Visit Us

Season: April – September 
Days: Sundays 11 am – 4 pm

Location:

Landivisiau Walk
Bideford
Devon EX39 2BX

What3Words

Ample parking is available in the adjacent Riverbank long-stay car park, and the bus and coach stops are only 200 metres away along a level walk to the ship.

Admission: 

Admission is free for all visitors; however, donations are greatly appreciated and help fund the ongoing preservation and educational work of SS Freshspring.

Step aboard this Sunday and experience maritime history for yourself. 

No need to book—just come along, explore the ship, and say hello to our welcoming crew.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the main deck.

Accessibility & Support for Disabled Visitors: 

We want all visitors to enjoy SS Freshspring as much as possible.

• The main deck is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most powered mobility vehicles.
• Some internal areas, such as lower decks and the wheelhouse, are reached via steep steps or ladders and are not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility. However, just being on the main deck is a worthwhile experience.
• We offer a virtual-reality experience on selected Sundays that takes you back to the operational times of the ship and shows difficult-to-reach areas in 360 degrees from a chair.
• There are no toilets on board, but accessible public toilets are located about 100 metres away.
• The car park is next to the ship, and the approach is on level ground.
• Our friendly volunteers are happy to help — please contact us in advance to discuss any specific access needs or to arrange quieter visit times for groups.

Virtual-Reality Experience: 

On selected Sundays and at select events, we offer a virtual reality experience depicting life on the ship. Meet the crew, hear about their jobs and take a virtual passage on the ship. See the engine room, boiler space, and other hard-to-reach areas from the comfort of a chair on the main deck. The VR tour is open to all. We ask for a small donation, and it is beneficial for those with limited mobility who still want to explore parts of the ship that involve ladders or narrow companionways. 

To find out the following dates for this immersive experience, ➡️ drop us a line

Members' Access: 

Members are welcome to visit the ship during volunteer working days, typically held on Wednesdays. Enjoy a more personal, behind-the-scenes experience as you chat with our friendly team. 

To ensure the best visit, please get in touch with us in advance to arrange access.

➡️ Become a Member for more exclusive access and benefits

Why SS Freshspring is a floating STEAM classroom

Step aboard a working steamship and you’re instantly surrounded by real-world Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths in action. 

S  –    track heat turning into motion
T  –    roam difficult to access decks in VR
E  –    experience engineering of the past
A  –   create nameplate rubbings & knot art
M –   explore ship design principles

Our experienced team delivers curriculum-linked, hands-on sessions for KS1–KS4, SEN groups and post-16 learners—on board or in classrooms.

➡️ Ignite curiosity → Visit our Education page