SS Great Britain is a museum ship and former passenger steamship, which was advanced for her time. She was the longest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854. She was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between Bristol and New York City.
No one had ever designed so vast a ship, nor had the vision to build it of iron. Brunel fitted her with a 1000 hp steam engine, the most powerful yet used at sea. Perhaps most daring of all, Brunel rejected using conventional paddle wheels to drive his ship. Instead, he gave the SS Great Britain a screw propeller. This was the newest invention in maritime technology. By seeing how to combine these key innovations, Brunel created a ship that changed history.
Current opening times are Thursday - Sunday 10am - 6pm. However, for October half-term (Thursday 22 October - Sunday 1 November) we will be open everyday, 10am - 5pm.
Accessibility
The Dry Dock, Dockyard Museum, Brunel Institute and the ship are fully accessible for wheel chair users. Both levels of Being Brunel have wheelchair and step-free access following an alternative route. Please be aware that the Dock Office (part of Being Brunel) is a historic building with narrow corridors and doorways.
To avoid the uneven cobblestones through the main gate we have an alternative entrance by the Harbourside Kitchen.
As some cabins are too narrow for standard wheelchairs we have special wheelchairs available for visitors to use free of charge.
Lifts are available in the Dry Dock, the Dockyard Museum, Being Brunel, on board the ship and in the Brunel Institute.
Brunel's SS Great Britain received the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain award for ‘Best Heritage Venue’. It has also been recognised by the Access Association for its commitment to giving the best experience possible to its visitors.
