Underfall Yard is a historic working boatyard, managed and maintained by the Underfall Yard Trust. In May 2023, there was a devastating fire on site which destroyed several workshops dedicated to maritime crafts. Thankfully no one was hurt, however the loss of these workshops has made a huge impact on the businesses that operate from these workshops, as well as the communities that surround the yard and the Floating Harbour. By donating to the Underfall Yard Trust, you will be supporting the preservation and maintenance of the yard during its recovery. You can also support the Trust by [...]

A Profile of the Bristol Crocodile If you have visited Underfall Yard to explore or enjoy the cafe, you may have wondered why a giant woolen crocodile resides in the Visitor Centre. Luckily, volunteer writer Isaac Barrett has been investigating that same question. Here are his findings... Bristol has its fair share of mysteries. Whether it be a strange humming on the Downs, or the disturbing reasons behind the unnatural smoothness of the rock slide under the Suspension Bridge, the city seems to be harbouring a number of oddities under the surface. This statement turns quite literal when it [...]

This October, Docks Heritage Weekend returned to Bristol's Floating Harbour. The yard was a thriving hub of activity and it was brilliant to see so many visitors soaking up the living history around them. The Underfall Yard Trust would like to thank everyone who visited, as well as the volunteers, guest organisations and artists that contributed to the program of activities. See some highlights below... Richard Hopkins from the Knotters Guild, in full flow with some eager visitors! The Underfall Yard Cafe was hugely popular throughout the weekend, with its stunning views and meals made fresh to order. Sam [...]

On 17th September 2022, Underfall Yard will serve as one of the hosts for the second annual Bristol Shanty Festival. Join us, free of charge, at the Visitor Centre to welcome some of the most talented local sea shanty groups around! Performances will be from 12pm until 6pm, with our café serving food and drinks. Find out more about our guest performers in their own words… Bristol’s Storm Force 10 shanty crew, keeping the history of ships and sailing alive, singing songs from all around the world with special fondness for local, Bristol, tunes and tales. Some songs are [...]

Underfall Yard volunteer Andrew Radford has been finding out about the latest success for Star Yachts. Win Cnoops, owner of Underfall Yard-based Star Yachts has had his Bristol 6 motor launch shortlisted for one of the categories in Classic Boat Magazine’s prestigious 15th annual Classic Boat awards. These awards celebrate the best in the world of classic and traditional boatbuilding and restoration.  There are various classes which make up the awards featuring everything from antique restored sailing yachts to new, cutting edge, spirit-of-tradition yachts as well as restored and new powered vessels, this being where The Bristol 6 is [...]

Underfall Yard Volunteer writer Andrew Radford has been keeping abreast of the latest developments... I visited the yard in February to see how the Slipway Restoration Project was progressing. The sun was out, the aroma of bacon rolls was emanating from the Underfall Café and the sound of power tools was resonating around the yard. At first sight the Slip looked much as it did when last I was here with the cradle out of the water and resting at the top of runway.  But a pile of bogies and wheels and a bucket of enormous bolts, used to [...]

The Patent Slipway at the yard is undergoing a major restoration for the first time in nearly 30 years. Underfall Yard Volunteer Writer Andrew Radford decided to investigate. Underfall Yard at the Western end of Bristol’s floating harbour is a treasure trove of historic machinery and equipment related to the nautical world, much of which is still in working order, making the Yard not a Museum but an exemplar of conservation and regeneration. A prime example of this and one of the stars of the Yard is undoubtedly the Patent Slip. Boatyards commonly have slipways in order that boats [...]