Brunel's ss Great Britain

Brunel's ss Great Britain is the world’s first great ocean liner. Launched in 1843 to provide luxury travel to New York, the iron-hulled steamship revolutionised travel and set new standards in engineering, reliability and speed. Today Brunel's ss Great Britain, is one of the UK’s most exciting museums and visitor attractions.

Visitors step back in time in the new Dockyard Museum, before boarding ship as Victorian passengers, to explore the beautifully recreated spaces – from the First Class Dining Saloon and Promenade Deck, to the Engine Room and Steerage. Passengers’ and crew members’ stories are retold through handheld audio companions. The smell of newly baked bread, musty travellers, a smoky engine room and even vomit help bring the 19th century onboard experience alive.

But it is the ss Great Britain’s glass ‘sea’ which is proving the greatest wow factor for visitors. In true ‘Brunelian’ spirit, the ship appears to be afloat on what is the roof of a giant dehumidification chamber. Technological innovation, inspirational design and some truly revolutionary features were key to the ship’s early success, and remain essential to her ongoing conservation in the 21st century.

Free Fam visits.

10% discount for pre-booked groups (5% discount for groups arriving without pre-booking).

Groups can pre-order Brunel's ss Great Britain souvenier guidebooks when booking a group visit.

Groups get 10% discount when they pre-buy 10 guidebooks.

Free 'Meet and Greet' for groups (subject to availability).

Private group guided tours - £35 +VAT for groups of 20-30 (40mins ).

Private group guided tours with 'Mr Brunel' (actor Martin Williamson in costume and in character) - £100 +VAT for groups of 20-30 (takes 40mins).

Free entry for the coach driver and group tour organiser.

50% discount on entry for Blue Badge guides.

Special rates for group visitors at leading hotels.

Special group catering options available (please discuss on booking).

Good coach parking facilities.

One of the most accessible historic ships in the world:

Lift access.

Specialist British Sign Language (BSL) hand-held interactive tours for Deaf people.

Audio guides to assist orientation for visually impaired people.

Guide, hearing and other assistance dogs are welcome.

Free entry for dedicated assistants.

Multi award-winning visitor attraction:

Enjoy England Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007

European Museum of the Year Award’s Micheletti Prize for 'Best Industrial or Technology Museum' 2007

RIBA/Crown Estate Special Award for Conservation 2007

The Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 - the Biggest Arts Prize in the U.K.

ADAPT Trust Award for 'Excellence in Access' 2006

Opening Times

Opening 2008 1 Jan 2008 - 31 Dec 2008

Events

Tickets Information

Road Directions

Exiting M4 Junction 19 M32 at Junction 3, continue until Inner Circuit Road. Turn left to 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