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 Insight Bus 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.