Spike Island is an international arts centre dedicated to celebrating the very best in contemporary art. 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 ten exhibitions in our museum-sized gallery space, commissioning new and innovative work from contemporary artists at key stages of their career. We also host a series of talks, film screenings and workshops that can deepen your engagement with the artworks on display, introduce you to a new writer or thinker, or help you develop a new skill.
Our volunteers are on hand to answer your questions about the artists and Spike Island’s wider work. And our café is a great place to enjoy further discussion about your experience over coffee and cake.
Spike Island is an approximately 15-minute walk from the city centre, and located close to leading Bristol attractions the M Shed and SS Great Britain, 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 Saturday, between 9am and 7pm, the first 30 minutes of parking are free 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 station is Bristol Temple Meads.
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 are available upon request from reception or by contacting us by email or telephone.
Baby changing facilities are available in the ground floor toilets.
We would be happy to provide any further information or to discuss your requirements. Please contact us.
Opening Hours
