Step aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain and discover the ship that changed the way the world travelled. Moored in Bristol’s historic harbour, this remarkable Victorian steamship invites families to explore life at sea through recreated cabins, characterful crew spaces, hands-on displays and the sights, sounds and smells of a 19th-century voyage.
Walk the ship’s decks, peer into the engine room and imagine what it was like for passengers and crew crossing the Atlantic or sailing to Australia. Beneath the glass sea, head into the original dry dock to see the ship’s vast iron hull from below, then explore the Great Western Dockyard, where Brunel’s bold engineering ideas first took shape.
Admission also includes entry to Being Brunel, where interactive displays, personal objects and recreated rooms reveal the life and legacy of one of Britain’s most influential engineers. Families can also look out for seasonal activities, trails and demonstrations during school holidays.
For an extra challenge, add Go Aloft, a guided rig climb for visitors aged 10 and over. Climb the ship’s rigging and, if you are feeling brave, step out onto the main yard for panoramic views across Bristol’s historic harbour.
Allow around three hours to explore at a relaxed pace. Your admission ticket includes unlimited return visits for a year, so there is no need to fit everything into one day.
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From stepping aboard a world-famous Victorian steamship to getting underneath its hull in the original dry dock, Brunel’s SS Great Britain brings maritime history to life for curious families.
Explore the decks, cabins and engine spaces of the SS Great Britain, recreated to show what life was like for Victorian passengers and crew. With sounds, smells and detailed displays throughout, it is easy to imagine the ship preparing to set sail.
Head into the original dry dock and look up at the enormous iron hull from below. This unique viewpoint reveals the scale of Brunel’s engineering and gives families a memorable perspective on one of Britain’s most important historic ships.
Included with admission, Being Brunel brings Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s life and ideas into focus. Explore interactive displays, see personal belongings and discover how his ambitious projects transformed travel, engineering and Victorian Britain.
Available from March to October 2026 on selected Thursdays to Sundays. This 20 to 30-minute guided climb includes full-day site admission and costs £35 per participant. It is suitable for ages 10 and over, subject to height, weight and fitness requirements. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Spring and summer
14 February to 3 November 2026 Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Closed on Mondays, except during bank holidays and school holidays, when the attraction is open.
Autumn and winter
4 November 2026 to 13 February 2027 Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00
Closed on Mondays, except during bank holidays and school holidays, when the attraction is open.
Brunel's SS Great Britain
Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, Somerset and Bristol, BS1 6TY, England
Tel: 0117 926 0680
Last updated: 08:23 13/08/2026
Most asked questions relating to Brunel's SS Great Britain.
Your ticket includes entry to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the historic dockyard, the original dry dock and the Being Brunel museum. You can explore the ship, discover life at sea and enjoy general-admission activities running on the day.
