SS Great Britain Reviews 11

We thought this would be a quick visit for our group of 9 people (ages 2-71). There was so much of interest for us all that we ended up spending 3 hours there. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and the talk by “Mr Brunel” was excellent and kept all the age groups entertained. Great value and a wonderful experience

Today, my family and I visited the historic SS Great Britain, and it was truly an incredible experience. We spent nearly five hours exploring the ship, and time just flew by—we didn’t feel it at all.

One of the most impressive aspects was how well-equipped the site is for children and visitors with mobility issues. Everything is thoughtfully arranged, and you’ll have no trouble navigating the space. The staff were all incredibly kind and passionate, proudly sharing stories about the ship’s history.

Don’t miss the gift shop! We bought a piece of original red wood from the ship’s hull—removed during restoration. It truly feels like we’ve brought a piece of history and pride home with us.

After your visit, I highly recommend taking a walk along the beautiful riverside or enjoying a short, relaxing ride on one of the leisure boats. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the SS Great Britain—you won’t regret it.

We’ve visited SS Great Britain a couple of times previously and it’s excellent. This time we enrolled for the 2 hour walking tour around the docks with an Ismbard Kingdom Brunel lookalike (complete with authentic costume!) - what a FANTASTIC experience. Our guide was friendly, EXTREMLEY knowledgeable on IKB matters and made our tour an absolute delight. Well done! Would thoroughly recommend.

Absolutely fabulous experience, would highly recommend. You need around 2-3 hours to explore it all. From the minute we arrived everyone made you feel very welcome and some were in character. Will be going again when next in the area.

The SS Great Britain was the world’s largest passenger ship from 1845 to 1854 and the first iron hulled, screw propeller ship to cross the Atlantic. Excellent museum, both about the building and life of the ship and Brunel. Fascinating to walk around the restored cabins, dinning rooms, kitchens, engine room, etc and underneath, in the same dry dock where the ship was originally built.

Entry prices are high - £22 per adult or £8 if in receipt of Universal Credit, no age concessions, minor reductions on family tickets with children. If you are fairly local, the tickets are valid for a year and it is worth going back.

Bristol council manages the adjacent car park with high charges although you get a discount when buying entry tickets for the SS Great Britain, resulting in a parking charge of £5 for up to 5 hours.

BEWARE the payment machines only accept coins - no notes or cards - which can mean the minimum charge of £7.50 is a problem. Alternatively, pay by RingGo app but mobile reception in the car park isn’t good and it may take over 10 minutes to download the app - download before you go.

The best day out we’ve had in a long time. I cannot fault it. Went with my 80 year old mother and my two teenagers 16 & 13. We all thought it was brilliant. It was cleverly laid out without being fussy, too full or empty. The museum was interesting without being too much. We all found something to read and enjoy. It wasn’t aimed at little kids like lots of museums but had things for them to do. My mum could easily get about with lifts and automatic doors and lots to interest her. The ship itself was awesome from both under it, in it and on it. So many things to see and explore. The kids could get in the bunks, we could open doors and really experience the ship. They also climbed the rigging which was expertly done and a unique experience. All the people working there were interesting and helpful without being too intrusive. We stayed hours longer than I thought we would with teenagers is a recommendation in itself.

What a little gem! Fabulous staff and volunteers (shout out to staff Joe and volunteer John, they were brilliant!) Informative, lots to see, the staff and volunteers clearly care greatly about the site and the experience. Would highly recommend a visit. I visited with my friend on the 19th February. Thank you v much

Wonderful ship, great day out, lots of museums inside the dock - we booked the guided tour with Brunel himself and it makes it very special - took 4 hours and eat plenty of food from the cafes

A great experience while staying in Bristol

I was reluctant to go to this attraction, the admission of £18 put me off and who wants spend an hour seeing some rusty sheet metal and stuff about a bloke in a stovepipe hat?

I am pleased to say The SS Great Britain is SO much more than that and after 3 hours (minimum visiting time if you want to do it any justice) I had to be dragged away.

Not only will the ship itself leave you in awe, the reconstructed interior is remarkable in its detail and realism, but you will be left in no doubt that Isambard Kingdom Brunel was nothing short of an inventive genius, an engineering Einstein.

The helpers and staff have a sense of real pride and are hugely knowledgeable. My £18 ticket is valid for a year and I will make sure I return in time to spend several more hours being amazed and educated.

Spent a total of 14 hours over two days , exploring this amazing ship - the Staff were helpful and knowledgeable , and all were very approachable and happy to answer any questions ( Especially Ryan AKA Brunnel - or at least one of them - ) The ticket price of £18 was well worth the money and it can been used again and again over the course of a year . Lots to see both inside and outside of the Ship .This is ideal for all age ranges -This Ship not only shows how they lived on board but gives you senses a good work out as well each person on board re enacts a real person who travelled on this ship in the Victorian era -The location is also central to other attractions. I would highly recommend a visit to the SS Great Britain.