Brunel's SS Great Britain - Image 1

Brunel's SS Great Britain

Bristol, United Kingdom•4.8(10.3k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Explore the iconic SS Great Britain, a legendary 1843 iron ocean liner, alongside interactive museums celebrating engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel and maritime history.

Bristol Dockyards is home to the SS Great Britain, the world's largest passenger ship when launched in 1843 and one of the first iron, propeller-driven ocean liners. Visitors can explore this historic vessel sitting proudly on a glass 'sea' at Bristol's harbourside, discovering the stories of its remarkable 41 years of service and incredible voyages across the globe. The venue features multiple immersive experiences including the new SS Great Britain Experience Museum with interactive exhibitions and historic artefacts, the Being Brunel Museum dedicated to engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Dock Office recreating 1850s Great Western Steamship Company headquarters, and the Brunel Institute housing over 75,000 original drawings, letters and maritime archives. The historic dockyard itself showcases Victorian engineering with original cranes, masts and the working Grade II-listed Albion Dockyard. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, special events like Ma-ad Science Mayhem, and experiences such as Go Aloft. The site is suitable for all ages from birth upwards and offers pushchair-friendly facilities with food and drink options available. School groups can participate in expert workshops and interactive storytelling, making it an educational destination that combines heritage preservation with engaging, family-friendly discovery.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Food & Drink

On-site food and beverage facilities available at Bristol Dockyards

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday

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Google Reviews

4.8(10.3k reviews)
J
Joseph Retiss

Joseph Retiss

3 weeks ago

I had coffee at the cafe attached to the S.S. Great Britain site The Board Walk. The food is good at least the bacon and egg bap was very good the coffee was very good. The facilities are clean and well appointed. The seating is comfirtable and the view of the river and traffic on it is great.

T
TARA JONES

TARA JONES

a month ago

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of the Highlights of Our UK Trip! This museum completely exceeded our expectations and ended up being one of our favorite experiences of our entire trip so far. What makes this place special is how immersive and interactive it is. So many museums have signs and artifacts behind glass, but here you truly feel transported back in time. The mannequins, sound effects, lighting, smells, recreated living spaces, and hands-on elements made history come alive in a way we’ve never experienced before. We found ourselves slowing down to explore every detail because there was always something new to discover. The ship itself is absolutely stunning, and being able to walk through the different areas while imagining what life was like aboard was fascinating. The attention to detail throughout the exhibits is incredible. A very special shout-out to David, one of the volunteers. He was genuinely one of the best volunteers we have ever encountered anywhere. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, kind, and clearly passionate about sharing the history of the ship! We met on the ferry over and he showed us the way to the Banksy! Such a lovely man!!! If you’re visiting the area, do not skip this museum. Whether you’re interested in history, ships, engineering, or just looking for a unique and engaging experience, this place is worth every minute. We laughed, learned, explored, and left talking about it for the rest of the day. One of our favorite attractions in England so far — highly recommended! 🇬🇧⚓🚢❤️

A
Alastair Mckelvie

Alastair Mckelvie

4 months ago

A fascinating couple of hours. The ship really comes to life with the recreation of living and cargo spaces below decks. Standing by the ships wheel its easy to imagine setting sail. Take some great pictures. Souvenir shop well stocked and round off your visit with the Brunel exhibition. Tickets are valid for 12 months so worth a return visit when the new docklands exhibition opens in July I believe

A
Alexandru Obae

Alexandru Obae

5 months ago

Absolutely amazing ship, unfortunately we didn't have enough time to visit the museum alongside it as well but the ship was very beautiful and lovingly restored to a condition similar to how she looked on her maiden voyage. Some parts of the hull haven't been restored past how she was when she arrived from the Falklands but she is still very beautiful. The volunteers were also very kind and wonderful to talk to. I am definitely coming back here when I've got more time so I can see the museum and speak with the volunteers some more. Highly recommend seeing this if you are interested in Isembard Kingdom Brunel and his work as well as if you are interested in naval history.

K
Karishma Hotwani

Karishma Hotwani

10 months ago

Must must must visit if you are in Bristol - specially if you have never been on a ship before. I was very excited to see this ship and I absolutely enjoyed my visit. Love how the ship is maintained and turned into a fun interactive exhibit. I found it very fascinating. You can get an annual pass with the ticket, so I visited twice. During my first visit, I was lucky to watch a live play that was enacted, with the staff all dressed up in Victorian attire. They also interacted with us in the ship. The kitchen set up in the ship was the best part for me with every tiny detailing bringing it to life. The occupied toilet was hilarious and unexpected. You could easily spend 2-3 hours feeling like you're on a real voyage.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Brunel's SS Great Britain

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Brunel's SS Great Britain

Is Brunel's SS Great Britain free to visit?

Brunel's SS Great Britain is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Brunel's SS Great Britain suitable for?

Brunel's SS Great Britain is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Brunel's SS Great Britain dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Brunel's SS Great Britain.

Is there parking at Brunel's SS Great Britain?

Brunel's SS Great Britain doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Brunel's SS Great Britain?

Yes — Food & Drink is on site at Brunel's SS Great Britain. On-site food and beverage facilities available at Bristol Dockyards

Is Brunel's SS Great Britain pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Brunel's SS Great Britain is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Brunel's SS Great Britain?

Brunel's SS Great Britain is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Brunel's SS Great Britain by public transport?

Brunel's SS Great Britain is well-served by public transport.
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