Clipper Funds

Clipper Funds

Clipper Funds

Launched in 1843 in the port of Bristol the ship was initially built as a luxury cruise liner, adapting to passenger immigration and eventually the role of war vessel. The SS Great Britain was finally left to rot in the Falkland Islands before being dramatically rescued and hauled back to Bristol after almost a century of sea worthy service. It is a growing tourist venue and has recently been in receipt of considerable funding from a number of sources. Developing and expanding its potential continually, the ship offers the average visitor a unique experience.

Dry Dock

On arrival at the historic vessel polite and friendly staff greet visitors on the admissions desk. At a cost of £10.95 per adult this is a slightly more expensive alternative day trip. However as a charitable heritage attraction requiring constant upkeep and maintenance the cost seems relative. In addition the ticket is valid for a year, enabling the buyer to return whenever possible within that period.

An accessible lift takes the visitor down to the Dry-dock. An exceptional space with a calming effect emanating from the water and glass canopy above creates a magical setting for the ship’s hull. The visitor is provided with useful explanatory text panels dotted around with large accessible fonts and comprehensive bite size chunks of information. Within this space are volunteer staff. Friendly and approachable they engage in question and answer based conversation which is useful at this stage to establish the context of the ship itself.