Flower of Bristol

Ship shape and Bristol fashion

Flower of Bristol was built right here in Bristol by David Abels, of Abels Shipbuilders. She was the third vessel to be built by the company and was launched on April 28th, 1980 from just behind where the SS Great Britain now stands.

Originally designed to be a floating restaurant, Flower of Bristol found a new purpose in 1995 when she was acquired by Bristol Packet and became the third operating vessel in their fleet of passenger vessels.

In 2018, Flower underwent a major refit and was equipped with a brand new John Deere marinised engine. Throughout the Summer season she’s regularly spotted on the rural Avon as passengers tuck into scones on our legendary Cream Tea Cruise or unwind as they head upriver to Beeses riverside bar.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 340 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Per B 
 22 March 2026
 
 
 Verified Nice trip
Easy access from right next to SS Great Britain which you MUST see as well. Good captain/guide.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   CharlieBrys 
 15 March 2026
 
 
 Verified Relaxed and informative
Relaxed and informative. Friendly guide.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Karen J 
 10 November 2025
 
 
 Verified very relaxing
lovely cruise and very informative, just a pity the member of staff (rose) who was at bar talked to her friends the whole trip, they was so loud it was difficult to hear the commentary
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Duncan B. 
 11 October 2025
 
 
 Verified Brilliant!
Brilliant! The trip was so informative and entertaining. A high spot in our stay in Bristol. It is a must do along with the SS Great Britain.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Adrian G 
 10 September 2025
 
 
 Verified Great trip round the harbour
We took a 45 minute trip round the harbour which was relaxing and interesting. The boat (converted canal boat) had a bar and a toilet, and the crew of 2 were excellent at pointing out interesting sites. It was so good we went back and did it again in the afternoon!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   917jaynel 
 18 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Lovely trip
Had a lovely 45 minutes going down the river. Landmarks and history were pointed out along the way. Easy to book and well worth it. Would definitely do it again if we go back to Bristol.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   One Way Ticket… 
 11 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Worth the time and not overpriced.
Enjoyed our 45 min trip George and George both professional and took safety serious, but also fun and informative. Not overpriced so would recommend to others if visiting area.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kirsty 
 9 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Birthday treats
OMG!! Thank you so much Jude and George 👏 what an absolutely awesome 45mins! Came with my Dad and Daughter sooooooo glad we choose this boat! Jude was super informative with a great presence and sense of humour keeping us entertained with witty banter and super fun facts! Can not recommend this highly enough! Again thank you guys for making my Dads birthday so special 💯🇬🇧
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   TravellersOnTheGo 
 4 August 2025
 
 
 Verified Excellent
What a great way to spend 45 minutes on the water in Bristol Harbour. The boat was clean and very well laid out with a bar at the end. We sat and sipped rosé wine as we looked at all the sites around the harbour. The commentary was absolutely spot-on and was extremely interesting. This is really good value and I highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tigi 
 29 June 2025
 
 
 Verified Messing about on the River
A group of 7 of us really enjoyed 2hr our cream tea cruise on the River Avon this afternoon. The commentary was excellent, giving us interesting facts about what we were seeing. We saw our first Gromit from this years trail (outside the Arnolfini) A Heron, Swans, ducks and ducklings, lots of paddle boarders and even swimmers. The cream tea was generous with some of the best scones I've had, cake and unlimited cups of tea which in todays warm weather was very welcome. Special thanks to Ruby who looked after us so well.

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