At Bristol Dockyards, you’ll board the SS Great Britain and descend into the dry dock beneath its iron hull.

A single ticket covers the ship, the dry dock, the museums and the historic site.

Allow around 1.5 hours for the whole visit.

🏨 ibis Bristol Centre – check prices and availability – is located near Millennium Square. Walk along the waterfront from there to the ferry at Hanover Quay, which will drop you off right by the ship.

The steamship was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in Bristol in 1843.

Brunel combined an iron hull, a steam engine and a propeller on this ocean-going vessel. At the time of its launch, it was the largest ship in the world. After being salvaged from the Falkland Islands, it returned in 1970 to the very same dock where it was originally built.

Tickets and prices

The Afternoon Saver ticket costs 13 gbp online or 15 gbp at the venue. It is valid from 1.30 pm for a single visit and includes access to the main areas of the site.

For a morning visit, choose an annual pass. With this, you can return for 12 months from the selected date of your first visit. On your next visit, simply show your pass and proof of identity.

Annual ticket	Online	On-site
Adult	22 gbp	25 gbp
Child	14,50 gbp	16,50 gbp
Young people and students	18,50 gbp	21 gbp

You can find family offers and age categories when buying tickets for Bristol Dockyards.

What to see at Bristol Dockyards

1. The ship’s museum. Before boarding the ship, you’ll discover who built it and what the long voyages of emigrants to Australia were like.
2. The ship’s decks. Walk from the first-class saloon to the cramped berths of passengers in the cheapest class. In the engine room, you’ll see a working replica of Brunel’s steam engine.
3. Dry dock. Descend beneath the glass floor to view the iron hull and the ship’s propeller. The ship’s sheer size is best appreciated from below.
4. Being Brunel. A separate exhibition dedicated to Brunel showcases his work and other structures he was involved in.

If you visit in winter with an afternoon ticket, you’ll have 2.5 hours until closing time. Make the ship and the dry dock your first stops.

Opening hours

Bristol Dockyards is open from Tuesday to Sunday and daily during school holidays.

During the winter season, from 3 November to 13 February, it is open from 10.00 to 16.00.

From 14 February to 2 November, it is open from 10.00 to 17.00. Please check the opening times for your visit before you go.

How to get to the ship

• On foot from the city centre, cross Prince Street Bridge to M Shed and continue along the southern quayside. Allow about 15 minutes from Broad Quay, and 25–30 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads station.
• By ferry from the north bank at Hanover Quay directly to the ship. The short crossing costs 1,30 gbp. The ferry runs on demand during Cross Harbour Ferry operating hours.
• By car to the Maritime Heritage Centre car park next to the site. Visitors can pay for discounted parking at the ticket office ( 5,60 gbp ) for up to 5 hours.

If you wish to walk to the ship, when choosing accommodation near the SS Great Britain, check which bank it is on.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Bristol.