Set amid the iconic cranes of Bristol's dockside, this impressive museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia. It's divided into four main sections: People, Place, Life and the vast Working Exhibits outside. They provide an absorbing overview of Bristol's history – from slaves' possessions and Wallace and Gromit figurines to a Banksy artwork. There are regular guided walks and trips on the museum's boats, trains and cranes (free to £6); see the website for details.
It's all highly interactive and child-friendly, especially the rides on the steam and electric cranes (tickets £3), steam trains (single/return £2.50/3.50) and tug and fire boats (adult/child £6/4). Another highlight is Banksy's unsettling Grim Reaper stencil, which used to sit on the waterline of the nightclub boat Thekla. It was removed amid much controversy and can now be found on the 1st floor. The museum's imaginatively themed guided tours help bring the city's past to life.
