The beloved transport experiences are back
Henbury the locomotive will welcome passengers over the Easter break(Image: Bristol City Council)
M Shed’s trains, boats and cranes are set to delight Bristolians and visitors to the city over the Easter break.
Two Bristol-built steam locomotives, Henbury and Portbury, will be making the journey on the quayside railway between M Shed and the SS Great Britain from Saturday April 4 until Monday April 6 and on the weekend of April 18 and 19. The trains will continue to run on selected weekends until the start of November.
The trains spent their working lives on the docks railway system at Avonmouth. The wagons are types once commonly seen on the docks at Avonmouth and in the old City Docks.
The Mayflower steam tug will take passengers on a scenic voyage around the harbour on Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12. She is believed to be the oldest surviving tug in the world, having been built in Bristol in 1861, as well as the oldest ship constructed in the city still to be afloat.
Her sister boats, the John King and the Pyronaut, will not be running during the Easter break but all three ships will be making voyages on selected weekends until late October.
M Shed’s largest working exhibit, the iconic electric cranes, will reopen for public visits from mid-April. This gives visitors the chance to see the massive machines in action and learn more about the history of Bristol’s dockside.
During Easter, the crane trips will run on Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12. All three transport experiences are run by volunteers.
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “We’re proud to keep such an important part of Bristol’s history alive and working.
“The trains, cranes and boats at M Shed remain a much-loved feature for both residents and visitors, offering a unique way to experience our city’s industrial heritage. This would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who work year round to keep these working exhibits running safely and in excellent condition.”
Tickets start from just £3.50 for an adult single on the trains. The crane and boat experiences are both £9 for adults, and £7 for people under 13 or over 65.
Later in the year, a new season of ‘Have a Go Weekends’ which begins on 8 June 2026 will offer visitors over the age of 18 an unforgettable experience. Participants can try their hand at driving the historic railway engine and operating one of the electric cranes.
Phillip Walker, Head of Culture at Bristol City Council, said: “The return of our working exhibit rides and visits at M Shed is always a highlight of the year.
“We’re also delighted to welcome the Mayflower boat back after her repairs last year. Trying your hand at driving a locomotive or crane is a fantastic experience, and the feedback we’ve received over the years speaks for itself.”
For full dates of train rides, crane visits and boat trips, please check the M Shed What’s On webpages.
Occasionally, crew shortages, technical issues or poor weather may require changes or cancellations. Visitors are advised to call 0117 352 6600 for the latest updates.