Places to Visit in Bristol

Built and launched in Bristol in 1843, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s maritime masterpiece was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship.

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 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.