Bath and Bristol Two-City River Adventure

A four-hour river journey connecting Bristol and Bath by boat, travelling 12 miles upstream along the Avon River with stops at two historic canal locks. The tour departs from Temple Meads in Bristol, ascends through rural Somerset countryside, passes through the Saltford and Hanham locks (built in the 1700s), and reaches Bath's historic centre with access to the city's Roman and Georgian attractions. Return transport to Bristol is included. This is a full-day excursion combining two UNESCO World Heritage cities in one booking. Best for day-trippers wanting to see multiple destinations. This is a moderate activity lasting 4 hours. Group size: up to 80. You meet at Temple Meads ferry point. Key highlights: Two UNESCO World Heritage cities (Bristol and Bath) in one full-day trip, Passage through two historic 18th-century working locks, 12 miles of Avon River scenery from urban to rural landscape.

Price: £35

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: up to 80

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: day-trippers wanting to see multiple destinations

Best time: May through September for best weather and longest daylight hours. April and October are quieter but cooler. Avoid winter (December-February) when shorter daylight limits Bath exploration time. School holidays (July-August) are crowded; book 2+ weeks ahead.

Meeting point: Temple Meads ferry point

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

8:30am Boarding at Temple Meads ferry point in Bristol - Meeting point is near Temple Meads train station. Arrive 15 minutes early; parking is available at nearby car parks (£2-4 per hour).

8:45am-10:30am Cruise through Bristol suburbs and into rural Somerset landscape - The boat leaves urban areas behind, passing green fields, woodlands, and commuter villages. Guide provides context on the history of the Avon Navigation.

10:30am-11:00am Pass through Hanham Lock and Saltford Lock - The boat ascends through two working locks built in the 1700s. Watch the lock gates open and close as water levels adjust. These are historic pieces of 18th-century engineering.

11:00am-12:30pm Continue upriver toward Bath with countryside scenery - Pass under railway bridges and through pastoral Somerset countryside. Spotting of local wildlife (ducks, herons, swans) is common.

12:30pm-1:00pm Arrival in Bath's historic city centre at Pulteney Bridge - Disembark in central Bath near the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Guides provide a brief orientation to the city's layout and key attractions.

1:00pm-3:00pm Free time to explore Bath independently - Visitors have two hours to visit the Roman Baths (£16-18 entry), Bath Abbey (free entry, £5 donation), Sally Lunn's tearoom, or walk the Georgian crescents.

3:00pm Return boat departs Bath - Group reassembles at Pulteney Bridge for the return journey to Bristol. This is a direct trip with no stops.

3:00pm-5:00pm Return journey to Bristol - Descend through the locks again (different experience watching the gates close). Arrive back at Temple Meads around 5:00pm.

The whole experience takes 4 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Temple Meads ferry point.

• Two UNESCO World Heritage cities (Bristol and Bath) in one full-day trip
• Passage through two historic 18th-century working locks
• 12 miles of Avon River scenery from urban to rural landscape
• Two hours of free time in Bath to explore independently
• Return transport included in single ticket price
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible boat with accessible toilet on board. Hanham and Saltford locks have uneven surfaces; wheelchairs manageable but not ideal. Bath city centre has cobblestones and steep hills; limited wheelchair-accessible routes. Contact operator at +44 1225 331 731 to discuss specific accessibility needs.

What is included: Return boat journey Bristol-Bath-Bristol (4 hours total), Passage through Hanham and Saltford historic locks, Guide commentary on lock history and Avon Navigation, Two hours independent time in Bath city centre, Return transport to Bristol.

Not included: Lunch (food purchases on boat or in Bath, approximate cost £5-12 per person), Entry fees to Bath's attractions (Roman Baths £16-18, Bath Abbey donation suggested), Car parking at Temple Meads (£2-4 per hour), Alcoholic beverages (soft drinks available on boat). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (Bath city centre has steep Georgian streets), Weather-appropriate clothing (no shade on boat; sun or rain protection), Cash and card for Bath's attractions and restaurants, Camera for lock passages and Bath architecture, Packed lunch or cash for lunch purchases in Bath. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May through September for best weather and longest daylight hours. April and October are quieter but cooler. Avoid winter (December-February) when shorter daylight limits Bath exploration time. School holidays (July-August) are crowded; book 2+ weeks ahead..

Tip: Includes return transport to Bristol

Tip: Bring lunch or purchase on board

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible boat with accessible toilet on board. Hanham and Saltford locks have uneven surfaces; wheelchairs manageable but not ideal. Bath city centre has cobblestones and steep hills; limited wheelchair-accessible routes. Contact operator at +44 1225 331 731 to discuss specific accessibility needs..

Operator: Bath & Bristol Cruises | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1225 331 731

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bristol Cathedral (8 min from Temple Meads walk)
• M Shed Museum (10 min from Temple Meads walk)
• Brandon Hill Nature Park (12 min from Temple Meads walk)

This activity is run by Bath & Bristol Cruises.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before. £5 cancellation fee 4-7 days before. Non-refundable within 4 days. Weather may cause cancellation with full refund or reschedule option..

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible boat with accessible toilet on board. Hanham and Saltford locks have uneven surfaces; wheelchairs manageable but not ideal. Bath city centre has cobblestones and steep hills; limited wheelchair-accessible routes. Contact operator at +44 1225 331 731 to discuss specific accessibility needs..

Best time to go: May through September for best weather and longest daylight hours. April and October are quieter but cooler. Avoid winter (December-February) when shorter daylight limits Bath exploration time. School holidays (July-August) are crowded; book 2+ weeks ahead..

How much free time do you have in Bath on the river cruise?

Exactly two hours from arrival (approximately 12:30pm) until the return boat departs at 3:00pm. This is enough time to visit one major attraction (Roman Baths 45 min, Bath Abbey 30 min) plus lunch at a café or quick walk through the Georgian crescents. Plan your time before boarding or ask the guide for recommendations.

Is lunch included in the Bath and Bristol cruise price?

No. The £35 price covers only the boat journey and return transport. Lunch in Bath typically costs £7-15 per person at casual cafés or £20-40 at restaurants. Some passengers bring packed lunches from home. The boat sells snacks and drinks (£2-5) but not full meals. Budget an additional £10-15 per person for food.

Can you leave the boat in Bath if you prefer not to return to Bristol?

No. The return to Bristol is mandatory and included in the ticket price. However, you can disembark in Bath and make your own way back by train (30 minutes to Bristol Temple Meads, approximately £15 per person) or bus. Inform the operator in advance if you plan not to use the return boat.