Opening hours Gallery closed Café: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 10am–4pm

Plan your visit

Plan your visit

Spike Island is located at 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6UX.

How to get here

  • On foot

    Please be aware: If you are walking from south of the river, use the Gaol Ferry Bridge or Ashton Avenue Bridge (Vauxhall Bridge is temporarily closed for repair work). 

    Spike Island is an approximately 15-minute walk from the city centre, and located close to otherBristol attractions Arnolfini, M Shed and SS Great Britain, making it a great addition to your Bristol day out. From Arnolfini, 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.  

  • Cycling

    Please be aware: If you are cycling from south of the river, use the Gaol Ferry Bridge or Ashton Avenue Bridge (Vauxhall Bridge is temporarily closed for repair work). 

    Cycling is a great way to get to Spike Island and there are a large number of cycle stands outside our building.  

  • By boat

    The Bristol Ferry Company provides services from various points around Bristol and runs every 40 minutes (times vary in winter), and the Number Seven cross-harbour ferry runs 7 days a week. The closest ferry stop to Spike Island is SS Great Britain.

  • By bus

    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 A1 service (Bristol Flyer) runs between Bristol Airport, Ashton Gate, Spike Island, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Bus Station.

  • By train

    The nearest stations are Bedminster (1.1 miles) and Bristol Temple Meads (1.6 miles). For more train travel information, visit the Trainline website.

    Travelling from outside of Bristol? 

    Bath (11 minutes)
    Birmingham (1 hour 30 minutes)
    Cardiff (1 hour)
    London (1 hour 43 minutes)

  • Airport

    Bristol Airport is approximately 7 miles from Bristol city centre. Catch the A1 Metrobus service outside Spike Island to and from the airport.

  • By car

    Please be aware: A bus gate is now in operation on Cumberland Road which prohibits vehicles other than buses, taxis, e-scooters and bikes from travelling east from Spike Island, in the direction of the city centre. 

    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.

Opening Hours

Café Tuesday to Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm
Reception Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am–12pm
  • Are the exhibitions free to visit?

    Yes! All our exhibitions are free and you do not need to book 

  • Can I take food and drink into the gallery?

    Food and drink are not allowed in the gallery. We recommend our cafe, a lovely place to sit and eat! 

  • Are dogs allowed in the gallery?

    With the exception of guide dogs, unfortunately not. However dogs are very welcome in Emmeline Café.

  • Can I take photographs in the gallery?

    You are welcome to take photographs during your visit (no flash). Please make sure to tag @spikeisland in any you take! 

  • How do I arrange a group visit?

    If you’d like to visit as a group or tour, book for a short introductory tour. Find out more here.

  • How accessible is the Spike Island building?

    Our building is entirely wheelchair accessible to the public. 

    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. 

    Our full visitor access guide has much more information, including images of our building and advice for keeping yourself safe during your visit. 

    We are happy to provide any further information or to discuss your requirements. Please email admin@spikeisland.org.uk or call 0117 929 2266. 

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