Docks Heritage Weekend 2024

Docks Heritage Weekend 2024 is set to take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September 2024.

The annual event is a celebration of Bristol’s maritime past with activities for all ages at M Shed, Underfall Yard and Brunel’s SS Great Britain.

On the 28th and 29th of September Bristolians can join in a celebration of the living memories of Bristol docks with events for all ages at M Shed, Underfall Yard, Albion Dry Dock and Brunel’s Other Bridge.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Inspired by our sell-out Walking Brunel’s Bristol tours, we are offering FREE Dockside Tours led by the famous Mr Brunel.

Tours leave the Pump House pub in Hotwells at 11am and 2pm on both days of the Docks Heritage Weekend (28 & 29 September). Donations are welcome and all proceeds go towards the SS Great Britain Trust’s education and conservation work.

Tours last approximately 1.5 hours covering just under 2.5 miles of the Harbourside. This does not include admission to Brunel’s SS Great Britain; however you can purchase an afternoon ticket for half price entry after your tour.

Albion Dry Dock 

Albion Dockyard viewing area open (at Hanover Place) for short talks, displays and new audio stories about the working history of the dock.
Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Underfall Yard

Demonstrations of traditional boatyard skills, try your hand at nautical knots and watch the pumps that powered a port running throughout the weekend. Visit the magnificent machinery workshops, featuring a live blacksmithing demonstration.

M Shed 

See cargo handling demonstrations, find out about dockers’ nicknames, learn traditional printing methods*, take a trip up our electric cranes* and enjoy a boat trip on one of our heritage boats*. 

Watch historic films of the working docks in L Shed, enjoy singing by the Heartwood Choir and dockside performances by Show of Strength Theatre Company and M Shed volunteers and find out about Bristol’s modern port.

*Charges apply see website bristolmuseums.org.uk/dhw

Brunel’s Other Bridge 

Volunteers restoring Brunel’s swivel bridge will run tours of Brunel’s swivel bridge, Brunel’s lock, and other heritage around the entrance locks to the Cumberland Basin. 11am to 5pm.

Find out more about the other events taking place during Docks Heritage Weekend:

M Shed

Underfall Yard

Brunel’s Other Bridge