Totterdown Basin

In 1809 Bristol Floating Harbour was opened. The previously tidal harbour could only be used a few hours a day, so this was built, to stay at the same level 24/7 to increase the capacity of Bristol as a port. The water is fed into the basin along a mile-long canal from a lock on the river Avon upstream. Through the tunnel is the city centre, and the main part of the floating harbour. Sadly the key activities at the port were the importing of tobacco, and the transatlantic slave trade. By 1867 ships were too big to get up the meandering Avon so the port moved to Avonmouth. On the ground above the tunnel are the ends of the platforms of Temple Meads station, and you can see the yellow of a stationary train. Nowadays the main use of the floating harbour is leisure - it’s a lovely walk, with many cafés and restaurants. The rather ramshackle place on the near right is Motion, a very popular clubbing venue which draws young people from around the south west. Much loved by my son when younger.