30 September—1 October 2023

Docks Heritage Weekend

Docks Heritage Weekend is a celebration of Bristol’s maritime past with activities for all ages at M Shed, Underfall Yard and SS Great Britain.

There will be events and activities at all three sites, including opportunities to visit M Shed’s iconic cranes and hear about their working life.

Watch re-enactments of cargo handling on the quayside, take a tour of the Albion dock at SS Great Britain and much more! A great day out for the whole family.

At M Shed:

  • Catch a ride along the harbour on a vintage bus
  • Visit a Steam Locomotive
  • Take a trip on the Electric Cranes and the John King tug
  • Enjoy a performance of a 1950s working dockside
  • Print historic Port of Bristol maps in printing workshops in Studio 1
  • View historic films about the Port of Bristol in Studio 2
  • Experience a live performance by Heartwood Chorus (Sunday only)
  • Visit The Bristol Port Company stand and see what the modern Port does (Saturday only)

At Underfall Yard:

  • Experience live demonstrations of 19th and early 20th century machinery
  • Walk through an original Victorian docks workshop
  • Enjoy heritage craft demonstrations of blacksmithing, rope-making and sand casting
  • Support Underfall Yard’s Fire Recovery Fund

At SS Great Britain:

With thanks to event sponsors The Bristol Port Company.


Working Exhibits running this weekend