17th-Century Galleon Replica Visiting Sussex Coast

A massive piece of maritime history is heading to the Sussex coast this summer. The Galeón Andalucía, a life-size replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, is scheduled to visit Shoreham Port from August 27 to August 31, 2026. The ship will dock at Wigan Wharf in Southwick, marking the very first time this specific vessel has visited the town. Historically, these armed merchant ships were used by the Spanish Crown between the 16th and 18th centuries to establish trade routes across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. This modern replica, built with a fiberglass hull covered in pine and iroko wood, has already sailed tens of thousands of nautical miles across the globe since its launch in February 2010.

If you decide to head down, the ship will be open for self-guided tours daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visitors can explore five different decks, look at various historical documents and exhibitions, and chat with the crew members who actually live on board. Tickets are available on-site or online, priced at 12 for adults, 6 for children, and 30 for a family ticket. It is a straightforward way to spend an afternoon learning about how sailors navigated the seas centuries ago on a 500-ton vessel featuring four masts and nearly 1,000 square meters of sail.

For those who want to make a full day of maritime history, there are other local spots nearby. You can visit the Marlipins Museum at 36 High Street in Shoreham-by-Sea. It is housed in the oldest secular building in Britain, dating back to the 12th century, and features exhibits on local shipwrecks and 19th-century ship models. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm between May and October. Alternatively, if you want to get out on the water yourself, Maverick Boat Adventures runs regular trips departing from Newhaven Marina, including their Seven Sisters Boat Tour for 42.40 or a shorter Rapid Rib tour for 31.80.