Avonmouth Docks

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Coordinates: 51°30′18″N 2°42′25″W / 51.505, -2.707


Shown within Bristol and the UK

The docks, seen from St Andrews Road station

The Avonmouth Docks are part of the Port of Bristol, in England. They are situated on the northern side of the mouth of the River Avon, opposite the Royal Portbury Dock on the southern side, where the river joins the Severn estuary, within Avonmouth.

Avonmouth Docks are one of the UK's major ports for chilled foods, especially fruit and vegetables.

The docks are on the rail network, served by Avonmouth railway station on the Severn Beach Line. The M5 motorway is nearby.

[edit] History

The first dock at Avonmouth, Avonmouth Old Dock, was opened in 1877. It was acquired by the Bristol Corporation in 1884. In 1908, a much larger dock, the Royal Edward Dock, was opened.

The docks were operated by the Port of Bristol Authority, part of Bristol City Council, until 1991, when the council granted a 150 year lease to the Bristol Port Company, who now operate the docks together with Royal Portbury Dock.

[edit] Future

In September 2008, the Seven Seas Voyager cruise ship will berth at Avonmouth as part of a round Britain cruise. It is hoped this first visit will result in cruise ships returning in future years, for passenger visits to Bristol.[1]