Access For All
Brunel’s SS Great Britain is committed to giving the best experience possible to its visitors.
Companions and assistants are given free entry when accompanying a paying visitor who is disabled.
Due to the nature of the site some areas may be difficult to reach, or may involve cobblestones, so where possible alternative access points are provided. Our Access Map gives detailed plans of the ship to help you plan your visit. Printed copies are available at our ticket desk or you can download a digital copy below.
We recommend you allow two to five hours to enjoy your visit. Please ask staff if you need any assistance. Our Voyage Companion can help you plan your day. Printed copies are available at our ticket desk or you can download a digital copy below.
Important information
Essential works taking place: Wednesday 14 May to Friday 16 May.
While the whole of our site remains open, we are currently unable to provide step-free access to the Dockyard Museum, Dry Dock and Weather Deck as we are carrying out vital conservation work to the ship’s masts and the large crane we have on site blocks our usual, fully accessible routes to these areas. The ship’s two interior decks and the Being Brunel museum remain accessible, this means you can still access the lower and middle decks of the ship to explore the sights, sounds and smells of the Promenade Deck, Steerage, Galley, Bakery, First Class Dining Saloon and Engine Room on board.
If you have any questions on how this may impact your visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us on [email protected] or by calling us on 0117 926 0680.
As someone with mobility issues, I was able to explore the whole thing with my family as a lift system has been installed so you can access all the decks.
Visitors with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users
The Dry Dock, Dockyard Museum, Brunel Institute and the ship are accessible for wheelchair users. Both levels of Being Brunel have wheelchair and step-free access following an alternative route. Please be aware that the Dock Office (part of Being Brunel) is a historic building with narrow corridors and doorways.
To avoid the uneven cobblestones through the main gate we have an alternative entrance by the Harbourside Kitchen.
As some cabins are too narrow for some wheelchairs we have wheelchairs available for visitors to use free of charge.
Lifts
Lifts are available in the Dry Dock, the Dockyard Museum, Being Brunel, on board the ship and in the Brunel Institute.
Accessible Toilets
Toilets are in the Harbourside Kitchen, the Visitor Centre (ticket office and shop), the Brunel Institute, on the ground floor in the Dockyard Museum, both levels of Being Brunel and on the Saloon Deck on board ship, next to the First Class Dining Saloon.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain received the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain award for ‘Best Heritage Venue’. It has also been recognised by the Access Association for its commitment to giving the best experience possible to its visitors.
Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors
We have a tactile model of the SS Great Britain and some Braille and large print resources. If you would like to access any of these, just ask at the Visitor Centre when you arrive.
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome. We also recommend a sighted assistant join you when you visit. They will receive free entry.
Visual Story and Sensory Information Guides
The Visual Story and Sensory Information Guides are designed to help you prepare for your visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain. The guides contain pictures and information about some of the things you can expect to see and do on site. The guides can be downloaded below in PDF or adaptable PowerPoint format (PPT).
Visual Story – PDF // PowerPoint
Visual Timetable – PDF // PowerPoint
Sensory Information – PDF // PowerPoint
Sounds and Smells – PDF // PowerPoint
Mannequin Map – PDF // Powerpoint
Calm Sensory Sessions
Calm Sensory Sessions have been designed for anyone who benefits from visiting at a time when there is a calmer background sensory environment – particularly neurodivergent people of all ages.
These sessions will vary throughout the year with some happening before we open, and others during quieter times on site. The best way to keep up to date with these events is either through our website or via Facebook.
Calm Sensory SessionsQuieter Hours
If you would like to visit us during quieter periods, we recommend weekday afternoons during school term times when there tend to be fewer visitors on site.
