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You can't stay aboard a Lightship everyday, but you can on LV14 SULA in Gloucester!
LV14 is a unique Light Vessel (LV) moored in Britain’s most inland port of Gloucester; a cathedral city nestled in the heart of the famous Cotswolds. The vessel arrived in Gloucester Docks in October 2010 and since that time has become a defining feature and much-loved local landmark.
Formerly named SPURN, LV14 was commissioned and built on behalf of the Humber Conservancy Board (HCB) in the late 1950’s. She has a fascinating history, from being stationed in the turbulent North Sea (1959-1985) to touring Great Britain with numerous owners, hosting a meditation centre and, most recently, reinvented as the UK’s only stay-aboard Light Vessel.
Life at sea
LV14 HCB SPURN was built in 1958 by shipbuilders Cook, Welton and Gemmell of Beverley, in Yorkshire, England. The ship was one of the last manned Light Vessels to be built and designed to a remarkably high specification to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the North Sea.
In 1959, the HCB stationed the vessel off Spurn Point at the entrance to the River Humber. It was here that LV14 was anchored for over 25 years, providing navigation support, assisting the Coastguard, and collecting data for the Humber Coastal Shipping Forecast. Her defining feature is the resolute light tower, which stands an impressive 55ft above water level. Preserved within the lantern house at the top of the tower is one of only two remaining Fresnel lenses in the world to be installed on Light Vessels - and is coined “the invention that saved a million ships.”
Having been a beacon of light and hope for almost 3 decades, SPURN was retired from service on Christmas Eve 1985 and replaced by a GPS Navigational Buoy. The Light Vessel now features on the National Historic Ships Register alongside other treasures such as the Royal Yacht Britannia and S.S. Great Britain.
Step aboard
Today, LV14 - now named ‘SULA’, meaning “little peace” - is moored at Llanthony Wharf, just a towpath stroll away from the restaurant quarter, outlet shopping mall, street markets and special events of Gloucester Quays. She is also one of the most unique, private holiday suites from which to explore the nearby world-famous Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Guests make a grand entrance into The Humber Suite through beautifully restored teak doors and are welcomed by our stylish lounge - kitchen - diner. This is the perfect space to relax and unwind and enjoy an onboard dining experience, courtesy of our private chef. Below deck are two sumptuous cabins; our king cabin - ‘The ‘59 Room’, named after the year LV14 went into service, and ‘The ‘85 Room’, our cosy double cabin, named after the year she was retired. Each cabin includes a refreshment station with complimentary welcome pack; for that morning coffee, WIFI, towels and eco-friendly toiletries; all part of our commitment to green tourism.
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Venture outside and you will find SULA’s best kept secret - a private Sun Deck with panoramic views, where guests can sit back, relax, drink in hand, and soak up the quayside atmosphere! A highlight of every stay is watching the sun go down and the stars come out, as this is the moment SULA truly comes to life and bathes guests in blue light from her carefully restored lantern house!
How to book
The Humber Suite welcomes up to four adults for a minimum of two nights. Book online at www.sulalightship.com or call 01452 416354 and receive an exclusive private tour. Onboard dining and concierge services are available on request.
Related
Luxury guest suite on the UK’s only historically registered, stay aboard Lightship. Based in Gloucester Docks within walking distance of Gloucester Quays, museums, Gloucester Cathedral, restaurants, and bars.
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