Floating museum Spanish galleon ship visits Pier

April 25, 2023

A replica Spanish galleon ship called “El Galeon” that has been transformed into a floating museum is visiting Southend-on-Sea Pier at the end of May.

Between Wednesday 24 May and Monday 29 May, the 200ft long ship will be docked at the end of the pier and open to visitors between 10.30am to 7pm. Museum staff in period costume will be on the ship to tell visitors more about life on the ship.

The living museum is a full-size replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon, which was designed and built to hold more cargo than previous ship designs. Because of this, it is often described as the ship that brought the two halves of the world (east and west) together.

The visit comes following the recent announcement that Southend-on-Sea Pier won the prestigious Pier of the Year award from the National Piers Society, earlier this month.

Scott Dolling, director for culture and tourism, said: “This really is an exceptional educational experience to learn more about life on a Spanish Galleon and experience aspects of it first-hand, whilst listening to information from the experts.

“It’s a great way to start the half-term holiday or celebrate the late May bank holiday by doing something completely different, as if visiting an award-winning pier isn’t enough of a treat as it is.”

Tickets to board the ship are on a first come, first served basis and will cost £25 for a family ticket (for up to two adults and three children), £10 per adult, £5 per child (aged five to 12 years) and children under five go free.

You will also need to pay the usual pier admission price.

Whilst on the pier you can enjoy the view and refreshments at the 'Tea with the Tide' tearoom and the newly re-opened Pavilion with ‘Lazy Jacks’ café and the ‘Offshore’ restaurant and bar offering a selection of food and drinks.

You can find out more on the website: Welcome to the World's Longest Pleasure Pier | Southend-on-Sea (southendpier.co.uk)