SS Great Britain

The SS Great Britain is the second Brunel masterpiece to grace the Bristol Docks. She sits today in the same dry dock from which she was launched with all due ceremony in 1843. Larger than any ship that went before her, the SS Great Britain is another lasting testament to the genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Built as part of Brunel's transatlantic transport network from London to New York, the historic vessel was famed as the first iron passenger ship to be driven by a screw propeller. Sadly, her successful reign was brought to a premature close when she ran aground in Ireland. But subsequently relaunched, the SS Great Britain sailed for another 40 years as a cargo vessel and ocean liner.

Visitors today can glimpse Victorian high life with a tour of the Dining Salon, Ladies' Boudoir and Captain's Stateroom, all re-created to reflect the ship's glory days.

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