Visit to SS Great Britain in Bristol - anyone have experience?

Posted by Dave (Newcastle, WA, USA) on 10/06/15 09:39 PM

I'm very interested in visiting the SS Great Britain in Bristol during my stay in London. Planning to take the train out from Paddington. From Bristol Meads station, it looks like there is no easy way to get to the ship. I could take a bus, but there is no non-stop route from the station to the dock where the ship is preserved. I know there are ferries, but again I don't think there are any routes from near the station to the ship. And a taxi is another option, but looks pricey!

Anyone been to Bristol and can lend me some transportation advice?

Posted by Marco

Oxford, United Kingdom

10/06/15 11:14 PM

5332 posts

There is a direct bus service - 506 run by Wessex Bristol - 2x per hour through the day. Included in the plus bus scheme for £3.50 on top of the rail fare.

Posted by Dave OP

Newcastle, WA, USA

10/08/15 01:27 AM

643 posts

Emma and Marco, thank you. I appreciate hearing about the bus, but I may just splurge and take a taxi to the ship. After all, when on vacation, you spend money to save time!!

Posted by melsmith1962

10/08/15 07:06 AM

205 posts

If the weather is nice why not walk?

Also it's Bristol Temple Meads Station.

Posted by Bob

Bristol, UK

10/08/15 08:09 AM

619 posts

Can I suggest that you take a taxi from the station to SS Great Britain, and then plan to walk back along the harbourside. There is always a lot of interesting things going on and you could stop off at the "M" Shed Museum. Once you are nearer the city centre, there are lots of different cafes and restaurants.

While at the SS Great Britain, you may also be able to board the "Matthew" which is a replica of the ship which John Cabot used when he sailed from Bristol to discover North America.

Posted by David

Basingstoke, England

10/08/15 12:44 PM

98 posts

As a former long term Bristol resident I am pretty sure the ferry does go to Temple Meads and I have copied timetable that seems to confirm this

http://www.bristolferry.com/content/55e5b4b762b833.36347586.pdf

I completely agree that M shed industrial museum is really worth a visit. If you are interested in Brunel you might also visit the Suspension Bridge in Clifton. I don't know how long you are in England but I think Bristol is worth more than a flying visit with lots of architectural and historical interest and a much more varied and vibrant culture than nearby Bath.

Posted by Dave OP

Newcastle, WA, USA

10/10/15 06:29 AM

643 posts

Ah I see now, it is a rather easy walk. Looks like about a 20-25 minute pedestrian-friendly walk from the station to the ship. Easy!

Emma, I will be buying a London Plus pass to use for trips outside of London. Not buying it to save money, just to allow me to have maximum flexibility for when I want to catch the train and when I want to head back to London. I can either stay late or return early, with the pass I just show up and hop on the next train instead of being bound to a particular time.

Thanks all!