Please read our safety guidelines so you know what to expect when you visit Spike Island. From Friday 10 December, it is mandatory for all building users, visitors, and staff to wear masks in all public and circulation areas of Spike Island (unless you are exempt).
The gallery is open until 5pm, Sunday 19 December and reopens in the New Year from Wednesday 5 January 2022.
Emmeline Café is open until Thursday 23 December and reopens in the New Year from Tuesday 4 January 2022.
Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am–12pm. Reception will close from 12pm on 24 December 2021 until 4 January 2022 for the festive season.
Our galleries are open Wednesday to Sunday, 12–5pm during exhibitions. Gallery entry is free and you do not need to book.
Many of our events and activities are taking place online so you can enjoy our programme from wherever you are.
Please note: We are unable to allow dogs (with the exception of guide dogs) into our gallery spaces, in order to protect the artworks on display. No food or drink is allowed in the galleries. You are welcome to take photographs during your visit (no flash).
Emmeline Café is open Tuesday to Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm for both eat-in and takeaway.
Please note: You are welcome to bring your dog into Emmeline Café but please keep your dog on a lead.
We aim to make Spike Island accessible to as many people as possible. This page provides useful access information ahead of your visit.
Spike Island is a dynamic arts centre that supports, produces and presents contemporary art and culture. A short walk from Bristol attractions SS Great Britain and the M Shed, Spike Island is free to visit.
Every year, we programme up to eight exhibitions in our museum-scale gallery spaces, including major new commissions and rarely seen existing work by a diverse range of contemporary artists at key stages in their careers. We also host events throughout the year, including talks, screenings and workshops, which provide opportunities to learn more about the art on display, discover a new writer or thinker, and develop new skills.
Our staff are on hand to answer your questions about our exhibitions and other activities; and our café is a great place to reflect on your experience over coffee and cake, or a light lunch.
Spike Island is an approximately 15-minute walk from the city centre, and located close to leading Bristol attractions SS Great Britain and the M Shed, making it a great addition to your Bristol day out. Turn right behind Arnolfini and walk over the Prince Street Bridge. Walk along the harbour past M Shed and Maritime Heritage Centre. At the SS Great Britain car park, turn left onto Gas Ferry Road and walk to the junction with Cumberland Road. Turn right, and the main entrance to Spike Island is 100 yards on your right.
The Bristol Ferry Company provides services from various points around Bristol and runs every 40 minutes. There is also a harbour crossing ferry that leaves from opposite the SS Great Britain.
From the city centre, follow Prince Street over the bridge behind Arnolfini and turn right onto Cumberland Road at the mini-roundabout. Spike Island is approximately 0.5 miles on the right. From other directions, follow brown signs to SS Great Britain.
Parking meters are in operation in the area.
From Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4.30pm and Saturday between 9am and 7pm, parking is free for the first 30 minutes and £1.00 per hour for up to 3 hours. You don’t need a ticket on Bank Holidays. A pay and display car park is also available just off of Gas Ferry Road.
There are three blue badge spaces available directly outside the main entrance of Spike Island.
The A1 service (Bristol Flyer) runs between Bristol Airport, Ashton Gate, Spike Island, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Bus Station.
The M2 Metrobus serves Long Ashton Park & Ride, Ashton Vale, Ashton Gate, Cumberland Basin, Spike Island, Redcliff Hill, Bristol Temple Meads, Cabot Circus and Broadmead.
The nearest stations are Bedminster (1.1 miles) and Bristol Temple Meads (1.6 miles). For more train travel information visit Trainline
There are a large number of cycle stands outside Spike Island.
Bristol Airport is approximately 7 miles from Bristol city centre. Catch the A1 Metrobus service outside Spike Island to and from the airport.
Our building is entirely wheelchair accessible.
We welcome guide and hearing dogs. Large print texts and audio guides are available in the gallery.
Baby changing facilities are available in the ground floor toilets.
Read our full visitor access guide here. We are happy to provide any further information or to discuss your requirements. Please contact us.
Opening Hours
