Dry Dock

All days;

Permanent
Free with admission
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Head below the ‘glass sea’ for incredible views of the SS Great Britain in her original dry dock which dates back to the 1830s.

The huge covered space and modern technology protect the fragile iron hull, keeping the air as arid as the Arizona Desert. You can walk all the way around the ship for a truly unique experience, getting up close to the hull and the screw propeller which made the SS Great Britain one of the most innovative ships in the world. Try designing your own ship in our ‘Full Steam Ahead’ game, developed in partnership with Aardman Animations. 

Screw Propeller

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Modern Engineering Solutions

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Screw Propeller
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Modern Engineering Solutions
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Screw Propeller

The huge screw propeller was designed by Brunel. Along with her iron hull, this made the SS Great Britain one of the most innovative ships ever and set the standard for all modern ships. UNESCO has recognised Brunel’s report and designs for the screw propeller as a document that was “pivotal in creating the modern world.” You can see pages from the Screw Propeller Report in the Being Brunel museum. 

Modern Engineering Solutions
Modern Engineering Solutions

Modern Engineering Solutions

See the dehumidifier, sensors and pioneering air circulation system that protects the ship’s iron hull. The SS Great Britain Trust – the charity that cares for the ship for the nation – is using modern technological solutions to save her and to reduce our carbon footprint to become carbon neutral by 2030. 

Screw Propeller
Screw Propeller

USEFUL INFORMATION

Conserving Our Nation’s Heritage

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Immediate Future of the SS Great Britain Secured

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Pioneering Update For Brunel’s SS Great Britain

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