A mini guide to
Harbourside & Millennium Square: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk the water
Paths run along both sides of the Floating Harbour, so a loop from Millennium Square past the Arnolfini and M Shed is easy on foot.
Pero's Bridge lifts
The central section of the pedestrian bridge is raised to let boats through, so allow a short pause if it is up.
M Shed is free
The museum says entry to M Shed is free. Check its website for opening times and exhibitions before you go.
Plan the SS Great Britain
The ship's website covers the Being Brunel museum and the Brunel Institute as well as the vessel. Check it for tickets and opening times.
Take a ferry
Bristol Ferry Boats runs a waterbus and harbour trips, which can save a walk between the SS Great Britain and the city centre.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Harbourside & Millennium Square?
Harbourside & Millennium Square is in Bristol, England. Museums, galleries and waterside dining around the Floating Harbour. Nearby stops and stations include Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Bus & Coach Station, Bristol Ferry Boats.
How long do I need in Harbourside & Millennium Square?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include SS Great Britain, M Shed, We The Curious. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Bristol Temple Meads (GWR, CrossCountry); Bristol Bus & Coach Station (National Express, FlixBus, megabus); Bristol Ferry Boats (Harbour trips and waterbus). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 20 places to eat and drink in and around Harbourside & Millennium Square, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 4 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Harbourside & Millennium Square accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Harbourside & Millennium Square
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Millennium Square
Pedestrian square about 55 by 40 metres beside We The Curious, built in the late 1990s and used for events.
Bristol Aquarium
Aquarium on Anchor Road with animal talks and feeds; its website says it opens daily except Christmas Day.
Watershed
Cultural cinema, café and bar in former harbourside transit sheds, opened in 1982 as the UK's first dedicated media centre.
Bristol
More areas to explore
Old City, King Street & Park Street
Medieval streets, Georgian houses and museums from Corn Street up Park Street
Open the mini guide →
Clifton & the Suspension Bridge
Georgian terraces, the Downs and Brunel's bridge above the Avon Gorge
Open the mini guide →
Stokes Croft, St Pauls & Montpelier
Street art, independent venues and Georgian squares north of the centre
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Queen Square: William Avery, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Millennium Square: Simon Cobb, CC0, source
- Bristol Aquarium: neopeo, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Watershed: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Old City, King Street & Park Street: Hyspaosines, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Clifton & the Suspension Bridge: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Stokes Croft, St Pauls & Montpelier: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Redcliffe, Temple Meads & Bedminster: The wub, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods & Ashton Court: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Whiteladies Road & Redland: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Gloucester Road & Bishopston: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits