Image credit: Marathon - Wiki Images CC2.0 

SS Great Britain and Aerospace Bristol

Two Design Icons – Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol Docks and

Concorde plus other historic aircraft at Aerospace Bristol

Wednesday 16th September 2026 

Members of TASC and Guests were treated to an excellent visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain Ship and to British Aerospace in Bristol. 

The Group enjoyed the Tour by our Guide, Sarah, dressed in a historic mauve, velvet hooped gown, all around the different levels of the ship.  Life on board was brought alive; from ocean going passenger Service from 1845 to 1886, Bristol to New York City and 32 Australian voyages from 1881.  In 1884 the Ship was retired to The Falkland Islands, used as a coal hulk and later scuttled in disrepair in 1937.  In 1970, Sir Jack Arnold Hayward, OBE, Businessman and Philanthropist from Wolverhampton, financed the Ship’s return to Bristol Dry Dock and today it is a major Museum and Tourist Centre.

The Group then went onto British Aerospace with Tours of Concorde and historical airplanes on display.  An Aeronautical Engineering Degree was needed to fully appreciate World Aviation Progress!

Many thanks to Rachel and Team Members for organising such an interesting and fascinating day out in glorious sunshine!