HIGHLIGHTS
Bristol Birdman
Watch people in fancy costumes and homemade flying machines take to the sky (and the harbour) this June from Underfall Yard.
CALENDAR
A relaxing walking tour filled with harbourside history.
We are taking part in Bristol Walk Fest 2026, where participants can sign up for a free walking tour of Underfall Yard and Cumberland Basin. Taking place on the 11th and 18th May, it’s the perfect way to learn about the 200-year history of the Floating Harbour and how Underfall Yard was imperative to its maintenance and upkeep.
What will I learn on the tour?
You will be led by one of our talent tour guide volunteers to walk through Bristol Harbour’s industrial heritage, focusing on the 19th century to the present day. Starting at Underfall Yard Visitor Centre, you will visit Cumberland Basin, exploring the construction of the Floating Harbour and the New Cut. You will then loop back around to Underfall Yard, learning about our role in the development of the harbour in the 19th and 20th centuries. This tour includes live demonstrations of Victorian machinery that is still in use today.
What is Walk Fest?
Every May, throughout National Walking Month, Bristol Walk Fest hosts a wealth of walking-related events and activities. There is something for everyone, from nature trails, scenic hikes and historical tours to walking sports, family-friendly strolls and cultural walks. We are honoured to be a part of the programme again, advocating for people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors!
How do I sign up?
We have two tour offerings:
May 11th | 11am – 12:30pm
May 18th | 11am – 12:30pm
Both tours are free to join! All you have to do is send an email to info@underfallyard.co.uk and say which date you and your guests want to attend. There are only 20 spaces for each tour, so make sure to sign up early to guarantee your slot.
A relaxing walking tour filled with harbourside history.
We are taking part in Bristol Walk Fest 2026, where participants can sign up for a free walking tour of Underfall Yard and Cumberland Basin. Taking place on the 11th and 18th May, it’s the perfect way to learn about the 200-year history of the Floating Harbour and how Underfall Yard was imperative to its maintenance and upkeep.
What will I learn on the tour?
You will be led by one of our talent tour guide volunteers to walk through Bristol Harbour’s industrial heritage, focusing on the 19th century to the present day. Starting at Underfall Yard Visitor Centre, you will visit Cumberland Basin, exploring the construction of the Floating Harbour and the New Cut. You will then loop back around to Underfall Yard, learning about our role in the development of the harbour in the 19th and 20th centuries. This tour includes live demonstrations of Victorian machinery that is still in use today.
What is Walk Fest?
Every May, throughout National Walking Month, Bristol Walk Fest hosts a wealth of walking-related events and activities. There is something for everyone, from nature trails, scenic hikes and historical tours to walking sports, family-friendly strolls and cultural walks. We are honoured to be a part of the programme again, advocating for people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors!
How do I sign up?
We have two tour offerings:
May 11th | 11am – 12:30pm
May 18th | 11am – 12:30pm
Both tours are free to join! All you have to do is send an email to info@underfallyard.co.uk and say which date you and your guests want to attend. There are only 20 spaces for each tour, so make sure to sign up early to guarantee your slot.
Bristolians take to the sky in the 2nd annual Bristol Birdman!
Taking place on Baltic Wharf on the 14th June, teams come equipped with their home-made and human-powered flying machines to take off from the constructed platform over the Floating Harbour. Thousands came to see the event, and Underfall Yard is a perfect place to watch the action
The event is sponsored by a range of different businesses, with all proceeds going towards Grassroot Communities, helping young people from underserved areas of Bristol build confidence, skills, and brighter futures.
To find out more about the event and to see how you can get involved, visit their event page:
The annual Dragon Boat racing tournament returns
On 28th June, taking place on Baltic Wharf close to the Cottage Inn, The Dragon Boat Festival is a full day’s event with up to 36 teams competing in heats, semi-finals and a grand final.
Organised by Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club, business and community groups come together in a racing tournament in Bristol’s Floating Harbour, all to raise money for chosen charities both nationwide and based in the South West.
Underfall Yard is a fantastic location to watch the teams race all day long! Grab a drink from our cafe and take a seat on our Knuckle to secure a perfect view down the Harbour to spot some amazingly dressed competitors!
To find out more information about the event and how to enter, please visit their website
YARD FEST IS BACK FOR 2026! TAKING PLACE DURING BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL THIS JULY!
Dates TBC, stay tuned for more details…
Yard Fest 2025 saw Underfall Yard transform into a place of fantastic music, local creative traders and makers, and a showcase of maritime machinery and traditional skills. We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, and we’ve got the pictures to prove it! Thank you so much to Rae Hadley, Jefs and Max for volunteering their time to capture how great the weekend was!
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- Credit to Rae Hadley
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- Credit to Rae Hadley
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- Credit to Rae Hadley
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- Credit to Rae Hadley
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- Credit to Rae Hadley
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- Credit to Max
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- Credit to Jefs
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- Credit to Jefs
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- Credit to Jefs
£6,902 was raised through donations and beer sales from Bristol Beer Factory’s Brewed to Give initiative. This will directly fund the restoration and preservation of Underfall Yard and help us continue our mission of supporting maritime skills and businesses in the heart of Bristol.
As a working boatyard, charity, and heritage site, Underfall Yard is proud to support apprenticeships, independent maritime trades, and educational outreach. all while opening our site for tours, private events, and public engagement. Thank you to everyone who helped make Yard Fest 2025 a success, and to Bristol Harbour Festival for continuing to celebrate this historic part of the city
YARD FEST IS BACK FOR 2026! TAKING PLACE DURING BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL THIS JULY!
Dates TBC, stay tuned for more details…
Yard Fest 2025 saw Underfall Yard transform into a place of fantastic music, local creative traders and makers, and a showcase of maritime machinery and traditional skills. We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, and we’ve got the pictures to prove it! Thank you so much to Rae Hadley, Jefs and Max for volunteering their time to capture how great the weekend was!
-
- Credit to Rae Hadley
-
- Credit to Rae Hadley
-
- Credit to Rae Hadley
-
- Credit to Rae Hadley
-
- Credit to Rae Hadley
-
- Credit to Max
-
- Credit to Jefs
-
- Credit to Jefs
-
- Credit to Jefs
£6,902 was raised through donations and beer sales from Bristol Beer Factory’s Brewed to Give initiative. This will directly fund the restoration and preservation of Underfall Yard and help us continue our mission of supporting maritime skills and businesses in the heart of Bristol.
As a working boatyard, charity, and heritage site, Underfall Yard is proud to support apprenticeships, independent maritime trades, and educational outreach. all while opening our site for tours, private events, and public engagement. Thank you to everyone who helped make Yard Fest 2025 a success, and to Bristol Harbour Festival for continuing to celebrate this historic part of the city