LifecanbetoffAre you looking for something to do in Bristol? I can strongly recommend a visit to the Being Brunel museum and the SS Great Britain ocean liner.
I recently had the opportunity to attend Being Brunel during its opening weekend.
The new museum opened in 2018 and is made up of six galleries and 150 personal artefacts of Isambard Kingdom Brunel – one of engineerings greatest minds, is set on Bristol’s harbourside and just metres away from SS Great Britain, the ship that revolutionised maritime engineering and world travel.
Through interactive storytelling you’re given an insight into the mind of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of history’s great thinkers. With an in-depth look into his sketches and personal letters you learn about the man that he was.
This really is a fantastic celebration of Brunel and his engineering achievements.
TIP: Look in the drawers! Each display unit has drawers with surprising finds and artefacts – I spent ages opening drawers and reading what I found.
I was enchanted by sketches of Paddington Station, a look into Brunel’s vision for the Clifton Suspension Bridge and learned about how Brunel set about building the Great Western Railway. I hadn’t realised Brunel was responsible for much of the South West’s engineering infrastructure.
It is unsurprising to discover that Brunel was apparently a bit of a bugger to work for – when you’re always thinking and doing, it is no surprise that you may be a little eccentric and brash!
SS Great Britain
Following our visit to the Being Brunel museum, we took the chance to scale the decks of SS Great Britain, learning how she has been brought back to life and is being preserved, following a full history dating back to her maiden voyage in 1843 to her recovery in the seventies.
I was surprised by authentic smells in the cabins and kitchens and lifelike displays which gave you a real feeling for how this ship once was.
Now stored in dry-dock, you get the chance to go right from top to bottom. Scale the sails with the chance to “Go Aloft” (I actually chose not to!) and go right down underneath the ship, beneath the water’s surface and experience a ship from an angle you wouldn’t usually get to see.
Having wanted to visit SS Great Britain for some time, I was pleased to get the opportunity to visit both the ship and the Being Brunel exhibit. I strongly recommend the next time you’re visiting Bristol, you take a few hours of your time to take in this fantastic look into British engineering history. The kids will love it!
I’ll definitely be returning – but first, I must visit Clifton Suspension Bridge!
Full details, ticket prices and opening times are available on the SS Great Britain website.
Not only is SS Great Britain and Being Brunel a great visit, there is an onsite cafe with very good coffee, but you can also sit, or walk along the harbour and enjoy the other sites and sounds of Bristol.
Parking: There is car parking nearby which is payable by meter in cash only, however, you can also download and pay for parking via the RingGo app.
We were treated to chats with seagulls and sailing ships. On a sunny Sunday, it was a lovely place to be and I look forward to going back again.
TIP: If you’re looking for other things to do in Bristol as well as visiting SS Great Britain, check out the Visit Bristol website for ideas.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable Sunday. Thank you to Heather of Bristol Bloggers and Influencers for organising the day.
Peace Out!
Jangles x
Great pictures!