SS Great Britain
Step aboard Isambard Kingdom Brunel's magnificent 1843 iron steamship, meticulously restored to its Victorian glory. Explore decks, cabins, and the ad...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
SS Great Britain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step aboard Isambard Kingdom Brunel's magnificent 1843 iron steamship, meticulously restored to its Victorian glory. Explore decks, cabins, and the adjacent museum.
"An awesome museum with friendly knowledgeable staff and a revolutionary vessel. "
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money by booking your tickets in advance online. Your ticket is valid for a year! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore All Decks
Don't miss steerage – it's a highlight! Be mindful of uneven floors in lower areas. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ship's Interior
Below deck
Step back in time and explore the meticulously restored cabins, from opulent first-class suites to the cramped steerage quarters.
Being Brunel Museum
Adjacent to the ship
Discover the genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel through interactive exhibits and a unique carriage ride simulation.
Dry Dock Experience
Dry dock
Walk around the massive dry dock that cradles the ship, offering a unique perspective on its scale and engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Value
Consider Bristol's Clean Air Zone
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bristol - SS Great Britain
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money by booking your tickets in advance online. Your ticket is valid for a year! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore All Decks
Don't miss steerage – it's a highlight! Be mindful of uneven floors in lower areas. :athletic_shoe:
SS Great Britain - Bristol
Just FYI, you get free entry to SS Great Britain if your name is Isambard
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy a coffee and cake at The Board Walk cafe nearby for a lovely break. :coffee:
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
The passionate volunteers offer incredible insights into the ship's history. :handshake:
SS Great Britain. Does anyone know the significance of the symbols?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money by booking your tickets in advance online. Your ticket is valid for a year! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore All Decks
Don't miss steerage – it's a highlight! Be mindful of uneven floors in lower areas. :athletic_shoe:
☕ Cafe Break
Enjoy a coffee and cake at The Board Walk cafe nearby for a lovely break. :coffee:
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
The passionate volunteers offer incredible insights into the ship's history. :handshake:
🚗 Parking & Clean Air Zone
Parking is nearby, but check Bristol's Clean Air Zone charges if driving. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the SS Great Britain for its impressive restoration, immersive historical experience, and the engaging insights provided by passionate volunteers. The Being Brunel museum is a significant draw, complementing the ship's story. While parking and potential Clean Air Zone charges are considerations for drivers, the overall value and educational content make it a highly recommended attraction.
"My partner and I had a great day out at the SS Great Britain. Despite both of us growing up near Bristol we had never visited before, but will definitely be back (and bringing all our friends and family!). The ship itself is so impressive and has a very immersive atmosphere. Steerage stole the show for us! We also enjoyed the Being Brunel museum - the carriage ride simulation was another highlight.
Would also recommend stopping by the cafe at The Board Walk for a delicious latte and slice of cake. Finally, a big thanks to the volunteers on board the ship who took the time to talk us through the history of the ship's various voyages and 'eras' - their passion was infectious!
Top tip - book your tickets in advance online to save a few pennies 🙌🙌🙌"
Kate C
"Awesome museum with friendly knowledgeable staff.
The ship itself is an awesome sight to see and the information provided by both the museum and the Brunel museum really helps you approacciate how revolutionary his vessel was at the time and see the genius of it's designer. A fine example of British engineering at its best.
Access to the ship is good including for wheel chairs and children although I would be careful in the lower steerage class areas as the floors are not that level.
The fact you can return on one ticket for 12 months shows great value.
Parking is practically next door to the ship although remember Bristol has signed up to the clean air charge so expect to be charged for visiting and bringing money to the city."
MRC
"I visited in May this year and had the most amazing time! The staff were some of the kindest, most understanding and accomodating people I met at any tourist attraction on my whole trip. When I asked if there were mannequins on board, the team at ticketing desk were so lovely and gave me a detailed print out with the locations of all the mannequins and a photo of each of them. I’ve never had anybody be so accomodating of my phobia and it was genuinely so touching how understanding they were. Huge thankyou to the wonderful staff who made my visit so enjoyable— it sounds silly but you helped me make some huge strides in getting over a phobia that I’ve had my whole life :))"
Sophie Jenkin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS Great Britain is easily accessible by car, bus, or even a pleasant walk from Bristol city centre. If driving, be aware of Bristol's Clean Air Zone charges. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, there is parking available next door to the SS Great Britain. However, remember to factor in potential charges for Bristol's Clean Air Zone if you are driving a non-compliant vehicle.
Absolutely! Numerous bus routes stop near the SS Great Britain. It's also a scenic walk from the city centre, offering lovely views along the harbour.
Yes, the SS Great Britain makes an excellent day trip from Bath. It's a straightforward journey by train or car, and the ship offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's always best to check the official SS Great Britain website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can be found on the official SS Great Britain website. Booking online in advance often offers a discount, and tickets are valid for a full year, providing great value.
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of your visit. However, booking online beforehand is recommended to potentially save money and guarantee entry during busy periods.
Yes, a fantastic benefit is that your SS Great Britain ticket is valid for 12 months from your first visit, allowing you to return and explore further or revisit your favourite parts.
Booking your tickets online in advance is the primary way to save money. Keep an eye on the official website for any special offers or family packages.
Your ticket typically grants access to the historic ship, the dry dock, and the Being Brunel museum, offering a comprehensive experience of Brunel's iconic vessel.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the ship's decks, from the luxurious first-class cabins to the more basic steerage. Visit the Being Brunel museum, walk around the dry dock, and learn about the ship's fascinating history.
The SS Great Britain is generally accessible, but some lower areas like steerage may have uneven floors. Staff are very accommodating and can provide information to help plan your visit.
Yes, knowledgeable volunteers are often on board to share stories and answer questions, providing a rich, guided experience. Their passion is infectious!
The Being Brunel museum is an award-winning attraction dedicated to the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the ship's designer. It features interactive exhibits and a unique carriage ride simulation.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe on board the SS Great Britain offering refreshments. For more options, The Board Walk cafe nearby is highly recommended for coffee and cake.
While there are onboard facilities, it's generally advisable to check the SS Great Britain's specific policy on bringing outside food. Picnics might be permitted in designated areas.
The area around the SS Great Britain offers several dining choices, including cafes and restaurants along The Board Walk, providing a variety of cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the dry dock looking up at the ship, the detailed interiors of the cabins, and the panoramic views from the upper decks.
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the ship. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific restrictions in certain exhibits.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for both wide shots of the ship and tighter interior details. A fast aperture lens can help in lower light conditions below deck.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at heritage sites like the SS Great Britain to protect the historic structure and ensure visitor safety. Always check official guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the boarding card and stamp collection activity, which adds an element of fun and discovery for younger visitors. While some areas might require closer supervision due to historical features, the overall experience is engaging and memorable for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks or enjoying a more affordable meal at a cafe slightly further from the immediate attraction. The extensive historical content and immersive experience provide a full day's worth of engagement, making it a cost-effective way to spend your time in Bristol.
🚢 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
The Being Brunel museum complements the ship experience perfectly, providing deep dives into the life and work of its visionary designer. The detailed restoration and the wealth of information shared by knowledgeable volunteers ensure a rich and rewarding experience for even the most discerning history enthusiast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Brunel
The Being Brunel museum adjacent to the ship delves deep into Brunel's genius, showcasing his other incredible projects and his meticulous approach to design. The interactive exhibits, including a unique carriage ride simulation, allow visitors to experience the challenges and triumphs of his engineering career. This museum provides crucial context for understanding the SS Great Britain's significance and Brunel's lasting legacy.
Visitors often express awe at the sheer scale and ingenuity of Brunel's work. The volunteers on board frequently highlight specific engineering feats, such as the engine design and the hull's construction, making the experience both educational and inspiring.
Experiencing Life Aboard
The steerage quarters are a particularly poignant and often-mentioned highlight. Here, visitors can get a visceral sense of the cramped and basic conditions faced by emigrants and lower-class passengers. In contrast, the opulent first-class suites showcase the luxury enjoyed by the wealthy travellers of the time. The attention to detail in recreating these environments, including mannequins and period props, makes the experience incredibly immersive.
Many visitors find the volunteers to be invaluable guides, sharing personal anecdotes and historical facts that bring the ship to life. Their passion for the SS Great Britain's story is frequently praised, enhancing the overall visitor experience and providing a deeper connection to the past.
Value and Accessibility
Accessibility is also a strong point, with efforts made to ensure that as many visitors as possible can enjoy the attraction. While some of the lower decks, like steerage, have uneven floors that require caution, the main areas of the ship and the Being Brunel museum are generally well-equipped for wheelchairs and prams. Staff are noted for their helpfulness and willingness to provide information to assist visitors with specific needs.
Reviews frequently mention the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff and volunteers, who go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome and ensure they have an enjoyable and informative visit. This positive human element significantly contributes to the overall high regard for the SS Great Britain as a tourist destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit