Celebrate Christmas at Brunel's SS Great Britain - Sailing The Stars is included in your general admission tickets!
Step into a celestial Christmas adventure at Bristol Dockyards from 25th November 2026 to 10th January 2027, as Brunel's SS Great Britain and the historic dockyard transform into a spectacular journey through the night sky.
- Dates: 25th November 2026 - 10th January 2027
- Included with Admission: Sailing The Stars is included with your General Admission or Afternoon Saver Ticket
- Celestial Light Trail: Follow an immersive trail across the ship and dockyards inspired by the stars that once guided SS Great Britain's journeys around the world
- Five Immersive Installations: Encounter The Plough, Polaris, Orion, The Southern Cross and Aurora, each brought to life with its own visual and audio experience
- Aurora: Step onto the Promenade Deck and experience rippling curtains of colour illuminating the historic ship
- Interactive Activities: Recreate constellations using torches, use binoculars to uncover hidden details and share stories beneath the stars
- Maritime Stories: Discover how sailors used the night sky for navigation and hear stories of passengers who watched the same constellations while crossing the world's oceans
Discover Bristol Dockyards, home of SS Great Britain, and explore the ship, stories and people that changed the world
- Step aboard the SS Great Britain and discover the ship that changed the world.
- Explore the new SS Great Britain Experience Museum an discover unheard stories from shipbuilders, passengers and more.
- Step into Brunel’s world and discover his engineering triumphs, challenges and ideas at the award-winning Being Brunel museum.
- Head beneath the ship’s ‘glass sea’ to see its vast iron hull in the historic Dry Dock and pioneering screw propeller up close.
- Explore the Great Western Dockyard, where Brunel’s biggest ideas took hold and the SS Great Britain was built.
- Discover immersive exhibitions and interactive experiences for all ages.
All you need to know
- Opening times: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (14 February–2 November) and 10am–4pm (3 November–13 February)
- School holidays: Open Monday–Sunday, following the relevant seasonal opening times
- Age guidance: Suitable for all ages
- Duration: Allow around 3–4 hours, or spend as long as you like exploring
- Location: Bristol Dockyards, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY
- Your ticket includes: Entry to the SS Great Britain Experience, Being Brunel, the historic dockyard, Dry Dock, plus included activities and exhibitions.
Explore Bristol Dockyards
- SS Great Britain Experience: Discover SS Great Britain from every angle. Step aboard the famous ship and journey into its past, head beneath its vast iron hull in the historic Dry Dock and see the pioneering screw propeller up close, before exploring the new museum and uncovering more of the people, stories and innovations that shaped its extraordinary history.
- Being Brunel Museum: Step into the world of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and discover more about the man behind SS Great Britain and some of the 19th century’s most ambitious engineering achievements through interactive displays and experiences.
- Historic Dockyard: Explore the Great Western Dockyard, the place where SS Great Britain was built. Discover historic cranes and masts and enjoy views across Bristol’s Harbourside.
- Events & Activities: There’s even more to discover throughout the year, with a seasonal programme included with admission. Depending on when you visit, you’ll find family trails, activities and exhibitions for all ages and interests.
- The Board Walk Café: Ready for a break? Stop by The Board Walk Café for hot and cold drinks, savoury bites, sweet treats and ice cream.
- Gift Shop: The Bristol Dockyards shop is free to visit, with souvenirs, clothing, toys, books and gifts inspired by SS Great Britain, Brunel and Bristol.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a Bristol city break or simply looking for something different to do on the Harbourside, there’s plenty to discover at Bristol Dockyards.
Book your Bristol Dockyards tickets and discover the ship, stories and people that changed the world.