About

Hold an event to remember on the ship that changed the world. The beautifully restored ship lies in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside, and offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. With versatile spaces both above and below deck, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is the perfect venue to hire for your wedding, corporate event, gala dinner or drinks reception. In addition, holding your event with them means you are also supporting them as a charity. 

Conferences & Meetings 

Conferences and meetings at the SS Great Britain offer a refreshing alternative to the conventional venue, combining cutting-edge facilities with one of the UK’s most remarkable historic settings. From large-scale conferences and presentations to product launches and panel discussions, the ship and dockyard offers versatile spaces which can be configured to suit your agenda, supported by modern AV, flexible staging, and dedicated event support. Surrounded by Brunel’s engineering masterpiece, delegates are inspired by an environment that encourages creativity, focus, and big thinking. 

Parties & Social Events

From Summer BBQs to Festive Celebrations the SS Great Britain offers a venue for all seasons. Celebrate in style on board Bristol’s most iconic venue, with views of the historic Bristol Harbour.  

Set within the stunning Bristol harbourside our summer party packages offer you an idyllic setting in the SS Great Britain’s Dockyard. Watch the sun set over the harbour and celebrate the summer in style. 

The Victorians engineered Christmas as we know it today, so where better to celebrate than at Bristol’s most unique and breathtaking venue? This festive season there are many ways to celebrate. Choose from festive lunches on board, private celebrations for up to 160 guests or private parties in The Board Walk Waterfront Restaurant for up to 70 people.

Gala Dinners & Private Dining  

Host an unforgettable gala dinner aboard the SS Great Britain, where history, grandeur, and contemporary hospitality come together in a truly iconic setting. Beneath Brunel’s magnificent iron hull, guests are welcomed into a dramatic maritime world that feels both atmospheric and elegant. The space lends itself beautifully to black-tie celebrations, awards evenings, and corporate galas, with flexible layouts, theatrical lighting, and bespoke catering that can be tailored to match the scale and style of your event. Dining aboard the world’s first great ocean liner offers a sense of occasion that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. 

For more intimate occasions, the private dining experiences provide the same sense of heritage and exclusivity on a smaller scale. Perfect for executive dinners, client entertaining, or special celebrations, these spaces allow guests to dine surrounded by authentic Victorian craftsmanship and rich storytelling. With attentive service, carefully curated menus, and the ship quite literally at your table, private dining aboard the SS Great Britain feels personal, immersive, and quietly impressive, an experience your guests will remember long after the final course. 

Competitive Socialising & Team Building 

Teambuilding aboard the SS Great Britain is an inspiring way to bring people together in a setting that naturally sparks collaboration, curiosity, and shared experience. From immersive, heritage-led challenges and problem-solving activities to bespoke workshops and interactive tours, the ship provides a unique backdrop that encourages teams to think differently and work together. Brunel’s spirit of innovation and adventure runs through every space, making it an ideal environment for strengthening connections and boosting morale. 

Go Aloft!  

For the brave, take on the persona of a Victorian sailor and discover what it was really like to be a member of the SS Great Britain crew as you climb the rigging to over 25m above ground level. For the bravest adrenaline junkies, climbers can edge out onto the main yard – taking you 9m out across the Great Western Dockyard – unveiling a breathtaking view of Bristol’s historic harbour. Go on, go aloft! 

Social Impact 

The SS Great Britain Trust is a dedicated education charity (No.262158) that cares for Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the national Brunel Collection within a 19th century dockyard complex in Bristol. It is accredited as a museum, and its collections are designated as of national importance by Arts Council England. It preserves the SS Great Britain and two related museums, and cares for the collections and library from the Brunel Institute, in a partnership with the University of Bristol. The Trust tells the stories of many people from history in order to enthuse people and help elucidate understanding of our past and our future. It has a particular focus on inspiring young people, using the legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, with contemporary science and engineering and helping them understand not only the world today but their own potential within it.  

 Sustainability Policy   

Please find the venue's sustainability policy here. 

Access Statement

Please find the venue's access statement here.