In short, this is a superb attraction, I think the...

In short, this is a superb attraction, I think the best in Bristol, well in the top 5 for the South West and well worth the entrance fee. Quality wise it rivals and at times exceeds larger attractions such as HMS Victory / Royal Navy Historic Dockyard.

The long, it has been a couple of years since I last visited the SS Great Britain and on those previous visits the ship itself had always impressed me, but now the entire experience from the moment you walk in to buy your ticket to the moment you leave is extremely impressive. I would go so far to say the experience rivals, and at times exceeds that offered by larger attractions such as the Royal Navy Dockyard / HMS Victory in Portsmouth.

The experience for us started when we entered as we were greeted by Brunel played by an actor who reminded me of Brunel crossed with Eddie Redmayne. I see a potential movie there!

The museum you enter before boarding the ship is very impressive with lots of interactive exhibits which kept two children of 8 engaged for quite some time. Just before boarding the ship you have the opportunity to select a card representing a member of the crew, or a passenger which gives you things to look for on the ship and when you are finished you can find our what happened to that particular person.

Of course the preservation of the ship will always be ongoing but the quality of the work now is truly startling, and as you walk around the ship you meet members of staff, some of which in period dress who give you information about the area your are in. In addition you'll see quite realistic mannequins so you are never quite sure if a person is real or not when you first encounter someone!

The recently opened Brunel museum on the opposite side of the ship is really interesting with lost of interactive exhibits including an opportunity to recreate the famous picture of Brunel standing with top hat in front of a ships chain, a rocking train carriage demonstrating his wide gauge of railway and the mind of Brunel which is a 6 minute '4D' movie with smoke/steam released in to the room when a train appears. Bit intense for the younger visitor but very well done. On exiting this theatre you enter a recreation of his design office and meet a character in period dress who walks you around the room explaining key points. All very well done and the kids enjoyed it.



Would recommend this for a good 3-5 hours, combine that with the surrounding Bristol docks and you have a full day.