Step aboard historic Lady Daphne cargo ship in Charlestown for free

Lady Daphne glowing in the sun in Charlestown Harbour basin
-Credit: (Image: Lisa MacLeod)


This month you can take a step back in time aboard one of Cornwall's more than a century-old cargo ships. Still in its original port, the charming Lady Daphne is open to the public to roam for free on set days.

Housed within the picturesque Charlestown Harbour, near St Austell, she has an extraordinary history linking to the local area and its clay heritage. As part of Heritage Open Days, which allow visitors rare, free access to heritage sites, you can wander around her deck, explore a pop-up exhibition and even enter the cargo hold below.

It is, however, warned that access to the 101-year-old Heritage Thames Sailing Barge includes climbing many stairs and steps. The event organisers also warn that there are many trip hazards on board if you wish to explore the historic vessel.

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Entry to Lady Daphne is available on select dates through September and it is entirely free although donations are welcome. Any money donated will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the barge.

There will also be a bar open all day, with crew on hand to help, and additional children's activities on Open Days. She will be open to the public until Sunday, September 15, from 10am to 4pm each day.

The vessel is open during the stated hours with no bookings needed. The crew will be available onboard during the events to answer questions and give assistance as needed. Dogs are welcome onboard and access to the ship is via a wooden gangplank.

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Lady Daphne's history

According to the Lady Daphne website, she settled in her new home in time to celebrate her Centenary in 2023, a place she spent time early in her sailing story. As part of the Thomas Watson Shipping fleet, she was involved in the China Clay Industry of yesteryear around Charlestown and Fowey, alongside her sister barges, Lady Jean and Lady Roseberry.

Nearly ending her career, shortly after it got started, she was shipwrecked Christmas 1927 on the Isles of Scilly, whilst carrying a cargo of Bricks, after her Skipper was lost overboard, and the crew rescued by the Lizard RNLI lifeboat.

As well as links to the china clay industry, she was skippered by a descendant of a former Harbourmaster of Charlestown Harbour itself. For her full story, visit the site.

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