About Bristol Harbour & Great Britain

Bristol Harbour is a beautifully renovated harbourside area in the heart of the city. Including tourist attractions, renovated docks, shops, entertainment, and restaurants and cafés. It has existed since the 13th century but was developped into its current form in the early 19th century. Bristol Harbour was the original port of Bristol, but as ships and their cargo have increased in size, it has been replaced by docks at Avonmouth and Portbury downstream at the mouth of the River Avon.

The harbour is now a tourist attraction with museums, galleries, exhibitions, bars, and nightclubs. Former workshops and warehouses have been converted or replaced by cultural venues.

Historic boats are permanently berthed in the harbour. These include the SS Great Britain, which was the first iron-hulled and propeller-driven ocean liner. Former passenger steamship and now museum ship, it was the longest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859), for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between Bristol and New York City. Now listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, Great Britain is a main visitor attraction and really worth a visit.