Bristol Dockyards
Home of SS Great Britain
New museum
An all-new experience on Bristol's 200-year-old dockyard.
Propelled by ideas since 1843
Explore the legendary SS Great Britain, the man who imagined it, and the legacy it left in its wake. Sitting proudly on a glass ‘sea’, SS Great Britain is the crowning moment on Bristol’s harbourside.
Did you know?
When the SS Great Britain launched in 1843, it was the world’s largest passenger ship and one of the first iron, propeller-driven ocean liners.
How many museums can claim they’ve travelled the world?
Whether it’s the 32 round trips between the UK and Australia, the cargo shipments from California to Chile, or the hero’s welcome she received on her trip back to Bristol, the SS Great Britain has racked up quite the sea-miles – and carried over 33,000 people on her way.
Where Brunel’s biggest ideas took hold.
The SS Great Britain might take centre stage, but the famed Victorian dockyard surrounding it certainly doesn’t hide in the shadows. Historic cranes ferrying cargo, masts ready for their next adventure and incredible views paint an incredible idea of what life was like 200 years ago.
Did You Know?
The Great Western Dockyard didn’t just construct ships. It was a testing ground for bold thinking focused on all manner of engineering, industry and Britain’s place in a rapidly changing world.
Albion Dockyard
The Albion Dockyard is a working Grade II-listed facility that’s been building and maintaining ships for decades. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one being worked on.
GO INSIDE THE MIND THAT CHANGED HISTORY
Isambard Kingdom Brunel is not simply one of the greatest engineers of the 1800s. He’s the genius behind some of the world’s most radical engineering feats.
Did You Know?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel wasn’t just a genius engineer. He was a master of mistakes, known for bold ideas, stubborn determination and famously impressive sideburns.
Dock Office
Head back to 1850 and experience the sights, sounds and smells of The Great Western Steamship Company’s Grade-II listed headquarters. You might even help Brunel sign off a decision or two with the board.
One of the world's finest maritime collections
When you have such a rich history, a rich collection usually isn’t far behind. The Brunel Institute – a collaborative venture between the SS Great Britain Trust and the University of Bristol – is no exception, housing over 75,000 original drawings, letters and items in one the world’s finest maritime archives.
Open to all
Today, the Institute is open to all. A hub for curiosity, research and bold thinking, it provides the opportunity to explore historic innovations, discover the human stories behind them, and step into a space where past ideas spark present-day debates.
Something for everyone
Families
Step into extraordinary stories together. Explore the iconic SS Great Britain, soar above the harbour with Go Aloft or enjoy our immersive programming with activities like Mad Science Mayhem. There's always something new to discover.
Explorers
From dockyard to deck, museums to harbour life, art to maritime stories, Bristol Dockyards is full of discovery. And beyond our gates, the harbour is cobble to cobble with culture and stories.
Schools
A radically different school of thought.
Through expert workshops and interactive storytelling, children can explore Brunel, the SS Great Britain and the vast effect both had on the world in the UK’s most immersive history lesson.
Bristol’s greatest day out
And we’ve got the numbers to prove it
“A brilliant way to spend the afternoon. I’m excited to see what the Dockyards team will achieve and can’t wait to work together as we ensure that this iconic organisation is at the heart of our growth plan for the region.”
A collection for all ages
Open to everyone. Free to access
Do your bit for the dockyards
The Dockyards have launched a thousand stories, but your support keeps ours going. Caring for the SS Great Britain, protecting our history and inspiring the next generation to change the world all over again.
