Bristol Packet Boat Trips Celebrates National Recognition for Historic Vessel Redshank
- May 6
- 2 min read
May 6th 2026
Award-winning Bristol harbour operator honoured as Redshank named National Historic Ships UK “Flagship of the Year”
Bristol, UK — No.20 Berkeley Square is proud to celebrate the success of its member, Bristol Packet Boat Trips, following national recognition for the company’s historic narrowboat Redshank, which has been awarded the prestigious National Historic Ships UK Flagship of the Year title.
The award recognises vessels of exceptional historical significance and acknowledges Bristol Packet’s continued commitment to preserving maritime heritage while embracing sustainable innovation.
Now entering her 90th year of service, Redshank has become one of Bristol’s most recognisable and cherished working heritage vessels. Originally built in 1936 by W. J. Yarwood & Sons as part of the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company fleet, the narrowboat has evolved from transporting freight across England’s canal network to welcoming generations of passengers around Bristol’s floating harbour.
In recent years, Redshank has also gained recognition for pioneering sustainability within the heritage marine sector. In 2023, the vessel underwent a landmark conversion to fully electric propulsion — believed to be the first conversion of its kind for a passenger vessel of this type in the UK.
To commemorate the award, National Historic Ships UK representatives will formally present the accolade at Bristol Packet HQ, followed by a celebratory harbour cruise attended by invited guests, supporters, and members of the media.
Further public celebrations will include special £1 City Dock Tours, offering Bristol residents and visitors the opportunity to experience a unique piece of living maritime history firsthand.
Speaking on behalf of No.20 Berkeley Square, representatives praised Bristol Packet Boat Trips for combining heritage preservation with forward-thinking environmental leadership: “Bristol Packet Boat Trips represents the very best of Bristol enterprise — combining history, innovation, tourism and sustainability in a way that contributes meaningfully to the city’s cultural identity. We are delighted to see Redshank receive the national recognition she deserves.”
Founded in 1974, Bristol Packet Boat Trips has become an iconic part of Bristol’s waterfront experience, offering harbour tours, private charters and river cruises while maintaining a deep connection to the city’s maritime legacy.
National Historic Ships UK maintains the National Register of Historic Vessels and champions the preservation of Britain’s maritime heritage through conservation, public engagement and education initiatives.
About Bristol Packet Boat Trips
Based at Wapping Wharf in Bristol, Bristol Packet Boat Trips has been operating award-winning harbour and river cruises for over 50 years. Combining heritage vessels with modern hospitality, the company offers sightseeing tours, private hire experiences and educational excursions across Bristol’s historic waterways.
About No.20 Berkeley Square
No.20 Berkeley Square is a premium Bristol business community bringing together ambitious companies, entrepreneurs and innovators across a broad range of industries. Through collaboration, networking and shared growth, No.20 supports businesses making a positive impact both locally and nationally.
Media Enquiries: No.20 Berkeley Square E: club@no20.co.uk W: www.no20.co.uk
Bristol Packet Boat Trips: Wapping Wharf, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6UN
Tel: +44 (0)117 926 8157
Comments