LV18

About the museum

LV18 is a lightship built in 1958 by Philip and Son of Dartmouth for Trinity House, one of eight vessels of her class. She was first stationed at the Saint Gowan station and later served at several other stations until she was retired in 1994. She is the last survivor of her kind that kept its original living quarters.

In 1997 the ship was bought by Sea Containers Ltd, and two years later she was chartered to a preservation group and used as a venue for revival broadcasts of offshore pirate radio. The Pharos Trust was founded in 2002 to preserve and maintain the vessel, and the trust later bought her. Volunteers restored the ship, and she has lain at the Quay in Harwich as a floating museum since opening to visitors in 2011.

Visitors can see the original crew quarters, galley and mess room, the engine room with its Gardner diesel generators, and the ship’s lantern, which is lit several times a year for quayside events and festivals. An arson attack in February 2024 caused serious damage; the ship reopened to visitors in May 2024 after cleaning and repair work, although restoration of the worst-affected parts continues.

Highlights

• Last surviving lightship with its original crew accommodation
• Galley, mess room and crew quarters
• Engine room with Gardner diesel generators
• Operational lantern, lit during quayside events
• Link to offshore pirate radio history

Permanent exhibitions

• Crew quarters, galley and mess room – The original living spaces of the lightship crew, preserved in their working configuration.
• Engine room – Gardner diesel generators that powered the lantern, foghorns and other equipment of the ship.

Founded

2011

Operated by

Pharos Trust

Admission & discounts

Major debit cards are accepted. Donations towards the restoration of the ship are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Pharos Trust says it aims to provide assisted access and facilities for visitors with disabilities; no details of steps or ladders on board are published.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The ship is moored at The Quay in Harwich.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit