Explore the Wonders of Brunel's SS Great Britain
Discover the legacy of Brunel's SS Great Britain, a remarkable maritime museum and historic ship that showcases the marvels of Victorian engineering.
Nestled in Bristol's Great Western Dockyard, Brunel's SS Great Britain is a maritime museum showcasing the revolutionary steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the ship's fascinating exhibits and enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor.
A brief summary to Brunel's SS Great Britain
- Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol, BS1 6TY, GB
- +441179260680
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
- Don't miss the interactive exhibits which are especially engaging for children and families.
- Make sure to allocate enough time to explore both the ship and the surrounding museum exhibits.
- Check the website for any special events or temporary exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
- Consider taking a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and engineering of the SS Great Britain.
Getting There
-
Walking
If you're starting from Bristol Temple Meads train station, exit the station and turn right onto Temple Gate. Head straight until you reach the roundabout and take the first exit onto Redcliffe Way. Continue straight until you reach the traffic lights at the junction with the A4044. Cross over the road and turn left onto the A4044 (Bristol Bridge). Cross the bridge and continue straight onto Broad Quay. At the end of the quay, turn right onto St Augustine's Reach. Continue walking along the water until you reach the entrance to the Great Western Dockyard. Brunel's SS Great Britain is located at Gas Ferry Rd, BS1 6TY.
-
Bus
From the city center, catch a bus from the bus stop on the Haymarket. Look for buses heading towards 'Harbourside' or 'Bristol Temple Meads.' The number 8 or 9 bus will take you close to the dockyard. Get off at the stop 'Cumberland Basin.' From there, it’s just a short walk. Head towards the waterfront, and you will see signs directing you to the Great Western Dockyard. Follow the signs to Brunel's SS Great Britain at Gas Ferry Rd, BS1 6TY.
-
Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, start from the city center and head towards the Harbourside. You can rent a bike from one of the local bike-sharing schemes. Follow the cycle path along the waterfront, passing by the various attractions. Continue along the path until you reach the Great Western Dockyard. There are bike racks available for parking your bicycle near the entrance to Brunel's SS Great Britain at Gas Ferry Rd, BS1 6TY.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
For a more convenient option, you can book a taxi or use a rideshare app like Uber. Simply enter 'Brunel's SS Great Britain' or 'Gas Ferry Rd, BS1 6TY' as your destination. The driver will take you directly to the entrance of the Great Western Dockyard, where the SS Great Britain is located.
Discover more about Brunel's SS Great Britain
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Cary Grant
0.5 km
Celebrate Hollywood legend Cary Grant with a lifelike bronze statue in Bristol’s vibrant Millennium Square, capturing his timeless charm and local roots.
Statue of Ram Mohan Roy
0.5 km
A dignified bronze tribute in Bristol honoring Ram Mohan Roy’s legacy as a pioneering Indian reformer and visionary.
The Matthew of Bristol
0.7 km
Explore Bristol's maritime heritage aboard The Matthew, a historic ship offering breathtaking views and engaging tours of the city's vibrant harbor.
Prince Street Bridge
0.8 km
A working Victorian swing bridge over Bristol’s Floating Harbour, connecting the city centre with the Cumberland Road area and offering quiet views of boats and quays.
Cascade Steps
0.8 km
Historic Cascade Steps in Bristol offer scenic waterfront views and a tranquil urban retreat steeped in maritime heritage.
King George V Memorial Fountain
0.8 km
Lutyens-designed waterfront memorial honouring King George V with monumental sculptural figures.
Statue of Edmund Burke
0.9 km
A bronze tribute to Edmund Burke on Bristol’s waterfront, where 18th-century ideals meet modern city life.
The Paragon
1.1 km
Elegant Georgian townhouse in Clifton with exclusive gardens and stunning views of Bristol’s iconic landmarks.
Redcliffe Caves
1.1 km
Explore the enchanting Redcliffe Caves in Bristol, a breathtaking tourist attraction filled with stunning rock formations and vibrant art installations.
Old Post Office
1.2 km
Discover Bristol’s 18th-century Old Post Office, a preserved Georgian landmark blending rich history with vibrant city life at Corn Street.
Floating Harbour
1.2 km
Experience the beauty and culture of Bristol at the Floating Harbour, a captivating marina filled with history, dining, and artistic treasures.
The Nails
1.2 km
Historic iron nails in Bristol’s Corn Street where medieval merchants sealed their deals, embodying the city’s rich trading heritage.
Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
1.2 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage and history of Palestine at the Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre in Bristol, a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
St John's Church
1.2 km
Experience the architectural wonder and serene atmosphere of St John's Church in Bristol, a must-visit tourist attraction rich in history and beauty.
William Draper Memorial
1.2 km
Explore Britain’s oldest war memorial, honoring 18th-century soldiers on scenic Clifton Down in historic Bristol.
Unmissable attractions to see
Being Brunel
0.0 km
Step into the mind of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in his original Dock Office, where personal artefacts and interactive galleries bring the genius of Victorian engineering vividly to life.
Capricorn Place
0.1 km
Modern riverside living in Bristol’s historic Hotwells district, blending scenic views with urban elegance on the vibrant Harbourside.
Banksy’s The Girl With Pearl Earring
0.2 km
Discover Banksy’s clever homage to Vermeer’s masterpiece, hidden in Bristol’s harbourside with a modern twist on a classic pearl earring.
Bristol Docks
0.4 km
Historic Bristol Docks at Hotwells: Engineering brilliance and maritime heritage meet vibrant waterfront life.
Hannover Quay
0.4 km
Discover Hannover Quay, Bristol’s vibrant harbourside district blending historic charm with modern waterfront living and cultural buzz.
Brandon Hill
0.4 km
Bristol’s oldest park with panoramic city views, a nature reserve, and family-friendly spaces just minutes from the city centre.
Cabot Tower
0.6 km
Discover the historic Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park, an iconic landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into Bristol's maritime heritage.
Millennium Square
0.6 km
A lively modern city park in Bristol’s harbourside, known for public art, water features, and festive events like the Vintage Winter Wonderland.
Guided Walking Tour - From Blackbeard to Banksy
0.6 km
Explore Bristol’s rich history and iconic Banksy street art on a captivating guided walking tour from College Green.
We The Curious
0.6 km
Discover Bristol’s vibrant science centre with interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and the UK’s only 3D Planetarium in a playful, inclusive space.
Bristol Cathedral
0.6 km
Explore Bristol Cathedral’s majestic medieval hall church with soaring vaults, Gothic Revival nave, and centuries of rich history in the city’s heart.
Lloyds Amphitheatre
0.6 km
A landmark postmodern amphitheatre and public space at Bristol’s harbourside, blending architectural heritage with vibrant cultural events.
The Georgian House Museum
0.6 km
Step back into 18th-century Bristol at The Georgian House Museum, a restored merchant’s townhouse rich with history and stories of life above and below stairs.
The Bristol Wheel
0.6 km
Soar above Bristol’s iconic landmarks on The Bristol Wheel, a dazzling Ferris ride offering stunning panoramic city views day and night.
St George's Bristol
0.7 km
Historic Georgian church turned world-class concert hall with superb acoustics and a vibrant cultural programme in the heart of Bristol.
Essential places to dine
New MoOn On The Quay
0.3 km
Eclectic tapas and global flavors served in a quirky riverside setting with garden charm and inclusive menus in Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Steak of the Art
0.4 km
A bold Bristol steakhouse where art, design and expertly cooked meat come together in a vibrant Harbourside setting.
Las Iguanas - Bristol - Harbourside
0.6 km
Lively Latin American dining and cocktails with vibrant vibes by Bristol’s picturesque Harbourside waterfront.
The Olive Shed
0.6 km
Mediterranean tapas and seafood with stunning harbour views in a cozy, waterside Bristol setting.
The Pump House
0.7 km
Historic waterfront gastropub in Bristol’s Hotwells, blending heritage architecture with fine British dining and scenic harbour views.
Root
0.7 km
A pioneering vegetable-focused restaurant in Bristol’s waterfront Cargo, blending seasonal flavors with a unique shipping container setting.
1 York Place
0.7 km
An intimate European bistro in Clifton offering seasonal dishes and a warm, stylish atmosphere for a refined dining experience.
BOX-E
0.7 km
A tiny 14-seat restaurant in Bristol’s Wapping Wharf shipping containers, serving inventive Modern British tasting menus and seasonal dishes in an intimate, industrial-chic setting.
Gambas
0.7 km
A vibrant Spanish tapas bar in a harbourside shipping container, serving excellent seafood and classic small plates with great views over Bristol Harbour.
Harbour & Browns
0.7 km
Contemporary fusion dining in stylish shipping containers with harbour views at Bristol’s vibrant Wapping Wharf.
Tare Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience vibrant modern European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting overlooking Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
Botanist Bristol
0.7 km
Plant-filled gastropub celebrating seasonal British cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music in Bristol's City Centre.
The Chef's Table
0.7 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
The Coconut Tree Bristol, Clifton Triangle
0.8 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan tapas and tropical cocktails in Bristol’s lively Clifton Triangle, where bold flavours meet colourful charm.
The Bristol Stable
0.8 km
Sourdough pizzas, West Country ciders, and lively Harbourside vibes combine at The Bristol Stable for a quintessential Bristol dining experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Zhyper
0.4 km
Trendy threads and accessories in Bristol's Harbourside hub, where personal style meets waterfront vibrancy and urban creativity.
Orendo
0.4 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion at Orendo, a chic clothes shop in Bristol that embodies the city's vibrant style and trends.
Ganesha
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts, clothing, and handicrafts at Ganesha, Bristol's treasure trove of artistic creations and local craftsmanship.
Alices Secret Empourium
0.7 km
Uncover Bristol's quirk-filled gift haven on Park Street, where eclectic treasures and whimsical wonders await every curious explorer.
Fig1
0.7 km
Discover Scandinavian-inspired homewares and unique gifts at this independent Bristol gem, where clean lines meet creative curation in the heart of Wapping Wharf.
Uncle Sam's Vintage
0.7 km
Bristol's legendary American vintage superstore, curating authentic mid-century treasures since 1984.
Something Elsie
0.7 km
Discover vibrant 80s and 90s vintage fashion, dazzling jewellery, and quirky gifts in Bristol’s colorful Something Elsie shop at Cargo 2.
my a2space
0.9 km
A compact Harbourside shop showcasing locally made prints, gifts and artisan wares from Bristol’s creative community.
Will's doss pit
0.9 km
Dive into Bristol's quirky underbelly at Will's Doss Pit, where vintage treasures and bohemian finds await in historic Queen Square.
Rhubarb Jumble
1.0 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique home treasures in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Southville neighborhood.
Independent Design Collective
1.0 km
Discover unique artisan gifts and crafts from Bristol’s vibrant local artists at Independent Design Collective in Southville.
Mint Velvet Bristol
1.0 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
Village
1.0 km
A compact, design-led gift shop in Clifton Village offering locally made homewares, stationery and small-batch finds with a quietly curated, neighbourhood feel.
The Clifton Arcade
1.0 km
Discover unique gifts, art, and fashion at The Clifton Arcade in Bristol – a must-visit for every traveler seeking local charm.
Bristol General Store
1.0 km
Independent boutique celebrating local creativity and curated global design in Bedminster.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bag of Nails
0.2 km
A quirky Bristol pub where hand-drawn art, local ales, and friendly cats create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere.
Loose Cannon Cocktail Bar - Bristol
0.5 km
Quirky harbourside haven blending pop culture cocktails, local art, and Bristol's playful vibe in a waterfront independent gem.
Slug & Lettuce - Harbourside Bristol
0.5 km
Bristol harbourside cocktail haven with 2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and waterfront terrace vibes for unforgettable nights out.
The Cottage Inn, Bristol
0.6 km
Historic harbourside pub offering modern British classics, craft ales, and scenic waterfront vibes in the heart of Bristol.
The Eldon House
0.6 km
Historic Victorian pub in Clifton, Bristol, known for craft beers, live music, and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
Steinbeck and Shaw
0.7 km
Bristol's graffiti-glazed cocktail haven where masterclasses, happy hours, and late-night vibes collide in historic style.
Mackenzies Bar & Kitchen
0.7 km
A relaxed, all-day cafe-bar in the W Shed offering casual meals and drinks beside Bristol’s harbourside.
Hyde & Co
0.8 km
Discover Bristol’s secretive speakeasy with expertly crafted cocktails and a cozy vintage ambiance in the heart of Clifton.
The Architect
0.8 km
Art deco café-bar on Bristol's Floating Harbour: coffees by day, cocktails by night, with terrace views of ferries and quayside life.
The Brass Pig
0.8 km
Clifton's two-floor nightlife gem: cocktails from £3.50, DJ weekends, terrace vibes, and student deals in Bristol's Triangle hub.
Shakespeare Tavern
0.8 km
Waterside Bristol pub pouring cask ales, pub classics, and community cheer in a dog-friendly haven with garden vibes.
The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
0.8 km
Quirky Clifton cocktail haven spanning three cozy floors, perfect for masterful mixes and intimate evenings in Bristol's upscale village.
Be At One - Bristol
0.8 km
Energetic cocktail bar in Clifton, Bristol, serving over 100 expertly crafted drinks with vibrant vibes and unbeatable happy hour deals.
The Cocktail Club - Triangle Bristol
0.8 km
Step into Bristol’s Neverland-inspired Cocktail Club for expertly crafted drinks, quirky décor, and nights that never want to end.
Barrelhouse
0.9 km
Clifton's hybrid pub where Detroit pizzas, rooftop views, live tunes, and dive-bar cocktails create unrestrained fun in a historic setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
OMG
0.7 km
Southwest's biggest gay club: massive dance floor, killer sound, themed nights, and inclusive vibes until dawn in Bristol's heart.
PRYZM
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at PRYZM, a multi-room club with themed music floors, student deals, and a lively party atmosphere.
Antix
0.7 km
Bristol's enduring late-night haven on Park Street: cocktails till 1am, DJ beats till 6am, dancing into dawn with house, R&B, and reggaeton vibes.
Basement 45
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s underground nightlife at Basement 45, where eclectic music, intimate vibes, and vibrant events come alive until the early hours.
Queenshilling - Bristol Bar and Nightclub
0.7 km
Bristol's iconic LGBTQ+ haven: dance, drag, and drinks in an intimate Frogmore Street gem fueling the city's electric nightlife.
Silk Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant nightlife at Silk Nightclub, where energetic beats and a lively crowd create unforgettable nights in the city center.
Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
0.7 km
From refined cocktails to dawn-dancing beats, Marquee delivers Bristol's ultimate nightlife evolution in one stylish venue.
La Rocca
0.8 km
A lively Clifton nightclub blending classic tunes, affordable drinks, and a vibrant social scene in Bristol’s dynamic nightlife district.
The Pearl NightClub
0.8 km
Bristol's intimate Clifton nightclub where fire DJs ignite weekend dance floors from 10pm till dawn—pure energy in a compact, electric space.
Bristol Lola Lo
0.8 km
An intimate, vintage‑Tiki nightclub in Clifton with neon cocktails, paper lanterns and a compact dancefloor for themed late‑night parties.
Lizard Lounge
0.9 km
A small, loud student nightclub on Queens Road famed for cheap drinks, DJ nights and a packed, party-first atmosphere.
Popworld - Bristol
1.0 km
Dance to 90s and 00s pop anthems under neon lights at Bristol's ultimate nostalgic nightclub, where cheesy hits and POPTAIL cocktails fuel epic nights out.
Forró Bristol
1.0 km
Ignite your night with Brazilian forró rhythms: partner dances, live bands, and sweaty joy in Bristol's beating heart.
Thekla
1.0 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
The Loco Klub
1.8 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.