Steamship Shieldhall

Steamship Shieldhall

About Steamship Shieldhall

Steamship Shieldhall is a heritage cargo/passenger steamship included in the National Historic Fleet. Launched on the Clyde in 1955, she was built on classic lines and retains her original machinery and traditional wheelhouse.

Withdrawn from commercial service in 1985, she was purchased by charity The Solent Steam Packet who continue to operate Shieldhall today. She is now based in Southampton and operated by a team of dedicated volunteers. Enjoy her annual sailing programme ranging between 2hr and all-day cruises, taking place between May and September.

It is ‘Access all Areas’ on the Shieldhall, so make the most of your time on board. As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work, and delve into the Boiler Room where the temperature can be in excess of 110 degrees Fahrenheit!

Climb the stairs leading to the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and crew; listen to the informed commentary as Shieldhall passes the sights of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the Great Ocean Liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; enjoy some deck games; relax in the Saloon with a wide range o refreshments including tea/coffee, real ale, a range of bottled Titanic Ales, wine, ice cream and hot and cold food, available on all trips.

Children will have fun with Shieldhall’s interactive Passport, collecting stickers from various stations on board! There is plenty of covered seating on board but also the chance to enjoy the British weather from the open decks!

Enjoy the cruising style of yesterday, as it used to be – today!

Open for alongside visits at certain times, and a sailing season from May – September on selected dates.

Check website for details

Prices will vary. Please visit  for info.

Prices vary for different types of trips. See website for full info. Family bundle tickets (2A / 2C) available.

Why should I visit?

    • Former flagship of the National Historic Fleet – the oldest operational passenger/cargo steamship in Britain.
    • Access all areas – visit the Engine Room, Boiler Room, Bridge, Forecastle, open decks and Saloon whilst on board!
    • Listen out for an informed commentary on the history of Southampton and the Docks, and the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent.
    • Relax in the Saloon or the open decks; enjoy a relaxing drink or bite to eat.
    • A very stable ship, and a great viewing platform to take photos from!

Facilities

Assistance dogs allowed
Baby changing facilities
Cafe
Disabled parking available
Free parking on site
Gift shop
On site parking
Suitable for ages 12 and above
Suitable for ages 3 and above
Suitable for ages 5 and above
Suitable for ages 8 and above
Tour Guide – we require booking for this facility
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Next event

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Discount tickets and vouchers

There are currently no discounts available on tickets, parking or entry. Please sign up to get the latest vouchers as they become available. Or View all of our vouchers.

Where to find us

Address

Berth 110, Western Docks, Southampton SO15 0HH
(Entrance via Dock Gate 8 or Dock Gate 20. This is the usual Southampton departure berth for Shieldhall, but please check on website for up-to-date berth and departure location)

Find us online

By car

Shieldhall is based at Berth 110, Western Docks, SO15 0HH. For sailings, Shieldhall will depart from Berth 110 in Southampton’s Western Docks. Please enter the Docks via either Dock Gate 10 or Dock Gate 20. Boarding for cruises may take place one hour before departure.

We request passengers be on board no later than 15 mins before departure, as the ship will look to leave promptly at its stated departure time.  Please allow yourself plenty of time to reach Southampton, which is always busy with cruise ships departing from the Terminals.

Free courtesy parking will be available in a parking area approx. 5 mins walk from Shieldhall. Look out for Shieldhall parking signs and Shieldhall volunteers when you approach the car park. Nearest postcode for sat nav is: SO15 0HH.

Limited blue badge parking will be available next to the ship – if you require this facility, please inform the Ticket Manager at tickets@ss- shieldhall.co.uk. It is also possible to drop off passengers who have difficulty in walking close to the ship, but cars must be returned to the Car Park
afterwards if you do not possess a blue badge.

IMPORTANT: Please check the Shieldhall website www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk/find_us for up-to-date news of berthing information, as this may be subject to change at short notice.

Kids activities

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  • Children will have great fun completing a ‘Shieldhall Passport’ and collecting stickers from various stations on board
  • Range of 2hr family cruises staged during the season, a wonderful introduction to life on the water for children!
  • Life jackets provided for all children if requested on board
  • Great photo opportunities for children on the Bridge with the Captain, or in the Engine and Boiler Rooms
  • Wide range of snacks and confectionery and a Shieldhall Gift Shop on board

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