Top Things To Do In SS Great Britain (Bristol) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in SS Great Britain

1. 1. SS Great Britain Self-Guided Tour

   Embark on a self-guided tour of the SS Great Britain, the world-renowned ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. During this immersive experience, you'll have the opportunity to explore the meticulously restored ship, which was once the longest passenger steamship in the world. Venture below deck to witness the authentic reconstruction of the luxury cabins, dining saloon, and the cramped steerage accommodations. On the top deck, feel the breeze and admire the ship's innovative design features. Discover the Dry Dock, where the ship's hull is displayed, and visit the Dockyard Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the ship's history, engineering marvels, and the epic voyages it undertook. This journey into nautical history is an engaging activity for individuals and families alike, allowing you to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Victorian maritime travel.

   Duration: 1.5-2 hours · Price: £18 per adult

2. 2. Brunel Institute Tour

   Dive deeper into the brilliance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel with a tour of the Brunel Institute, which houses a remarkable collection of maritime archives and artifacts. The tour is conducted by knowledgeable curators who guide you through an extensive array of original documents, periodicals, and drawings related to the SS Great Britain and other Brunel-designed engineering feats. You'll have the chance to see rare items up-close, such as Brunel's diaries and letters, technical plans, and even personal possessions. This educational activity is perfect for history buffs and engineering enthusiasts keen to gain a profound understanding of Brunel's legacy and the industrial revolution that changed the face of the world. Uncover stories behind the artifacts, engage with interactive exhibits, and be inspired by the innovative spirit of one of Britain's greatest engineers.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included with the price of general admission

3. 3. Being Brunel Museum Visit

   The Being Brunel museum is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the life and works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of history's most influential engineers. The museum offers a captivating look at Brunel's personal and professional journey through a series of interactive displays and personal memorabilia. You'll encounter a recreation of his Duke Street office, complete with original furnishings and items from his career. Engage with multimedia exhibits that bring Brunel's projects to life and offer insights into his innovative mind. There are also family-friendly activities, ensuring that visitors of all ages can appreciate Brunel's lasting impact on engineering and design. The visit to Being Brunel can be an eye-opening educational experience that inspires creativity and a passion for science and history.

   Duration: 45-60 minutes · Price: Included with the price of general admission

4. 4. Go Aloft! Climbing Experience

   For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Go Aloft! experience at the SS Great Britain offers a thrilling adventure. Strap on a harness and climb the rigging to reach the ship's masthead, 27 meters above the deck. Under the guidance of the ship's crew, you'll learn how to ascend the shrouds and scramble out onto the main yard to take in stunning views of Bristol's harbourside. This hands-on activity is as educational as it is exciting, providing a taste of what life was like for 19th-century sailors who braved these heights daily. Safety is a top priority, and the ship's professional team will ensure you're properly equipped and briefed before you begin your climb. The experience is weather-dependent and only suitable for participants over ten years old who are physically fit and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: £10 (in addition to general admission)

5. 5. Victorian Sailor Tales

   Take a step back in time with the Victorian Sailor Tales at SS Great Britain. This interactive storytelling activity is great for families, where costumed actors bring to life the stories and adventures of sailors from the Victorian era. As you listen to the tales of hardship, heroism, and the high seas, you'll get a sense of the daring and danger faced by the men who sailed on SS Great Britain and other ships of the period. Engage with history in an entertaining and accessible way, and learn about maritime life from the characters that experienced it firsthand. The tales are carefully crafted to be both educational and fascinating, providing context to the ship and its voyages, and are regularly scheduled throughout the day for visitor convenience.

   Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Included with the price of general admission

6. 6. Maritime Heritage Tours

   Join one of the Maritime Heritage Tours for an expert-guided exploration of the SS Great Britain and its influence on sea travel and international trade. These tours provide in-depth historical context, sharing stories of the passengers and crew who traveled on the ship through various epochs. The guides are well-versed in maritime history and the technical advances that the SS Great Britain represented, including her innovative screw propeller. You'll gain insights into the social and economic impact of the ship and explore the broader narrative of Bristol's connection to maritime history. The tour is rich with information and provides ample opportunity for questions, making it an enlightening experience for anyone interested in maritime heritage and the industrial revolution.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: Included with the price of general admission

7. 7. After Hours Events

   Experience the SS Great Britain in a whole new light with the After Hours Events. Occurring throughout the year, these unique evening events provide a chance to see the historic ship and accompanying museums outside regular opening times. From talks and workshops to live music and themed nights, the After Hours Events cater to a range of interests and offer a captivating ambiance that only the nighttime setting can provide. Whether you're attending a lecture by a maritime expert, enjoying a drink on the promenade deck of the ship, or participating in an interactive workshop, these events are designed to both entertain and inform, making for a memorable evening full of learning and discovery.

   Duration: Varies per event · Price: Prices vary per event; booking in advance is recommended

8. 8. Steam Engine Workings Demonstration

   Delve into the engineering marvels of the Victorian era with the Steam Engine Workings Demonstration at SS Great Britain. Observe the ship's replica steam engine in action and learn about the mechanics and purpose of the engine from knowledgeable volunteers. These demonstrations shed light on the forces that propelled the SS Great Britain across the oceans, making her one of the most advanced ships of her time. During the demonstration, experts will explain the principles of steam power, the engine's components, and the advancements this technology brought to the maritime industry. This educational experience is ideal for those interested in the history of engineering and maritime navigation, providing a tangible connection to the innovations of Brunel and the industrial age.

   Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Included with the price of general admission

9. 9. Family Workshops

   SS Great Britain offers Family Workshops that are perfect for visitors with children. These engaging and hands-on workshops are designed to educate and entertain, with a focus on maritime history, engineering, and art. Through activities such as building model ships, creating nautical crafts, or learning simple engineering concepts, children and adults can enjoy spending quality time together while exploring various themes related to the SS Great Britain. The workshops usually revolve around the history of the ship, tales of her passengers, or Brunel's engineering achievements, offering a varied program that changes seasonally. It's a great way to inspire young minds and introduce them to the wonders of history and science.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Included with the price of general admission; some workshops may require a small additional fee

10. 10. Historical Character Encounters

    Meet the past face to face at the SS Great Britain through Historical Character Encounters. As you explore the ship and her quarters, you might bump into Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, or characters from the ship's storied past, such as a Victorian captain, a 19th-century engineer, or a well-traveled passenger. These engaging encounters are performed by actors in period-appropriate costumes, offering brief glimpses into the daily life and challenges of those who worked or traveled on the ship. Interactive and educational, these characters delight visitors with anecdotes, facts, and the opportunity to ask questions, making history feel alive and relevant. The encounters are spontaneous and occur throughout the day, providing surprise and delight for visitors of all ages.

    Duration: Encounters throughout the day · Price: Included with the price of general admission