Brunel's SS Great Britain (Bristol) - Visitor Information & Reviews

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Brunel's SS Great Britain and its collection

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The SS Great Britain, a British steamship weighing 3,300 tons, was constructed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843. This ship holds the distinction of being the first high-sea vessel to feature an iron hull and propeller propulsion. Today, it is preserved in the port of Bristol and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

Visiting the SS Great Britain

Since 2005, the SS Great Britain has been open to the public and forms an integral part of a museum that includes several sections. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history and the role it played in maritime engineering.

NLGreat Britain (schip, 1845)

DEGreat Britain

ESSS Great Britain

ITGreat Britain (transatlantico)

FRGreat Britain

Science & Technology History & Anthropology Industrial heritage Maritime Person & Artist

#20 History & Anthropology in England #4 Science & Technology in England #5 Industrial & heritage museums in England #1 Maritime museums in England #3 Person & artist museums in England #1 History & Anthropology in Bristol #1 Science & Technology in Bristol #1 Industrial & heritage museums in Bristol #1 Maritime museums in Bristol #1 Person & artist museums in Bristol #28 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #5 Science & Technology in United Kingdom #8 Industrial & heritage museums in United Kingdom #3 Maritime museums in United Kingdom #5 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #28 Science & Technology in Europe #19 Industrial & heritage museums in Europe #10 Maritime museums in Europe #40 Person & artist museums in Europe

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Brunel's SS Great Britain

Gas Ferry Road

Great Western Dockyard

BS1 6TY Bristol

England

Images of Brunel's SS Great Britain

Visitor information Brunel's SS Great Britain

Opening hours

Spring/Summer Times
15 February 2025 – November 2025
Please note that we are CLOSED on Mondays except for bank holidays and during school holidays.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Autumn/Winter Times
4 November 2024 – 14 February 2025
Please note that we are CLOSED on Mondays except for bank holidays and during school holidays.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm

More opening hours

Admission

0 – 3	Free
4 – 16	£14.50
Companion/Assistant (accompanying a paying passenger who is disabled)	Free
Family (2 adults & up to 3 children)	£64.00
One Adult Family (1 adult & up to 3 children)	£44.00
Passenger (17 years and up)	£22.00
Students with ID	£18.50

More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Museum shop

Coffee

Location & Map

Gas Ferry Road, Bristol

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Brunel's SS Great Britain have been found.

Brunel's SS Great Britain Reviews

Brunel's SS Great Britain has 3 ratings.

Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

Brunel's SS Great Britain, located in Bristol, England, offers visitors an immersive experience into maritime history. The museum centers around the restored SS Great Britain, a pioneering steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Visitors can explore the ship's various decks, from the engine room to the first-class cabins, providing a comprehensive look at 19th-century naval engineering and passenger life.

The museum excels in its attention to historical detail and interactive exhibits. Many visitors appreciate the well-preserved nature of the ship and the surrounding dockyard. The audio guides and costumed interpreters add depth to the experience, helping to bring the ship's history to life. The dry dock underneath the ship, where visitors can see the hull and innovative screw propeller, is often cited as a highlight.

On the negative side, some visitors find the ticket prices a bit steep, especially for families. A few also mention that certain areas of the ship can be cramped and may pose difficulties for those with mobility issues. During peak times, the museum can get crowded, which might detract from the experience for some.

The museum also features additional exhibits on Brunel's life and work, which most find informative and engaging. However, a small number of visitors feel these could be expanded further to provide even more context.

Overall, Brunel's SS Great Britain is widely regarded as a well-curated, educational, and engaging museum that offers a tangible connection to Bristol's maritime heritage and the industrial revolution. It's generally considered a worthwhile attraction for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors to Bristol.

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G

Glenda • 14 Feb 2022

This rating does not include a review.

Visited on 16 Oct 2021
C

Christopher • 22 Feb 2018

Great day out even in the rain! A unique peep into the past and explore areas in the dry dock not normally seen. Staff are friendly and play their parts so convincingly making history come alive. We will be going back.

Visited on 10 Feb 2018
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Brunel's SS Great Britain

Brunel's SS Great Britain and its collection

Visiting the SS Great Britain

Images of Brunel's SS Great Britain

Visitor information Brunel's SS Great Britain

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Brunel's SS Great Britain Reviews

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