Ghoulish family fun at Brunel’s SS Great Britain for October half term

This October half term, Brunel’s SS Great Britain invites fearless adventurers aboard for their spookiest Halloween yet. From 26 October to 3 November, the ship will be packed with family fun and ghoulish activities for all ages.

Back by popular demand, ‘Woeful Wounds’ returns with a botanical twist to continue the ship’s ‘Plants Crossing Continents’ theme for 2024.

During the Victorian period, steamships brought curious new plants to Britain, which found their way into make-up, medicines, food, and even home décor. Shockingly, many of these plants were poisonous, causing terrible symptoms to those who encountered them. 

Special effects makeup artists from SGS College will be recreating these ailments with realistic cuts, rashes, and blisters for brave young sailors to show off to their family and friends.

Terrifying Turnip trail

Explore more eerie fun with the return of Bristol’s quirkiest family trail, ‘Terrifying Turnips’. Glowing turnips will lead you around the dockyard and ship, each revealing fascinating facts about Victorian Halloween traditions. Plus, families can settle in for a new spine-chilling storytelling experience on board, where a costumed Victorian will share ghostly tales with those who dare to listen.

You can also expect a modern twist on a spooky Victorian parlour trick, Pepper’s Ghost. This optical illusion, popularised by scientist John Henry Pepper in the 19th century, uses light, glass, and reflections to conjure ghostly apparitions.

Book your tickets online now for the easiest and quickest way to step aboard. Tickets provide entry to the ship, dry dock and two adjacent museums. Best of all, your tickets include unlimited returns for a whole year, so you can come back for the Victorian Christmas Weekend on 7 & 8 December at no extra cost.

More information and tickets: ssgreatbritain.org/half-term