Learning & engagement
From Brunel’s blueprints to interactive workshops, our educational resources and learning programmes challenge even the most curious minds.
School trips
Whether you’re stepping on board the SS Great Britain, looking up at the innovative technology preserving its hull or learning about the man who imagined it, the Dockyards takes learning out of the classroom.
The UK’s most immersive history lesson
“Children were engaged all day. All staff leading tours and workshops were engaging and knowledgeable.”
“Super informative and helpful to have the workshop and guided tour. Kids loved dressing up!”
“The students could step right into history, exploring the ship and seeing Brunel’s engineering in action made lessons come alive like never before.”
Ready to launch resources
Been inspired by Brunel? Want to get creative like the great engineer himself? Explore our vast range of creative activities, videos and factsheets and discover a whole lot more, at home and in the classroom.
Rifle through the Brunel Institute’s collection and uncover the rich stories behind objects, blueprints and ideas. Bringing history to life in the most engaging way possible.
Blast off with a free Brunel Loan Box; perfect for after-school clubs, each gives budding inventors the tools to put their initiative to the test.
Bring them to the dockyards. Then bring the dockyards home.
Home education days
We reserve dates when the site is open exclusively for home-schooling families, ensuring all children experience history in a way that suits them.
Home education resources
We also offer a range of self-guided education resources, including trails and activities which can be used before, during and after your visit to the Dockyards.
More activities
Achieve your arts award
We're proud to be an Arts Award Supporter. Discover how a visit to Bristol Dockyards can get you closer to becoming an Arts Award Achiever.
The ship that launched a thousand stories
The SS Great Britain’s sailing days might be behind it, but that doesn’t stop us getting out. If you have an adult group keen to learn about Brunel, Bristol and the SS Great Britain, we bring talks to you through one of our brilliant volunteer speakers.
Do your bit for the dockyard
The Dockyards have launched a thousand stories, but your support keeps ours going. Preserving the SS Great Britain, protecting our history and inspiring the next generation to change the world all over again.