Docks Heritage Weekend

About

Docks Heritage Weekend is a celebration of Bristol’s rich maritime heritage, offering activities for all ages at M Shed, Underfall Yard, the SS Great Britain, and Brunel’s Other Bridge.

The event features a wide range of events and activities across all four sites throughout both days. Visitors can enjoy tours of historic docks and bridges, witness demonstrations of historic equipment and techniques, or participate in traditional printing and knot-tying workshops.

There is also an excellent opportunity to explore M Shed’s renowned collection of historic maritime equipment, including the world’s only functioning Stothert & Pitt traveling cranes.

Full Lineup:

At M Shed:
An immersive performance of cargo handling on a 1950s working dockside, with assistance from Show of Strength Theatre.
An exhibition showcasing unidentified Bristol dockers from the past, inviting visitors to help put names to faces.
Tours of M Shed’s unique electric cranes.
A cruise through the Floating Harbour on the working tugboat, the John King.
The chance to step up onto the footplate of a working steam locomotive.
Traditional printing workshops inside L Shed.
Screenings of documentary footage highlighting the historic docks during their prime.
A presentation by the Bristol Port Company on the role of ports in Bristol’s present and future.
Trips to Underfall Yard on a working vintage bus—present a Docks Heritage Weekend flyer for a free ride!
A live performance by the captivating Heartwood Chorus (Saturday only).
Delicious homemade cakes provided by the Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives.

At the SS Great Britain:
Displays and talks focusing on the history of Albion Dock, an active shipyard in the heart of the modern harbor.
Tours of Underfall Yard, Albion Dock, the SS Great Britain, and Princes Wharf, guided by Mr. Brunel himself.
A special offer of £5 off entry to the SS Great Britain after 3:30 PM each day.

At Underfall Yard:
Demonstrations of traditional knot skills.
Behind-the-scenes workshop tours.
A chance to see the restored 1907 pumping station in action.

At Brunel’s Other Bridge:
Tours of Brunel’s swing bridge, lock, and gateway to the harbor.

Bristol Ferry Boats:
Present a Docks Heritage Weekend flyer to receive £1 off your ticket.