ss Great Britain - Brunel's iron ship
Visit ss Great Britain in Bristol, Brunel's iron ship that changed ocean travel. Ticket tips, opening times, accessibility. Stop 05 on the 19-stop circuit.
The ss Great Britain is the most visited heritage site in Bristol, and with good reason. She was the first iron-hulled, screw-propelled ocean liner, launched here in 1843 to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s design, and she combines genuine engineering significance with a museum presentation that has matured into one of the best in the country.
Ticket tip
A standard adult ticket (currently around £22) is valid for one year of unlimited return visits. If you are staying in Bristol for more than a few days, or might come back for a rainy one, it is the best deal in the city. Under-fives are free; there are family tickets and concessions.
What to expect
Three linked sites: the ship herself in her dry dock, the Dockyard Museum in the adjacent warehouse, and the Being Brunel museum next door. Expect three to four hours for a full visit, less for a quick look at the ship alone. The highlight for most visitors is walking beneath the hull under the “glass sea.”
Access
Fully accessible: lifts to all decks including the dry dock, accessible toilets throughout, large-print and audio guides free at the entrance.
This attraction is Stop 05 on the Bristol Insight circuit. Tickets are sold at the entrance and online at ssgreatbritain.org.