The Transatlantic Slave Trade Trail

Walk preview

1. Step 1: This walk starts at Castle Park. The nearest train station is Bristol Temple Meads and there are regular bus services on Wine Street & Newgate. On this walk we aim to uncover Bristol’s links to the slave trade and its human cost.

2. Step 2: During the 17th & 18th centuries Britain’s slave traders transported over 3 million people to and from West Africa, the Americas & the Caribbean. It’s estimated that half a million enslaved Africans were carried on Bristol ships.

3. Step 3: Enslaved men, women and children were traded like a commodity. Whilst very few enslaved Africans were brought ashore into Britain, Bristol’s location meant it became a key port on the triangular journey across the world.

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   Step 4: With your back to Newgate, enter Castle Park and head on the tarmac path ahead through this beautiful green space and towards the harbour.

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   Step 5: Follow the path slight right as it continues downhill.

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   Step 6: At the Floating Harbour, turn right and continue ahead. Much of Bristol was built off the back of money earned through slavery.