Go Aloft!

Climb the SS Great Britain's rigging 25 metres into the sky, for the ultimate birds-eye view of Bristol.

Master the climb

Discover what it was like to be a Victorian sailor of the SS Great Britain crew, and climb the ship’s rigging 25 metres into the sky. Feeling even braver? Edge out 9m over the Great Western Dockyard for hands down the best birds-eye view in Bristol.

The only way is up

Each session lasts roughly 30 minutes and is limited to two climbers at a time. You’ll be guided through every step by trained instructors from Young Bristol’s Outdoor Employment Programme. We’re proud to support the youth-driven charity in its mission to help young locals develop leadership skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications. They’ll make sure you’re safe at all times, in an experience we promise is as authentic as the mid-19th century.

Already have an annual ticket?

Kids Climb for Half Price (£12) until 9 Aug with an Annual Ticket.

Annual Ticket Holder?

Key info

Time

10.15am–4.15pm

Price

£35.00

Suitable for

Families

10 and over

See tickets

The view from the top

Someone climbing the ship's rigging in 'Go aloft'

Someone with climbing gear on about to complete 'Go aloft'

Two people at the top of Go Aloft giving a thumbs up

Join the crew!

FAQs

Please bring an electronic or printed copy of your booking confirmation, and have filled out your waiver (linked in your email e-ticket).

Sensible clothing should be worn. Your shoulders, midriff and upper legs should be covered. You will be open to the elements so please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The SS Great Britain Trust will not be liable for any damage to clothing. You must wear closed toe shoes, trainers or boots that will not fall off. Open toe shoes, sandals, flip flops or high heels are not permitted. Long hair must be tied back. Skirts or dresses are not appropriate. Jewellery and scarves must be removed. Gloves are not provided but wearing well-fitting gloves is permitted and encouraged, particularly in cold weather.

Loose items (including mobile phones) are not permitted when taking part in Go Aloft!

Climbs will take place in all conditions unless the weather is considered to pose a health and safety risk to participants – generally strong winds (consistently above 20mph and/or gusts above 30mph) and/or lightning. The weather is constantly monitored and we will inform you beforehand if we feel the weather may mean we can’t open Go Aloft. We will endeavour to reschedule your booking to the next available date that is suitable to you. If an alternative date cannot be found we will refund the value of the Go Aloft tickets purchased to the original method of payment, or you can choose to donate the value of the climb to us instead – read more about our charitable goals here.

Any contact will be in the form of an email so you are advised to check your in-box before visiting to avoid any potential unnecessary travel.

Please arrive at Bristol Dockyards at least 15 minutes before your scheduled Go Aloft climb. This allows time to travel from the main entrance to the SS Great Britain's Weather Deck, where a member of our crew will meet you for a short safety briefing. You’ll learn more about what life was like for Victorian sailors before taking on the climb yourself.

The full experience typically lasts 20–30 minutes, including the fitting of safety equipment and the climb.

For safety reasons, late arrivals may not be able to take part and will not be eligible for a refund. You’ll be asked to empty your pockets before climbing; limited storage is provided for personal belongings. Participants must follow all instructor directions at all times.

Terms and Conditions

All tickets sold are subject to the terms and conditions set out here. Please read these carefully and raise any queries you have before purchase. Your purchase constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Participation in Go Aloft is at the discretion of the SS Great Britain Trust. The Trust reserves the right to refuse or discontinue participation of any person on the activity if, in the opinion of its authorised staff, that person is unfit or unable to participate safely or poses a risk to the safety of any other person. This includes any behaviour which undermines the role of any member of the Go Aloft Activity’s operating team.
It is your responsibility to check your tickets as if you have made a mistake it cannot always be rectified after purchase. Please email hello@bristoldockyards.org if there is a mistake.
You must produce a valid ticket to gain access to Go Aloft.
Bristol Dockyards reserve the right to vary pricing, some of which may be beyond our control.
Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who is reasonably assumed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be able to participate in the activity.
If you have any special access requirements please discuss such requirements before purchasing tickets with a member of our crew by contacting hello@bristoldockyards.org. Due to the technical nature of the activity, climbers are not able to take a companion/carer with them. Each side of the course has two lines, one is used by the participant and one by the instructor meaning participants cannot climb side-by-side.
The experience lasts 20-30 minutes on average but will vary between individuals.
Any personal data provided by you will be used in accordance with the data protection act 1998, except where SS Great Britain Trust is required by law to do otherwise.

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you are unable to climb at your allotted time we will not be able to issue a refund or reschedule your booking.
Tickets for Go Aloft are timed. Ticket holders should arrive on the weather deck 15 minutes before the time stated on their ticket to avoid missing their slot. We cannot guarantee participation in Go Aloft if you are late.
Go Aloft will operate in most weather conditions with the exception of high winds or lightning. In these instances we will endeavour to contact you prior to the day of your climb by email. In the rare occasions weather turns suddenly and we cannot honour your climb on the day of your climb we will offer you the choice of a refund or to reschedule. No refunds or rescheduling will be offered as a result of other inclement weather conditions.
Go Aloft is a psychologically and physically challenging activity. Participants should familiarise themselves with the nature of the climb and complete a disclaimer form prior to the climb. No refunds will be offered if you decide not to climb or do not turn up for your climb.
If you have been removed from Go Aloft for inappropriate behaviour eg. violation of safety rules you will not be entitled to a refund or an alternative session.
If we are unable to honour a rig climb due to bad weather or factors beyond our control, Bristol Dockyards will take all reasonable measures to contact you when cancellation has occurred and refund you the full value of your Go Aloft tickets or offer a rescheduled date for your Go Aloft climb. Any contact will be made via email so you are advised to check your email before making the journey to us. Admission tickets to Bristol Dockyards are non-refundable (as they are valid for twelve months allowing return visits) and subject to their own Terms and Conditions – see admission tickets T&Cs.

Participants will be provided with a harness, helmet and other safety equipment needed for your climb. This must always be worn and must not be interfered with. If you feel uncomfortable please notify your instructor who will assist you. You must wear closed toe shoes, trainers or boots that will not fall off. Open toed shoes, sandals or high heels are not permitted. Gloves are permitted and recommended, particularly in cold weather. Shoes and gloves are not provided.
You must wear suitable clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions. Your clothing must not restrict your movement, obstruct your vision, lead to overheating in hot weather or become entangled in your safety equipment. For this reason skirts and dresses are not appropriate. We reserve the right to refuse your participation in Go Aloft if we consider that your clothing does not meet these requirements or poses a health and safety risk to you or other participants. A refund will not be offered.
SS Great Britain Trust will not be liable for any damage to clothing.
Spectacles and hearing aids may be worn but must be secure and not loose fitting.
You will not be permitted to take any personal possessions with you on the climb. Personal possessions including mobile phones must be left in the storage provided. All items are left at your own risk and you should bear in mind this and limitations of storage when deciding what to bring with you on the day of your climb.

You are not permitted to take cameras, phones or any other recording devices with you during your climb.
Anyone accompanying you who is not climbing is welcome to take photographs during your climb, so long as they don’t bring in tripods, lighting equipment, etc. and they don’t intrude on other visitors’ experiences or privacy. We encourage them to share photographs on social media, and we’re generally happy when photographs are uploaded to sharing platforms.
Permission should be sought in advance for photoshoots and film shoots by contacting the marketing team or commercial (venue hire) team. Generally, the marketing team would review a request from a media/brand alignment perspective before filming. Venue fees would be quoted by the commercial team if applicable.