The iconic vessel will soon welcome visitors again
Spurn Lightship will reopen to visitors in March(Image: Hull City Council)
One of the Humber’s most iconic vessels is preparing to cast its light once more as the Spurn Lightship officially reopens to the public next month. The launch on Saturday, March 7 marks the first completed visitor attraction that is part of the Hull Maritime project, an ambitious city-wide initiative funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The vessel’s return follows a meticulous 14-month restoration led by local firm Dunston Ship Repairs. Originally built in 1927 by Goole Shipbuilding, the lightship served for nearly 50 years at the Spurn station, guiding seafarers through the treacherous tides and shifting sandbanks of the Humber.
It was decommissioned in 1975 and first became a museum in 1987, with this latest restoration ensuring the ship remains a world-class heritage asset for the next generation. Now moored in its new permanent home near the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge, the ship has undergone a transformation managed by marine heritage specialists Beckett Rankine.
The work involved shotblasting to remove corrosion, extensive priming, and the application of protective paint. Craftsmen also focused on the sympathetic replacement of rotten wood, corroded steel, and cracked glass to return the vessel to its original condition while simultaneously improving accessibility for modern visitors.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, hailed the reopening as a pivotal moment for the region, saying: “The opening of the Spurn Lightship is an exciting new chapter for the vessel and marks the start of an incredible year for Hull, celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage.
“The Spurn Lightship will once again offer residents and visitors the chance to experience a vital piece of Hull’s maritime story, preserved with care and authenticity so that stepping aboard feels like visiting a working lightship. Visitors will be able to explore and experience its unique character and celebrate the vital role it has played in keeping our coastline safe.”
The project forms part of the legacy following Hull’s tenure as UK City of Culture in 2017. Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, noted the emotional and economic weight of the ship’s return. She said: “The Spurn Lightship is well loved by the people of Hull, and its opening is something that many of them have been looking forward to as part of the Hull Maritime project.
“It’s fantastic to see Hull Maritime reach this milestone and continue to ensure that Hull’s significant maritime heritage will be at the heart of its economic regeneration. This latest landmark occasion in this ambitious project builds on the successful legacy of Hull as City of Culture in 2017. Not only will this boost tourism, it also another anchor project to further pride in this city.”
Spurn Lightship will be free to visit, operating Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm. While the vessel is prepared for its new life as a floating museum, severe weather may occasionally force temporary closures for safety.
This opening is the first of several coming up for Hull Maritime, which also includes the significant refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum, the restoration of Queen’s Gardens, and the eventual unveiling of the Arctic Corsair at North End Shipyard.
Together, these sites will form a comprehensive maritime trail designed to be one of the premier heritage experiences in the UK. Further details regarding ticketing are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit maritimehull.co.uk