Ferry

Did you know? Brunel’s SS Great Britain was the first great passenger ship, sailing from Liverpool to New York on its maiden voyage in 1843. The journey took 14 days, and it became the first iron steamship to cross the Atlantic. 

What better way to start your adventure on the Great West Way than with a sea voyage! You can ride the high seas to access the touring route (or, more likely, drive onto a nice steady car ferry) from around Europe and beyond. Take a look at our suggested itineraries to give you some inspiration for your journey after you've made it onto dry land. 

Ports relatively close by include: Portsmouth, Plymouth, Southampton, and Poole. 

Dover, in the south east, is a little further away, but still less than 2 hours 30 minutes to London by car. Meanwhile Harwich in Essex, which runs direct routes from Hook of Holland, is less than 2 hours to the capital. 

There is also plenty of smaller ferries and boat transfers on the Great West Way. Try out Bristol Packet Boat Trips perfect for taking a trip from Bristol to Bath.

See the following ferry companies for more information: 

• - Brittany Ferries 

• - P&O Ferries

• - Condor Ferries

• - Stena Line 

Cruises from around the globe also dock at Bristol Avonmouth cruise terminal - it’s only 6 miles from the city centre, and not far from Bath or Stonehenge, so ideal for a day’s sightseeing on land.