Tripping on the River

My walk and talk group had their summer outing yesterday and we chose a really sunny day. Our trip started on the Bristol dockside.

Plenty of people were enjoying the improvement in the weather.

The Bristol dockside area has undergone extensive regeneration over the last few decades. It is a mixture of an industrial history and considerable modern building.

Regular boat trips are available. There is a water taxi service all around the docks then there are various trips. There were 3 outings waiting to start when we arrived and there was an element of muddle and confusion as the 3 different groups waited to board. There was a 3/4 hour tour around the docks, a 3 hour tour out along the Avon Gorge and then ours.

Thankfully we managed to board the correct vessel.We were heading on an hour trip up the river to Bees Tea Gardens for lunch. We started with a guided tour around the docks. Many Bristol landmarks can be spotted from the water including Cabot Tower

and St Mary Redcliffe Church which was declared by Queen Elizabeth 1 as "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England".

There are also an eclectic mix of boats to be seen.

This extends to the sailors too.

Many of the warehouses that back onto the river and were a central part of a busy port have been renovated and converted to apartments and offices. The further out of Bristol you go however the more neglected they are.

                                                                     

We eventually passed out through the locks into the River Avon itself.

It was then a leisurely trip up stream for lunch before returning to our starting point.

Our lunch venue Bee's tea gardens are situated on the riverbank. Most of the clients arrive by boat either on trips or by travelling across the river by a boat shuttle from the other bank. The tea rooms are quick and efficient but you do get the feeling that the food has been sat waiting for you! 

Nevertheless it was a very pleasant day out.