Cabot Tower isn’t very far from where I live but I had not been up to the top for nearly nine years, so decided it was time for another visit. The tower was built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to land which later became Canada.
It is quite a long way up for a small bear…
There are quite a few steps getting to the top of Brandon Hill before even getting inside the tower.
I stopped for a rest at the top.
Many years ago when my human was a girl there was a turnstile at the bottom and people had to put coins in slot to get in. Nowadays it is free, which is much better.
I set off up the many steps…
The steps went round and round…
Finally light appeared – I was getting near the top.
I made it!
There are great views of Bristol from Cabot Tower
I wasn’t at the top though – there are more stairs going right to the top. So off I went….
At the top of the tower there was a door that I had to push open.
The reward was an even better view…
The weather was misty and drizzly, I think the view would be better on a clear day, but I could still see quite a lot of Bristol.
The weather was getting a bit damp and I had forgotten to wear my waterproof coat, so we decided to go back down the tower and head for home.
A bear has to be very careful walking down stairs too!
Here I am at the bottom.
I sat for a while and had a little rest before we set off for home.
The last time I was here in 2016 I got friendly with the many grey squirrels that live on Brandon Hill. You might like to read about that visit too – see https://horacethealresfordbear.com/2016/02/15/brandon-hill-squirrels/
Horace the Alresford Bear 2/01/2025
On the way to The Matthew I bumped into John Cabot.
He spends all his time now watching the ships in the harbour. 
On reaching The Matthew we found that it was ‘free to board’ which is excellent news for anyone interested in historic ships especially if they don’t have much money.
On the front of the ship there is a white dog that I think might be a greyhound. It looked rather like he might be holding onto a small surfboard.
Once on board I climbed up the steps to the front of the ship.
I promptly rang the ship’s bell, which momentarily caused lots of people to look at me.
I was about to come down the stairs when a volunteer lady who helps look after The Matthew told me I must turn around and come down backwards as I might fall going face first.
I took her advice and safely reached the bottom. I stopped for a little rest, sitting in the life ring in order not to get my bottom too soggy.
There is an excellent view of the old steam cranes from The Matthew.
Here I am inspecting the steering rod. It is incredible to think this little ship has travelled 2271 miles across the ocean.
There are many piles of rope everywhere. Ropes are very important in a sailing ship and are used to raise, lower and control the sails. I think I might just get all tangled up in them if I tried to use them.
I peered out of one of the little port holes, being careful not to get stuck. I could see some water below so quickly pulled my head back. Water is a big problem for me as I soak it up and cannot swim.
Before leaving I put a donation in the box. I like The Matthew and the money helps to maintain her. 
I am hoping the humans might take me on a cruise on The Matthew one day.
Horace the Alresford Bear 