Bristol Ferry Boats, Community ferry service in Bristol Harbor, England
Bristol Ferry Boats is a water transport service with yellow and blue vessels connecting 17 landing stages throughout Bristol Harbor. The boats provide scheduled passenger service and allow travelers to move between waterfront neighborhoods while viewing the city from the water.
The service started in 1977 when City Docks Ventures purchased a vessel called Margaret and established regular water routes. The boat later gained recognition through a Royal Mail stamp, marking its place in the city's transport history.
The service functions as a community-owned initiative where revenues from passenger trips and private charters directly support local neighborhood projects. Residents view the ferries as part of their social fabric rather than simply as transportation infrastructure.
Ferries depart regularly throughout the day between various landing stages, with the main route connecting Temple Meads railway station and Hotwells. The service operates year-round, though departure times may shift seasonally, so it helps to check current schedules before traveling.
The vessel Margaret received recognition from Royal Mail when featured on an Urban Renewal stamp in 1984, a rare honor for a working boat. This acknowledgment was unusual for its time and reflected how forward-thinking the service was considered by city leaders.
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