Brunel's SS Great Britain: A Maritime Engineering Marvel in Bristol
Explore Brunel's SS Great Britain, the pioneering Victorian steamship that revolutionized maritime travel and engineering in Bristol.
Step aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol, the world's first great ocean liner and a pioneering steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843. This award-winning maritime museum offers an immersive journey through Victorian maritime history, featuring the restored ship, interactive exhibits, and the adjacent Being Brunel museum. Explore the ship’s decks, engine room, cabins, and dry dock while discovering the legacy of one of history’s greatest engineers.
A brief summary to Brunel's SS Great Britain
- Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, BS1 6TY, GB
- +441179260680
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the ship, museums, and dry dock experience.
- Purchase tickets online in advance for convenience and to access a year-long return pass.
- Visit the Being Brunel museum to gain deeper insight into Brunel’s engineering genius.
- Check accessibility options if mobility is a concern; most areas are wheelchair accessible.
- Try the Board Walk restaurant for seasonal British dishes with harbor views during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Bus
Several local bus routes serve the Great Western Dockyard area, with journey times from Bristol city centre ranging from 15 to 25 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single ticket costs approximately £2.50. The stop is within a short walk to the museum entrance.
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Train and Walk
Bristol Temple Meads railway station is about 2 km from the SS Great Britain. From there, a 25 to 30-minute walk along the harbourside or a short taxi ride costing around £6 will bring you to the dockyard. The walk is mostly flat and accessible.
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Car
Driving to the Great Western Dockyard is straightforward with parking available nearby. Parking fees vary but expect around £10–£15 for a day. Note that Bristol has a Clean Air Zone which may incur additional charges for some vehicles.
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Cycling
Bristol is a cycle-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes leading to the harbourside. Secure bike parking is available at the attraction. Cycling from central Bristol takes about 15 minutes on mostly flat terrain.
Brunel's SS Great Britain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Brunel's SS Great Britain
A Revolutionary Steamship and Engineering Feat
Brunel's SS Great Britain stands as a landmark of 19th-century innovation, designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843. It was the first large ocean-going vessel to combine an iron hull with screw propeller propulsion, setting new standards in maritime engineering. Measuring 98 meters in length, the ship was a marvel of its time, capable of crossing the Atlantic in just 14 days. Its design influenced shipbuilding worldwide and marked a turning point in naval architecture.The Ship’s Storied Past and Restoration
After decades of service as a passenger liner, troopship, quarantine vessel, and coal hulk, the SS Great Britain was scuttled in the Falkland Islands in the 1930s. In a remarkable rescue, it was towed back to Bristol in 1970, where an extensive 30-year restoration project returned it to its Victorian glory. Today, the ship is preserved in the Great Western Dockyard, offering visitors a tangible connection to maritime history and Brunel’s visionary genius.Immersive Visitor Experience Onboard
Visitors can explore multiple decks of the ship, including the opulent first-class cabins, cramped steerage quarters, the galley, engine room, and surgeon’s quarters. The ship’s dry dock allows a unique underwater perspective of the iron hull, rudder, and revolutionary screw propeller. Interactive exhibits and costumed guides bring to life the sights, sounds, and smells of Victorian sea travel, creating an engaging, multisensory experience.The Being Brunel Museum and Educational Exhibits
Adjacent to the ship, the Being Brunel museum delves into the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Visitors can explore interactive displays that showcase his engineering achievements beyond the SS Great Britain, including a carriage ride simulation that immerses guests in the challenges of his era. This museum complements the ship experience by providing context on Brunel’s impact on industrial innovation.Facilities and Accessibility
The attraction is fully accessible, with ramps, level access, and facilities for disabled visitors, including parking and toilets. The Board Walk restaurant offers seasonal British cuisine and waterside views. The site also serves as a venue for weddings, conferences, and special events, with group discounts and educational programs available. Tickets include multimedia guides in several languages, enhancing accessibility for international visitors.Significance and Legacy
Brunel's SS Great Britain is more than a museum; it is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. It celebrates the spirit of innovation that shaped the modern world and continues to inspire engineers, historians, and visitors alike. As Bristol’s top visitor attraction, it preserves a vital chapter of maritime heritage and offers an unforgettable journey through history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Bristol Docks
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Hannover Quay
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Brandon Hill
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Cabot Tower
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Millennium Square
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Bristol Cathedral
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The Bristol Wheel
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St George's Bristol
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Essential places to dine
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The Pump House
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1 York Place
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Gambas
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Botanist Bristol
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The Chef's Table
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The Bristol Stable
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Uncle Sam's Vintage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Educational
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
