Brunel's SS Great Britain, Bristol (must see)

The SS Great Britain is a former passenger steamship that was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company's transatlantic service between Bristol and New York City. The ship was launched in 1843 and was one of the most advanced vessels of her time, as well as the largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1854. Great Britain was a significant milestone in the development of shipping technology, being the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1845.

The ship had a long and expensive construction process that lasted six years, leaving her owners in a difficult financial position. Great Britain was powered by two inclined two-cylinder engines and equipped with secondary masts for sail power. Her four decks provided accommodation for a crew of 120 and 360 passengers.

Great Britain's owners were forced out of business in 1846 after the ship ran aground at Dundrum Bay, Northern Ireland. She was sold for salvage and repaired, carrying thousands of emigrants to Australia before being converted to all-sail in 1881. She was scuttled in 1937 in the Falkland Islands.

After 33 years of abandonment, the ship was raised and repaired enough to be towed back to the UK by businessman Sir Jack Arnold Hayward. The ship is now a museum and popular attraction in Bristol Harbour, where visitors can explore the ship's interior, view exhibits on her history and technological innovations, and experience what life was like on board for passengers and crew alike. Great Britain is listed as part of the National Historic Fleet and attracts between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors annually.