The Trollope Society is hosting a weekend of talks, walks and special events exploring Anthony Trollope’s connections with Bristol and Australia. Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August 2026, the weekend will be based at the SS Great Britain museum, home to the ship on which Trollope sailed to Australia in 1871 with his wife Rose to visit their son Frederic in New South Wales.

The cost of the weekend is £195 per person.

Saturday 22 August 2026

The weekend begins with a morning programme of talks at the SS Great Britain museum from 9am to 1pm.

The talks will focus on Trollope’s Australian novels:

• Lady Anna, written during the outward voyage aboard the Great Britain
• Harry Heathcote of Gangoil, set on a sheep farm in the Australian hinterland
• John Caldigate, including the voyage out and life on the goldfields

During the afternoon there will be an optional walk to Arnos Vale Cemetery where Trollope’s brother Thomas Adolphus was buried.

Three Course Dinner aboard the SS Great Britain

From 6pm to 11pm, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with wine aboard the SS Great Britain with a glass of sparkling wine  on arrival.

The evening includes exclusive access to the ship, with the opportunity to explore the first-class cabins and saloon in which Trollope travelled and wrote Lady Anna, as well as the steerage accommodation, as described so vividly in the fictional voyage taken in John Caldigate.

Sunday 23 August 2026

On Sunday morning there will be a guided walk around Clifton, exploring places linked to the Trollope family. This includes the house where Trollope’s mother Frances grew up, locations mentioned in her comedy The Widow Barnaby, and the house overlooking Bristol harbour where his brother Thomas Adolphus died.

The walk will end at the Avon Gorge Hotel with the opportunity to have an optional lunch looking out on the Clifton Suspension Bridge over the gorge.

Hotels and accommodation

Please make your own arrangements for accomodation.

Committee members of the Trollope Society who are organising the trip will be staying at the Bristol Grand Hotel. You may choose to stay at the Bristol Grand Hotel, or another hotel of your choice.

• Bristol Grand Hotel, Broad St, BS1 2EL, Bristol. To book direct with the hotel visit Oyorooms

Important information

• You may cancel your place on the trip up to 31st June and receive a full refund for the itinerary. After 1st July, refunds will only be given if someone else takes your place.
• Food and refreshments are only included where stated in the itinerary.
• Payment for the optional lunch at the Avon Gorge Hotel is in addition to the cost of the itinerary and will collected nearer the time.
• Travel, insurance and accommodation are not included.
• Walking of up to half an hour each way to some venues is involved. By reserving a place, you confirm you’re able to take part in all planned activities.

Booking has not yet opened for this event.