LV14 SULA Lightship

18/03/2026

We are really pleased to retain our National Historic Ship’s status.
We are moored in Gloucester Docks so check us out if you’re passing
Colin & Viv Brooks

📢 March 2026 is PILOTAGE MONTH!

To mark the publication of our Pilotage Report, in which National Historic Ships UK's Registers Review working group assessed all 59 pilotage craft on the National Registers, we'll be celebrating a selection of the highest scoring and most interesting vessels.

11/ LIGHT VESSEL 14 - SULA LV14 SULA Lightship

Status: National Register of Historic Vessels
Type: Light Vessel - Steel
1958: Built by Cook, Gemmel & Welton Ltd, Beverley, for the Humber Conservancy Board
1959-85: Stationed at the Spurn sandbank in the Humber Estuary
1988-2007: Various owners, used as a tourist attraction in Guernsey, Conwy, and Milford Haven, Wales, then laid up in Waterford, Ireland
2007: Bought by new owners, towed to Sharpness Shipyard nr. Gloucester, for three-year refit
2010: Moved to Gloucester Docks, renamed SULA, and used as a therapy centre
2020-now: Under current ownership, used as a floating B&B, function and events space, as well as a home for the owners

Read more:
https://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/2447/light-vessel-14-sula

Download the Pilotage Report:
www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/sites/default/files/registers_review_pilotage_group_report_february_2026.pdf

18/03/2026

📢 March 2026 is PILOTAGE MONTH!

To mark the publication of our Pilotage Report, in which National Historic Ships UK's Registers Review working group assessed all 59 pilotage craft on the National Registers, we'll be celebrating a selection of the highest scoring and most interesting vessels.

11/ LIGHT VESSEL 14 - SULA LV14 SULA Lightship

Status: National Register of Historic Vessels
Type: Light Vessel - Steel
1958: Built by Cook, Gemmel & Welton Ltd, Beverley, for the Humber Conservancy Board
1959-85: Stationed at the Spurn sandbank in the Humber Estuary
1988-2007: Various owners, used as a tourist attraction in Guernsey, Conwy, and Milford Haven, Wales, then laid up in Waterford, Ireland
2007: Bought by new owners, towed to Sharpness Shipyard nr. Gloucester, for three-year refit
2010: Moved to Gloucester Docks, renamed SULA, and used as a therapy centre
2020-now: Under current ownership, used as a floating B&B, function and events space, as well as a home for the owners

Read more:
https://nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/2447/light-vessel-14-sula

Download the Pilotage Report:
www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/sites/default/files/registers_review_pilotage_group_report_february_2026.pdf

08/05/2025

For freedom, democracy and peace, they gave their today for our tomorrow.

We will remember them 💮

01/05/2025

A day to remember and an event not to be missed! ⚓️🥳

27/11/2024

Apologies to anyone who turned up to watch SULA move yesterday.
I thought I had included this platform to advise that the move had been postponed, but I hadn’t so sincere apologies.

The Canal & River Trust are currently unable to provide a date when the dredging will be completed- this is for a number of reasons, but totally outside of our control.

Needless to say that we are very frustrated not knowing when we will move SULA, so we have little option but to wait and keep our fingers crossed.

Will update you once we know a date.

Colin & Viv

Hopper barges are waiting for ‘cargo’

21/11/2024

It was always going to be a challenge moving SULA, so the latest today is that the dredging operation is now going to take another two weeks as the arisings (silt) is a lot more than expected when surveyed in late August.
Frustrating as it is, the navigation depths are essential.
Therefore, the move date is now Tuesday 10th December. Apologies.

18/11/2024

THE BIG MOVE - 26 NOVEMBER

Thanks to everyone for your interest in moving SULA into Nielsens dry dock.

The dredging work necessary to release SULA from the silt has now been extended to create sufficient depth of water to move her from her mooring into the dry dock.

The revised date to move her has been agreed as Tuesday 26th November- time not certain but mid/late morning.

We'll keep you posted!

- Colin & Viv

07/06/2024

We'd like to thank all those who joined us yesterday evening for the International Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the landings - we were moved to see so many new and familiar faces.

We were honoured to have been invited by the UK D-Day organising committee to take part in the International Lighting of Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace.

A special thanks goes out to Tony for the reading of The International Tribute and to Emily for the beautiful rendition of The Last Post.

🇬🇧💮❤️

23/03/2024

Really cool place to stay with kids! 🛼🧗‍♀️⛳

Fancy a city break? Planning your next adrenalin fueled getaway with the kids? Step aboard Gloucester's most quirky and cool holiday destination - SULA Lightship! 😎👌🏼

So unique in fact, that we've been proudly nominated as 'Unique Stay of the Year' in the SoGlos awards! 🎊

Everything you could possibly need is just a stroll away down the canal path! Wander around Alney Island Nature Reserve, check out the history of Gloucester Docks at the National Waterways Museum and stroll around the basin in search of 'pirate ships! ☠️👻⚓

For thrill seekers, try the heady heights of 270 Climbing 🧗‍♀️, skate over to Roller Express 🛼, hone your putting skills in Puttputt Social⛳ or enter the dreamscape with a VR experience.

At the end of each fun filled day, relax in the comfort of your own lounge with your choice of tipple. Cosy, home from home family vacation with modern facilities and additional option of kids play zone.

Step into Spring - step aboard SULA! ⚓😍

✨ Help us give SULA the recognition she deserves and vote for us in the SoGlos Lifestyle Awards 2024! ✨

9 DAYS TO GO: HOW TO VOTE

🔗 Head over to soglos.com/lifestyle-awards
®️ Register for an account (if you don't already have one)
⬇️ Scroll down to the 'Unique Stay of the Year category'
💙 And click the bright yellow button to vote for us! (then ask all your lovely family and friends to do the same!!) 🎉

⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓

BOOK YOUR STAY
💻 Visit sulalightship.com
☎️ Or call +44 7726 495549
🛎 Now accepting children under 16yrs

- Colin & Viv 💙


Association of Lighthouse Keepers National Historic Ships UK Lighthouse Accommodation fans VisitEngland Gloucester Host Unusual Coolstays National Waterways Museum Gloucester Visit Gloucestershire 270 Climbing Park Putt Putt Social Gloucester