Don’t miss out!

The way numbers are going, we are going to need a bigger boat!

You are invited to join the Master, Deputy Master, Past Masters, Wardens, Court and Company for a relaxing, educational and enjoyable weekend for everyone

Start Friday 26 April in the afternoon or evening

Brunel and Banksy – Master’s Weekend in Bristol

26-28 April 2024

 Experience a City built on water and trade

Cruise the river Avon

Tour the SS Great Britain, the ship that changed the world

See Brunel’s magnificent suspension bridge

We will start our visit on Friday afternoon with an introduction and orientation walk round the centre of Bristol and the floating harbour, so called as ships could float at all stages of the tide.  Sights include the Cabot Tower, the Wills Tower, St Mary Redcliffe and at least one original Banksy.  In the evening we will join together for dinner. You are welcome to arrive for the afternoon or the evening.  We will be supported by local experts.

On Saturday we will begin the day by taking a cruise round the harbour and up the serene River Avon towards Bath, learning about the history and use of the river.  We will enjoy refreshments and lunch as we glide along.

In the afternoon we have a guided tour of SS Great Britain with a water theme.  Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a central feature of Bristol’s historic waterfront. Set in her historic dockyard she is dressed ready for departure, just as she looked at her launch in 1843. We will have the opportunity to tour the various decks and descend below the waterline to admire her construction.

In the evening we will visit a waterside restaurant to hear a guest speaker and sample local and sustainably produced fare and local ale and wine.

Sunday morning will see us in Clifton village for a magnificent view and tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge – a great example of the use of recycled materials and ingenuity.

We will then adjourn to the White Lion Pub overlooking the bridge and Avon Gorge for lunch before bidding farewell.

The cost of the weekend is £250 per person and includes the tours, cruise, lunch on Saturday and dinner on Friday and Saturday night. If you are interested and would like more information please contact the Master’s Consort Eileen Bigg on eileen.bigg@outlook.com. A deposit of £50 per person will secure a place and full payment is required by 15 March.

Accommodation is available at The Bristol Hotel in the heart of the city, next to and overlooking the floating harbour.

We have negotiated a special rate for 26 and 27 April – classic double bedrooms may still be available at £281.00 for the two nights, single occupancy or double occupancy.  This includes full English buffet style breakfast, wi-fi, digital newspapers/magazines and VAT.  Please contact the hotel direct on 0117 923 0333 and quote “Martin Bigg” to get the rates.

Deluxe bedrooms are available at a supplement of £40.00 per room per night and supplements for suites start from £85.00 per room per night.

Car parking is available in the adjacent multi-storey for a reduced price of £16.00 per night. Visitors are encouraged to travel by train and the hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Bristol Temple Meads Station.