Celebrate the National Piers Society 'Year of the Pier' with a visit to the Spanish tall ship ‘El Galeon’.

The El Galeon is visiting Southend Pier from Wednesday 24th May to Sunday 4th June and offering an ‘open ship’ from 10.30am to 7pm. 

El Galeon’s six decks offer fascinating features, exhibits, and displays, with an incredible 320 m2 (3,400 ft2) of deck space open to visitors. Don't miss the chance to visit this impressive floating museum. 

TICKET PRICES - BOOK HERE! 

• Adult: £10.00 *
• Child (Age 5 - 10 years - under 5 free): £5.00 *
• Family ticket (2 x Adults & 3 x Children): £25.00 *

* In addition to the usual Pier admission charges

Tickets can be purchased in advance via their website, or will be available to purchase from the ship on the day. 

Tickets are sold in euros with a 1.50 euro booking fee and do not include the Pier admission fee which is applicable on the day.

Please note visitors can expect longer queues than usual for pier admissions during this time.

OPENING TIMES

• Saturday 27 May - 1pm - 7pm
• Sunday 28 May - 11am - 12pm & 2pm - 7pm
• Monday 29 May - 11am - 1pm & 3pm - 7pm
• Tuesday 30 May - 11am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm
• Wednesday 31 May - 11am - 3pm & 5pm - 7pm
• Thursday 1 June - 11am - 4pm & 6pm - 7pm
• Friday 2 June - 11am - 5pm
• Saturday 3 June - 11am - 5pm
• Sunday 4 June - 11am - 6pm

The timings above are approximate and subject to change. The ship cannot be accessed at low tide and will have to close to visitors. Please check their website for more information before your visit.

Timings are for entry onto the ship at the Pier Head, so please allow the journey time to walk the Pier or catch the train. 

Trains run on the hour and half past the hour from the shore end with a journey time of ten minutes and an additional five minutes’ walk to get to the ship.

It takes an average of twenty minutes to walk the Pier one way.

El Galeon is a fascinating vessel – whilst visually an accurate replica, she was constructed using a new technique and traditional craft skills. The result is a fascinating floating ‘living museum’, displaying the history of such craft and the age in which they operated.

Please note this is a replica of a 17th century working vessel and is not accessible for wheelchair users/pushchairs. The ship is accessed by a gangway and has stairs onboard.

Refreshments will not be offered onboard, but catering offers are available on the Pier from Tea With The Tide and the newly re-opened Pavilion; including Lazy Jacks Café and the Offshore Restaurant and Bar.