Reviews of Brunel's SS Great Britain. (Museum) in Bristol (Somerset).

Brunel's SS Great Britain

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396 Comments

Museum

Maritime museum

Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY, United Kingdom

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Information of Brunel's SS Great Britain, Museum in Bristol (Somerset)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

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Open hours of Brunel's SS Great Britain

Popular times

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Reviews of Brunel's SS Great Britain

T. C.

A fantastic floating museum (though, technically speaking, it is in dry Dock- few holes in the Hull , you know). Brilliant restoration that gave you a feeling of what it must have been like to travel to Australia in the 1800s. Certainly the size of the berths gave you a feeling for how much smaller people were then. The whole centre is worth a visit as the story of the SS Great Britain and how it came to return to Bristol is pretty incredible. You'll spend a good couple of hours there. And there's a little shop. Of course.

F. R.

Really enjoyed my visit. The ship is amazing and there is plenty to see and do around on the dock. The whole dock itself has been made into a museum with a horse-drawn carriage, travellers' trunks, anchors etc. On the ship, visitors can look in the bowels of the ship to see the propeller and up on deck, where there are seats to enjoy the view. The ship is supposed to be disabled friendly, with ramps and lifts. However the lift wasn't working on the day we visited. There is a interesting shop and a museum. A cafe can be found near to the entrance with lovely fresh sandwiches, hot snacks and pastries. I would love to say it was an excellent facility, but we were totally ignored at the counter for quite some time before being served. There are plenty of toilets throughout. They are very clean and the best thing is that one can read poetry whilst sat on the throne!!! If I could recommend something, it would be clearer signposting. All in all however, it was a great attraction, with plenty to see and do. I would certainly return.

C. C. (. T. D. &. D.

My hubby and daughter went round here, I stayed outside with the dogs as they weren’t allowed in. They both really enjoyed this, there’s lots of info about Brunel, his life and his works, giving you an idea of what life might have been like at that time. My daughter enjoyed the dry dock and looking at the underside of the ship as well as the inside with all the info. The dry dock was very hot as it is pumped with hot air to preserve it and keep the moisture out, you might need a drink with you for this part. They spent around 2 hours going around. There is a nice gift shop when you go in. Good for disabled access or prams as there were lifts to take you up and down the floors. Nice friendly staff on hand to answer any questions you may have. Definitely worth a visit.

K. K.

Day trip with daughter to look around ship. Very interactive and staff on board being informative. Definitely a good few hours walking round. Daughter loved it. Tickets last a year so Definitely get your moneys worth.

L.

Fabulous place to visit. Exceeded expectations. Lots to see and explore, plus the opportunity to go underneath the ship. Children loved the opportunity to dress up in the period clothes and enjoyed following the trail and finding the chest clues. Staff were friendly and helpful and the addition of period clothing was a lovely touch. Plenty of interactive areas and clever information displays (we particularly like the chest of drawers near the dress up are where you could see inside the drawer of individuals who had travelled on the ship). The sounds, smells and models made it feel like we had stepped back in time.

G. C.

This is a fantastic experience with the ship restored to display the different levels of passenger comforts from First Class at the Stern down to Steerage at the bow. There is a vast amount of information depicting life on board the worlds first passenger liner. There is even a lift to the levels below deck for visitors with mobility issues.

E. D.

This place has a lot of history. The ship is well maintained and its impressive how much they do to even maintain this ship. Specially to stop it from getting rusty. For a £10 additional cost you may climb up to the pole of the ship. The inside of the ship is well maintained and displayed. You can even smell the things inside the rooms which was really unexpected. Figures have been placed all over to explain what they do in each room . These figures are also well made. It's a must visit place if you are in Bristol. The ticket costs £19 and is valid upto an year

S. M.

A great time for all ages, although starting to show its age when I was there with a few of the interactive bits not working. Ships wheel and propeller lift. Quite expensive at £19 per adult but you can easily spend 3 hours mooching around all the displays and the ship is amazing. Good Cafe, toilets and things to keep kids happy

L. S.

This really is an astounding museum. The ship is fantastic and the other exhibit and collections are also fantastic... But perhaps the most amazing thing, is the recreation of the lower decks with all the sights and sounds and the SMELLS. It really does feel authentic and you can easily imagine you are actually there on a voyage in the middle of the ocean. The staff 'crew' all very knowledgeable and clearly love their roles and the ship. Really, this is one of the best living museum experiences you can have. I can't recommend it highly enough.

E.

An absolutely beautiful ship! A huge part of our national history. Lovingly and respectfully restored to her former glory to educate many. An absolutely must see. There's plenty of knowledgeable staff around who are more than happy to tell you more about her history and show you around.

K. B.

We haven't been for a few years, and it still amazes me. My daughter wasn't born when me and my wife visited last. We knew she would love it, and being 6 she really took it all in and was soo excited. Its a visit that is hard to explain, its great educationally and fun for all ages it really is awesome and mind blowing standing underneath a 200 year old liner. It's a must see and I will tell everyone about this huge piece of British history sitting in dry Dock. The only thing we had trouble with really was the gift shop we planned to spend some money but the service was none existent for a while, one young lad was walking around the tills and a couple of female colleagues wondered around too until one told the lad to jump on the till. We waited probably 25 minutes and numerous people walked off. Its a shame missing sales like that. Also the parking was a maximum of 5 hours I wish it could of been more so we could of spent more time in the local area and grabbed lunch but it was too much of a rush. But in all a perfect day with perfect weather and great informative staff. If you are reading this please go its a must.

M. H.

We had a fantastic morning visiting the SS Great Britain with our grand daughter. The volunteer staff were universally superb - special thanks to Sue Clerk and Roger for exceptional service. The dry dock was fascinating and being able to walk underneath the ship was quite incredible. It was also interesting to see the cabins that passengers had, certainly tougher people then than we are! We will definitely be back to go through the areas we skimmed over as our grand daughter had reached the limits of her interest. Superb day and excellent value with the year ticket.

K. S.

It was interesting sight to see and definitely kids friendly with lots of games for kids, but there were no tour guides or electronic tours. It was great fun but not for those who are new to the site, I would say bring your reading glasses.

t. p.

We've been to Bristol docks many times and we love it. Lots of interesting walking, cafes and shops. The boats and history are great and you can take dogs most places including the Ss Great Britain gift shop, but sadly not into the great Britain display itself. Parking is close for a disabled person but be aware of the amount of walking you'll need to do to see everything.

s. h.

The amazing achievements of Brunel brought to life. After a Herculean task of bringing the SS Great Britain from the Falkland islands to its permanent dry dock, they've achieved a fun and educational way of displaying her. Loads to see and do for the family, including experts training you to climb the rigging and actors playing out the history of the first iron ship.

K. q.

The best of the best museum I’ve ever been to. Several different activities you can join. Remember to check the notice board of the activities schedule. No need to reserve the tickets. And we spent totally 2.5 hours in the museum.

D. G.

The SS Great Britain, a pioneer of the ship building industry and a legend in the legacy of ships which have earned their place in the annals of history. The largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854, she was also the world's first ocean liner, providing regular transatlantic service between Bristol and New York. While other ships had been built of iron or equipped with a screw propeller, the SS Great Britain was the first to combine these features. The ship also saw combat in both the World Wars with the Allies using her prowess and later her parts in attacks against the Axis Powers near the Falkland Islands. It was a one of a kind experience to visit a ship like this which has now been converted into a museum with historically accurate smells and recorded sounds designed to provide each and every visitor the feeling of being a passenger on the ship all the way back in 1843. With crew members dressed like English gentlemen from the 1800s scuttling around the ship while making conversation with you like it's the nineteenth century, this attraction is a must visit for everyone who's in Bristol. As a student of History, Politics and International Relations.... this is the most fun I've ever had!

J. E. d. M. T.

Fantastic voyage into an historic means of transportation, the mind of the man that designed it, the lives of the people who built it, and the lifestyle of those who travelled in it. So much to see, to do and to learn! Perfect for all ages and for families. Your ticket is good for unlimited visits during a full calendar year and we went 3 times in 4 days! There are many interactive displays and everything is set up to protect visitors with sanitising gel widely available. Professional and volunteer crew members enthusiastically share their knowledge of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and of the SS Great Britain herself. Even the gift shop is top class, with both useful, fun and beautiful articles. I could go on and on describing the dry Dock, the various museums and the Being Brunel experience, but my best advice is Don't Miss It!! Visit the SS Great Britain!

A. S.

So much to see!!!! The models and sound effects in the ship are incredibly realistic and really enrich the experience. The museum areas are extensive and give the site a 'tardis' like quality. One of the best gift shops I've seen in a while. Excellent value for money!!!!!

W.

An absolutely fantastic day out! Second visit in just a few months as you get free re entry for a year when you buy your tickets. Staff were so friendly and helpful and good with my little ones. There is so much to see and do, x2 museums, the boat itself, inside and out. Thoroughly recommend. Can't wait to go again!

c. a.

This is the most fascinating and educational experience. The restoration and upkeep of the ship is first rate. The on site staff are enthusiastic and very well informed. The whole package is perfect.

F. B.

An Amazing museum! Definitely one of the best in the country. Good facilities and events. Visited when a Victorian Christmas was happening. Even though it was cold there are plenty of indoor things to do. A good balance of kids things and adults things. Incredible conservation in action as the vessels underside is kept in a dry condition with a glass watery roof and deep thought 2 a huge dehumidifier. Keeping the underside dry. The staff and Victorian reenactors were very friendly. Very impressed with the huge Brunel face which was something I have not seen before.

R.

Must and should place of visit. The way they have restored the old ancient 18th century 3 stories boat. Good to see them and feel the ancient culture. Maintaining the boat in dry dock was outstanding

I. H.

Excellent visitor attraction. Lots of information about the vessel and also the time in which it sailed. Many interactive elements throughout the two museum buildings and then a real feel of what SS Great Britain was as a working vessel.

D. C.

We've been planning to visit this famous landmark for ages and finally managed to do it. Bought tickets online- easy! Expensive but you can return again as many times as you like for 1 year. Very impressive and so much to see. The staff dotted around the site were very helpful. The size and scale of the engineering is incredible and so much of the ship has been brought to life with interactive displays. Really glad that we finally got round to visiting. Parked at the Portway park and ride and caught the bus in. Excellent.

T. B.

Absolutely brilliant!!! Would really recommend going here!! On the ship they have the whole set up and the sound effects (and smell effects 👃) were really good. In fact the whole set up was great! Won't lie I did get lost a couple times but the kids loved finding the people on the map. The man that welcomed us was a brilliant character and got us right in the mood. The staff in the gift shop were friendly as well. For the price of what we paid definitely worth it.

P. J.

What a great experience. Plan for at least 3 hours for the ship and associated museums. The boat has been restored to exactly how it would have been including the sounds and smells (you have been warned). The excellent volunteers are there to answer any questions. The whole family loved it.

A. S.

Brilliant few hours spent here. You get to explore under the ship and see the bottom of it in the dry dock then go on board all the different decks and see the way each class of person spent time on ship. There's a lot that you get to see and feel (literally) and a trail for kids to do as well. Interesting exhibition about Brunel and a good little film. The guides were good as well, knowledgeable and chatty. There is a cafe next door that has good cakes and drinks. Ticket allows entry over a year so is good value, bit even if you only go once its good.

K. P.

Good value at £20 for unlimited visits though the year. Lots to explore and learn. An important and interesting restoration project that deserves funding. Friendly fun staff. Engineering that makes you proud to be British.

K. Y.

Seriously one of the best museum visits I've ever had. We had the ship to ourselves as we were the first people in that day. The sound effects as you tour around the ship add real atmosphere and walking around the dry dock underneath the fake waterline was a revelation. Fabulous.

B. C.

Excellent place to visit. Really interesting place for the whole family. Parking is right next door though it's cash only or use your phone to book over the internet/use an app. Staff are SS Gt. Britain are knowledgeable, friendly & keen to help and the whole venue is fun & interactive.

S. W. N. K.

Awesome museum about the inventor /builder of - and the ship itself - the SS Great Brittain. Detailed in every aspect, and didactial well prepared. Lots and lots to see. You can easily stay a whole day there, to explore every little prob and corner of the ship, and/or to read every explanation or listen to the virtual guide. Also a bunch of interactive games / expositions for kids and adults. We went there in september of 2022, where we hadn‘t have to wait for too long at the cashing point. Still its recommended to order the tickets online and prior to the visit. you can get a virtual audio guide for free, set to your preferred language (I think one out of 10 or so).

A. C.

A wonderful piece of British history, never imagined that it would be so good , it's a experience for kids to explore and adults to see the past in a realistic way , it's awesome with superb sound effects given, it creeps you out if you go alone in some rooms of the ship.. it was an amazing experience.. a must visit 👍👍👍

A. K.

The SS Great Britain revolutionised Trans-Atlantic travel when it was launched in 1843. The biggest ship in the world at the time it was the first propeller driven ocean going vessel. It was rescued in 1970 from the Falkland Islands where it had been scuttled in 1937, brought back to Bristol and restored where it sits in a dry dock. At one point it was put forward as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but that was ultimately rejected, who knows why? If any vessel deserves that distinction it's this one.

K. S.

Absolutely amazing experience! People working there are doing a great job! They are knowledgeable, speak interestingly and are willing to answer all the questions. Loved the fact that you can walk-in into many different cabins (not watch from the distance only, as it usuallyis is in the museums), the movement sensors worked perfectly, playing different sounds and realising different smells depending on the area (what a great idea it is!). But not only the ship itself is stunning, dry dock, the dockyard museum and Brunel's office are equally astonishing! Worth every penny spent on the ticket (and that one ticket gives you free entry for a whole year!). Will definitely go again!

M. H.

Very interesting piece of British history. The top deck and 2 lower decks have been faithfully recreated to a high standard, giving you a real feel of what the ship was like in its day. Plus, your tickets are valid for a year to go again and again.

J.

Really interesting and fascinating place. Experiences are well put together and you feel like you are back in Victorian Times. The kids loved it and were educated without knowing it. Always a bonus. Ticket is valid for 1 whole year, so remarkable value

S. A.

I would say quite expensive but being into industrial archeology and boats this was awesome. There’s a fantastic documentary on YouTube about bringing the SS Great Britain back from the Falklands that’s well worth looking for so you can truly appreciate being able to board this historic ship today.

J. D.

Fabulous day out to SS Great Britain in Bristol. So much to see. Fascinating to learn about the talented Mr Brunel. We ate at on-site cafe, good choice of lunch and snacks available.

r. j.

On a sunny January morning, we decided that a visit to the incredible SS Great Britain would be a wonderful thing to do! I have visited many times before and have always enjoyed stepping aboard Brunels fantastic ship! Every time I visit I notice more things that I have not noticed the times before on our visits. Today we spotted the monkey drinking beer in one of the cabins... If you haven't been before, you really must go to see it for yourself. Not only is it an incredible piece of history but the work that has gone into its restoration is unbelievable! Today we looked at pictures of its near wreck in a sad watery grave and how it was brought back to the original dock that it was built in to be refurbished into Bristols finest attraction. I love the attention to detail in the rooms, not only with the time period correct cabins and decor but also in various rooms the essence of the past in the form of smells. I have always enjoyed Brunels work and to read about its impact on modern day life. When you step aboard you get the feel of what it would have truely been like to sail in her. My favourite visits have always been when the victorian society visit. Not only does it add to the appeal but you get a true sense of times gone by. The victorian society dress and act for the occaision and interact with the visitors making it a very memorable visit. Christmas time in my opinion is the best time to visit. Not only do the victorian society make festive visits but the ship and grounds are dressed with lovely decorations and there's always someone to tell you a tale about the ship. Today's visit was fantastic. The weather was fine. The staff were all lovely to chat to and helpful. We even met Brunel himself and he allowed us to take pictures! Truely an excellent adventure and you can visit again for a year with your ticket. We hope you enjoy the photos we took today! Top marks to you all at Brunels SS Great Britain!

M. W.

This was my first visit. I found it to be an excellent experience. The staff are friendly band helpful, the exhibits are informative, interesting and interactive. The museum would suit visitors of all ages. Their were ramps and lifts for aiding visitors with reduced mobility. I especially enjoyed looking around the SS Great Britain, but the other parts of the museum are superb too.

L. W.

What an expectional places to visit. Only had half a day to visit Bristol and got told this is one place you have to go to. What makes this so great is many things are interactive and you are encouraged to open things up and try things out. Highley recommend a visit, we got lucky and had the whole place place to ourselves so it was an absolute breeze to do what we wanted there.

M. G.

Lots to discover and find out about the ship. Spent a lovely half day visit on a sunny bright morning. Recommended 5 star attraction.

N. H.

Impressed by this bit of history. We loved the replica interior in the original hull, and the way the team behind this had brought it to life. So while we were hesitant about the cost, I feel it was worth it

A. M.

Upon entry we were greeted by staff smiling broadly through his beard. With a different outfit he could easily pass off as the ship's captain. ,😊 He spoke with pride and passion about the ship and it's significance. This put us in a really good mood and it went better and better all the way to the end. The ship museum feels alive. Lots of care and thought has gone into curating various items and creating realism of life aboard the vessel. It is a must visit and worth every dime. Emboss your ticket at the four presses, dress up and take pics in period costumes, pull out the drawer display cases to discover more intriguing facts. Explore.

K. K.

Absolutely excellent attraction, much more value added since I visited in the 1980s. I love the year round ticket, will return to take advantage.

L.

What a fantastic museum dedicated to Brunel and his phenomenal feats of engineering. My Dad thoroughly enjoyed his visit. The staff were ever so friendly, helpful, passionate and full of knowledge. The lengths this museum has gone too to make this accessable to all people was outstanding. There were lifts to get you to every level and plenty of toilets

H. C.

Really enjoyed the tour, took my partner for his birthday. The staff were very helpful, friendly and had a lot of knowledge about the history of the ship. You get your moneys worth, a lot of interaction and so much to explore. Ideal for all ages, would highly recommend!

5. S. G.

A quiet place to walk and enjoy the river view. Meet people and talk for a few minutes. Walking with dogs and seeing other people's dogs and dogs playing with each other. Every hour of the day has its own beauty. But I like the sunset more in this area.

A. Q.

Impressive piece of history, well worth a visit. It's an interactive experience that engages all the senses u get to see, smell, and hear how it would have been back then. I recommend at least 2hrs for the full experience.

R.

I saw the ship when the local weather was misty which added to the drama. The re_enactors are subtle: the lady in the saloon especially so. The demonstratipn of the cabins and engines is good. If you scale, people were tiny judging by the bunks. Great the way they take you through a museum first. The strip includes a recreation of the Matthew and the Balmoral. The latter needs love so it can go to sea again.

A. H.

Amazing! One of Brunel's finest achievements, beautifully and thoughtfully restored. The dry Dock experience under the ship is amazing and the tour through the ship itself is fantastic. Well organised one way system helps keep you safe during these tough times. Staff are delightful, well informed and very helpful and courteous. Ticket last 12 months so may visit as many times as you wish in that time.

J. F.

Very interesting placet to visit in Bristol. You can go below deck where there are models showing how people lived on the ship in that time. There's a museum for Brunel and the ss great Britain on site. You can even pay to climb the rigging if your feeling brave.

S. F.

Absolutely fascinating! A real trip back in to history. The sleeping quarters, kitchen and saloons are set up to give you a look at what life was like on board the ship, and there are stories about what happened to some of the passengers who sailed on her. There's also a shop and a restaurant. It's well worth a visit.

N. K.

A great visit. A very impressive museum showing the history of the SS Great Britain. Although Brunel gets all the credit other navel architects and engineers don't get enough credit. Should be more on the Great Western and the Demaria also built in the famous ship yard.

G. M.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day here, although we haven't seen everything we will be going back to see the rest, and you have up to a year to do so. It was a bit scary going down into the dry Dock, but totally fascinating at the same time, to look around the bit of a ship you obviously would never see. It was also very warm down there but, as we found out why you understand why it has to be. Then to look around the rest of the ship, seriously good although we'd definitely preferred to travel first class apposed to steerage! Some areas are very dark, just as it would have been back in the day and you really wouldn't want to spend much time down in the bowels of the ship as it was a bit creepy but worth having a look. And for those of us who have difficulty going up or down stairs, there are lifts in both the Museum and the Ship. The rest of the review will have to wait until we've seen the rest..... Oh, and definitely worth the £18 ticket price.

m.

Lovely visit, keep your tickets and you can use again and again within a year. Lots of history and interactive stuff for kids and adults plus a gift shop will definitely revisit.

M. A.

Spent a happy few hours touring this venerable old ship and the Brunel associated museums in the dock area. Quite cleverly preserved and presented, but the chatty guides give the place its real charm. Engsge with one on entry and you won't go wrong. Tip, present your parking receipt to get £3.00 rebate.

Z. S.

Best museum ever! Not just the ship, but living history around it. It was very interesting to learn about Brunel as well.

M. C.

A fabulous experience about the SS Great Britain and her designer, the visionary and heroic engineer and project leader Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the foremost engineers of Victorian age. A personal hero and inspiration of mine. This exhibition is a must see for anyone interested in engineering history and development of travel in the Industrial age.

W. 3.

About 3 hours tour through docks, museum and beautifully preserved and reconstruct ship. Passengers deck, kitchen, engine room and all of the rest frozen in time, together with ambient sounds, people talks and added scents creates immersive experience.

A. t.

We were visiting Bristol so had to visit. Glad we did there's quite a lot more than the actual ship. The other exhibitions are very good.

S. S.

Fantastic musuem, definitely worth the money. So interesting and full of original articles as well as being able to view the ship literally from top to bottom!! The staff are super friendly and helpful and all over a amazing experience. The whole place is full of interesting facts and history. Things to know: 1) tickets are valid for 12 months to revisit 2) parking is right by the musuem ,however it is not free 3) there is a small cafe next to the musuem if you wish to eat after 5) if you visit 12-1 they bring a different article out of archive to show you and explain its significance

T. R.

Fantastic museum, very well curated, hands on and experiential. Lovely passionate and knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Highly recommend.

A. C.

It transports you back in time to experience the tribulations and triumphs of all the great men and women associated with the engineering marvel and wonder which was/is the SS Great Britian.

P. M.

Great history - amazing friendly staff and gob smacking ship and lots too see in the museum - defo get a guided tour - makes it so special

k. o.

This is a beautiful place, history well preserved and presented. Amazing crew and staff too. A little fun quest for children on the ship.

V. É.

One of the best museums I have ever seen. I enjoyed it a lot. Staff is very friendly, helpful. Bristol no.1 must see attraction.

D. W.

A trip long overdue to see the mastery of Brunel.. Spent many happy hours wondering around the museum, docks and ship. The attention to detail is brilliant, well done to the conservation team. Even better the tickets are valid for a year so we can go again.

J. M.

Visited SS Great Britain whilst spending a few days based in Bristol. Really enjoyed my whole visit. Very well thought out and laid out exhibition spread out inside and outside boat itself, and in and around several buildings around boat. Price for grown family of five I found expensive at £18 per adult, but apart from that I really enjoyed my visit. Was there about 2.5 hours, you could easily spend longer if visited earlier in day. I would say families of young and grown ups would enjoy visit.

m. b.

A museum dedicated to Isambard kingdom Brunel & the SS Great Britain. Its is very interactive with lots to experience on and around the ship. Well worth a visit.

J. M.

Excellent few hours out. Brilliantly done without being to museum-like. Informative and amazing attention to detail. My 13 and 14 years olds loved it.

D. F.

Excellent visit to this famous ship. What a fabulous time we had, staff were very helpful and knowledgeable it was a pleasure to hear about 'her' exploits especially her return home.

D. W.

This most unique ship was the first to be propelled by a screw propeller and the first all iron prototype ocean liner that was the biggest ship ever made when it was launched. The story of it's recovery as a rotting hulk from the south Atlantic is remarkable and the reconstruction of the vessel and it's huge steam engine is utterly amazing. The ongoing development of the ship, it's original dry dock and the museum is truly magnificent and this unique in all the world facility is well worth a visit. Tickets last for 12 months and extensive parking and a shop and cafe are on site.

D. C.

Last time I saw this ship was in 1975 and it was just a frame of rotting timbers and holed ironwork. What a transformation! Absolutely beautiful work. Really good little cafe outside which opened 30 minutes before the exhibition so time for a cuppa for early birds. Inside it is easy walking with lifts for disabled but I would recommend using one of their own wheelchairs unless you have a small mobility scooter as many of the corners are tight and there are a few doors to open on route. The dry dock is extremely rough, wet and if the sun is out, quite hot. It also has some darker areas. Again, all parts of the exhibition and ship are accessible by ramps or lifts. Friendly and welcoming staff and although you have a booking time, you can stay as long as you like up until 6pm but come back for a year afterwards on the same tickets. Lots of button pushing and trail activities for kids and fascinating history for people to see amd read about this amazing achievement of Brunel. If you like engineering, Brunel or good quality exhibitions of history, do not pass this by!

k. k.

All set to my new voyage to Melbourne ⛵⛵ Visited SS Great Britain over bank holiday and it was a wow experience. Ticket cost £18 for adults and is valid for an year. It's an half an hour visit to the dockyard and to the ship. You can see the remains for the actual ship and how are they are being preserved in Bristol. Too much involved here to keep the shop remains from eroding. You can also visit the dockyard where many ships are being kept , the actual ship deck and the history for Brunel's. Must Must Must visit place in Bristol.

C. M.

Amazing ship with an incredible story. Well worth the 19.50 adult ticket price which is valid for a year.

D. E.

Great day out obviously the weather helps a bit of Brunels great history good attractions for adults and children. A bit expensive to get in but to keep this piece of history it's a price to pay

M. C. B.

This museum is excellent. So much to do and see and so much attention to detail. Such a true to life glimpse into the past.

W. H.

Awesome. As a Brunel 'fan' I found it awesome, given it was built 170 years ago. It's story is fascinating and there are exhibits in the dockyard as well as 2 other museums AND the ship itself. There are plenty of interactive items to keep the kids amused and educated at the same time.

O. J.

Fantastically immersive, knowledgeable staff that genuinely care about the ship and its museum; a must for anyone visiting Bristol.

S.

Absolutely fantastic place! Visiting the SS Great Britain was such an excellent day out. So much to see, I highly recommend this museum! Staff friendly, and very knowledgeable. A***

A. B.

What a fantastic museum. I would highly recommend it. Loads to see I especially enjoyed the film show. 🙂

C. D.

Absolutely excellent museum showing not just the ship itself, but the buildings around it have some much history in them. Really good access to a very interesting tourist attraction. Possible for less able visitors to visit because of lifts. The gift shop at the entrance is well stocked, has items at reasonable prices and has staff that are both friendly and helpful. The main ship has staff that are very knowledgably and make the visit more interest than it otherwise would be. Well done to everyone involved who has made this such an impressive attraction that people keep coming back.

E. O.

very interesting tour aboard the ship. u have to pre book an entrance time

K. M.

A great visitor attraction. So much to experience and see. Very accessible for those in wheelchairs. Bet Isambard didn't imagine a lift would be fitted to his ship.

T. K. D.

Must visit place for any age group. Wheelchair accessible entrance to dockyard and even to top of the ship. Great history of the ship. Loved it.

D.

Worth the £19.99 entrance fee lots to see bigger than you think inside 3 levels also had museum spent 2 hours there

A. C.

An amazing example of a museum. So much to see and do. I'm on trip number 3 and still haven't seen it all properly, I find a new part each visit. Great that there are smaller specialist areas and a lovely little cafe. The ticket enables you free return visits for 12 months which can be easily booked on the website.

L. K.

Fantastic day out..kept 3 boys aged 7,8 and 11 busy and engaged all day. Lots of hands on and interactive activities. The on site cafe was extremely reasonable in cost and provided a good lunch. Staff were amazing, friendly and informative...the lovely young man at the start, dressed as Brunel deserves a special mention. Definitely recommend a visit for all ages.

B. R.

Fantastic to see the old ship restored and so much to see and learn about its past above and below decks.

P. M.

Great visit! Museum fascinating, ship really impressive, especially walking underneath it...

B. S.

Fabulous couple of hours spent here. The conservation work they are doing & have planned is really interesting. Looking round the ship is great, you can go in a lot of areas & they have set everything up really well. The volunteers are all very knowledgeable and happy to share this with visitors. Would recommend.

R. M.

This was something different to do on our way back towards Bath. Staff were all very friendly and passed on a few tips as we had arrived quite late in the day. I am going to have to go back at some stage within this year as unfortunatly I believe we left it a little bit late in the day to take a full tour, it was also very hot and couldn't take it all in as I had a small headache.

D. V.

...not really much i can say about this amazing experience that hasn't already been said. It's worth much more that the price of the ticket! You go to museums, pay £100s and can't get this experience. Even with the mask on, i could still feel the specific smell of each room. This has been designed as such in order to immense you more into the experience. Staff are amazing and stay mostly out of the way. You can touch, feel, smell and... (almost) taste the 1800s. What an amazing experience! If you ever visit Bristol, you can't miss it. It's disabled friendly, really affordable and, there's also a Banksy nearby...

K. J.

Lovely, interesting and interactive day out. Very impressed. You will need longer than a couple of hours to do it justice. I wouldn't recommend for infants but junior & secondary kids, definitely..as well as adults. There are steps.

S. B.

A thoroughly enjoyable and unexpected day. I wasn't sure what to expect but ended up spending most of the day there. I loved looking at the dry dock and seeing the technology needed to preserve the ship. Even more impressive was the way the interior of the ship was presented with real life sounds and smells - it felt like you were transported back in time - overall it's well worth the visit and the entry price is very reasonable compared to other similar attractions.

I. B.

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The visitor experience before "going aboard", touring the ship itself and the Brunel Museum after were all smashing - well worth bearing in mind this is more than just one attraction. Learnt a lot in a very short space of time.

M. D.

Great day out for the family. Second visit here. Tickets are valid for a year after purchasing. Can come back again and again. Highly recommended 5⭐

S. P.

Wow, absolutely loved it, very educational experience. Walking around the dry Dock gives you the feeling you are back to the time when the SS Great Britain was ready to on its adventures. The staff were very knowledgeable and very friendly. The Ship was fully accessible and seeing the different cabins from first class to third (steerage) class. Very humbling. The Brunel museum was very interesting. And interactrial museum artifacts showing how things worked made it educatual for all ages, I certainly learnt something. The highlight was going under the ship seeing the keel, the propeller and the rudder. A unique experience. Will return someday soon.

C. B.

The most beautiful ship/museum I’ve ever seen! Such a full of history place! Definitely worth a visit!

R. M.

Really good visit, well presented with helpful staff, or rather crew as they are called.

K. M.

Great museum and a fantastic tour conducted by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself!

C.

Excellent day out. Really impressed with the renovation of the ship, inside and out. Love that you can view the underside of ship with propeller, see the engine running as it would have done. Museum excellent, loved the diary entries and parts of ship on display. Can't fault it, well worth a visit!

M. W.

First revisit for 40 years. Absolutely fabulous. I had heard it was good, but it was amazing! So much to see and do. A lot of interaction and information for all ages, adults, children and especially families. Educational and fun. The plentiful volunteer guides were friendly and very helpful. There's a lot to see and do when visiting Bristol, but this attraction is a must. Easy to walk to along the waterfront or on the many ferries

T. W.

Loved this so much more than i expected too. The restoration and set up with sounds and smells really helps you understand what it was like. Its story is an amazing one and hard to believe it was a wreck for decades before being rescued. Brunels story alongside this provides more background snd two museums in one. Highly recommended.

J. W.

Amazing experience! So much history and innovation! Staff were so friendly!

T. W.

Amazing experience. Very interesting and interactive displays. Staff very knowledgeable and good fun.

R. J.

Could have stayed a lot longer, had to go back to my coach, a great visit.

n. E.

Absolutely brilliant. Two boys aged 12and 5 both found plenty to enjoy and interact with.Best visit we've had anywhere for years. Highly recommend it.

H. W.

Excellant experiance, fantastic ship telling it's story in an enjoyable and informative way. Well planned and documented museum of relics and brilliant museum about I K Brunel. Good cafe and onsite shop. Value made even better by your ticket allowing as many returns in 12 momths as you want.

Z. S. P.

I had not visited the SS Great Britain before as I felt that the price was a bit higher than I was willing to pay. This time we bit the bullet and WOW, really enjoyed to get to know Brunel a bit better and his work. The SS is well restored to show us a mix of how it was on it's prime and how it was found and brought back from the Falkland Islands. As most of the great museums I've found on the UK there's plenty of activities for kids and grown-ups and the immersion is great! Hopefully I'll be back within the year to make use of the year long ticket.

I. A.

Great day out with plenty to see and do. It took us 2 and a half hours to get around the ship, and there is plenty to see and do around the area afterwards. Cliffton suspension bridge and the observatory including Giants cave is what we managed to cram in. What a great day out.

G. H.

Haven't been for a few years. Great experience, it was busy today but that didn't spoil anything. The crew were great and knew their stuff. Watch some brave people (adults and children) climb the masts. Price hasnt changed and you can use your ticket unlimited times fir 12 months. Highly recommended

S. G.

A great day out, there is more than just the ship to explore. Situated in a dry Dock the exterior can be seen up close from below with the illusion of being underwater. The ship interior has largely been restored and decorated to reflect the period. There is an interesting museum, video show and cafe serving excellent food.

G. P.

A fantastic place to go with family and your ticket lasts a whole year

W. G.

Very interesting, good knowledge of history of the ship and the restoration. Would recommend to my friends and family

R. P.

The history of Brunel's great ship is fascinating and the preservation efforts are remarkable. Those used to modern cruise ships may be surprised by what was considered first class in 1840 - or for that matter what was thought large. We spent well over two hours looking round, and we're not usually slow. Even better, your ticket is valid for a whole year, so you can come back to see what you missed.

A. T.

Brilliant place to visit, really informative talk with one of the guides regarding the conservation of the ship. Climbing the rigging was great. Free return visits for 12 months is such good value, need to go again as we didn't see everything we wanted to , can't wait for the next visit. Definitely recommend.

S. T.

Never been here before, but it was really enjoyable and interesting. As well as the SS Great Britain, there is also a museum alongside dedicated to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, charting his life and all the engineering marvels he created.

A. W.

Great museum, but pricey but gets you access for a whole year so maybe not unreasonable

R. F.

Fantastic place. I've been a few times with my family and it's such a joy every time. You get to see the whole history of the ship, you see the under belly go inside and see what it was like to travel, and if you're feeling brave you can climb the rigging! Well worth a visit

R. A. (. j.

Absolutely worth a visit, entry seemed expensive but was worth every penny

V. R.

A fabulous museum with some awesome and fun interactive bits (even for adults!). The ship is brilliant and my partner climbed the rigging (prebooked) and said it was scary but fantastic. I'd definitely go again!

S. R.

Very interesting and great day out, enjoyed chocolate ice cream at the end!

J. W. C. K.

£18 per person and the ticket is valid for 1 year to tour the museum (2 buildings, ship). You would need to spend more than 1.5 to 2 hours or so to see most of the displays and information there. You may need to come back on a separate occasion to fully see and understand everything. Well worth it to purchase.

B.

What an absolute amazing piece of history. The ship has been restored really well and you are able to explore on and around the ship. The exhibits are really well done. I was not expecting to be there as long as I was. It was a really enjoyable day out.

G. M.

Way ahead of his time fantastic engineering mind. Well worth a visit 👍

i.

One of the BEST attractions I've ever been to. Omg the history behind this magnificent ship. Kids loved it. They could wander and explore and enjoy themselves while learning a little history . We spent hours there soaking up the atmosphere.

R. d. B.

Incredible rescue story and very atmospheric reminder of past lives of passengers - oh and the engineering was staggering

C. G.

The best tourist attraction in Bristol! The attention to detail on the ship is incredible with very realistic sights and sounds. With the addition of the Being Brunel museum, this is now a whole day attraction. The volunteers are so friendly and always on hand with some interesting facts. The cafe is great too with wonderful harbour views all year round.

A. A.

Brilliant interactive tourist experience. Lots to see and do. Your ticket allows you to visit as many times as you like for up to a year from purchase. Staff are great and well informed. A must see if you are coming to Bristol 🙂

B. W.

Had a great tour guide. Found it greatly interesting. Highly recommended

B. E.

Great day visiting. Friendly staff and well laid out.

N. M.

Really interesting place to visit. Obviously, the ship itself but also a Brunel exhibition. Apparently, you can also get married on the ship... a wedding was about to take place soon after we arrived! Great little ferry was also great fun getting to and fro across the harbour.

W. J. “. S.

On a recent visit back to the UK, we are form the Bristol area, we revisited the SS Great Britain, our first visit was in 1976 and we bought a nice wall plack by coppercraft copper etchings, which hangs in the hall in our house here in Florida, see photo, we were hoping to add an update of similar quality, 47 years on, sadly there was nothing of any quality in the gift shop.

H. S.

Really great day out! So much information, so much to see and do! Lovely friendly tour guides! And the food in the cafe was lovely too. Definitely worth a visit

S. W.

A must see on a visit to Bristol. Very interesting museum, staffed by knowledgable guides. £20 buys you unlimited visits in a year. Visiting midweek, I had the "Below the waterline" section to myself, very eerie. S.S. Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge are the top 2 attractions in the city.

D. L. C.

One of the best attractions I've been to. Loads to see and do for every age range. Staff were knowledgeable and engaging. The newer "being Brunel" building was very impressive (no spoilers here). This place is a national treasure.

C.

Absolutely fascinating! A real trip back in to history 1843 It's well worth a visit In love with this place

G. B.

What can you say Walking through history on board the SS Great Britain Fantastic

f.

I was so interested in what the tour guide was telling us, that I forgot to take a single photo! She's a fascinating peice of history, whose restoration is just as interesting and varied as her career afloat. Definitely recommended, don't forget to duck 😉

I. P.

We truly loved this experience. The most informative friendly staff. Russ in the dry dock was amazing. Spent at least an hour down there. Thank you all for your hospitality. We will be back.

A. M.

Brilliantly accessible for a wheelchair. We brought my 95year old gran in her chair. So much was accessible and easy to get around. We were very impressed. Well worth a visit.

C. L.

Such a fantastic day out! Have a 6 year old son and can't believe we've never been before! It was so good the first day we went back the day after as well and were lucky enough to meet 'Mr Brunel' and 'Mr Bennett' who were absolutely fantastic and our son was thrilled to receive a special golden sticker from Mr Brunel which made his day! A very interesting place for the young and old and definitely worth visiting. It's great that the ticket gets you in for 12 months as I know we'll be visiting again soon!

p. E.

The location of the S.S. Gt. Britain is at present (July 2022) in the centre of major road and construction works. Work on new buildings in the locality with lorries and vans parked on the site access road do impede access. Don't let this put you off as once you arrive all is well. The site is well managed, has good toilets and refreshment facilities. The story of Brunel as a person is also well displayed in quayside buildings alongside the ship. Full access to all parts of the ship is possible for the able bodied, obviously certain areas can't be accessed for the less able-bodied however there's plenty to see for everyone. All in all it takes a full day to see and take in everything from the cramped crew quarters to the opulent (Victorian era standards) of first class passengers. A first rate visitor attraction.

R. d. B.

Great option for at least 4 hours - the ferry is a must too.

J. T.

Such knowledgeable tour guides. I went as part of a school visit and highly recommend. The children were totally engaged throughout the whole day. Lots to see and very educational

C. t.

really interesting, well balanced between actual ship, ship museum, brunel museum, docks, hands on for kids, shop/cafe. well worth money for 12 mth entry, allow no less than 1/2 day and you will end up staying full day and still want to return to finish/see again

C. B. (.

Excellent day out, lots of information and incredible sights to see.

j. b.

Great experience. Took my three boys ages 7 to 12 and they all enjoyed it. Lots to see and read/listen too. Very interesting and kid friendly.

J. B.

We visited when our kids were small so came back (with out them) so much has changed, for better, cafe /shop/more exhibits dotted around/people in costumes/inside museum.

J. C.

We visited Brunel's SS Great Britain with our toddler today and had a simply fabulous time! We were both surprised at the wealth of different elements this attraction had to offer in addition to the ship itself and it kept our little boy thoroughly entertained. All in all we were there almost 3 hours which is pretty good going when you have a little one in tow. There is so much to see and learn here and they have gone to great lengths to ensure their Covid processes are clear so that you know exactly what to do and where you should be going. In addition, every member of staff we encountered went out of their way to be helpful and made the whole experience such a pleasant one. A wonderful day out to remember!

W. B.

Had a great time on the visit. So very well looked after and well preserved. Absolutely loved wandering around the interior of the ship most, seeing the interactive instalments and well put together sets. The staff had an amazing knowledge, I must have spent 20 minutes speaking to one gent alone. He had such a great knowledge of the history and answers to any questions I had! I wasn’t quite so keen on the Brunel museum, not quite my thing, though very well put together nonetheless.

D. T.

I have always wonted to visit this ship. Its an amazing exhibition. The ship its self is so amazing inside the decoration is out of this world. So ornate. The engines that ran the ship are spectacular. Its a days visit as there is so much to explore. Brunel design for the ship is so forward thinking. We always need to dream. Pushing forward ideas. We need to encourage people to always be brave and follow their dreams.

d. r.

I went here on a school trip with my class of children and it was amazing. The workshop leader, she/they were amazing. The workshop consisted of great questioning and thought engaging information. The activities were both fun and educational. Organised really well. A lovely team/crew/staff. The tour of the ship was excitciting, informative and engaging. William the captain was lovely and showed pure enthusiasm and knowledge, about the history. It did not feel like he was an "employee" but that he genuinely loved it. I myself learnt a lot of amazing things. Deffo considering going again but independently 😅. Great school trip but I cam also see it being a great "tourist" visit. I am not an history enthusiast but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There is SO much to see and learn. And the seating outside had heating. Always a bonus :) As it was school arranged I can't comment on tickets and pricing. The only thing I would say is - one of the rooms had a black man shaving a white person and I wasn't sure of the context - if the black man was portrayed as a slave or helper or friend.... this was the only visible 'servant' I saw through the whole ship....

Z. K.

We had a fabulous day today on the SS Great Britain, so much to see in the museums, can't belive we actually spent 5 hours there. That did include a lovely lunch in the cafe .

A. S.

This is a fascinating place. The ship is amazing, and the museums are very well planned and displayed. The guides were helpful, informative and friendly, and the displays were enhanced by the realistic models in situ.

M. S.

Fabulous experience, loads to see and the ship is just magnificent. Museum devoted to not just SS Great Britain but also Brunel the man. The staff are all friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable as well. Well worth the visit.

A. W.

Very interesting and well presented history of this groundbreaking ship. I'd recommend setting aside at least two hours to fully appreciate the artifacts recovered during the restoration.

D. W.

Wifey bought tickets for a birthday surprise for me. Absolutely blown away by it all. The staff were outstanding, their enthusiasm was magnetic. Answered all the questions we asked. 11 out of 10.

D. M.

Lots more to see and do than I expected. Three hours, including half an hour for a break (snack and a drink) was not enough. If you have no interest in Brunel, engineering or history, then it'll be quicker but then why bother going in the first place? Excellent.

I. Z.

Was unfortunate to visit it during the heat wave. Very hot. Beneath the haul part is extremely impressive. Museum is more for children (though I got scared by the interactive propeller ). Mannequins inside the ship are creepy.

F. A. K.

One of the best experiences we have had as a family. We really felt as if we were on board the SS Great Britain 🚢 First, it is COVID-19 friendly. We had to book our tickets in advance and also book a specific time slot. They have a one way system in place and because of the time slots, it was all very organized and not too crowded. The ship itself is amazing from the inside. The best part about it is how authentic it is. I loved reading the letters from the people that were on board the ship; made me feel like I was experiencing history firsthand. Also, the way they displayed the different parts of the boat (rooms, kitchen, dining areas etc.) was amazing. I have attached some pictures. Enjoy it 😊

L.

Great experience. We just spend 3 hours there and had a great time. Everyone working there is super nice und has time for a nice chat about this historical ship. Loved it!

d. H.

Great and informative place too visit.

I. M. M.

A great idea, a bit pricey but worth every pound. Loved the museum itself and the story it tells great for people of all ages and a unique idea. You can step in time by trying different costumes and taking pictures to keep the memories.

I. M.

Well thought out exhibition about a fascinating subject. On board ship display excellent. Not enough time on this visit to see everything but will be back on future visit to Bristol.

S. L.

The ship is amazing which showed how a historic iron ship looked like and the journeys of it. Very impressive when visiting the decks and the wax figures in the decks were so real

T. P.

This was great, lots of information and things to see, the way they set up the ship with dummies in outfits worn at the time. The only downside is don't book the aloft unless you are 110% sure you will do it or your child because there is no refund, which is silly because you have to book online before you go.

K. W.

What a fantastic place to visit the SS Great Britain has been fantastically restored above the water line so you get a real feel of what it was like on board. It's a great place to visit and well worth a trip.

N. L.

Best tourist attraction in Bristol! Fascinating ship which has been restored. Really interesting inside. You can go into virtually all of the ship, as well as underneath it. Also lots of side museums. Tickets valid for a year. Cafe there as well.

A. 5.

I did not visit this museum as I only had 2 hours here. Looked like it would be worthwhile (£19.50 entrance fee) if you had half a day or more. People dressed in costume.

D. B.

Thought I wouldn't find a museum to match the Titanic Musem but this does. A wonderful restoration illustrating an important time in British engineering. A must do when visiting Bristol.

A. D.

One of the rarw places where you can actually do a proper ineractive experience... the brunel museum is a definite must do and dont forgwt to ask one of the volunteers to give you a full history of Brunel and the ship before you start.. puts everyrthing into perspective

T. M.

Great family friendly museum with a really good feel for how the SS Great Britain must have felt like when it was used as the worlds first Ocean Liner. Lots to sea, with interactive exhibits and even some realistic smells! The below sea-level dry dock is really cool too Watch out for the massive creepy Brunel head in the museum, you can go inside it...

J. L.

Good fun, informative afternoon out. Didn't get around everything, d so will hopefully come back again to make use of the annual pass aspect of the entry ticket.

A. P.

Spent hours on this great steel ship. Fantastic restoration of a great vessel that has had such a great life journey. Said to be the largest ship of her time and longest. Was rescued in the 1970s as a total rust heap. The journey of this remarkable ship and her story through time is clearly explained as you journey round this vessel. Take time to go below and see the remarkable engineering and construction of Brunel's design. Our tour was even more enhanced by the singing of shanty songs as sung by a local group who are here regularly. This great passenger ship is decked throughout in artefacts of its day. Be prepared to spend an interesting day here - and even then you won't have seen everything

A. R.

Very interesting, amazing restoration, starting to look very tired, a tribute to its popularity. Capsule of time, that stretches the imagination, a shows how hard it was then as now to get high efficiency from new technology. I am going back without the kids.

M. G.

What a fun and educational place to visit! Really well done. Got a great feel for the genius of Brunel and what it would be like to make a 2 month voyage across the sea. There’s also a fantastic gift shop where I stocked up on related books. This is right on the waterfront and is family friendly. We spent several hours here exploring.

J. V.

Fantastic attraction, with plenty of variety to keep guests engaged. Our 8 year old really loved the whole experience.

L. M.

Absolutely amazing, information is clearly displayed and the layout is amazing. The displays are interactive and you can even dress up in Victorian clothing for free! One of the best experiences we have ever had. Amazing how much work has gone into the place and how accurate it is. Will definitely be returning - on the tickets that are automatically valid for a year!

C. J.

Wonderful opportunity to explore the historic SS Great Britain in the very dry dock in which it was built. You can take steps down into the dock and walk right around the hull, before boarding the ship via an excellent museum. All three decks are available to explore with plenty of exhibits, models and explanatory materials. Highly recommended for all ages.

D. S.

It had been a few years since last visiting. Have to say this is a MUST see. Everything I saw had the wow factor. Will definitely not be so long before I revisit.

T. B.

An excellent museum covering the life and works of the great engineer Brunel. The highlight is of course the SS Great Britain, recovered from the Falkland islands and brought back to drydock in Bristol. The ship makes a great living museum, as you can see how it would've been for the passengers and crew.

J. H.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. There are so many rooms inside! You get a real feel for what it must have been like on a ship like that in that time period. There is a nice restaurant right at the entrance. The area was well kept. There was even a place on the ship that allowed you to climb the riggings with safety equipment. I didn't do it but someone braver than me might find it pretty exciting. We had a really nice day exploring the area. We took the ferry across the harbor which was nice as well.

R. M.

An important part of British history that you can get up close to and experience what it was like to have been aboard all those years ago. The staff were also fantastic and very knowledgeable.

R. P.

It's been so beautifully restored and gives you a real feel of what ocean crossing passengers experienced in the mid 19th Century. Plus the story of how she was rescued, brought home from the Falklands, and transformed from a rusting hulk into what she is today is amazing

S. P.

Absolutely excellent for the low entry cost. A well polished informative journey. Am now fully versed in all things Brunel. Had a great day exploring the vessel and everyone of all ages seemed to be fully enjoying it. Excellent staff and real passion for the subject make this a must visit if your in Bristol. Top tip... Take the River bus to make the visit even more fun.

R. D.

Brilliant! The staff are extremely welcoming and enthusiastic! There is so much to see and do for all ages! The ship itself is spectacular, with great authentic displays. I would thoroughly recommend going.

R. D.

Amazing and full of history. We saw how the class system worked on the ship for staff and passengers, for their sleeping and eating. It was an amazing ship which you can walk round from the dry dock under the ship to the three level, upper middle and lower decks. Then there were museums around the site a cafe and gift shop. Plus your ticket gets you in for free another day within the year. To finish we saw two free shows of acrobatic and a very interesting talk by a volunteer .

G. B.

Absolutely beautiful! I would suggest going into the souvenir shop as well, I bought a beautiful Compass and Galileo's famous Thermometer. There are so many different souvenir's for dofferent preferences! The ship itself is a museum, I would suggest you visit the museum for the full experience. Have a walk around as well, it's breathtakingly beautiful!

K. S.

Spent a few hours here and have to say it is well worth a visit. It may seem a little expensive but the ticket lasts for a whole year. For the energetic you can climb the rigging up to the mainsail for £10. There is a small cafe with quite limited food, there are however plenty of tables to sit and eat a picnic which I will do next time. We actually walked to the Centre & had a meal there. We still had time to come back and finish the exhibition before our parking time was up. This cost us £5 for 5 hours, but when you show the parking ticket you receive £3 back when buying your entrance ticket. I would recommend a visit.

D. T. (.

You can spend a long time here. Much better than I was expecting . The museum part is very interactive and engaging. You can book to climb the rigging, which is an extra charge. Lot's to see for all ages

B. F.

SS Great Britain is a great and unique "museum". Since the opening the museum has so much evolved! Now you can go inside the boat and see how it was as if you were a passenger. You can go on each deck and even under to admire the boat's hull! I really enjoyed my time there. I passed nearly 3 hours watching, reading and listening to the stories told by passionate employees. And I would have needed more time there. If you come to Bristol, you have to take a look at this wonderful place. The dockyard is also a nice place to have a walk and see giant cranes and other dock stuff. Wonderful!

s.

Everything at SS Great Britain is just so well done. Great Volunteers to talk too. And just one amazing ship as the centre piece.

D. g.

Always a fantastic trip to this world class attraction and iconic ship - this Christmas we were treated with a host of Victorian personalities - volunteers that bring the atmosphere of the old dock to life. A must see attraction and the best living maritime museum in the world.

N. C.

Amazing day out. Allow plenty of time to see everything. 3/4 of the museum is about the boat, with the rest dedicated to Brunel's other amazing achievements. The paper guide suggests the best way round the museum, giving background and context to the ship before stepping on board. There is plenty to see on the ship with access to various areas over 3 floors, and even a chance to climb the rigging. Tickets are valid for 1 year, so you can go back as many times as you want.

A. E.

Very Interesting Initially I thought the entrance fee was a bit expensive but having visited I would say it is worth the money. The way the ships history and also preservation are displayed are done really well. Visitors should allow a few hours to see it properly.

J. S.

We took our granddaughter aged 7. She loved it, so did we. Only disappointment was the on site cafe, you need more variety,

M. P.

Without a doubt the best attraction in Bristol. The ticket is quite expensive (£15 for students) but gives you unlimited access for a year. The ship and its museum is ideal for people of all ages, from very young kids to adults.

M. R.

Amazing, Brunel was a genius and the drawings in the museum just show you how much of a genius he was. The ship is very impressive. The only thing I will say is the entry price is a little steep (I know you can go as many times as you want within a year, but I don't live near enough to take advantage of that), that's not to say I don't appreciate what that money is going towards, just feel a lower price would get more people in.

K. R.

The venue has so much to see, quite aside from the ship! The price is not too bad, and gives entry for a year. So much history, and so well presented. The ship is beautifully restored. Forward (near the front or sharp end!) below decks is an area that we assume will be restored, and you can see what they had to contend with, holes in the hull, decks gone, etc. Everything is well laid out, and marked. The bakery area even smells of bread! Well done!

S. R.

We had a great day out her we enjoyed all of the viewing the bags for children were amazing and my.loved scrubbing the deck as well would highly recommend especially getting an annual pass just paying once well worth the drive. For more see @2infantexplorers

w. f.

Amazing place to visit, staff that work there are absolutely amazing and make it a great time for the whole family. Would highly recommend.

l. f.

we went for christmas event , from the moment we walked into the building we were met by friendly , imformative staff .. they had lots time to talk about tge ship with my 10 year son , not rushing him at all .. they even have ear defenders on loan and braille , sensory voiced etc seem to really cater for both disabilities and hidden ones , they even came after us to let us know about the quiet room too .. we saw carol singers , tgere was a snow machine which added to the magic and a green victorian santa .. the detail and fun interactive on the ship kept both adults and children amused and entertained

M. B.

It was a great experience. Full of history, interactive activities, and very realistic reconstruction of the life of passengers on board of the SS Great Britain.

G.

Loved visiting the SS Great Britain. Such an iconic ship to Bristol. Prices are really good. It is 16.50 for an adult, 5 - 16 year olds 9.50 under 5s free. Unlimited trips back for 1 year in with the price. Lots of interesting things for adults and children to learn all about this glorious ship!

R. M.

Amazing sailing ship of past. Explore the outside and inside. Grand and graceful. Opens for viewing ar 10am so don't go too early. The harbour in Bristol where it is docked has wonderful river walks. Go up further and there is the longest suspension bridge in the UK. Well worth a visit while in Bristol.

F. P.

In two hours you can visit the ship inside and outside in the drydock. Inside there is a whole world: really accurate reconstruction of the ship's life. Worth every single pound.

E. M.

Amazing experience. Great place to take kids even if you have a pushchair as there are lifts everywhere. Customer service is exceptional and there is a parking lot right next to it and a bus stop a few metres away. Highly recommend this place even if you don't have kids.

M. R.

Fascinating and very interesting place to visit. Not your average museum, helpful staff, interactive items of interest. Authentic smells and displays giving the visitor of any age an insight into life on board Brunels achievement.

J. L.

A fantastic piece of local and social history brought to life. Really well put together with sights, sounds and even smells of how life onboard would have like. Well serviced and accessible to young and old, with lifts, signage, helpful staff and ramps.

G. W.

An amazing ship built by the Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The ship is in good condition considering its age and has been displayed with useful information to understand life on board. There are interesting occurrences for children whilst touring. It is pissible to explore the whole of the 3 decks. The shop has great books and souvenirs.

M. A.

A fantastic museum. The mix of interaction, facts, sounds & invention is excellent. The efforts made to make this Bristols top attraction are there for all to see. It's a little pricey, but definitely worth it.

W. K.

Nice day out and very historic to look around. Nice to walk around the dock area and plenty of restaurants around. Yo can get here by boat or walk. Good shop and staff very friendly. £17 for an adult to see a portion of great history. Other photos to follow just have to download them.

D. B.

I would visit there every week if I could. Been twice now. Full of interest for any age group over 2. Well set out and child and disabled friendly.

J. C.

Brilliant experience! Well worth every penny. Every single member of staff were lovely. Gent in a top hat walking around playing the part very well and giving out interesting info to anyone who wants to learn/listen. We thought we'd only be there for a few hours but happily spent most of the day exploring. Tickets are usable for 12 months as well so will definitely be revisiting. Highly recommend.

M. M.

This is the wonderful ship that first departed from Bristol and designed by esteemed Engineer Brunel. The ship is based at the docklands area of the city. It has been restored magnificently with a key feature bring the glass reservoir under which the helm sits to keep the bottom part of the ship from rusting. There is a lift down to enable disabled access and those with pushchairs etc

G. S.

The way the ship is set in the dry dock is clever. And the museum leading to the upper deck gives great insights into the history of the vessel. Fascinating to see the world events happening in parallel. Easy parking and great location. Visit highly recommended. Leave plenty of time as there is lots to explore

P. M.

This is a really good, well presented museum. The ship tour is great.

P. G.

Not having been to this attraction for a number of years I was impressed with the improvements. The exhibitions were very well presented and highly informative. The recently opened Being Brunel was particularly interesting exploring, as it does, the life and experiences of the man giving a real insight into the context of his creations.

I. C.

Great place to lose yourself for a few hours. Lovely staff and a very nice cafe. Fantastic piece of history.

N. F.

SS Great Britain is one of the best visitor attractions. For young and old. The ship and other museums within are fantastic something new to see each time you visit. The staff are extremely welcoming and informative. One ticket price for a whole year's access, especially if you live near Bristol or are ship / Brunel enthusiast. kids get to do a sticker trail around the ship and this helps to hold the attention and learn about the passengers and workers. Plus 4 years and under go free!

S. H.

Wonderful museum with charming atmosphere. I really feel back in 19th century. I was shocked how narrow was bunks even in 1st class - 50cm!!!

J. E.

A brilliant museum experience! The ship is amazing, really cool how you can enter the dry dock and see the underside of the ship. The inside is brilliantly restored too. The surrounding museum was great too, lots of Brunel information.

A. S.

A museum which should be the envy of all museums. I was with 3 adults and it took us 2.5 hours to get round the inside and outside of the ship plus the archive of Brunel's inventions. We could have stayed longer. The ship was fascinating and the route well planned and continually interesting. There were even rat shadows in the kitchen. Whoever planned what we would see knew how to capture and maintain our interest. Forget a dry technical tour and expect a mixture of life as it was with cutting edge travel expectations, for the time. Lots of hands on exhibits including a railway carriage to shake you about, machines to push and pull, a short film and talking pictures. Clean toilets, a cafe, disabled tourists would miss out on some of the experiences. A party of school children were present, how lucky were they, decks to swab costumes to dress up in. The guides, some in costumes were excellent and obviously not only knew their stuff but could explain it and hold your interest. Worth a visit to Bristol just to share this experience.

S.

A very family friendly experience, easy to navigate the exhibits & well worth the ticket price.

D. S.

Great place to visit for all ages with an added bonus of paying once and being able to return as many times as you like for 12 months. Lots to see and learn with plenty of interactive activities. To see everything and experience all on offer will take 3-6 hours so we'll worth the entry fee. A must for any and all.

C. P.

Excellent museum. £49.95 for the family of 4 and you can return any time for a year. The dressing up section was fun. Also the kids trail kept them occupied for some time. Learnt plenty about our Victorian heritage.

C. C.

The best museum I've been to in the UK, bar none. Extraordinary. Had no idea there would be so much to see.

T. P.

Superbly presented historic ship. Wonderful displays, and insightful record of the genius of Isabard Kingdom Brunel.

a. j.

I first visited the Great Britain soon after it was bought back from the Falkland Islands. The ship was just a shell then, the job that has been done to restore the ship is incredible. Would highly recommend a visit.

R. D.

Brilliant! 19thC British engineering and maritime history at it's best! A great day out whether you are an adult visiting by yourself; as a family or larger group.

S. P.

Loved the nautical history behind Brunel's SS GREAT BRITAIN in its original drydock.

B. S.

Loved this insight into the past. So much to see....you can come back again and again on your original ticket within a year I believe. Great value for money. So interesting for all ages. Interactive bits to enjoy.. My husband is a big fan of Brunel and took the opportunity to pose as him.

H. H.

Beautiful area, a lot of nice boats and ships around the river. great place to go out for running.

G. T.

Totally loved the whole experience. All of the staff were very informative and more than happy to talk to the visitors about this wonderful ship and exhibition. Would love to go back to take in more of the fascinating information.

S. S.

Had been here about 10 years ago, but wanted to go again as had heard of the opening this month of the Being Brunel exhibition. It opens at 10.00 but for once the traffic was kind to us and we got there early. Luckily the cafe opens and 09.00 and had we realised this would have had breakfast there. We spent about 90 mind in Being Brunel which explains about his early life and education, as well as his father's influence on him and other projects he worked on. His dining room from his London house is recreated, as are his office and the drawing office. Staff are dressed in costume and explain about his life and the displays. Quick coffee before visiting the dry dock (floor is uneven and slippery so those with mobility issues may struggle to go all the way round but can still go down the the lift and see a lot of it) which is very impressive. Back up to ground level and into the Dockyard Museum where you learn about SS Great Britain before visiting this beautiful ship. There are 3 decks to visit and you can see First Class dining, engine room, steerage accommodation and much more. Cabins are recreated including the barber and surgeon! There is a lift on the ship which my father in law used as the steps can be narrow, uneven and a little dark. Furthest away from the entrance/shop is a covered picnic area that isn't very well advertised, and also a drinking water tap. Also here are sections of the original masts which are huge! For an extra £10 you can climb the rigging if that takes your fancy. Talking to a lady whose son was doing this, it is weather dependent. Entrance tickets are cheaper online and are valid for a year from first entry. We were there from 09.45 to 14.00 and thoroughly recommend it.

A. S.

If you like history, industry, inventions and genius minds, a trip here will satisfy your needs. Found out a couple of things (at least) while here, namely IKB came from a French family and that the SS Great Britain was only effectively in operation for 40-odd years, and was towed back from the Falklands in 1970. If you're down this way, well worth a trip. We even travelled in on a GWR train to keep the Brunel theme going.

j. m.

The site is atmospheric, the ship itself, in original dry dock has been lovingly restored. The place was buzzing with visitors, exploring the ship herself tells such a story. Impressive and fascinating, for all ages. Good gift shop, 'crew's staff really friendly and enthusiastic. Bristol is an amazing city and the ship and Brunel, her designer, contribute to her rich history. After visit I had a lunch and wine, sitting on deck over the harbour waters. Delightful afternoon watching ferries kayaks boats come by. Travelled by GWR from London which was part of the adventure and magic of the day for me.

P. H.

Apparently 'fish goujons' @ssgreatbritain cafe...pretty sure these are fish fingers but hey. Woeful food but still somehow managed to spend £30 on this and a few very sad sandwiches. Had to wipe our own table during a pandemic too. First and last time they get my money.

S. P.

A Fantastic Afternoon Visiting The SS Great Britain 🇬🇧 It was Wonderfully set up and an incredible lightshow below the bow.

J. L.

Very informative and interesting meuseum. We usually don't have much patience in museums, but we easily spent two hours here and learned a bit of her history and the great things there were accomplished. (And we probably only covered half of the museum...) It is particularly interesting to see how they recreated and showed you how the ship were operated at the time. The ticket is valid for 1 year, wil love to come back to complete the rest of the visit.

V. D.

Place must see in your list,with family members of different age. Due pandemic time is some rules. If you in Bristol for some days definitely visit.

P. J.

An enjoyable day out and plenty to see. We used it to break up a trip to Cornwall and we all agreed as a family (9yr and 11yr olds) that it was a good place to visit.

A. M.

Informative, engaging and entertaining. Make sure you allow several hours to go round. Fascinating experience.

k.

Comprehensive and engaging displays. Dry dock level mesmerising. Plenty to see in the museum and the Brunel display as well as on the boat itself. The ship's final berth in its birthplace is particularly apt.

N. L. T. D.

Visited during their Victorian Christmas weekends, felt very festive & a step back in time.

C. P.

Such a wonderful place to visit. Very informative and interesting. Staff were knowledgeable and keen for you to get the most from your visit. The ship is amazing and the detail at the museum means you need at least a few hours to make the most of your visit. Tickets can also be reused again making return visits free in a 12mth period which is great value for money. I felt thoroughly educated, not only about the SSGreat Britain but also about Brunel and his achievements. The harbour area is also perfect for a walk and food before or after your visit.

H.

Extremely interesting visit!! Definitely worth a visit to the ship~ The ticket included unlimited visit within one year!

P. M.

Just amazing, could spend whole day there!!!

W. Z. Y.

Incredibly immersive and interactive exhibit of SS Great Britain, along with Brunel's life and contribution during that time. Still impressed by the incredible logistics and restoration efforts undertaken.

U. B.

far exceeded my expectations! the visit is really interesting also if you don't have a specific interest in maritime or engineer history. if you have though, this it's really an amazing source of information! from the iron riveting techniques to the propeller first tests. And of course the specially designed steam engine. also my daughter, 3 years old, enjoyed the visit with the farm animal on the bridge, the reconstruction of first and second class cabins etc. the cafe was also nice and with a tasty selection. finally the museum was informative on the whole IKB career and inventions.

O. *.

Nice place. Beautiful view. Lots of cafes and restaurants. Great place for a good day out

O. T.

The ship is fascinating and the museum/dockyard is amazing. Had a great time there and you can easily spend 2 hours. Recommend the gift shop as well.

P. H.

I K Brunel is one of my heroes. He designed things that were fifty years ahead of the technology available. This is a magical place, a vessel that defined the future.The museum is well laid out, the ship, back in her original dock, is remarkable. The ticket allows you multiple trips with 12 months. I've been twice. It was a highpoint of my trip to Bristol.

s. w.

Fantastic place , I'm pretty proud of the industrial accomplishments we as as a country have made and seeing this was on my bucket list Isembard Kingdom Brunel was a master at his craft and built some amazing things . This is a great ship to visit and lots to see . I'd recommend it

K. J.

Very interesting, not too busy.. several different areas to see and lots of interacting sections for the kids. Some stairs and narrow corridor sections could be an issue for larger push chairs.

E. M.

We had a fabulous family day out at SS Great Britain and the Being Brunel museum. It was very child friendly and we were surprised by how much there was to explore. We were here for about 4 hours and could easily have stayed longer. There was so much to look at and it was very educational. The children thoroughly enjoyed their day out. The SS great Britain was also accessible by pushchair, which made it great for my toddler too. We also enjoyed tea and cake in the cafe and couldn't fault it. The service was great. The gift shop is delightful too, with all kinds of souvenirs on offer.

J. C.

Brilliant half day out.so much to see.realy interesting for all ages and your ticket is valid for 12 months if you want to go back.

d. v.

A brilliant piece of our history loving restored. The impossible brought to life by a true genius. The ship and history are a true amazement. The staff so knowledgeable. Well worth a visit.

h. w.

Victorian evening was a good bonus for anyone who had been previously and had an annual ticket .

P. L.

Absolutely loved it Dry dock is amazing Isambard Kingdom Brunel was truly a visionary. I learnt so much I didn’t know and the kids enjoyed exploring the shop very well organised with polite and friendly staff. Give it a go if your in Bristol I love ships and this was a Joy🤩

a. a.

It's the most exciting thing i ever visited! I loved how the ship has glass around it and water on it so it seems like it's floating. Once you are on board of the ship you are teleported in the past. Everything is so detailed and you can even smell everything (coal, food, bread etc.). With the tickets you can revisit anytime within 1 year.

M. L.

Fantastic day out for all the family. So much to see and packed in to a small place. Great day out.

C. R.

Great experience visiting this magnificent ship. Very good value for money.

A. F.

Very cool and informative. Take your time since there is a lot to see.

P.

An amazing story about an amazing and groundbreaking ship. Lots to see and do onboard, a must for curious children and adults. The surrounding harbour has lots to do as well.

D. G.

Kids loved exploring the ship and completing the challenge. The displays are really detailed and with the smells and sounds you feel really immersed. Wasn't too crowded and no waiting to get in. Living in Bristol we will make use of the unlimited entry for a year.

P. J.

A great opportunity to see a historical ship whose technology changed the world. Informative displays give the history of the ship and Brunel. A place every engineer should visit, but also something for everyone of all ages.

P. P.

Well worth the visit staff very friendly and helpful

J. P.

An amazing day out (father’s day) with very knowledgeable and helpful staff and volunteers. Joe (IKB) Jack Jenny and the GoAloft team were all brilliant. Highly recommended for all ages. Can’t wait to return. Well done !!!

C. D.

Brilliant place to visit, tad expensive but tickets are valid for a year. Going underneath into the dry Dock was amazing as was the scale of the ship. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

D. H.

The SS Great Britain is one of the must see sights in Bristol. While it is relatively expensive to visit, the museum and ship are well worth it. The inside of the ship is really well decorated to replicate the inside as it would have been, and going underneath to see the hull is a great idea. The museum section is also really interesting with lots of detail.

K. B.

An amazing and well laid out tour. Well worth the £14 fee to enter. Ever penny you spend is going towards the maintenance of this wonderful old marvel

C. B.

Totally agree with Terry Crewes' review. I remember the ship being towed into Bristol in 1970 and wondered why fuss about such a great, rusting hulk...Wind forward several years following superb restoration and the result is magnificent. Go visit!

D. H.

A very entertaining and informative experience, the closest you'll get to time travel. UPDATE: Visited for the afternoon tea in the first class dining saloon which was excellent!

m.

I could spend all day around here it's that good. The gift shop could do with carrying a wider range of gifts, other than that a good day out for all the family

B. G.

The ship renovation is wonderful and the museum of original artifacts is excellent. The volunteer staff are so helpful and I would recommend the guided tour. Highly recommended!!

A. W.

Excellent place to visit while In Bristol. Well thought out and interactive. Children will love it. Living history at its best 👍.

A. M.

Very good place to visit my 4 year old was very excited to walk around the ship and museum part.

M.

I think it's a must go in Bristol

R. B.

I saw the ship in the dry Dock at Avonmouth before the trip up the Avon it was an awesome sight then and even more so today . What a fabulous day out followed up by a wander around the Brunel Museum and a cuppa and cake in the cafe outside . Perfect day out in my book 🙂

D. Y.

It looked a bit expensive at £16.50 per adult, but reading earlier reviews they said it was worth it and it was. Great museum and really interesting tour "under the waves" to see the unrestored hull. Then onto the ship itself, the price would have been worth it for this alone. Loved the cabins and the smells added to the realism - fresh bread in the bakery not to mention the animal hold. The ticket also gave you unlimited free entry for the rest of the year. The cafe was also very good and we had lunch before continuing on our visit to Bristol. Would certainly recommend.

R. V.

My favorite museum in Bristol! The balance of text and images/pieces is amazing and it's super interactive. Children (and us the adults who never grew up) will find a lots of activities to do. One ticket allows multiple visits, so I'm deffo going again!

G. M. A.

Amazing place to visit. We have been twice in the last few months as the tickets last for a year. Best historical attraction I have been to. The attention to detail is great.

R. F.

One of the best tourist attractions in Bristol. We booked for a school group including the "Go Aloft" - climbing up the rigging in the rain didn't dampen the excitement one bit. A truly magical restoration and along with the volunteers it tells a brilliant story of Brunel and a time in the past. If you are staying in Bristol allow a fair few hours to appreciate it all, the ship itself is magical, but the museum and dry dock all add to a fantastic experience. To see the underneath of the SS Great Britain with a glass ceiling to keep the humidity below a certain level and preserve the ship and the same time as giving visitors a unique view is truly inspirational. It is very immersive for the visitor and there will be so much that you will miss because there is such a lot to see. All museums should take note as this is what many need to achieve.

D. K.

If u like history this is great lovely day great atmosphere authentic sounds,& smells photo area where I can dress up & take pictures on back drop for an extra fee u can climb the rigging great day with 12 month return ticket

C.

Has greta fun here with the kids learned loads to awesome place to visit love how they get the smells spot on on the boat

n.

Excellent place to spend half a day. So much to see. All cabin crew helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. The ship itself is amazing... a bit like the Yorvic experience but aboard a ship. Loads to see and do. The 'inside Brunels mind' experience could do with a little improvement. Also, at £16.50 per adult its a little expensive but the ticket lasts for 12 months. All in all a great place to visit. I would highly recommend it.

H. T.

This was a fantastic surprise. Not sure what to expect. It succeeded my expectations. Staff, demonstrations, meusum, everything was laid out for you to see at your leisure. Loved it. Heads up, watch out for the suprise in first class. It made us 😃

D. A.

Nice experience even though we visited with a pram and it was a bit of a hassle with the lifts. You can get around with the pram but would recommend leaving it outside. Also very hot on the ship and in the dry dock!

W. F.

Excellent experience- both the ship and museums are well worth a visit

T. B.

Great attraction supported by friendly helpful staff. Interesting look back in time. This attraction is wheelchair accessible with most areas, and certainly the important ones, being accessible.

J. W.

Came here with my new wife, good walk around for a couple hours, had a panini and a coffee towards the end of our visit, very tasty and hit the spot! Won't post too many photos at it will ruin the experience.

A. G.

I attended Harbourfest on Sunday, and the SS Great Britain had all the flags flying, with Isambard Kingdom Brunel welcoming visitors. Fabulous weather and loads of ships. Great music too.😎

T. C.

For Brunel heads, history fiends, and engineering scholars it's a must visit. There's lots to do, with stories of its troubled history, passengers, builders and crew and inventive activities it's good for the whole family.

M.

This is a stunning restoration. A fantastic museum that gives a full history of the SS Great Britain without being over wordy. The whole family was full absorbed whilst touring all the floors and taking in this sights, sounds and smells. We would have spent longer here but had to go. However the ticket is open ended for a year so we will be back. We all learnt a lot today so overall this is a fantastic value museum. Please give this place a go.

E. C.

For the most reasonable price of 19 guineas, ye can tour this grand 19th century ship. How I wish we'd had these kind of ships back in the 1680s when I was alive - I could've reached my plantations in double the time. T'is a fyne restoration and there be lots to explore onboard. If ye pay an extra 10 guineas, you can climb up the mast. I declined to do this as I was afraid of my powdered wig blowing off. I used to think Bristol council should have built a replica slave ship exhibit too, then one could have enjoyed an authentic, claustrophobic 17th century sailing experience. However I realised, one can be crammed in like sardines simply by travelling by budget airline. But I digress, the SS Great Britain is a splendid museum.

A. H.

Incredible venue with some great special events going on regularly

C. A.

A little pricey be there is more there than you'd expect. Had a great visit and enjoyed our look through. We'll be back for another wonder around next time we're in Bristol as the tickets last all year.

L. B.

Some interesting things to see The kids loved going beneath the ship and the light show

L. M.

Apprehensive about appearing like a massive Tory by spending my afternoon on a ship from the 1800's but nonetheless it was a joy to behold. A definite go to if you are in the area. SS must stand for seriously superb.

M. P.

Don't go hungover...its huge its hot and it's full of smells like the viking centre in York..... so much time and effort has gone into this attraction. Its absolutely brilliant

A. G.

That ship! And those amazing staff! The staff were extremely friendly,, there was a nice guy who dressed like Brunel and pretended to be him for better imagination,, Every part of the ship is educational and you can get an extremely close imagination of how ships were back then,, Again, thanks to the genius minded Brunel! A very near car park is there at a very reasonable price. Also, the cafe attached to the ship is very good with very nice staff,,

P. H.

One of the best maritime museum I have been to. I had a very in-depth conversation about the lifting gear and the engine. And gave me has time to explain what he had learnt about it.

P. O.

We really enjoyed our trip. Social distancing and COVID precautions are well organised and it was really interesting.

M. H. (.

A very good set up, a must see if you visit Bristol. There's so much to see, not just the ship, the docks are very interesting as well.

J. O.

On a tip-off from a colleague, we thought we would drop in for a visit. So glad we did, as there was much more to see than ‘just’ the ship - as interesting as that is! This exhibition tells the story of how ships like the SS Great Britain were put to work back in the day, humanising the events of the time through use of clever cards which tell the story of noteworthy characters of the time. Friendly and helpful staff too!

G. C.

Amazing, loved it. This brute is totally awesome. I would highly recommend this to anyone even remotely interested in boats or industry. Great for kids above 6 years old.

T. B.

Took the grandchildren today, aged 9 and 6. They both enjoyed looking round the ship in particular the deck and the cabins.

K. G.

Great day out, amazing gift shop

I. H.

Really enjoyed the experience. Lots of detail and experienced guides available to help. A good way to spend a couple of hours.

G. H.

Amazing ship and a great experience. Thought £17 for an adult was a bit steep but when you get two museums and the whole ship to explore it's well worth the money. And the ticket means you can go back for an entire year so will definitely be returning. The ship itself is a great restoration and the fact that you can explore the whole lot really gives you an insight into life aboard the SS Great Britain.

M. D.

Amazing experience. Very interactive museum. Highly recommend taking the time to explore this one of a kind ship and to climb the rigging!

N. H.

A tremendous place for a day out and it will be a full day out. The ship is impressive but all the gallery’s and museum bits attached are really well done. My kids enjoyed it, nice cafes for lunch overlooking the river and you can take a short boat trip (extra cost) up and down the harbour.

H. F.

A fascinating story, very well presented. Highly recommended

S. S.

Lots to see and do, well organised. Suitable for all ages. Going underneath the water was very interesting as was seeing the different levels of berths and cabins. Toilets and bathing facinating. Well worth a visit and your ticket is valid for many returns within the year.

R. B.

Really puts you in the ambience of the time period, with the imitation of odours, the figures and all the props. Love the museum, the boat simulation, propeller simulation and the dress up section especially. Also, a really lovely boat.

R. E.

Would have been I 5 star review as it is a great museum with lots of interesting and engaging features both within the ship and outside of it. However while I was there a private wedding was taking place on the ship meaning the entire 1st class section was closed off, about half the ship. I was still charged the same ticket price and I was not given any prior notice before paying that the wedding was going on resulting in me finding out by embarrisingly nearly walking into the middle of it.

T. S.

Couldn't really get inside, as tickets was for 18£ an annual ticket but I wasn't sure that if I will be visiting Bristol again.

B. C.

Amazing. Loved visiting ss great britain and learning about the ship akd restoration. Interesting to see the inside too and how people would have lived/stayed on the ship when it was at sail.

G. R.

Very interesting, wasn't paying attention but seemed interesting, the ship was alright I guess, we had this beetroot soup, worst thing I've ever tasted but the melon jam that was better than Raj's could fill me up any day

L. H.

Amazing experience. The ship has been restored very professionally and gives a great insight into how it would have been to sail in her

m. f.

Great muesuem, the addition of the Brunel exhibit and rooms really adds to the experience. Hands on exhibits, dress ups and rigging climbing make it good for kids.

M. B.

What a great day out and well worth the ticket price. We managed to spend over an hour and a half walking around and seeing everything. Even then we could have been here longer. The staff were amazing and so friendly. Always offering advice of areas that you may have missed and giving constant information about the ship and Brunel. 100% worth a visit if in the bristol area.

L. B.

Is a really nice place to go around, I like the fact you have a boarding pass that you can stamp on the way around. Is a great look into our history and there is plenty to do and look at.

S. W.

Great ship, but unfortunately we made the trip here across the country to find it closed on Mondays. So couldn't visit.

v. p.

Great experience for the whole family. We loved the dressing up part! And the quest through the ship.

L.

I was really surprised at the size of the ship, it doesn't look so big on the outside but you get to explore a lot inside. There's waxwork models showing how people lived on the boat with a functioning engine room, I really enjoyed looking around.

D. L.

Amazing place to visit. Being able to walk 'underneath' the water and around the boat is such a good idea. Onboard it was really interesting to see all of the details and read about the journeys this boat had completed. I'd never heard of it until I visited but very glad I have. Small gift shop on site. Attended for a conference and it was a really good venue. Food was really good although I'm not sure if this was catered externally or not!

D. M.

Go on the educational journey of the life of the SS Great Britain, over the last 190 years. A truly educational and fun attraction for all ages. Great value for money.

M. D.

Fascinating story of Brunel's ingenuity and the history of this ship. Well presented exhibition in dry dock after rescue and preservation.

r. w.

Brilliant place to visit for all ages loads to do and see have been going for years and seen it develop over-the-counter years

T. B.

Brilliant day out second visit for 40years. What a difference excellent valve for money . A must is climbing the rigging and out along the mast.

M. D.

A lot to see there. Ticket are valid one year from purchase date. Can get into cabins, under the dock. After you can eat and drink something just around the corner.

N. S.

As a Bristolian, I'd forgotten how great the SS Great Britain is. It's brilliant for adults and children alike. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering around. It's a well put together historical & practical experience. The café next door does good food with a lovely view of the docks. There's also a carpark next to the venue too.

D. K.

The restored ship is in excellent condition you have chance to wander the deck see the cabins and admire the design from underneath. It's impressive today and considering when it was built it's a wonder. It definitely deserves its status as a key attraction in Bristol. Not cheap so if you are sensitive to the price worth checking that on line but it is a marvel.

T. L.

Love the ship. Definitely worth to visit. Tickets are available a whole year which i think it’s great.

C. W.

A second visit, gives a real sense of a journey on the ship. Dry dock is my favourite still, fascinating

I. B.

Nice ship, must see. Lovely re-enacted scenes of life onboard inside the ship. Many informations around the history of the S.S. Great Britain.

A. R.

Great place to explore. Learnt so much. The braver members of the party paid extra to climb the rigging.

S. G.

A great place to visit and explore the works of Brunel. Plenty to see and explore with interactive exhibits. The SS Great Britain is brilliant and it's story, useage, recovery and restoration are fantastic. Lovely friendly and knowledgeable staff are always at hand to offer advice and answers any questions. Well worth a visit.

P. H.

Fascinating, something for everyone. Great interpretation displays, and many of Brunel's original documents can be displayed by arrangement.

H. R.

Fantastic three hours plus spent here, totally absorbed with the information, things to see and do. Loved every minute of it.

J. C.

Great experience. Really well thought out. The ship itself is amazing and very well presented. Around it is a wonderful museum. Interesting for all ages.

A. S.

Amazing day out with kids, lots of things which they can touch and try, easy you can spend there 4 hours

T. P.

I've enjoyed three visits. There are many events during the year and you pay once and go back as many times as you like within a year free of charge.

D. C.

Worth every penny .... So interesting, staff are super helpful and the cafe excellent ... Can't say enough, plus you can use your entry ticket more than once... :)

N. J.

One of Bristol's best attractions, beautifully restored with good accessibility. Free return trips for a year after your visit. Check it out :)

J. E.

The boat is well preserved and there are little interactive things to do in the museum as well as a show performed by "Brunel" which is great for kids. Inside the boat is well displayed, mannequins show how passengers travelled with audio and even smells recreated. The attention to detail is awesome!

M. C.

What a fantastic museum. Very tactile and interactive. Good for the whole family.

J. G.

Incredible place to visit! I was honestly blown away and the cafe is also great

A. S.

I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the ship. We spent three odd hours there. As we have children it is important that they have something to entertain them, and I am glad to be able to report there were many interesting interactive exhibits for them too. Very impressive piece of history.

S. H.

Nice to see British heritage restored and valued. Makes a refreshing change to the usual demeaning of our great culture and achievements.

T. D.

It was a good day but 5 hours wasnt long enough. The people that tell you about the ship are very friendly and all round a famy friendly place.

S. S.

Such a wonderful museum, the tickets last 12 months meaning you can go back and explore at a later date. Some great little touches with the boarding cards, embossing your ticket and Flash, Bang Wallop where you can take photos of those you are with dressed in Victorian clothing. There are great things to do if you have kids in your group, hunting for different things on the ship. Really is a great way to spend an afternoon, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit.

H. H.

Cool area to hang out by waterside. Take in some amazing history. Better part of Bristol for sure.

I. C.

A really well prepared exhibition with access to 3 levels of this restored example of british engineering. Superb reconstruction of cabins below deck with sound and smells to enhance the experience. All this plus 2 museums and some really helpful and enthusiastic staff made for a very enjoyable visit.

L. M.

Spent 4 hours there, excellent exhibits on board ship and in museum, knowledgeable staff.

A. M.

Interesting ship with a lot of history.

A. I.

This place is very good if you want to vist a historical place (Ss Great Britan) the place is really good looking for the age it has. The employees take care of everyone and the ship they let you vist everyones rooms. They can even show you around the whole plae for around £5-£10 what is a good price so you don’t get lost. They have a littlee museum that shows what is in the ship what is verry cool if you ask me. They let you move thee steering wheel (not the real one). The view is stunning. The food was really good but expencive its costs around £4.50 for a very small sandwhich. At the end this place is very good!

w. s.

Great place to visit , good price and loads to see ship is a magnificent ship and a lot of history to be learnt good fun for all the family well worth the visit

T. H.

Half Term fun...not the first time visiting and won't be the last. This is so interesting and fun for the whole family great educational value!

P. F.

A wonderful place to visit. So much to see and learn.

P. P.

Excellent visit. Interesting history and fine exhibits. The volunteers are exceptional, so friendly and willing to part with information of the ship and its history. A grand day out.

I. B.

Very interested in maritime history and heritage, well worth my time

N. A.

An amazing experience about a fantastic piece of British nautical history. Lots to see and the entrance fee allows unlimited return for a year

J. J.

Really really good! If you're in Bristol this is absolutely worth a visit. So much history and so many stories about this ships illustrious past. Very well laid out tour of the vessel and adjacent Brunel museum. It's just so worth it. Treat yourself!

R. B.

We had a great day here and the kids loved it. Staff very knowledgeable and helpful. New Brunel Centre was great.

S. C.

Fantastic place to visit. Such a lot of thought and care has been put into making it a great place to visit. I loved it and will definitely be returning!

k. m.

Excellent place , very interesting though a few road closures meant hard to find.

P. W.

Important piece of history, not just for Bristol but maritime history too. The museum was quiet when I visited, and parking easy and cheap on-site. The cost is rather high which may put you off (approx £15 per adult) but actually represents good value, in addition to the ticket allowing unlimited visits within a year, there is a lot to see and interact with around the ship and it's seperate museums. You can walk underneath the ship, as well as access all of it including the decks and impressive dining rooms (which can be hired out!). The place is well maintained, clean and safe, and the gift shop has surprisingly good prices for a museum shop, and some interesting things to buy. Overall a solid half days worth of content, the years membership included in the ticket price is a bit questionable as I can't see much value in returning within a year as they don't appear to have many rotating exhibits - a lower price for a one off visit would be welcome, especially for one-off visitors to Bristol.

J. J. D.

Lovely place and great experience. Only pesky bit was no cash accepted in cafe so that ruined my budget for thd day!

J. A.

Excellent, immersive presentation of an historical ocean liner. The displays in several museum style buildings and dock/dockyard/office were interesting and well presented and captivating for young people. The preservation and viewing of underside of the ship was enlightening and the interior of the boat was fascinating with various depictions of berths, functioning kitchens and stores as well as the obvious differences in sailing classes of a ocean liner. Staff/crew were friendly and informative. Highly recommended.

B. C.

Well worth a visit so much to see, guide's just bring it all to life.

D. H.

Very well organised friendly informative special deal on car park great day out

D. C.

Absolutely a nice attraction for all ages. Recommend to spend 2-3 hours for a complete tour around. It’ll be great to visit at anytime of the day. There’s indoor exhibitions and outdoor view for photo-taking. Must visit in Bristol!

M. F.

Brilliant day out kids enjoyed it and with a 12 month return pass its good value for money.

D. P.

A great time was had here. Excellent ship and museums. Loads of history. Excellent gift shop and a nice cafe. Pleasant and friendly staff. Another one we'll go back to.

S. B.

Daughter loves the place, she called it the Big Scary Ship. Brilliant day out and just to view and walk aboard a very historic iconic ship. Staff are absolutely friendly and knowledgeable

H. G.

Great experience and display, 3 hours soon went for our car park. Thought we'd have plenty of time.

S.

We had a fantastic day out visiting SS Great Britain. We were both a bit hesitant as we're not usually into maritime history (and the price seemed a little bit pricey) but don't let either of those things put you off - it was amazing! Your entry includes full access to the boat, including walking around the bottom of the boat and looking at the propeller, rudder, etc. which felt very special. Then, you look around all levels of the boat and it was fascinating to be able to see how different classes of passenger would have experienced their journey on the boat; I don't think I envy some of them. After this, we also got to go to the super interesting and interactive Brunel museum which would be great for kids and adults alike. Cannot recommend this enough if you come on a trip to Bristol. Thanks to all of the friendly volunteers for welcoming us and giving us lots of helpful information!

C. A.

I love this ship. I saw it return to Bristol in the 70s. Plenty to see and do and wonderful staff.

C. F.

Amazing tour of the SS Great Britain, takes you back to days gone by. Very informative and realistic. Every little detail that's gone into making this ship into its original state.

T. C.

Very interesting, well worth a visit. Good for kids and adults alike.

C.

Fab day out, great attention to detail, had somebody playing the piano in the ball room on board the ship, the authentic smells made me physically feel sick, even met isambard! Lovely staff too.

R. D.

Great experience. Technical ability of those shipbuilders in the 17th and 18th centuries is mindboggling.

J. P.

Really impressive work with bringing the interiors into shape. Plenty of original ship elements in the muzeum. And the ticket is valid for a year!

G. N.

An brilliant afternoon out. The staff and guides are excellent and the ships reconstruction inside, with all the waxworks, decor, sound and smells is well worth experiencing.

T. M.

An interesting surprise! We were simply looking for things to do in the area so the decision to visit was a last minute thing, but well worth it! Fascinating, interactive visit through British history with the ship being its own museum. I would go back and pay that entrance fee all over again!

a. h.

The dock surrounding the SS Great Britain is scenic. Unfortunately i did not opt to buy the ticket and take the tour as i felt £17 per person is too expensive. I think if it was around £10 per person they'll sell more tickets to make up for the reduced price. They should definitely reconsider the ticket pricing.

J. D.

I was thoroughly impressed by this attraction! I thought it was going to be a boring tourist trap but the museum is laid out so well. You learn so much about the boat and it's history and it's all presented in an interesting and engaging way. I could have spent longer here to be honest! We barely got a chance to look at the other exhibits on the go. I would definitely come back here again if I were to visit Bristol again

G. M.

If you like to watch the water the swan's and feed them it's a place to go there is also some nice bars around there. Good food and no so expensive.

N. W.

Absolutely fantastic place to visit

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