Frequently Asked Questions

In June 2026, we changed our name from Brunel’s SS Great Britain to Bristol Dockyards. 

Progress is nothing new here. We wanted a name that better reflects the full breadth of what we do today. Alongside caring for an iconic ship, we celebrate maritime history and global connection in many ways: through our world‑leading education programme, the conservation of two historic dockyards, a globally recognised maritime heritage, and a year‑round programme of inspiring cultural activity. 

We also wanted a name that reflects where we are and what we do. One rooted in Bristol, one of the UK’s most vibrant and forward‑thinking cities, and one that points to our future. As Bristol Dockyards, we are becoming a dynamic waterside cultural hub on the city’s iconic waterfront. 

We hope you’ll stick with us for the journey ahead. 

Yes, the ship is still accessible for all visitors – you can even climb into the bunks in steerage! The SS Great Britain Experience includes a new museum, opening in July 2026, which you’ll go through before boarding the ship. Please check current opening times on our Plan Your Visit page.

No. The SS Great Britain was built as a passenger ship to carry people from Britain to New York, and later to Australia - read more about the ship’s history at INSERT LINK.  

Construction of the SS Great Britain began in 1839. This was 32 years after Britain abolished the trade in enslaved people on all British ships with the Abolition of Slave Trade Act in 1807, and six years after the country abolished the use of slave labour in its empire in 1833.   

The team behind Bristol Dockyards is sensitive to the fact that our city - particularly the harbourside - was deeply enmeshed in the transatlantic slave trade. The Great Western Steamship Company - which built the ship - was invested in and owned by all kinds of people, including the city’s merchants. We know that four shareholders of the Great Western Steamship company were directly linked to plantation ownership.  

Today, we work with communities from across Bristol to research, uncover, discuss and represent all aspects of the ship’s history, looking at how it relates to the current diversity of cultures in Bristol. Find out more about our community research at INSERT LINK. 

We regularly advertise opportunities to work or volunteer for Bristol Dockyards – including work experience for students. Please visit bristoldockyards.org/jobs (URL TBC). Volunteering opportunities can be found at bristoldockyards.org/URLTBC. 

Bristol Dockyards is operated by the SS Great Britain Trust, registered charity number 262158. If you want to read more about how you can support our charitable aims, please head over to bristoldockyards.org/support-us (URL TBC). 

Drop us a line at hello@bristoldockyards.org or phone us on 0117 926 0680. For press enquiries please contact press@bristoldockayrds.org. 

Bristol Dockyards is open Tuesdays to Sundays. We are closed on Mondays except for school and public holidays (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Here's our Opening Times (URL TBC) for the most up-to-date information.

The SS Great Britain might be considered the jewel in our crown but we’re so much more than ‘just a ship’. A day out at Bristol Dockyards grants you access to the Being Brunel Museum where you can go inside the mind that changed history (literally), and the Brunel Institute – home to the world’s finest maritime collection.  

The SS Great Britain Experience includes an interactive onboarding exhibition taking you deeper into the stories of the people and places who interacted with or were impacted by the ship, before exploring the restored vessel – get hand-on with history in the third-class bunks,  first-class dining saloon, the glorious weather deck and historic Dry Dock. 

Visits to Bristol Dockyards are self-guided, so you can spend as much or as little time here as you like. We generally recommend allowing about 3 hours to explore everything. It’s worth checking out our What’s On section as we have a rolling programme of family activities, exhibitions and experiences often included in your ticket. 

Remember, some ticket types are valid for 12 months meaning you can come back as many times as you like for a whole year. 

As the home to many historical artefacts and areas of conservation, we only permit trained assistance dogs to the site. Our neighbourhood offers great dog walking spots – well-behaved pooches are allowed on our Walking Brunel’s Bristol tour which departs from outside the entrance to Bristol Dockyards.

By foot, bus, train, car, plane or even by ferry! Travel information can be found at bristoldockyards.org/getting-here (URL TBC).

Spaces are available in the council-run Maritime Heritage Centre short stay car park adjacent to Bristol Dockyards. These are first-come, first-served and cannot be pre-booked. Please visit bristol.gov.uk for up-to-date information and prices.  

Please note that Bristol’s Clean Air Zone is in effect, and some cars will be subject to charges. A bus gate is in effect on Cumberland Road – please be alert for signage as you exit Bristol Dockyards. 

Yes! Download the free Bloomberg Connects app and search for ‘SS Great Britain’. Or simply scan the QR codes around the site to access the same information.

We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible space for all. Please refer to our Access for All page (URL TBC) to help you prepare and plan for a visit.

The Board Walk restaurant is just outside the main entrance to Bristol Dockyards, overlooking the floating harbour. Whether you’re stopping by for your morning latte, a light lunch with the kids or booking for an evening meal, the menu has delicious options for everyone. Visit theboardwalkbristol.co.uk for up-to-date information.

You are welcome to bring food and drink with you - please be respectful of your surroundings and other visitors, and please dispose of rubbish correctly. Whilst we do not allow food and drink in inside spaces, there is seating available in the dockyard and in Brunel Square (just outside the main entrance to Bristol Dockyards).

Smoking and vaping are prohibited anywhere in Bristol Dockyards. If you wish to smoke or vape, please exit through the Visitor Centre.

Please see our ticketing page (URL TBC) for current prices and offers.

Visitors who cannot enjoy our site independently are advised to select for a free carer ticket for their companion/personal assistant. We support the social model of disability and are working to remove barriers from our site that are disabling and prevent you exploring independently.

Yes - please refer to our Access for All page (URL TBC) for more details.

You will be asked to select a date for your first visit – your annual ticket will be valid for 12 months from this date. Future visits do not need to be booked in advance, simply show your annual ticket on arrival. Please note that not all ticket types (URL TBC) are annual, and we advise checking opening times before planning to a free return.

Don’t worry. If you purchased an annual ticket, simply turn up on another date following the advice above. If you purchased a day ticket or were part of a group booking, please contact us at hello@bristoldockyards.org and our team will assist you.

Yes – gift vouchers can be purchased at URL TBC.

Some events are included in the ticket price. This is largely restricted to daytime events during school holidays. If you are coming to an event outside of opening hours, then it is most likely a ticketed event, and you will have to pay a separate fee to attend. Our What’s On page lists all our upcoming events and ticketing information.

We do! You can find more information at URL TBC. Information for teachers or home educating families can be found at URL TBC.

We’re glad you asked – head over to bristoldockyards.org.uk/support to sign up and find out what benefits and extras you’ll be entitled to!

Unfortunately not. We are a registered charity, relying on ticket sales and donations to fund our educational and conservational aims. This means we must limit the number of discounts and offers available to visitors.