best they’ve ever tasted! The Visitor Centre includes some interactive exhibits, including the Human Accumulator, which has been popular with visitors and was in use by both adults and children while I was there! It demonstrates hydraulic power through the visitors entering a large drum and are then lifted up by pumps!
There were no events on the day I visited, but there are regular market days and a yearly Yard Fest. For example, this year included music, the regular market and showing the Victorian machinery and maritime workshops. Yard Fest was included as part of the Bristol Harbour Festival’s Fringe programme. An intriguing upcoming event happening in September is the Bristol Shanty Shout, which has performances over two days. There’s also the Docks Heritage Weekend happening near the beginning of October.
If you like all things Aardman though, you’re in for a treat, as next to the covered outside seating area is one of the statues for the current Gromit Unleashed 3 trail, which runs till the 31st August 2025. The statue is of Norbot and is called the Jolly Roger.
