First Piece of Hull’s Maritime Resurgence Reopens Is a Landmark Moment for the City

There's big news coming out of Hull, and it involves a very famous, very red ship. After a long wait and a serious glow-up, the Spurn Lightship is ready to welcome people back on board from Saturday, 7th March 2026. This isn't just a quick lick of paint; it's the first completed part of the massive Hull Maritime project, a huge plan to celebrate the city’s incredible seafaring story. This iconic vessel has been given a new lease of life, and its return marks a brilliant new chapter for the city's waterfront and its deep-rooted heritage.

A local legend returns to the water

If you're not from round here, you might be wondering what a lightship even is. Think of it as a floating lighthouse, a bright red beacon that was anchored out at sea to guide sailors safely home. The Spurn Lightship was built way back in 1927 and spent nearly 50 years bobbing about at the mouth of the Humber estuary. That waterway is famously tricky, with fierce tides and shifting sandbanks that could easily catch a ship out. For decades, this vessel was a lifeline for Hull’s maritime industries, a steady light in the dark for countless seafarers.

After its service ended in 1975, it was eventually turned into a floating museum in 1987, and since then, more than 630,000 people have walked its decks, getting a real feel for life at sea without ever leaving the marina.

So what's new after the big makeover?

This was no small job. The ship was away for 14 months getting a proper top-to-bottom restoration. A local company, Dunston Ship Repairs, carried out the work, which was managed by marine heritage specialists from Beckett Rankine. They’ve done everything from shotblasting the hull to get rid of any corrosion – that’s a bit like a massive, high-powered sandblasting, to giving it several new coats of that iconic red paint to protect it for years to come. The deck has been fully restored, and inside, the cabins and below-deck areas have had significant work done. The team carefully replaced rotten wood, corroded steel, and cracked glass, making sure to keep the ship as close to its original 1927 condition as possible. At the same time, they've made some important changes to improve accessibility, so more people can enjoy this piece of history. The ship now has a new home near the Murdoch’s Connection footbridge on Hull Marina, where the surrounding area is also being improved to create a fantastic new visitor attraction that will enhance the whole cityscape.

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The opening of the Spurn Lightship is an exciting new chapter for the vessel and marks the start of an incredible year for Hull, celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage.

“The Spurn Lightship will once again offer residents and visitors the chance to experience a vital piece of Hull’s maritime story, preserved with care and authenticity so that stepping aboard feels like visiting a working lightship.

“Visitors will be able to explore and experience its unique character and celebrate the vital role it has played in keeping our coastline safe.”

Part of a much bigger picture

The return of the Spurn Lightship is just the beginning. It's the first major milestone in the Hull Maritime project, a city-wide cultural regeneration scheme that builds on the success of Hull’s year as UK City of Culture. This ambitious transformation is funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project is set to revitalise several key sites, including a major refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum and its amazing collections, and the creation of a brand-new home for the restored trawler, the Arctic Corsair, at the North End Shipyard. Even the city's architecture is getting a boost, with the restoration of the Guildhall Time Ball, putting a historic feature back on Hull's skyline. It's all about connecting the dots of Hull's seafaring past to create a world-class experience for everyone.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Spurn Lightship is well loved by the people of Hull, and its opening is something that many of them have been looking forward to as part of the Hull Maritime project.

“It’s fantastic to see Hull Maritime reach this milestone and continue to ensure that Hull’s significant maritime heritage will be at the heart of its economic regeneration. This latest landmark occasion in this ambitious project builds on the successful legacy of Hull as City of Culture in 2017. Not only will this boost tourism, it also another anchor project to further pride in this city.”

Why this is a massive deal for Hull

This whole project is about more than just preserving old ships and buildings; it's about driving forward the city's future. The new maritime experience is expected to boost the local economy by £5.5 million every year, attracting more visitors and reaching new and diverse audiences. It’s also creating opportunities for the community through skills development, learning programmes, and volunteering. This is what cultural regeneration and economic regeneration look like in practice. It seems the world is taking notice, too. National Geographic recently named Hull one of its Top 25 global destinations to visit in 2026, putting it on a list with places like Milan and Rio de Janeiro. This huge international recognition highlights the city's 800-year maritime heritage and the exciting transformation that's well underway.

The Spurn Lightship will be free to visit and open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm, though opening can be affected by severe weather. It’s a chance to step aboard and experience a genuine piece of history, the first of many exciting things to come for Hull.