Being Brunel
Explore the life and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel through interactive exhibits and the iconic SS Great Britain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Being Brunel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the life and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel through interactive exhibits and the iconic SS Great Britain.
"Proper brilliant! Dead interesting if you’re into engineering or history, and the giant Brunel head is well impressive."
🎯 Get a Joint Ticket
Save money and time by purchasing a joint ticket for Being Brunel and the SS Great Britain.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Dedicate at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and interactive displays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Brunel Head
Entrance Area
An iconic, imposing sculpture that immediately immerses you in the world of the engineering genius.
Interactive Engineering Exhibits
Main Exhibition Space
Hands-on displays that bring Brunel's groundbreaking inventions to life, making learning fun for all ages.
Brunel's Life and Mind
Exhibition Galleries
Discover the incredible breadth of Brunel's genius, from ships to bridges and beyond.
SS Great Britain Dockyard Museum
Adjacent to SS Great Britain
Explore the history and restoration of Brunel's revolutionary iron steamship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Yesterday, I had the privilege to climb through the tunnels and caverns underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge, built by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The stalactites were incredible, and the sheer effort it took was astonishing.
🎯 Get a Joint Ticket
Save money and time by purchasing a joint ticket for Being Brunel and the SS Great Britain.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Dedicate at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and interactive displays.
Finally took a trip to Bristol to visit SS Great Britain, so worth it.
Just FYI, you get free entry to SS Great Britain if your name is Isambard
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Interactive exhibits make it engaging for all ages, a great family day out.
💡 Learn About a Genius
Discover the incredible inventions and life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Rare photo of the SS Great Britain, a hidden gem of Bristol. This relatively unknown piece of Bristol's history is a steamship from the 19th century.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get a Joint Ticket
Save money and time by purchasing a joint ticket for Being Brunel and the SS Great Britain.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Dedicate at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and interactive displays.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Interactive exhibits make it engaging for all ages, a great family day out.
💡 Learn About a Genius
Discover the incredible inventions and life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
🚢 Don't Miss the Ship!
Your ticket often includes access to the magnificent SS Great Britain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Being Brunel for its engaging and educational experience, highlighting the interactive exhibits and the fascinating life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The joint ticket with the SS Great Britain is a significant draw, offering great value and a comprehensive historical immersion. While generally well-received, some visitors note the lack of a senior ticket option.
"Being Brunel is proper brilliant! Dead interesting if you’re into engineering or history, and the giant Brunel head is well impressive. Loads of hands-on exhibits and interactive stuff that’s actually fun, not boring. The staff are sound and helpful, and the whole place has a chill vibe. Perfect for a family day out or a bit of learning with mates. Can’t recommend it enough if you’re in Bristol – well worth a visit!"
shkar mustafa
"Liked. Recommended if you are in Bristol. The museum is very educational and interactive. I didn't even know such a prodigy and an autodidact. What hasn't he invented - a metal ship, a kuga propeller, a suspension bridge and an underwater bell. And he painted and made crockery. Simply a man of genius and a dreamer. He was also a big gambler. The museum is very interactive and interesting. Entrance is shared, both to the Brunel Museum and to the ship he designed, the first to be made of iron, which has been restored. If you go 2 hours before closing time, a joint ticket costs £11 per person. There is no senior ticket, as there is in many other museums."
Arnis Luhse
"I know that when visiting the SS Great Britain, almost everybody starts with the ship and the Dockyard Museum, and by the time you're done exploring you're probably dead on your feet. This is why it's so handy that your ticket is valid for a full year, so that you can come back another time and spend some time visiting Being Brunel. 'Cause let me tell you, it's absolutely worth it. Informative and interactive, this exhibition walks you through the life, inventions and mind of the great architect who was voted the second most influential Briton of all time in a 2002 BBC poll (with Winston Churchill coming in first). A must for engineering enthusiasts but also highly recommended for history buffs."
Tünde Nagy-Kovács
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Being Brunel is located on the Great Western Dockyard, adjacent to the SS Great Britain. You can reach it by car, bus, or ferry. Parking is available nearby, and several bus routes stop close to the SS Great Britain. The Bristol Ferry also offers a scenic route to the site.
Yes, there is parking available at the SS Great Britain site. It's a paid car park, so factor that into your budget.
Absolutely! Numerous bus routes serve the area around the SS Great Britain. The Bristol Ferry is also a popular and enjoyable way to arrive.
Being Brunel is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with lifts and ramps available. The SS Great Britain also has accessible routes. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
From Bristol city centre, you can take a bus, a taxi, or enjoy a pleasant walk along the harbour. The Bristol Ferry is also a fantastic option for a scenic journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Being Brunel are often sold as a joint ticket with the SS Great Britain. Prices can vary, but a joint ticket is typically around £22 for adults. There isn't a specific senior ticket.
Yes, you can usually buy tickets on the day of your visit. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Yes, your ticket for the SS Great Britain and Being Brunel is valid for a full year, allowing you to revisit and explore at your leisure.
While there isn't a senior ticket, purchasing a joint ticket for both Being Brunel and the SS Great Britain offers good value. Look out for potential family packages or group discounts on their official website.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Being Brunel or SS Great Britain website for the most current opening times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Being Brunel features interactive exhibits detailing the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, including his groundbreaking engineering projects like the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. You'll also find the iconic giant Brunel head. +1
Visitors recommend allocating at least two hours to fully explore Being Brunel and the SS Great Britain. You can easily spend longer if you delve into all the details.
Yes, Being Brunel is very family-friendly with many hands-on and interactive exhibits that children will enjoy, making it a fun educational experience.
The giant Brunel head is a striking and memorable sculpture that serves as a prominent feature of the museum, immediately drawing visitors into the world of the famous engineer.
One unique feature is a room with a video that immerses you in Brunel's perspective, offering a truly engaging way to learn about his life and work.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Being Brunel itself might not have extensive dining facilities, the SS Great Britain site typically has a cafe or restaurant where you can purchase food and drinks.
Picnic areas might be available on the SS Great Britain site, but it's best to check their specific policies regarding outside food and drink.
The cafe usually offers a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages, catering to visitors looking for a convenient bite to eat during their visit.
Yes, the Bristol harbourside area, where Being Brunel is located, offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from.
Definitely. The surrounding area has many dining options, so you can easily plan a meal before or after your visit to Being Brunel and the SS Great Britain.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use inside Being Brunel, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The giant Brunel head is a must-capture shot. Also, look for opportunities to photograph the interactive displays and the historical artifacts that showcase Brunel's genius.
While Being Brunel focuses on the man, its location allows for excellent views and photo opportunities of the SS Great Britain itself, especially from the dockyard areas.
Some museums may have specific areas or exhibits where photography is restricted to protect artifacts or for privacy reasons. Always look for signage.
Weekday mornings often mean fewer people in your shots. If you're focusing on the exterior of the SS Great Britain, consider the golden hours around sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance to explore the SS Great Britain with your family, as your ticket often includes access. The ship provides a unique historical adventure, and the interactive elements onboard make it an engaging experience for all ages. Plan for at least a half-day visit to fully enjoy both attractions without feeling rushed.
🤓 History & Engineering Enthusiasts
Make sure to dedicate ample time to delve into the SS Great Britain Dockyard Museum and the ship itself. This provides a tangible connection to Brunel's most famous maritime achievement and offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of its construction and restoration. The depth of information and the quality of the exhibits are sure to satisfy even the most discerning enthusiast.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting two hours before closing on weekdays, as this can sometimes be when joint tickets are offered at a slightly reduced rate. While there isn't a senior discount, the year-long validity of the ticket means you can spread out your visits or return for a second look, maximizing the value of your purchase.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
The museum highlights Brunel's multifaceted talents, revealing him not just as an engineer but also as an artist and a man of diverse interests. Visitors often express surprise at the sheer breadth of his inventions and his autodidactic nature. The exhibition uses a range of interactive displays and multimedia presentations to bring his world to life, allowing you to understand the challenges he faced and the ingenuity he employed to overcome them.
Being Brunel offers a compelling narrative of a true pioneer. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the mind of a genius and understand why he is considered one of the most influential figures in British history. The experience is designed to be both educational and inspiring, leaving visitors with a profound respect for his legacy.
Experiencing the SS Great Britain
The Dockyard Museum, often included with your ticket, provides further context about the ship's construction, its voyages, and its remarkable restoration. You can explore the dry dock where it was built and learn about the challenges of preserving such a significant historical vessel. The interactive elements within the ship itself make it an engaging experience for all ages, allowing you to imagine the journeys it undertook.
Many visitors find that exploring the SS Great Britain after learning about Brunel at his museum enhances the overall experience. It provides a tangible connection to his genius and allows you to appreciate the scale and ambition of his projects firsthand. The combination of the museum and the ship offers a comprehensive understanding of Brunel's impact on transportation and engineering.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
The museum features a variety of interactive stations where you can experiment with principles of engineering, understand the mechanics behind Brunel's inventions, and even experience simulations that put you in his shoes. This is a key reason why it's highly recommended for families, as children can actively engage with the content, making the learning process enjoyable and memorable. The 'video where you see things as Brunel himself' is a prime example of this immersive approach.
This focus on interactivity ensures that even those with little prior knowledge of engineering or history can find the exhibits fascinating. It transforms a potentially dry subject into an exciting exploration of innovation and human ingenuity. The positive feedback consistently highlights how fun and educational the experience is, making it a worthwhile visit for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit