SS Shieldhall

The Basics

SS Shieldhall was built in 1954, and represents (on a smaller scale) much of the same machinery as the Titanic. Visit SS Shieldhall independently and explore the boat deck, bridge, foredeck, engine room, saloon, and more on a guided tour, during which you’ll learn about the history and function of the steamboat. Other options for experiencing this historic steamboat include half-day, full-day, and two-day cruises, during which you’ll hear an engaging onboard commentary and can also tour the boat.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tours and cruises on the SS Shieldhall are available year-round.

• There are onboard restrooms, as well as food and drink, including vegetarian options, available for purchase on SS Shieldhall.

• There are cruise options which allow you to board with ashes and scatter them at sea.

• You can take your own food aboard, but you can’t eat it in the saloon.

• The SS Shieldhall can be boarded by wheelchair users, but they must remain on the upper deck which unfortunately doesn’t have any restrooms.

How to Get There

SS Shieldhall is normally berthed on the south coast of England, at Berth 110 in Southampton Docks. Most cruises depart from this berth, although some experiences depart from the quay in Poole, Dorset. There is parking available for visitors at Berth 110 on non-sailing days, and free nearby parking available on sailing days. It’s easiest to arrive via private vehicle.

When to Get There

SS Shieldhall is accessible year-round; however, some days are non-sailing and others are sailing days. On sailing days, it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot and on non-sailing days you can visit the boat without leaving shore. Weekends and summer holidays are generally the most popular times to visit the ship, so stop by midweek for a quieter visit.

Other Historic Ships in the UK

The UK has no shortage of historic ships you can visit the length and breadth of its shores and riverbanks. The Cutty Sark, docked in Greenwich, London, is the last surviving tea clipper ship; Portsmouth is home to the revived hull of the Mary Rose, along with a number of Tudor artifacts; Hartlepool, meanwhile, plays host to the oldest warship still afloat—the HMS Trincomlee—set against a recreated 18th-century seaport.