Maritime and Naval Museums in Britain and Ireland
Compiled by Martin H. Evans and Janet West. © 2011.
Non-Museum vessels, in private ownership.
Albion
Based at Horsefen Road, Womack Water, near Ludham, Norfolk.
Correspondence to: Forsythe Wherry Yard, Horsefen Road, Ludham, Norfolk, NR29 5QG
Tel: +44 (0)1692 501094
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.wherryalbion.com/index.htm
http://www.norfolkbroads.com/focus/boating/wherries
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Can be chartered for sailing on the Norfolk Broads.
One of the last black-sail trading wherries, once common on the Norfolk Broads. Built 1898 in Suffolk, now restored for pleasure sailing. Up to 12 berths. Hull 58 ft loa, lowerable 42 ft mast. Listed in the National Register of Historic Vessels.
Amy Howson, (formerly: Sophia, I Know).
South Ferriby, Lincolnshire
Correspondence to: The Chairman, Humber Keel and Sloop Preservation Society, Mr Jim Thompson, 218 Victoria Avenue, Hull HU5 3DZ
Tel: +44 (0)1652 635288 (Mr Dave Robinson) to arrange sailing trips.
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: humberships@btopenworld.com
http://humberships.org.uk/index.html
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Day sailing trips at weekends in summer, bookable.
Built 1914 at Beverley as steel hulled keel, named Sophia. Later rigged as Humber sloop. 61.5 ft loa, 15.5 ft beam, single wood mast. Carried general cargo on River Humber & canals until 1973. Restored by HKSPS 1975-81. Sails & attends maritime events. DV.
Correspondence to: Waverley Excursions Ltd, Anderston Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA
Tel: +44 (0)141 2432224. Charter: (0141) 2218152 or (029) 20704520.
Fax: +44 (0)1446 740675
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.style2000.com/p15.html
http://www.btinternet.com/~Paddlers/MVBalmoral/
Access: Can be chartered for excursions. Regular sailing timetable.
Twin screw ferry & excursion ship, launched 1949. 203.5 ft loa, 736 grt. Twin 6 cyl 600 bhp diesel engines. Maintained by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, a Registered Charity, she makes frequent trips & excursions from many UK locations. DV.
HMS Caroline
Alexandra Dock, Belfast Harbour, Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 9073 9880
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: caroline@a.dii.mod.uk
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Awaiting relocation, following decommissioning on 31 March 2011.
Launched Sept 1914, this 3750 ton displacement light cruiser saw action at Jutland, 31 May 1916. Became Depot & Training ship at Belfast, 1924. Used as RNR Training ship until recently. Many of her original features remain, including Parsons turbine engines.
Centaur
Maldon, Essex (Thames Barge Sailing Club).
Correspondence to: Thames Sailing Barge Trust, Crosstrees, The Downs, Maldon, Essex CM9 5HR
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.bargetrust.org/
http://www.thamesbarge.org.uk/
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Used for weekend sailing and charter.
Thames sailing barge, built 1895 at Harwich by Cann brothers. Spritsail ketch rig, all-wood construction, 61 ton, 85.6 ft loa. Traded under sail until ca 1955. Restored 1984-93 for use by the Thames Sailing Barge Trust.
Comrade (formerly: Wanda, Ada Carter)
South Ferriby, Lincolnshire
Correspondence to: The Chairman, Humber Keel and Sloop Preservation Society, Mr Jim Thompson, 218 Victoria Avenue, Hull HU5 3DZ
Tel: +44 (0)1482 703947 (Mr Dave Parker) to arrange a sailing trip.
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: humberships@btopenworld.com
http://humberships.org.uk/index.html
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Day sailing trips at weekends in summer (not August), bookable.
Steel hulled Humber Keel, built 1923 at New Holland. Length 61.5 ft, beam 15 ft. Single mast with square mainsail & topsail. She carried commercial cargo on the River Humber until 1974 when she was bought for restoration by HKSPS.
Consuta
Moored and operates on the upper River Thames.
Correspondence to: Mr Brian Smith, 19 Mill Bank, Kintbury, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 9UW.
Tel: +44 (0)1488 658795
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.consuta.org.uk/
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Appears at suitable Thames regattas and related events.
Built by Saunders of Goring in 1898 for use as an umpire's boat during regattas at Henley-on-Thames. A fast steam launch with an innovative 50 ft hull of stitched plywood. Given a petrol engine in 1923; now fully restored with original steam engine.
Daybreak
Normally moored on River Thames
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: Tony@hkdaybreak.freeserve.co.uk
Access: Participates in events; sails Thames estuary & E. coast, summer.
Recently restored Humber Keel: single mast with square mainsail & topsail. Built 1934 by Dunston's, Thorne, for Hanley's. Carried grain, Hull-Doncaster, by sail. Later motorised. Now restored to full sail rig & used as a home.
Earl of Pembroke (formerly Orion)
Square Sail, Charlestown Harbour, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NJ
Tel: +44 (0)1726 70241, 67526
Fax: +44 (0)1726 61839
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: sextant@btconnect.com
http://www.square-sail.com
Access: Can be chartered for film work, corporate events, sail training.
Built in Sweden in 1948 as 3-masted trading schooner. Now barque rigged. Wooden hull, 145 ft loa, 350 ton displ. Now with 300 hp engine, she can carry 57 passengers day sailing (12 overnight). Often in role of 18 century 3-masted barque for film work, etc.
Excelsior, LT472 (formerly: Svinor)
Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Correspondence to: The Excelsior Trust, Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 3LY
Tel: +44 (0)1502 585302
Fax: +44 (0)1502 580507
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: excelsior@excelsiortrust.freeserve.co.uk
http://www.excelsiortrust.co.uk
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Sail training vessel. Can be chartered. Open days at festivals.
Ketch-rigged wood sailing smack, built Lowestoft 1921, 55.4 grt. She was used for fishing until 1935, when she became a cargo vessel under the name of Svinor. Restored to trawling condition by Excelsior Trust in 1980s. Now used as a sail training vessel.
TS Gaiety (formerly: Oxford)
Clewer Boathouse, Clewer Court Road, Windsor, Berkshire
Correspondence to: French Brothers Ltd, Clewer Boathouse, Clewer Court Road, Windsor Berkshire SL4 5JH
Tel: +44 (0)1753 851900
Fax: +44 (0)1753 832303
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.boat-trips.co.uk
Access: Sails regularly on the Middle Thames. Can be hired or chartered.
65 ft steel hulled river launch. Built 1887 as TSSL "Oxford" with twin compound Sissons steam engines. Renamed Gaiety 1922. Diesel conversion 1960. Now modernised and restored to charter service for short river trips, Thames regattas and parties.
Correspondence to: UK Sailing Academy, West Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7PQ
Tel: +44 (0)1983 294941
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.gipsymoth.org/
http://www.uksa.org/
http://www.rsyc.org.uk/
Access: Based at Cowes, I.o.W. but often away on voyages.
Ketch, built in 1966 for Francis Chichester's circumnavigation of the world. Fully restored and re-launched in 2005 for a programme of sailing, to include sail-training for young people. Loa 53 ft, sail area: 854 sq ft.
Hathor
Norfolk Broads, Wroxham region.
Correspondence to: Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust
Tel: +44 (0)1603 782470, (0)1508 530793.
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.wherryyachtcharter.org/
http://www.norfolkbroads.com/interest/wherries.html
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Regular sailing schedules, some bookable.
Built 1905 as a private pleasure wherry for the Norfolk Broads. Now fully renovated for charter & short trips. Gaff-rig wherry hull, loa 56 ft, 23 gross tons. Interior decorative work based on Egyptian mythology.
Hispaniola (was Maid of Ashton)
Moored on River Thames, at Victoria Embankment, near Hungerford
Bridge.
Correspondence to: R. S. Hispaniola, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 5DJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 3011
Fax: +44 (0)20 7321 0547
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: info@hispaniola.co.uk
http://www.hispaniola.co.uk/index.php
Access: Daily, usually 11:00-23:00.
Built 1953 as Maid of Ashton, a passenger ferry for Caledonian Steam Packet Co serving the west of Scotland. Now a floating bar, restaurant or location for functions on the Thames.
Correspondence to: Dauntsey's School Sailing Club, West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 4HE
Tel: +44 (0)1380 814500
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: info@joliebrise.com
http://www.dauntseys.org/page.aspx?id=272
Access: Used for sail training, competes in events. Can be chartered.
Built in Le Havre, 1913, as a local pilot cutter. 56 ft loa, 44 tons displacement, oak plank & frame carvel hull. Gaff cutter rigged. Privately owned since 1917, for commercial fishing or ocean racing. Now leased to Dauntsey's School from ISCA.
Kaskelot
Square Sail, Charlestown Harbour, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NJ
Tel: +44 (0)1726 70241, 67526
Fax: +44 (0)1726 61839
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: sextant@btconnect.com
http://www.square-sail.com
Access: Can be chartered for film work, corporate events, sail training.
Built in Denmark in 1948, as a wooden 19 century-style 3-masted trading barque. Now restored to modern standards, with 375 hp engine. Overnight accommodation for 12 passengers (61 day-sail). Displ 450 tons, 153 ft loa, often used in making period films.
PS Kingswear Castle
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TQ
Tel: +44 (0)1634 827648
Fax: +44 (0)1634 827648
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: kc@pskc.freeserve.co.uk
http://www.pskc.freeserve.co.uk
Access: Operates public & charter cruises from Chatham & Rochester
Britain's last coal-fired paddle steamer. Built 1924 for river excursions. Uses 1904 compound reciprocating steam engine. All restored to original condition 1971-85. Now operates on Thames & Medway, in association with the Paddle Steamer Preservation Soc.
Lady Daphne
St Katharine's Dock, St Katharine's Way, London E1
Correspondence to: Nymph Ltd., c/o Z/Yen Ltd, 5-7 St Helen's Place, London EC3A 6AU
Tel: +44 (0)20 7562 7656
Fax: +44 (0)20 7488 1017
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: emainelli@lady-daphne.co.uk
http://www.lady-daphne.co.uk
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Privately owned, used for charter or meetings. Appears at events.
Thames sailing barge, 117 grt, built 1923 by Shorts of Rochester. Traditional spritsail & gaff rig. Privately owned, she competes in sailing barge races & appears at events. Normally operates for corporate events or charter.
PS Maid of the Loch
Balloch Pier, Loch Lomond, W Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
Correspondence to: Loch Lomond Steamship Company, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland G83 8QX.
Tel: +44 (0)1389 711865
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: mail@maidoftheloch.com
http://www.maidoftheloch.com
Access: Daily, 11:00-16:00 Easter - October. Sat & Sun only in winter
Classic sidepaddle steamer built 1953 for Loch Lomond pleasure trips, 1953-81. Length 191 ft, grt 555, compound diagonal steam engine. Restored for restaurant, cafe & bar use, with intention of full restoration for steaming. Available for private hire.
PS Medway Queen
Being extensively restored and rebuilt at Bristol.
Correspondence to: Medway Queen Preservation Society, Office 3, 42 North Street, Rochester, Kent ME2 4SH. e-mail: medwayqueen@btconnect.com
Tel: +44 (0)1634 715090
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.medwayqueen.co.uk/home.html
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=14
Access: Contact the Medway Queen Preservation Society.
Last surviving Thames Estuary excursion paddle steamer, built 1924. Converted to minesweeper 1939/45 and took part in Dunkerque evacuation, 1940. Abandoned 1963, now being extensively restored. Riveted construction, compound diagonal paddle engine, 316 grt.
MTB 102
Newsons Boatyard, Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Correspondence to: MTB 102 Trust, c/o Mr R Basey, Hilltop, Castle Street, Wroxham, Norfolk NR12 8AB
Tel: +44 (0)1603 782068
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: mtb102@ukonline.co.uk
http://www.mtb102.com/
<
Access: Takes part in maritime events. Enquire for other information.
Built by Vosper as a prototype Motor Torpedo Boat, 1936-37. Saw service in WW2, incl the Dunkirk evacuation. Built of Honduras mahogany on Canadian rock elm, 68 ft overall, beam 14' 9", draft 3' 9". Hull is substantially original, engines are modern.
SL Nuneham
The Runnymede Boathouse, Windsor Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire
Correspondence to: Thames Steam Packet Boat Co., (French Bros Ltd) The Runnymede Boathouse, Windsor Road, Old Windsor, Berkshire SL4 2SG
Tel: +44 (0)1753 840909
Fax: +44 (0)1753 832303
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.boat-trips.co.uk
Access: Can be chartered for classic Middle Thames river trips.
Built 1898 for Salters of Oxford as a river steamer. Steel hull, 85 ft long. Recently restored/rebuilt with near-original Sissons triple-expansion steam engine, new scotch boiler. Now in regular charter service for Thames trips & Henley Royal Regatta.
Phoenix
Square Sail, Charlestown Harbour, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 3NJ
Tel: +44 (0)1726 70241, 67526
Fax: +44 (0)1726 61839
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: sextant@btconnect.com
http://www.square-sail.com
Access: Can be chartered for film work, corporate events, sail training.
Built as a schooner in Denmark in 1929. Now converted to a brig of mid-18 century style, and refurbished for use in film-making, sail training, etc. 112 ft loa, 235 hp auxiliary engine. She can take 35 day-sail passengers (12 on overnight passages).
Pioneer CK18
Near Brightlingsea
Correspondence to: c/o Mr Rupert Marks, Scripps Farm, Goat Lodge Road, Great Totham, Maldon, Essex CM9 8BX
Tel: +44 (0)1621 893830. Booking line: 01621 776062.
Fax: +44 (0)1621 893542
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: info@pioneersailingtrust.org.uk
http://www.pioneersailingtrust.org.uk
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: BA. Phone, e-mail or go to www.oyteast.org.uk
Built 1864 as an Essex deep sea smack (skillinger). Lengthened in 1889 from 57 to 68 ft loa, 32 tons, ketch rig. Abandoned 1942, recovered 1998, and extensively restored. Now sails regularly in association with Ocean Youth Trust East. Edu.
President (formerly: HMS Saxifrage)
Moored on River Thames, at Victoria Embankment, near Blackfriars
Bridge, London.
Correspondence to: 'HMS' President, Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0HJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7583 1918
Fax: +44 (0)20 7583 4577
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: enquiries@hmspresident.com
http://www.hmspresident.com/
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Ship hosts start-up businesses & offers a location for functions.
Built as escort sloop HMS Saxifrage (1918) 1290 tons displacement & served as a 'Q' Ship. Renamed HMS President 1921-88, drill ship for London Division RNR/RNVR when her superstructure was altered. Now location for business use, private or corporate dining.
Pudge
Maldon, Essex (Thames Barge Sailing Club).
Correspondence to: Thames Sailing Barge Trust, Crosstrees, The Downs, Maldon, Essex CM9 5HR
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.bargetrust.org/
http://www.thamesbarge.org.uk/
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: Used for weekend sailing and charter.
Wooden spritsail ketch rigged barge, built 1922 for cargo trade. 67 tons gross, loa 84 ft. Auxiliary engine fitted 1935. Bought for restoration in 1968. Rerigged and used by members of Thames Sailing Barge Trust.
Queen Mary (was Queen Mary II)
Was on River Thames at Victoria Embankment. Sold abroad in 2009.
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Calmac_QMII.html
Access: No longer accessible.
Built 1933 as coastal passenger & mail steamer for west coast of Scotland. Loa 263 ft, 1014 gross tonnage. Triple steam turbines. Name changed 1935 to Queen Mary II to allow Cunard to name their new liner. Was a bar/restaurant on River Thames, but sold to French owner in 2009 for use abroad.
SS Robin (formerly: Maria)
Usually at West India Quay, Canary Wharf, London
Temporarily at Lowestoft for renovation.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7538 0652
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: info@ssrobin.org
http://www.ssrobin.org/
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/index.php
Access: see web-site for access information.
Steel-hulled coastal steamship, built 1890 at Bow Creek, still with original triple expansion engine. 366 gr. tons, 143 ft loa. In commercial use in Spain (as MARIA) 1900-1974. Now preserved for use as photographic gallery & for Edu.
SS Shieldhall
Ocean Village, Southampton [ex Hampshire]
Correspondence to: The Solent Steam Packet Company Ltd, S.S. Shieldhall, Ocean Village, Southampton SO1 1JS
Tel: +44 (0)23 80230405, 80225853. (mobile: 07751 603190)
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
Access: Open daily. Charter BA. Occasional public sailings.
Cargo (sludge) steamship built on River Clyde 1955 to traditional lines: rivetted, teak decks, triple-expansion steam engines. Twin screw, 268 ft loa, 1792 grt. Out of service 1985, now maintained by Preservation Soc volunteers. Can be hired, GV, Edu (all BA).
SS Sir Walter Scott
Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, Stirlingshire, Scotland FK17 8HZ
Tel: +44 (0)1877 376316
Fax:
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: LKBookings@scottishwater.co.uk
http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/pls/portal/portal.home
http://www.incallander.co.uk/steam.htm
Access: Daily pleasure cruises on Loch Katrine, April - Oct, or charter.
Single screw steam vessel, built by Wm Denny & Bros at Dumbarton, launched 1899 for passenger service. 110 ft loa, still using the original 140 ihp triple expansion engine. Coke fired boilers. Still carries paying passengers. Can also be chartered.
PS Tattershall Castle
King's Reach, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2HR
(between Westminster and Waterloo bridges)
Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 6548
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 1139
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.thetattershallcastle.co.uk/history/
Access: open daily
Side-paddle river Humber ferry. Built 1934, 199 ft long, with a triple-expansion 1200 ihp engine. Taken out of service 1973. Now a floating restaurant, bar, nightclub & conference centre. Side paddles removed in refurbishment but engines still in place.
Three Brothers
Bridlington Harbour, East Yorkshire
Correspondence to: The Secretary, Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society, 3 Elma Villas, Bridlington, East Yorkshire YO16 4PA
Tel: +44 (0)1262 608346
Fax:
Internet and e-mail links:
e-mail: secretary@bscps.com
http://www.bscps.com/
http://www.tradboat2.co.uk/
Access: Sailed locally by members of BSCPS & local Cadet Force.
Built in Bridlington in 1912 by Baker & Percy Siddall, this 40 ft wooden fishing coble has been restored for sailing in Bridlington Bay. Dipping lugsail & jib. Characteristic transom stern & deep rudder, which can be unshipped. A type once common in NE England.
PS Waverley
Normally based at Anderston Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA, Scotland
Correspondence to: Waverley Excursions Ltd, Gwalia Buildings, Barry Docks CF62 5QR or: Waverley Excursions Ltd, Anderston Quay, Glasgow G3 8HA
Tel: +44 (0)141 2432224. Charter: (0141) 2218152 or (029) 20704520.
Internet and e-mail links:
http://www.style2000.com/p15.html
Access: Appears at maritime festivals & runs regular scheduled cruises.
Launched 1947, 239 ft sea-going side-paddle Clyde steamer. Was coal fired, converted to oil 1980/81. Triple expansion engines. Refitted & operated by Paddle Steamer Preservation Society since 1974, Waverley has had a major re-build for cruising.
Although much effort has been made to achieve accuracy, there is no guarantee that this list is free from errors, and details may change at short notice. Please tell us about any errors, omissions, or other necessary changes. We are always grateful for information, and we thank all who have told us of new museums and vessels, pointed out errors and changes, and given us new web-sites to include. All the data listed here are believed to be in the public domain.
We thank the University of Cambridge and the University Computing Service for permission to hold these files on the publicly accessible areas of their computers. However, the material on this page carries no approval by or official sanction from the University of Cambridge or any of its Colleges, Departments or other Institutions, who have no responsibility for its contents or any inaccuracies.
Copyright 2003-2011 by Martin H. Evans and Janet West. Permission is hereby granted to copy or print this list for non-profit personal or educational use. Permission is also given to copy or link to this list on World-Wide Web servers, on condition that the list is used in full, including this copyright notice, and that the URL (see top) is given in full. You may use or redistribute shorter sections for non-profit personal or educational purposes, provided that this copyright notice and acknowledgement of the source is included. Any other use is prohibited without the explicit permission of Martin H. Evans and Janet West.
Dr. Martin H. Evans e-mail: mhe1000 @ hermes.cam.ac.uk (delete spaces)
Dr Janet West.
Scott Polar Research Institute,
University of Cambridge,
Lensfield Road,
Cambridge CB2 1ER,
England
11th October 2011.
The source code for this page conforms to xhtml 1.0 standards but some of the URL link names might not.