Spring Aboard the SS Great Britain
Spring aboard the SS Great Britain: Easter Activities, Family Adventures and Things to Do in Bristol
Every spring, the SS Great Britain opens its decks to a vibrant programme of Easter activities and family-friendly experiences in Bristol. As the city shakes off winter and the harbourside begins to stir, we invite you to dive deeper into stories of exploration, wildlife and adventure this season.
From world-class exhibitions beneath the ship’s ‘Glass Sea’ to playful family trails, high-adrenaline rig climbs and immersive walking tours, there is something for every kind of explorer. Whether you are uncovering hidden marine worlds, setting off on a penguin-themed egg hunt, climbing high above the harbour or stepping into Brunel’s Bristol on foot, each experience offers a new way to discover the ship and the city.
Make the most of longer days and the upcoming Easter holidays and explore a spring programme that brings together history, adventure and creativity in the heart of Bristol.
1 Apr– 28 Jun 2026 | Free with Admission | 10:00 – 16:00
At the heart of our spring programme is the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition, a powerful and immersive experience set beneath the ship’s striking ‘Glass Sea’. Transforming the historic dry dock into a breathtaking visual journey, this exhibition brings you face to face with extraordinary marine life, revealing worlds both seen and unseen beneath the surface.
As one of the first venues in Europe to host this internationally acclaimed showcase, SS Great Britain will display over 100 striking images, featuring winning and finalist photographs from across the globe. From the vastness of the open ocean to the intricate details of life beneath it, each image captures the beauty, fragility and urgency of our blue planet.
Thu 2 Apr & Wed 22 Apr (Earth Day) | Sessions: 17:30 – 19:00; 19:00 – 20:30 |£10
Looking for something a little different after hours? Experience the exhibition in a whole new light with our Ocean Photographer of the Year – Lates.
As the ship settles for the evening, the dry dock reopens for a special after-work viewing. With a pop-up bar serving drinks throughout, it is the perfect setting to unwind, explore and connect with both history and nature.
3 Apr – 31 May | Free with Admission
From fins to flippers, our penguin-themed Great Egg Hunt offers a playful nod to the SS Great Britain’s time stranded in the Falklands at Sparrow Cove, where penguins were a familiar sight along the shoreline.
Follow the trail across the site as you search for their missing eggs, uncovering stories of the ship’s remarkable salvage along the way. Along your journey, you’ll encounter everything from the mighty Emperor Penguin to the unmistakable Rockhopper, known for its brilliantly wild hairdo.
The waddle of penguins have been busy hiding their colourful eggs in all sorts of unexpected places. Are you ready to join the hunt?
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10.15am – 4.15pm | Bundle & Gift Vouchers – £35*
Annual Ticket Holder – £24
For those ready to swap curiosity for adrenaline, step aboard and take on the rigging of our iconic Victorian ship. Climb 25 metres above ground level and follow in the footsteps of the sailors who once worked these lines, rewarded with one of the most unique views across Bristol Harbour.
For those feeling brave, edge out onto the main yard, stretching 9 metres across the Great Western Dockyard — for an even more breathtaking perspective. Go on, go aloft.
Make a day of it with our great value bundle, which includes all-day access to Brunel’s SS Great Britain. With a range of options available, from gift vouchers to Annual Ticket Holder upgrades, it’s the perfect way to turn your visit into a full day out.
*Includes day pass to SS Great Britain
Multiple dates from 3 Apr – 25 Sep 2026 |10.30am start | £14pp
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Step into the story of the city with a guided Bristol harbourside walking tour led by Brunel himself. Covering just under four miles, this popular experience brings to life the stories, mishaps and mayhem behind one of history’s greatest engineers, offering a fresh perspective for both locals and visitors alike.
Back by popular demand, this sell-out tour delves deeper into Brunel’s legacy and reveals how the city of Bristol helped shape his remarkable career.
With key dates including Good Friday and Easter Monday, it is the perfect addition to your day or a memorable experience in its own right.
