THERE aren’t many better places to be at this time of year than glorious West Dorset, with Spring erupting all over the place, laying waste memories of that long, dreary winter.
Nor is Holmbush car park in Lyme Regis the most romantic spot to be at 9.30 on a Spring morning, but it is from there that the Friends of Lyme Regis Museum are planning a coach trip to the SS Great Britain, Brunel’s masterpiece, now fully restored and maintained in the same Bristol dockyard from which she was launched in 1843.
SS Great Britain sits in a sea of glass. Photograph copyright Peter Barr, reused under Creative Commons licence.
SS Great Britain seen through its sea of glass. Photograph copyright Andy Dolman, reused under Creative Commons licence.
One of the world’s most important historic ships, her new technologies transformed world travel all those years ago. Now this multi-award winning floating museum is one of the most interesting venues in the South West, the centrepiece of a visitor attraction which includes the Dry Dock with its stunning glass “sea”, as well as the Dockyard Museum. But don’t take my word for it: Google it, and see for yourself why this particular trip to Bristol could indeed lure you away from West Dorset, if only for a day.
This skylight near the stern of the SS Great Britain provided natural light for first class passengers on two lower decks. Photograph copyright Ian Taylor, reused under terms of Creative Commons Licence.
The trip is on Thursday May 13, and costs £20 per person including the return coach fare, and the admission charge to the ship. This in turn allows unlimited free return visits for 12 months.
And afterwards? We all come back to one of the most beautiful places on the planet – and that particular thrill is thrown in with the package at no extra charge.
For reservations contact Margaret Rose (01297-445503) or Sylvia Oliver (01297-445537).
