Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet, she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage. Passengers can experience the golden age of steam by booking on an excursion or visiting her in Southampton. Shieldhall is also available for private charter or for hire as a venue alongside.
Shieldhall was laid down in October 1954, and launched 7th July 1955. Built by Lobnitz & Co. of Renfrew on the River Clyde to a specification determined by the Glasgow Corporation, she was required to carry her cargo as well as passengers (housed in a spacious saloon) in her daily trips doon the watter.
Shieldhall transported treated sewage sludge to be dumped at sea. She continued a tradition, dating back to the First World War, that Glasgow's sludge vessels carried organised parties of passengers when operating during the summer months.
In 1976, after 21 years of faithful service, Shieldhall was laid up. She was purchased by the Southern Water Authority in 1977 and after minor modifications, she carried sludge from Marchwood, Millbrook and Woolston to an area south of the Isle of Wight for five years from 1980. It was when she was suddenly withdrawn from service in July 1985, due to rising fuel prices, that active preservation began.
As a result of an initiative by the Southampton City's Museum Services, a preservation society was formed and Shieldhall was purchased from Southern Water in 1988, for £20,000.
The Society is registered as an Industrial and Provident Society as The Solent Steam Packet Limited and operates as a charity.
All work associated with the Society and Shieldhall is carried out by unpaid volunteers. Much work has been done on the ship by volunteers in order to keep her in sea-going condition. The saloon has been restored and the galley brought up-to-date. A speaker system introduced as part of the HLF refit allows for a Southampton Green Badge Guide to give a detailed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent. Shieldhall is a frequent sight around the Solent running summer excursions, and she has represented Southampton for the Dordrecht Steam Festival and International Festivals of the Sea at Bristol and Portsmouth.
During the summer voyages, passengers (up to 200 per sailing) are encouraged to visit the Bridge and machinery spaces. Shieldhalls annual sailing programme is designed to appeal to a number of audiences, with family-friendly 2hr trips of the Docks, 3hr sailings to see cruise ships depart in the Solent, a selection of music cruises and viewing cruises for the Cowes Week, the Round the Island Race and Bournemouth Air Festival. Shieldhall attracts a wide audience from steam lovers to those looking for a day out with a difference, families, groups and coach parties.
In 2025 Shieldhall will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its launch, along with significant events including the 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen.
Back due to popular demand will be return trips to Portsmouth Harbour and The River Medina on the Isle of Wight. In addition to the naval ships, Portsmouth trips give an exciting opportunity to view the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and The Spinnaker Tower from the water.
Shieldhall’s volunteers will welcome The Selsey Shantymen, The Southampton Salty Sea Dogs, Tuto Tribe and Jim Splice and The Main Brace for performances in 2025.
Photo by Will Faulkner
Berth 110, Western Docks, Southampton SO15 0HH
023 8155 0242
Fri 3 May Queen Anne Launch Event sailing - timing TBC
Adults £46, Children £17, Family bundles (2A, 2C) £109
Sat 4 May Steam to the Solent Cruise with the Selsey Shantymen and see cruise ships depart - 3.30pm-7pm
Adults £46, Children £17, Family bundles (2A, 2C) £109
Sun 5 May Rogation Sunday Service followed by Port Cruise - 5pm – 7pm
Adults £29, Children £8, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £66
Sat 8 June D-Day 80 Theme Cruise to the Solent (Lepe) - 2pm – 6pm
Adults £46, Children £17, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £109
Sun 9 June D-Day 80 Theme Cruise to Portsmouth Harbour - 11.30m – 6pm
Adults £63, Children £21, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £145
Sat 15 June Round the Island Race - 10am – 5pm
Adults £64, Children £23, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £151
Sun 16 June Steam to the Solent Cruise and see Cruise Ships depart: pre-sailing bookable dining experience, hosted by the Captain available - 3.30pm – 7pm
Adults £44, Children £16, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £104
Fri 5 July Sunset Music Cruise - 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Adults £42, Children £15, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £99
Sat 6 July Cruise to the Isle of Wight and the Medina River - 11am – 4pm
Adults £55, Children £19, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £129
Sun 7 July Hampshire Food Festival Cruise to the Eastern Solent, inclusive of a 2-course Hampshire Fare inspired buffet - 12 noon – 6pm
Adults £85, Children £48
Sat 13 July Steam to the Solent Cruise and see Cruise Ships depart - 3.30pm – 7pm
Adults £44, Children £16.50, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £105
Sun 14 July Cruise to see the Solent Forts -12 noon – 6pm
Adults £61, Children £23, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £145
Sat 27 July Cowes Week Launch Event Cruise - 10am – 2pm
Adults £46, Children £17, Family bundles (2A, 2C) £109
Sun 28 July Solent Cruise with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shantyband - 2.30pm – 6pm
Adults £46, Children £17, Family bundles (2A, 2C) £109
Sat 3 August Cruise Afternoon Music Cruise - 3pm – 7pm
Adults £56, Children £19, Family bundle £131
Sun 4 August Cruise July Cruise to the Isle of Wight and the Medina River - 11am – 4pm
Adults £55, Children £19, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £129
Fri 16 August Sunset Music Cruise - 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Adults £42, Children £15, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £99
Sat 17 August Cruise to The Needles passing the New Forest Coast and the Isle of Wight - 10.30am – 6pm
Adults £61, Children £23, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £145
Sun 18 August Cruise into Portsmouth Harbour - 10.30am – 5pm
Adults £61, Children £23, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £145
Monday 26 August, One way trip to Poole - 10am – 4pm
Adults £55, Children £21, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £131
Sailing from and returning to Poole Quay: Thursday 29 August, Bournemouth Air Festival - 10am – 7pm
Adults £69, Children £29, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £167
Sailing from and returning to Poole Quay: Friday 30 August, Bournemouth Air Festival - 10am – 7pm
Adults £69, Children £29, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £167
Sailing from and returning to Poole Quay: Saturday 31 August, Bournemouth Air Festival - 10am – 7pm
Adults £74, Children £29, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £177
Sailing from and returning to Poole Quay: Sunday 1 September, Jurassic Coast Cruise with the Wareham Whalers -11am – 4pm
Adults £58, Children £22, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £138
Sailing from Poole Quay: Monday 2 September, One way trip to Southampton - 10am – 4pm
Adults £55, Children £21, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £131
Sat 14 September Heritage Open Day Sailing - 4pm – 6pm
Adults £29, Children £8, Family Bundle (2A, 2C) £66
Sun 15 September Boat Show Cruise - Steam to the Solent - 2.30pm – 6pm
Adults £44, Children £16, Family bundle (2A, 2C) £104
Special group packages available: Shieldhall also offers a series of all-day packages on its 2hr, 3hr and 3 1/2 hr sailings, incorporating a visit to one of Southampton’s Museums, a guided walk with a local guide and an afternoon cruise on Shieldhall. Themed packages ‘In the Footsteps of . . . ‘cover The Titanic, The Spitfire, The Mayflower and Southampton’s Towers and Vaults, and cost from £42 per person (with the 2hr cruise, group price).
To book: On-line at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or call 023 8155 0242
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