Still a port of call for large cruise ships, Avonmouth was originally built to provide housing for local dockworkers and remains an important part of the region’s shipbuilding and mercantile industries. Nestled in the shadows of historical dock buildings are a number of small green spaces, playgrounds and shops.
The Avonmouth Dock opened with great ceremony on 24 February 1877. The paddle steamer Juno was the first vessel to enter the new dock, carrying the Mayor of Bristol and 450 guests in front of thousands of cheering spectators. There were fireworks and people watched from Penpole Hill.