Brunel's SS Great Britain: A Maritime Masterpiece in Bristol
Step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol to experience Victorian maritime innovation and the genius of a pioneering steamship designer.
Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol is a historic maritime museum centered on the world's first great ocean liner designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Visitors explore the meticulously restored 19th-century steamship, the adjacent Being Brunel Museum, and the Dockyard Museum, experiencing Victorian life at sea, engineering marvels, and Brunel’s legacy. The site features immersive exhibits, a dry dock view of the ship’s iron hull, and family-friendly activities, making it a top cultural attraction in Bristol.
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-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the ship, museums, and dry dock thoroughly.
- Tickets include unlimited re-entry for one year, so consider multiple visits to experience all exhibits.
- Visit on weekday mornings outside school holidays for a quieter, more relaxed experience.
- Use the included multimedia guides available in several languages for a richer understanding.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Regular bus services connect Bristol city centre to the Great Western Dockyard, with journey times of approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Services run frequently but may reduce on weekends and public holidays. A single bus fare costs around £2.50 to £3.50 GBP.
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Harbour Waterbus
The Harbour Waterbus offers a scenic 20-minute ride from Bristol Temple Meads Station area to the SS Great Britain dockyard. Operating daily during warmer months, tickets cost about £5 to £7 GBP. This is a popular and accessible option avoiding road traffic.
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Car
Driving to the Great Western Dockyard is straightforward with on-site parking available for a fee of approximately £5 to £10 GBP. Note that Bristol has a Clean Air Zone which may incur additional charges. Parking spaces can be limited during peak times.
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Walking
From Bristol city centre, walking to the SS Great Britain takes about 30 to 40 minutes along mostly flat urban terrain. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and prams, offering views of the harbourside en route.
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 Its Legacy
Brunel's SS Great Britain, launched in 1843, was a pioneering steamship designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It was the first large ocean-going vessel to combine an iron hull with screw propulsion, marking a major technological leap in maritime history. Measuring 98 meters from bow to stern, the ship was among the largest and most advanced of its time, serving as a passenger liner across the Atlantic, a troopship, and later a coal hulk. After decades of varied service, it was scuttled near the Falkland Islands but was salvaged and towed back to Bristol in 1970 for restoration.Immersive Visitor Experience on the Historic Ship
Today, the SS Great Britain is preserved in Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard as a museum and visitor attraction. Guests can wander the decks, exploring luxurious first-class cabins, cramped steerage quarters, the galley, surgeon’s quarters, and the engine room. The ship’s dry dock allows visitors to walk beneath the hull to see the original ironwork, rudder, and revolutionary screw propeller through a glass floor. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable volunteers bring Victorian maritime life vividly to life, providing stories of passengers and crew that enrich the experience.The Being Brunel and Dockyard Museums
Adjacent to the ship, the Being Brunel Museum showcases the life and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel through interactive displays, personal artifacts, and a unique carriage ride simulation that immerses visitors in his engineering challenges and triumphs. The Dockyard Museum complements this with insights into the ship’s construction, launch, and restoration. Together, these museums provide a comprehensive understanding of Brunel’s impact on engineering and maritime history.Accessibility, Facilities, and Family Appeal
Brunel's SS Great Britain is committed to accessibility, featuring ramps, lifts, and facilities for disabled visitors, including guide dog access and hearing-impaired support. The site includes a restaurant and offers family-friendly activities throughout the year. Tickets grant unlimited re-entry for a full year, encouraging repeat visits to fully explore the extensive exhibits and events. The site also serves as a venue for weddings and conferences, blending heritage with contemporary uses.Atmosphere and Surroundings
Set in Bristol’s historic harbourside, the attraction combines a tranquil waterfront setting with the vibrant energy of a living museum. The ship’s imposing iron hull and Victorian architecture contrast with modern interactive displays, creating a unique blend of past and present. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the dockyard and the city skyline, enhancing the overall ambiance.Enduring Significance and Educational Impact
Brunel's SS Great Britain stands as a testament to Victorian innovation and maritime heritage. It educates visitors on the industrial revolution’s engineering feats and the social history of ocean travel. The attraction inspires engineers, historians, and families alike, preserving an iconic piece of British history for future generations to appreciate and learn from.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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Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
Brandon Hill
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Bristol’s oldest park with panoramic city views, a nature reserve, and family-friendly spaces just minutes from the city centre.
Cabot Tower
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Millennium Square
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Guided Walking Tour - From Blackbeard to Banksy
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Bristol Cathedral
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The Bristol Wheel
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Essential places to dine
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The Olive Shed
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The Pump House
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Root
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A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
1 York Place
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BOX-E
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Gambas
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Harbour & Browns
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Tare Restaurant
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Botanist Bristol
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The Chef's Table
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The Coconut Tree Bristol, Clifton Triangle
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The Bristol Stable
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Orendo
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Ganesha
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Alices Secret Empourium
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Fig1
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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
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
