LV14 SULA Lightship

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Welcome aboard LV14 SULA – a charmingly characterful vessel and extraordinary boutique getaway, with a wealth of fascinating tales to tell and a very unique USP – she is the only Lightship in the UK on which you can stay aboard!

Described by the BBC as a “local celebrity of the Gloucester Docks”, the registered Lightship was originally called SPURN and was stationed on the Humber Estuary between the 1960s and 1980s, protecting mariners with her rare Fresnel lens which shone for 17 miles.

In the many guises that followed, she served as a historic museum in South Wales, then spent some well-deserved quiet time in Gloucester, as a floating therapy and meditation centre…

…until her new owners, experienced water-dwellers Colin and Vivienne Brooks, decided to transform the iconic vessel into a stylish holiday retreat!

‘Captain’ Colin and the Brooks family (including their friendly ship dogs, Wilfrid and Whistler) set about painstakingly renovating LV14 SULA, adding flourishes of contemporary style and luxury, whilst ensuring the ship’s most precious historic elements were left intact.

The Humber Suite is  the perfect retreat for a unique couple’s hideaway, romantic honeymoon or celebrating special occasions with a touch of 5-star luxury. A glorious example of the family’s labour of love. the suite sleeps up to four guests, you’ll make a grand entrance through SULA’s original teak doors, into a sumptuously furnished lounge, where authenticity meets modern elegance.

The suite also boasts a quirky open-plan living space and well-equipped kitchen, including a cleverly extendable dining table to break bread at. Simply turn the old wheel on the side door, to watch the comings and goings of the docklands as you dine!

At a glance

• A historic, iconic, and beautifully restored former Lightship, moored in the Gloucester Docks with superlative views of Llanthony Priory and the cityscape. The only Lightship in the UK to offer overnight stays!
• Stay in the self-contained Humber Suite, which sleeps up to four guests in two lower deck cabins – one king size, and one double.
• There are kitchen facilities in the lounge/dining area, refreshments in each cabin, and a luxurious double walk-in shower room below deck. Towels and toiletries are provided.
• Watch the boats glide past on the Bow Deck, take a stroll to the local restaurants and landmarks, or for a real visual treat, head up to the dedicated Sun Deck for exceptional, panoramic cathedral city views.

Features

• Family Friendly

More information

Feeling sleepy? Wander down to the lower deck, to discover two outrageously comfortable cabins, each complete with a dedicated ‘refreshment station’ (so you won’t have to travel too far for that essential morning cuppa).

The 59 Room, named after the year SULA went into service, features a downy king size bed, bespoke wardrobes… and the ship’s original wooden ladder, which leads to a restored escape hatch on the top deck!

Meanwhile, the 85 Room – named after the year SULA was retired from service – is a warmly atmospheric space with a cosy double bed, and gleaming portholes that display the dock’s historic warehouses.

Freshen up in the shower room, which features an indulgent double walk-in shower and an upcycled vanity unit (not to mention a supply of toiletries and plenty of fluffy towels) before heading out to explore the local area. With a huge selection of eateries and Gloucester landmarks just a short stroll away, there’s plenty to see and do.

Unless, of course, you’d prefer to watch the boats glide dreamily by over coffee on the Bow Deck… or enjoy a freshly mixed sundowner on the glorious, dedicated Sun Deck, which showcases Insta-worthy views of Llanthony Priory, stunning golden sunsets, and the glistening stars in that vast evening sky.

For an extra touch of magic, why not personalise your stay with the dedicated Concierge Service, who can arrange anything from champagne and flowers to a private chef and live music.

Things to note

Please note that regrettably, the Lightship is not suitable for pets, children, or those with additional mobility requirements. Check in from 4pm, check out by 12pm (check out can be extended to 2pm for a small additional fee). The space is also available to hire for events – please ask for details.