National Historic Ships UK

Directions Website Contact the museum

National Historic Ships UK National Historic Ships UK is the official voice for historic vessels in the United Kingdom

National Historic Ships UK is a government funded, independent organisation which gives objective advice to UK governments and local authorities, funding bodies, and the historic ships sector on all matters relating to historic vessels in the UK. It is successor to the advisory committee on National Historic Ships, set up as a non-departmental advisory body in July 2006. In turn, that organisation followed on from the National Historic Ships Committee, which emerged from a seminar held in 1991 to discuss the problems facing the preservation of historic ships and vessels in the UK and the evident neglect of this important part of our heritage. National Historic Ships UK carries a wide remit, looking not only at the immediate issues concerning historic vessels in the UK, but also addressing questions relating to the support infrastructure for historic ships, their potential for contributing in the wider economic, social and community context, and maintaining a watch list of vessels abroad with potential UK significance. Strong support was expressed for the creation of a co-ordinating body which could provide an overview of all aspects of historic ship preservation and the Committee was formally launched on 15 July 1992 by Lord Lewin, then Chairman of Trustees of the National Maritime Museum. National Historic Ships UK, carries a wide remit, looking not only at the immediate issues concerning historic vessels in the United Kingdom, but also addressing questions relating to the support infrastructure for historic ships, their potential for contributing in the wider economic, social and community context, and by maintaining a watch list of vessels abroad with potential UK significance.

National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of the Year The Golden Hinde hosts a wide range of events aboard the ship, inclu...
16/10/2026



National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of the Year The Golden Hinde hosts a wide range of events aboard the ship, including hugely popular live music nights. It's a 5 minute walk from London Bridge station and there's even a bar!

The Golden Hinde is a full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s Elizabethan galleon - the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe. Having completed her own circumnavigation in the 1970s and taken part in the 1986 World's Fair in Vancouver, she arrived at St Mary Overie Dock in Southwark in 1996 to begin a new life as a heritage attraction.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

🎵 18 Oct - Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand
👪 24 Oct–1 Nov - Hallowe’en Half Term
🎵 27 Oct Sorrel Nation
🎵 1 Nov Liz Jones & John Bruce
🎵 11 Nov Malcom Middleton (Arab Strap)
🎵 15 Nov Chris Helme (Seahorses)
🎭 18 Nov Night of a Thousand Seamen

And much more - see their website for all the details.

Would you like to sail on National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of the Year SEA SCAMP?Celebrating her 90th anniversary ...
16/10/2026



Would you like to sail on National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of the Year SEA SCAMP?

Celebrating her 90th anniversary in 2026, Sea Scamp is a classic Bermudan sloop, built in 1936 for the German Luftwaffe. She was brought to the UK in 1945, raced by the Royal Marines, then operated as a training ship by the Royal Navy and the Sea Scouts. Now sailed and maintained by the Sea Scamp Syndicate, which has around 110 members of all ages and abilities, operating from Shamrock Quay, Southampton.

There are still some spaces for people who want to sail on Sea Scamp this year - no experience needed! Check out their website to find out more.

Fancy getting out on the water this Autumn? How about a Cream Tea Cruise on National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of th...
16/10/2026



Fancy getting out on the water this Autumn? How about a Cream Tea Cruise on National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of the Year, 1906 Spritsail Barge HYDROGEN?

Sailing from Maldon Quay in Essex, Hydrogen is one of three historic sailing barges owned and operated by Topsail Charters Ltd. She celebrates 120 years afloat this year with an exciting season comprising a mix of day cruises, workshops and events.

A range of cruises are available across the fleet, including Cream Tea and Grape & Grain cruises, sailing trips on the Thames and River Blackwater, and specialist cruises such as live music or birdwatching. You can even join the crew and take part in one of the historic annual Barge Matches.

Or, why not hire Hydrogen for a private river cruise or as a memorable and unusual static venue for a birthday or anniversary party, wedding reception, somewhere to entertain clients or staff or a day out for your club with a difference?

UPCOMING CRUISES on HYDROGEN:
24 Oct - Birdwatching Cruise
25 Oct - Sunday Roast Cruise

See their website to find out more.

Visiting Bristol and fancy getting out on the water this summer? Why not book a trip on National Historic Ships UK's Fl...
16/10/2026



Visiting Bristol and fancy getting out on the water this summer? Why not book a trip on National Historic Ships UK's Flagship of the Year, 1936 Narrow Boat REDSHANK?

Celebrating her 90th anniversary in 2026, Redshank is offering daily 45-minute City Dock cruises throughout the season, along with private charters.

Owned and operated byBristol Packet Boat Trips, their fleet also includes the 1920 passenger vessel Tower Belle and 1936 narrow boat Greenshank, now a floating bar space on Wapping Wharf; as well as three more modern vessels.

Trips include their popular Avon Gorge Cruises, Cream Tea, Fish 'n' Chips, Pub Lunch and Cream Tea Cruises. You can also charter any of their boats for a private event or celebration on Bristol’s Floating Harbour and rural stretches of the Avon.

The National Historic Ships UK VESSELS FOR SALE LISTLooking to buy a historic vessel for restoration, for leisure, to li...
16/10/2026

The National Historic Ships UK VESSELS FOR SALE LIST

Looking to buy a historic vessel for restoration, for leisure, to liveaboard, or to operate as a business? Our Vessels For Sale list only lists craft on the National Registers and is updated every Friday.

SEE LINK IN BIO FOR COMPLETE LIST

Owner of a vessel on the Registers and would like our help to sell your vessel? Email us at the address in our bio to find out more.

📸 NHS-UK PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONHave you seen the National Historic Ships UK Photography Exhibition at Historic Dockyard ...
16/10/2026

📸 NHS-UK PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Have you seen the National Historic Ships UK Photography Exhibition at Historic Dockyard Chatham?

The exhibition features the winning and best images from our 2025 Photography Competition, in the industrial surrounds of No 3 Slip. It runs until Sunday 15th November (not Mon/ Tue) and entry is free with your Dockyard ticket.

It's a great day out with lots to do and see, including three historic ships; the RNLI Historic Lifeboat Collection; and the 400 year old Ropery, which once produced the finest ropes for Royal Navy Ships. You can also enjoy a fish 'n' chips lunch or afternoon tea at The Mess Deck cafe.

Read more & book:
https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/buytickets/

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK NORTH HUB EVENT📍 National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire🗓 Thursday 29th October, 10.00am...
15/10/2026

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK NORTH HUB EVENT
📍 National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
🗓 Thursday 29th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm

National Historic Ships UK, in partnership with our Northern Hub Windermere Jetty Museum, is hosting our annual Shipshape Network North Hub event this October.

Bringing together vessel custodians, maritime heritage organisations, museums, volunteers, and skilled craftspeople from across the region, the day will provide an opportunity to share knowledge, discuss challenges and build valuable connections with others working to preserve our maritime heritage.

This year, National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port will play host to coincide with their 50th Anniversary. Alongside a programme of speakers, attendees will have the chance to network with colleagues and enjoy access to one of the UK's most significant inland waterways heritage sites.

SPEAKERS:
🎤 Windermere Jetty MuseumWindermere Jetty Museum (Cumbria) - Introduction to your Shipshape Network North Hub
🎤 The Danny - Daniel Adamson a 1903 steamship with a unique story (Liverpool) - Setting a Steady Course to Northwich
🎤 The Dock Museum (Cumbria) - Two Museums, One Vessel: The Conservation Journey of Herbert Leigh
🎤 Bay Prawner Trust (Cumbria) - Spray: Part of a Prawner Renaissance
🎤 (Cheshire)
🎤 (Cumbria) - Recording Oakdale: what the latest 3D capture can now do for historic vessels

This event is aimed at owners of local historic craft listed on the National Register of Historic Vessels as well as those involved in the management of a historic craft, maritime heritage organisations, local business or community projects. Join us for a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with others across the sector.

Tickets are £15 and include tea, coffee, lunch, and tours.

SEE BOOKING LINK IN BIO TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK EAST HUB EVENT📍 Harker's Yard, Brightlingsea🗓 Saturday 7th November | 10:00 – 15.00Join National His...
15/10/2026

🎟 SHIPSHAPE NETWORK EAST HUB EVENT
📍 Harker's Yard, Brightlingsea
🗓 Saturday 7th November | 10:00 – 15.00

Join National Historic Ships UK and Pioneer Sailing Trust for our Shipshape Network East Hub event this November, and learn about some fantastic maritime heritage projects!

This exciting event brings together heritage organisations, industry professionals, volunteers, and maritime enthusiasts for a day of talks, networking, guided tours, and hands-on insight into traditional boatbuilding and sail training.

SPEAKERS:
🎤 Essex Heritage Workboats
🎤 The Sutton Hoo Ships Company
🎤 Thames Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT)
🎤 TS Rigging Ltd

PLUS:
⛵ Explore the historic vessel Pioneer CK18
🔨 Learn about restoration projects and apprenticeships
🤝 Connect with others passionate about preserving our coastal heritage
☕ Enjoy refreshments and a light buffet

Whether you're involved in heritage work, curious about traditional skills, or simply love the sea, this is a fantastic opportunity to get inspired and meet like-minded people. Tickets are £8.30 each and cover all presentations, lunch, refreshments, and tours.

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE, SEE BOOKING LINK IN BIO

National Historic Ships UK's TRAINING WORKSHOPSWe offer two workshop sessions which can be delivered individually or con...
14/10/2026

National Historic Ships UK's TRAINING WORKSHOPS

We offer two workshop sessions which can be delivered individually or consecutively at your chosen site. These provide an ideal learning experience for trainees, apprentices, volunteers and maritime heritage professionals.

1/ STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE WORKSHOP:

Designed for every type of vessel, Statements of Significance can be used by individuals, funders or organizations to help them better understand a craft's heritage merit, and provide a basis for determining individual maintenance programmes, conservation methods, investment priorities and where appropriate, approaches to rehoming or deaccessioning.

This workshop will provide you with an understanding of the theory behind these invaluable documents and a practical approach to writing a statement for any craft, enabling you to make decisions about what to include in an informed way. This session is aimed at those who are new to writing Statements of Significance as well as those who would like to improve their vessel research skills. It is relevant to anyone with an interest in maritime heritage or responsibility for a historic vessel.

2/ CONSERVATION GATEWAY WORKSHOP:

Our guidance manual Conserving Historic Vessels was published in 2010 to set a standard of best practice for vessel conservation projects. It follows a nine-phase process from gaining a full understanding of a vessel, through stabilisation, to making a decision on the most appropriate conservation approach. The crux of this journey is the Conservation Gateway, where critical choices are made which may impact on surviving fabric or the vessel's ability to share its story with us.

The workshop is aimed at those working with historic vessels who wish to gain an understanding of the various conservation routes and the different outcomes which can result from the choices made. Having a thorough knowledge of these, along with their limitations, will help ensure that conservation decisions are directly linked to vessel significance and follow a long-term strategy.

SEE LINKTREE IN OUR BIO TO FIND OUT MORE

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK:'VIC 32' by Wayne Starkey, Winner of Newcomer of the Year in the 2023 National Historic Ships UK Pho...
14/10/2026

📸 PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

'VIC 32' by Wayne Starkey, Winner of Newcomer of the Year in the 2023 National Historic Ships UK Photography Competition.

Judging took place last month for the 2026 Photography Competition - watch our Awards film, premiering on YouTube at 7pm on Wednesday 18th November, to learn the winners!

Address

Park Row
London
SE109NF

Website

, ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when National Historic Ships UK posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to National Historic Ships UK:

Shortcuts

Share

Category