Support Us
Our charity cares for the SS Great Britain and brings ideas and stories to life.
Imagine a world without museums, there would be no way to learn from the past to build a better future. We are a charity. Find out how you can conserve the SS Great Britain and inspire the innovators of the future.
The SS Great Britain has lived more lives than most. An ocean liner, a cargo ship, a coal hulk… and today, the centrepiece of the Bristol Dockyards.
Around her, the SS Great Britain Trust continues to inject life into the history, engineering and creativity that defines this revered and wonderful place. But just like the decades-old dock, experiences like this don’t preserve themselves.
Our charity keeps the remarkable Dockyards alive, sharing their stories, celebrating their heritage and inspiring the next generation of young engineers. It takes a community to believe in it. And that's where you come in.
Helps conserve a historic artefact
Funds a full school workshop
Supports 24 hours of ship conservation
YOUR SUPPORT WILL
Conserve
Conserve the SS Great Britain, preventing corrosion of the iconic iron hull and keeping her shipshape for future generations.
educate
Run our inspiring museums and hands‑on educational programmes, engaging more people with Brunel's radical ideas while inspiring the next generation of innovators and engineers.
Discover
Sustain work with local communities, uncovering new stories from our vast archive to support extraordinary learning.
Ways to support
Support bold conservation, innovative learning and maritime heritage.
Ways to connect with us
Share your time, knowledge and enthusiasm with thousands of annual visitors.
Supporter stories
“Every time I step onto the Dockyard, I’m reminded how special this place is. Sharing the story of Brunel, and Bristol, and this beautiful ship with visitors from all over the world is a true privilege.”
“What stands out is the impact. On visitors, on the city, and on the people who care about this place. Championing the Dockyard is about keeping its stories alive and making sure they’re still inspiring people years from now.”
“Every time I step onto the Dockyard, I’m reminded how special this place is. Sharing the story of Brunel, and Bristol, and this beautiful ship with visitors from all over the world is a true privilege.”
“Supporting the work of the SS Great Britain Trust means helping to protect an extraordinary piece of history. Seeing it brought to life for new generations makes it feel like a contribution that really matters.”