Explore Bristol's Iconic Victorian Steamship
Description
These tickets allow all-day access to the iconic steamship, dockyard and two museums at Bristol Dockyards. Sitting proudly on the glass ‘sea’, SS Great Britain dominates Bristol’s historic waterfront. Dressed with flags and ready for departure, just as the ship looked when it was launched in 1843, our friendly team are ready to welcome visitors on board. The ship, designed by Britain's most iconic engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, has been painstakingly restored to recreate Victorian life at sea on the world’s first great luxury liner. Climb aboard and explore scenes so life-like you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. There are two fascinating museums, as well as the dry dock, where the ship was originally built, to explore, providing hours of engrossing wonder.
Tour Options
Itinerary
There is so much to see here at Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol. Explore the historic dockyard and be sure to head beneath the glass sea into the dry dock. Step back in time in the Dockyard Museum as you prepare to board the SS Great Britain herself. Alive with sights, sounds and even smells, set sail on the world’s first great ocean liner. Don’t miss the Being Brunel museum, discovering Brunel’s extraordinary achievements and stepping into his office and family dining room. And head behind-the-scenes to see inside a working shipyard.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(54)
Quite an interesting ship but original history of slave trafficking was omitted and ship has been remodelled
great ship . very intersting. lovely museum and great place on harbourside with all the boats and loads of places to eat
What a day! 3 hours of walking, exploring and information overload. Loved it! The only "let down" was the Being Brunel museum. We agree with the guide that all the Brunel dynasty should be represented not just Isambard. There were lots of people around, but we did visit on the day of the Bristol Food Festival, so that could account for that. A very relaxed atmosphere and you can take as long as you like to wander around. There are QR codes dotted around for you to get as much information as you wish. Great value for money at only £22.00 each. A great day out if you like just wandering around historic sites. There are guides around to talk to, but you're free to walk round at your own pace. The guides do advise you which way round to go. The gift shop is very well stocked if a bit on the pricey side, but that's what you expect when you visit a tourist attraction.
Fabulous visit to the SS Great Britain. We were amazed by the tour of this great ship: the two interior decks and the promenade deck, and even the hull since the boat is in dry dock. Everything has been masterfully recreated, you would think you were on the Titanic.
We really enjoyed our visit to both SS Great Britain but also spending time walking by the river afterwards. There is a large open air car park close by which is discounted if you have tickets for SS Great Britain (just pay in the ticket office). The ships itself is fascinating with lots to explore. On the day of our visit we were very fortunate as they were trial running tours which I understand will be available to book over the summer. The tour was led by Miss Buxton who was in character as a first class passenger who shared information about the ship and stories of its passengers and crew. This definitely enhanced our visit.
Very nice museum. We liked the fact that you could access all parts of the ship and the way they made the experience immersive, addning not only props but also made history come alive with sounds, smells, light and temperature. You could really get a sense of how in must have been on board, wether you were travelling in first, second or third class. Very different form a traditional museum. Highly recommend.
A super day out. Extremely interesting iron hulled steam ship with a fabulous history. Very well set up although still in the middle of restoration. You couldn't get better for your money.
Its an enjoyable walk around the interior of this Victorian era ship. The smells and sounds make it immersive and transport you back in time. You can go into the cabins, kitchen, cargo hold, surgeon room, barber room, promenade area and the boiler room. See how the standard of travel and living conditions in general has changed since the 19th century.
A great and unique museum. Easy to access via the m2 bus stop and a five minute walk. The staff were also friendly and accommodating, the mannequin map really highlighted that even smaller accommodations were accounted for! Will definitely bring a friend next time!
Really good experience on the ship, well worth the visit. I knocked off two stars as the museum was closed for refurbishment yet there was no mention of this whatsoever and its still advertised outside as the must see before 'going onboard'. Apparently you can revisit for free within a year but I think they should mark the museum outside as under refurbishment and also, when selling tickets, inform guests the museum is closed. It represents one third of the the visit so significant you cant see it. That said, the ship is well worth the visit. I passed 4 hours on site and the Brunel museum is fab also and I think recently refurbished!
