Spurn Lightship, Hull: Everything you need to know as historic vessel set to reopen as museum
The Spurn Lightship, one of the Humber region’s most iconic vessels, is set to reopen as a floating museum after a full restoration.
The ship, which was built Goole in 1927, helped guide vessels in and out of the Humber Estuary. The ship was bought by Hull City Council being decommissioned in the 1970s.
After a 14-month restoration, the ship has been returned to the Marina where it will remain, close to the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge.
Last year, contractor CR Reynolds began landscaping the area around the ship ahead of the reopening. The work sought to create an ‘inviting gateway’ to the new public attraction.
Hull City Council has now revealed the ship will reopen to the public from Saturday, March 7.
Celebrating the news of the ship’s imminent reopening, Coun Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “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 reopening of Spurn Lightship is set to be the first of a number of key ribbon-cutting events the council has lined up in 2026.
This year is set to be when the Hull Maritime project finally comes together, with Queen’s Gardens and the Maritime Museum also set to reopen, albeit after delays.
The numerous scheduled re-openings set to take place in the coming year were a key element in Hull being named in National Geographic’s top 25 places to visit in the world in 2026.
Spurn Lightship is set to kick off the momentous year for the city.