A unique ‘place’ to stay on the edge of Gloucester Docks. Hosted by a very warm and welcoming couple – Vivienne and Colin. The lightship is ideally situated at a quiet mooring within 10-15 mins walk of Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays Outlet Centre. Approximately 20 mins walk from the cathedral and a mere 5 mins walk from a large Sainsburys and the car park. Accommodation is first class. Well-appointed and equipped bedrooms with comfortable beds. A large, shared shower room with an abundance of quality towels. The lounge/kitchen/dining area is also well appointed and equipped. Colin’s passion and enthusiasm for the ship is evident from the start. A guided tour is well worth the experience. Through research and his ongoing restoration and preservation of the ship he has learnt a great deal of its history which makes for a very interesting and informative tour. All four of us enjoyed our stay aboard the SULA and we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a place to stay that’s just a little out of the ordinary.
We spent 4 nights on the Lightship with our best friends – 2 double rooms. We had a tour of the whole ship and Colin was extremely knowledgeable. The rooms were decorated to a high standard, beds very comfy, the best night’s sleep we’ve had for ages. The whole place has been very thoughtfully set out and to a high standard, we can’t recommend the Lightship and Colin and Vivienne’s hospitality highly enough, nothing was too much trouble. We spent the early evenings on the sun deck watching the sunset with a glass of Prosecco. Colin recommended places to eat which are within a few minutes’ walk. Also The Warehouse where you pour your own pint was fantastic. If you want an amazing stay then this is the place to come.
Well what an amazing and unique 3 nights we have experienced. Unique, quirky and exceptionally clean accommodation. Including a complimentary bottle of fizz. Close to bars and restaurants and Gloucester Cathedral. The hosts Viv and Colin were friendly, helpful, and accommodating. We even had a tour of the ship from Colin. Thank you and we would definitely recommend for a memorable experience/break.
Had an absolutely brilliant stay on LV14 Sula Lightship. What an amazing and unusual place to stay Accommodation was luxurious with lots of nice personal touches like choccies on the table, to make us feel welcome. Colin and Viv were welcoming and friendly hosts and happy to show us around this historical ship. They also gave us lots of advice about what to see and do in Gloucester including good places to eat. The ship is located an easy walk into the city centre but there are loads of shops, bars, and restaurants in the docks themselves, right alongside the ship. I highly recommend a stay. You won’t be disappointed!
It’s not often that you can use the word “unique” in such a literal context, but as this is the only UK lightship that you can stay on it’s quite justified. Whilst still being true to its working ship origins, with exposed metal ribs, sloping floors, opening portholes and hatches, and stairways that you navigate backwards, Sula is about as far as you can get from the cold harsh life that it once saw on the North Sea. The cabins are as warm and welcoming as the hosts, who have transformed this vessel into a perfect floating getaway. From the exquisite shower-room, with a huge walk-in shower, to the cosy double bedrooms and open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area, no detail has been overlooked. The ship is securely moored at the side of the wide canal, so there’s no danger of sea sickness, but it still feels alive with slurps and splashes against the hull and creaks in the masts. The highlight has to be sitting out on the top deck, watching the sun set and the stars come out, warm under a blanket — passers-by all turning to admire the ship and wave or take a photograph. A totally unique and wonderful experience.
