Set Sail For Fun
A summer of games & adventure at Bristol Dockyards
Ships and Giggles is a summer packed with interactive games and challenges inspired by the real stories of the SS Great Britain's extraordinary global voyages – from Bristol's harbourside to the coasts of Argentina and beyond. Whether you're Bristol born and bred or visiting the city this summer, it's a day out the whole family will be talking about long after the school holidays are over.
Games inspired by life on the high seas
Take part in challenges rooted in the real pastimes of passengers and crew. Dangle a jar over the side to try your luck at Jar Fishing – just like child passengers did on the open ocean. Test your stamina on the giant Jump Rope, a nod to the streets of New York City. Head below deck for Good Shout, where you'll receive orders through the engine room's speaking trumpets just as the real crew did. And in the ship's galley, race your family to make three fruit pies in Who Made All the Pies? – based on a genuine 1861 menu.
Discover the brand-new SS Great Britain Experience
This summer also marks a landmark moment for Bristol. July sees the launch of a stunning new interactive museum at Bristol Dockyards, part of the expanded SS Great Britain Experience. Designed by world-renowned exhibition designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the museum brings to life the full story of Brunel's ship – the world's first modern vessel – through immersive exhibitions, digital recreations, historic artefacts and new community-led research that uncovers previously untold stories from the ship's 41 years of service.
Walk the museum, then step aboard the ship itself. Together, they tell the complete story of a vessel that changed travel, migration and culture forever – and make for one of the most compelling heritage experiences in the UK.
Kids Go Free - all summer long!
Here's the good news: one child gets in free for every paying adult, right through to 2 September. Even better, your ticket lasts the whole year – so you can come back as many times as you like at no extra cost! One visit is never going to be enough.
Ships and Giggles is on from Sat 18 Jul – Wed 2 Sep 2026 at Bristol Dockyards, home of SS Great Britain. One child admitted free per paying adult - offer valid until 2 September 2026.
