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Ships and Giggles
Three children on a big deck chair in front of the SS Great Britain at Bristol Dockyards
18 July – 2 September 2026

Ships and Giggles

A summer of games, adventure and silliness down at the Dockyards

Pack up your playmates and set sail for fun.

This summer at Bristol Dockyards – home of SS Great Britain – we're bringing the stories of one of the world's most extraordinary ships to life through games, challenges and a whole lot of laughs. 

From the dockside to the dining room, take part in interactive challenges inspired by the SS Great Britain’s global voyages. Here’s a taste of what’s in store: 

  • Jar Fishing: Child passengers would dangle jars into the sea to catch fish – without even being able to see what they'd caught! Now it's your turn.  
  • Jump Rope: Swing into action with our giant jump rope – a favourite from the streets of New York City. How long can you keep going? 
  • Good Shout: Head down to the engine room and listen out for your orders – called out through the speaking trumpets just like the real crew. How many commands can you get right? 
  • Who Made All the Pies? Race to make three fruit pies in the ship’s galley before anyone else! Flip cards to build your desserts, based on a real menu from 1863. 
Key info
Time

10:00am-5:00pm

Price

included in ticket

Explore the new SSGB Experience

July marks the launch of a new museum, part of the expanded SS Great Britain Experience: discover interactive exhibitions, digital recreations, historic artefacts and new community-led research that uncovers voices and stories from the SS Great Britain’s 41 years of service. Then walk aboard the ship itself. Together, they tell the full story of Brunel’s ship which transformed travel, migration and culture forever.

SS Great Britain Experience

Worked up an appetite?

Cool down with an ice cream on the Weather Deck, or head to The Board Walk for a quick lunch between exploring the museums.

Ice cream at Bristol Dockyards

Kids Go Free - all summer long

One child free for every paying adult – from now until 2 September. Come back as many times as you like at no extra cost: One ticket, a whole year of adventures.

Children running along the weather deck of the SS Great Britain at Bristol Dockyards