The Docks Maintenance Workshop

The Docks Maintenance Workshop, one of the few remaining Victorian dock workshops in the world, will now have regular open hours for visitors to explore Bristol’s industrial heritage.

“Nowhere else is the essential character of the dock landscape preserved so completely…”

– J. Lord and J. Southam, 1983

This remarkable facility still houses original belt-driven machinery from the late 19th century, one of the many reasons why Underfall Yard forms the beating heart of the City Docks. Completed in 1884, the workshop provided a central workspace for the maintenance of the harbour. It is still in use by Bristol City Council’s Docks Engineers, making it a unique piece of living history.

Opening Hours

This walkthrough is available 1pm-3:30pm on the following Sundays:

• 27th October

This event is on a Pay What You Decide basis, with a recommended price of £3 per person.

The workshop will be sign-posted on the east side of the yard, close to the Harbour Master’s office. Parking is not available on site for visitors, click here for more information on travelling to Underfall Yard.

Booking is not required but entry may be staggered to prevent overcrowding. Please note that dogs are not permitted to enter the workshop, and all visitors under 12 must be supervised by a responsible adult.

The workshop is an active work site, as well as a Grade II* listed historic site. Please respect the safety guidelines provided by volunteers and staff.

Visiting the yard as a group?

Group visits can be booked all year round, including a full tour of the boatyard. Click here for more information.