Trip on SS Shieldhall

Let's do a full day out trip on our favourite heritage steam ship, SS Shieldhall. She's based in Southampton near the Container Terminal.

https://ss-shieldhall.co.uk/bookings/eastern-solent-cruise-forts-07062026/

If you are a member of the SS Shieldhall charity organisation, you can get a further 19.55% discount on the above price. Please contact me by private message asap & before end of March 2026 if you'd like to buy a ticket at the lowest price, via my membership.
Please only put your name down when you have purchased a ticket. Thanks

"The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building programme in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size, the defences remained important military structures for almost 100 years after they were built and many on the mainland are still in service today.
The defence of Portsmouth was central to these installations and today the evidence of this massive programme can still be seen around the Solent.
Join the SS Shieldhall on this extended cruise on Sunday 7th June 2026 into the Eastern Solent, passing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s favourite home Osborne House, and the delightful town of Ryde. We will steam close to the mighty No Man’s Land, Spitbank, St Helens and Horse Sand Forts, accompanied with an expert commentary. A very popular cruise in 2025, we have extended our sailing to the east so we can view Sandown from the water too! On our journey we will pass the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas and Norwegian Sky in berth, and on our return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips."
Free parking is available close to SS Shieldhall's berth in Southampton. SO15 0HH
SS Shieldhall has an excellent cafe on board, including a licensed bar. You can take your own picnics on board as well (but no alcohol).

SS Shieldhall is operated by Steamship Shieldhall Charity, a registered Charity (Reg No. 1189179) and is owned by The Solent Steam Packet Ltd, a registered Community Benefit Society (Reg No. 26065R). © Steamship Shieldhall Charity 2002-2025