Historic Dockyard

All days;

Permanent
Free with admission

Step back in time and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian dockyard. Historic cranes, old masts and incredible harbour views bring your adventure to life. The SS Great Britain takes centre stage in her dry dock, surrounded by a unique ‘glass sea’. 

 

The Great Western Dockyard is where the SS Great Britain was built. Hundreds of dockworkers would have been at work in the dockyard. The engine factory was set alongside. Brunel and his design team would have visited the historic Dock Office building that you can also step inside. You are literally following in the footsteps of the people who created the SS Great Britain as you explore the dockyard today. 

 

The Great Western Dockyard is where the SS Great Britain was built. Hundreds of dockworkers would have been at work in the dockyard. The engine factory was set alongside. Brunel and his design team would have visited the historic Dock Office building that you can also step inside. You are literally following in the footsteps of the people who created the SS Great Britain as you explore the dockyard today. 

Explore the Dockyard

Albion Dock Viewing Area

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Meet Mr. Brunel

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Riggers Yard

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Albion Dock Viewing Area
Find out more

Meet Mr. Brunel
Find out more

Riggers Yard
Find out more

Albion Dock Viewing Area

For the first time ever, get a behind-the-scenes look into a working dock. The Albion Dry Dock is a huge, Grade II listed facility offering unique views of the marina and harbour. Hear about decades of ship building as our volunteers explain the fascinating history. You might even see a ship in for maintenance.

Riggers Yard
Meet Mr. Brunel

Meet Mr. Brunel

Be sure to stop and talk to Mr Brunel. Challenge him with your questions about Victorian engineering or simply pose for a selfie with the great Victorian engineer.

Albion Dock Viewing Area
Riggers Yard

Riggers Yard

Enjoy this space to take a breath, with picnic tables and a covered seating area. Take a look at the SS Great Britain’s dramatic mainmast and foremast which date back to 1857. They came back with the hull from the Falkland Islands in 1970 when the ship was salvaged.

Meet Mr. Brunel
Albion Dock Viewing Area