Bristol Ariel Rowing Club - Bristol | UK Rowing Clubs | Row HQ

Bristol Ariel Rowing Club is Bristol's oldest rowing club, founded in 1870. It rows from St Anne's on the River Avon between Netham and Hanham locks, with its clubhouse reached from Pump House Lane.

The club took its name from Ariel, the barge on which it was first based near Bristol Bridge. It moved to St Anne's and built its present clubhouse in 1900. The club closed during the First World War and reopened in 1919; bombing damaged its buildings in December 1940, and activity revived after the Second World War.

Ariel runs novice, men's, women's, masters and recreational squads. Complete beginners progress through an EasyRow assessment, foundation day and Learn to Row course covering sculling, sweep rowing and water safety, followed by weekly coached novice sessions on the water and land.

Experienced rowers can take trial outings before joining the appropriate squad. Recreational rowers normally use small sculling boats, with stable boats and capsize drills helping novices build the competence needed to move into finer craft. The club also provides Go Row Indoor classes.

Bristol Ariel became a charitable incorporated organisation in 2019. The Charity Commission records its purpose as providing facilities, encouragement and rowing instruction to Bristol and surrounding communities, and gives its official address as Pump House Lane, St Anne's Park.

The club began a sporting exchange with Hannover's RV Linden in 1981. The clubs now alternate visits, race for the Bristol Hannover Challenge Cup and schedule German visits around the Head of the River Leine. In 2026, Bristol Ariel also won the women's intermediate 36+ coxed four at the British Rowing Masters Championships.