Brunel's ss Great Britain

Located at Bristol's Harbourside and well worth a visit from Bath, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s maritime masterpiece was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship.

Built and launched in Bristol in 1843, after a life as a luxury liner, troop ship, cargo vessel and floating warehouse, she was abandoned in the Falklands Islands in 1937. She was salvaged in 1970, towed back to Bristol and has now been restored to her former glory.

The historic vessel is being conserved for future generations under a ‘glass sea’ in the very dockyard where she was built. Visitors are encouraged to experience what life was like for her Victorian passengers and crew, including a visit to the recently installed three-storey tall moving engine.

Tickets to Brunel’s ss Great Britain can either be purchased from the Bath Tourist Information Centre or direct at the Harbourside and allow free and unlimited return visits for a year from the date of purchase. Tickets allow entry to the dry dock, museum, Maritime Heritage Centre, and the replica of John Cabot's ship The Matthew when she is in Bristol.

Visitors are invited to use an Audio Guide whilst aboard the ship and these are available in English, French & German and there are BSL Guides Video Guides for the deaf.

Brunel's ss Great Britain was the winner of the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 - the Biggest Arts Prize in the U.K.

Open 10.00 to 18.00 April to October, 10.00 to 16.30 November to March. Guided tours by appointment.

The ss Great Britain will be closed on 17, 24th and 25th December 2007.

Opening Times

Opening 2008 1 Jan 2008 - 31 Dec 2008

Events

Tickets Information

Road Directions

From Bath, the best route for a day visit is to catch the train to Bristol Temple Meads and then a floating taxi direct to the ss Great Britain.

By car, from Bath follow the A4 west to Bristol, towards Temple Meads Station. At next roundabout take 2nd exit. Pass Temple Meads on your left. Take Right Hand Lane turning right onto York Road (runs on south side of the river). Follow York Road to next roundabout at Bedminster Bridge. Take 3rd exit (cross river) along Commercial Road. At next mini roundabout take left exit along Cumberland Road. Follow for 800 metres and take right into Gas Ferry Lane.

Public Transport Directions

Trains to Bristol Temple Meads, From there it's a 30 minute walk, ferry or bus to the city centre. For timetable and further information please visit their web-site www.thetrainline.com

The new Cross Harbour Ferry is now operating between Capricorn Quay and the ss Great Britain.
Bristol Ferry Company operates ferry throughout the year, around the Bristol Floating Harbour. Please visit their web-site for an up to date timetable. www.bristolferryboat.co.uk or tel: 0117 9273416

 Facilities

• Gift Shop

Venue Facilities

• Wedding Venue

Provider Preferences

• Film or TV location
• Of historic, literary or architectural interest

Accessibility

• Accessible to Wheelchair Users
• Facilities for the Disabled

Children & Infants

• Facilities for children

Parking & Transport

• Car parking

Catering

• Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Delta accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Solo accepted
• Special group rates
• Switch accepted
• Visa accepted

Establishment Features

• Available for wedding receptions
• Conference facilities
• Event venue
• Licenced for civil marriages