Discover new worlds on The Matthew

Bristol

A replica of John Cabot's ship that discovered America in 1497, The Matthew sailed the Atlantic in 1997 and now offers trips around the harbour.

Over 500 years ago John Cabot and his crew set sail from Bristol aboard the original Matthew, hoping to find a new route to the Orient, but instead landed on the coast of Newfoundland – discovering America. 

Today a fabulous and faithful replica of his ship, the Matthew, is a star attraction on Bristol’s Harbourside. Explore for free or take your own voyage of discovery aboard on a tour of the harbour - the Matthew provides an incomparable platform to view the city from the water. 

Cruise past Brunel’s mighty ss Great Britain, the old dock cranes and enjoy the nautical activities that make Bristol one of Europe’s most interesting maritime cities.  

The Matthew has reconstructed Cabot’s original journey and on 24 June 1997, she was welcomed into port at Bonavista by Queen Elizabeth II. In June 2012 she took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames. 

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The Matthew in BristolThe Matthew in Bristol © Shawn Spencer Smith
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The Matthew in BristolThe Matthew in Bristol © Carolyn Eaton

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