Brunel's SS Great Britain: A Maritime Masterpiece in Bristol
Step aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner, and explore Victorian maritime life and engineering genius in Bristol’s historic dockyard.
Brunel's SS Great Britain is a pioneering 1843 steamship and a celebrated maritime museum in Bristol. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was the first iron-hulled, propeller-driven ocean liner. Visitors explore the restored ship’s decks, cabins, engine room, and dry dock, alongside interactive museums that reveal Victorian maritime life and Brunel’s engineering genius. This award-winning attraction offers immersive experiences, family activities, and stunning views of Bristol’s historic harbour.
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
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- 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 fully explore the ship, museums, and dry dock experience.
- Tickets include multimedia guides in French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin, available at no extra cost.
- Consider climbing the rigging for a unique view; suitable for visitors aged 10 and over with an additional fee.
- Annual tickets allow unlimited return visits for a full year, ideal for multiple visits.
- The onsite Board Walk restaurant offers quality British cuisine with scenic harbour views.
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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Public Transport
Take the bus from Bristol city centre to Great Western Dockyard; journey time is approximately 20-30 minutes. Services run frequently, but check schedules on weekends. A single ticket costs around £2.50 GBP.
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Car
Drive to the Great Western Dockyard area where onsite parking is available for visitors. Parking fees typically range from £5 to £10 GBP for a day. Note that Bristol has a Clean Air Zone, so additional charges may apply depending on vehicle type.
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Walking
From Bristol city centre, a pleasant 30-40 minute walk along the harbourside leads to the SS Great Britain. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
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Cycling
Cycle routes connect Bristol city centre to the Great Western Dockyard, with bike racks available onsite. The ride takes about 15-20 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 Its Storied Past
Brunel's SS Great Britain, launched in 1843, was a groundbreaking vessel that changed maritime history. Designed by the visionary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was the first ocean-going ship to combine an iron hull with screw propeller propulsion, measuring an impressive 98 meters in length. Originally serving as a passenger liner between Bristol and New York, the ship completed transatlantic crossings in just 14 days, a remarkable feat for its time. Over its lifetime, it also served as a troopship, quarantine vessel, and coal hulk before being scuttled in the Falklands in the 1930s. Rescued and towed back to Bristol in 1970, the ship has since undergone a meticulous 30-year restoration to bring it back to its Victorian glory.Immersive Exploration of Victorian Maritime Life
Visitors to the SS Great Britain can wander its decks and explore a variety of historically restored spaces, including the opulent first-class cabins, cramped steerage quarters, the galley, surgeon’s quarters, and the engine room. The ship offers a sensory experience with sights, sounds, and even smells that evoke life aboard a 19th-century steamship. A highlight is the dry dock beneath the ship, where guests can view the original iron hull, the innovative screw propeller, and rudder up close. For an adventurous experience, visitors aged 10 and over can climb the rigging and yard arm, gaining a unique perspective of the ship’s scale and structure.The Being Brunel Museum: Celebrating an Engineering Genius
Adjacent to the ship, the Being Brunel museum offers interactive exhibits dedicated to Brunel’s life and engineering achievements. Visitors can explore the restored drawing office where Brunel and his team designed the vessel, and engage with multimedia displays that highlight his other projects and innovations. A unique carriage ride simulation provides insight into the challenges Brunel faced during his career. This museum complements the ship experience by deepening understanding of Brunel’s impact on engineering and maritime history.Family-Friendly Activities and Special Events
The SS Great Britain is designed to engage visitors of all ages, with scheduled family activities throughout the year and special after-hours events. Educational visits are welcomed, and the site offers accessible facilities including ramps, toilets for disabled visitors, and accommodations for hearing-impaired guests. The venue also serves as a function room facility and wedding venue, adding to its versatility. The onsite Board Walk restaurant overlooks Bristol’s Floating Harbour and offers seasonal British cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, enhancing the visitor experience.Location and Practical Information
Situated in the historic Great Western Dockyard on Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, the SS Great Britain is easily accessible by car, bike, public transport, and on foot. The attraction operates Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 10am to 5pm with seasonal variations and closures on most Mondays except bank holidays and school holidays. Tickets include a multimedia guide available in multiple languages and are valid for a full year, allowing repeat visits. Group discounts and private guided tours are available, making it an ideal destination for both casual visitors and history enthusiasts.Preserving Heritage and Inspiring Future Generations
Managed by a dedicated educational charity, Brunel’s SS Great Britain preserves one of the world’s most important maritime artifacts and inspires interest in engineering and entrepreneurship. The Brunel Institute houses a vast maritime collection, supporting ongoing research and conservation. Through its combination of historical authenticity, interactive exhibits, and engaging storytelling, the SS Great Britain remains a vital cultural landmark that celebrates Bristol’s rich maritime heritage and Brunel’s enduring legacy.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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Bristol Cathedral
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Essential places to dine
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The Pump House
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Root
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1 York Place
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BOX-E
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Gambas
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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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Ganesha
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Uncle Sam's Vintage
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Educational
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Historic
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
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
