SS Great Britain

Yabe

Bristol's TOP attraction 15th October 2008

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This is my favourite attraction in the whole of Bristol!
Having put off visiting for a long time, the SSGB is one destination nobody should miss. The restored ship itself is beautiful and full access now exists onto all parts of the interior and exterior.

The steel hull is partially covered by a glass platform that completely surrounds the boat. Below the glass ceiling special fans and dehumidifiers attempt to control the atmosphere to such an extent that the life of the iron parts of the old ship are extended. The huge rudder and screws are are must-see.

The approach to the ship is through the restored dock yard, where lots of hands-on items bring to life the navigating and steering a boat of this size. Children from 8-80 will love the steering mechanism!
Once inside the boat, the small cabins and the lavish dining areas, complete with old props and artefacts, transport you back in time to the 1840s. The living conditions on board were quite different from today's QEII.

On a sunny day, the deck is a lovely place to rest a while. You get some nice views of Cliftonwood and the floating harbour. There is also a very nice cafe, adjacent to the gift shop, after you have left the SSGB. A nice water side setting and right next to the Matthew (when it is at home).

Here comes the best bit: your admission ticket is valid for as many return visits as you like during the next year!

vegegrow

15th September 2008

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although we visited the ss Great Britain on a very cold damp new years holiday it was still reasonably busy so it must get packed during the summer holidays. A magnificent ship beautifully restored in dry dock right in the middle of Bristol. It has several options for an audio guide giving you the chance to tour the ship with information from different type of passenger and crew 1st class 3rd class and the ships engineer being some of the options, this was very informative with different members of the family taking different options and telling other members about different aspects of the ship. It has been set up with cabins furnished to portray different classes, showing the cramped conditions of the poorest passengers and the rich decor of the first class. when you have toured the ship you get the chance to go inside the dry dock (you are underneath a roof covered with water)and look closely at the exterior of the hull Its well worth a visit.