The red-painted SULA Lightship moored just outside Gloucester Docks has established herself as a popular Gloucester tourist attraction.

Arriving at her permanent moorings at Llanthony Wharf just outside Gloucester Docks in October 2010, the distinctive red-painted SULA Lightship has very quickly established herself as one of the most recognisable landmarks in Gloucester. Something of a local celebrity, the lightship has been featured in local magazines, newspapers and regional television.

The SULA Lightship is proudly owned by Jan and Agnes van der Elsen, a couple originally from Eindhoven in Holland, but now very happy to be living in Gloucester. They estimate that over 12,000 tourists have been onboard their lightship in their first year.

Jan and Agnes estimate that over 12,000 tourists have been onboard their distinctive red-painted SULA Lightship.

The fully restored lightship is definitely one of the most photographed boats to be moored on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Originally named 'SPURN LV14' and owned by the Humber Conservancy Board from 1959 until she was decommissioned in 1985, this historic 450 tonne lightship had been stationed at Spurn Head, protecting vessels from the dangerous sandbanks around the Humber Estuary.

After being owned by several different organisations and investors, Jan and Agnes purchased the lightship from Ireland in 2007, where it was due to be scrapped. With no engines, they had the lightship towed to the shipyard at Sharpness where over a three-year period, this slice of British maritime history was fully refurbished and sympathetically restored.

In October 2010, the 35 metre long SULA Lightship was towed the 16 miles from Sharpness to her new home in Gloucester. With the help of a pair of tug boats carefully manoeuvring the lightship, the journey of this large vessel on the relatively narrow canal took 10 hours!

Not just a leading Gloucester tourist attraction, the SULA Lightship is the home of 'Lightship Therapies' - a complementary therapy and holistic centre with four sumptuous treatment rooms.

Both Jan and Agnes are qualified practitioners who can help you find the best treatment to achieve a balanced life. A long-list of healing treatments and complementary therapies are available including Reiki, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Life-coaching, Sound Therapy and Yoga.

When we visited the ship, Jan was kind enough to demonstrate Sound Therapy to us, using a range of singing bowls. Some of the bowls demonstrated to us were made of quartz crystal, whilst others were antique metal alloy (mostly bronze) Tibetan bowls. Made by monks as a form of apprenticeship, Jan explained that each bowl is completely unique. When creating friction using a wooden mallet on the rim of the bowl, it produced a very harmonious 'singing' sound. When it was struck, it produced a bell-like tone.

A well-stocked shop on board the SULA Lightship sells singing bowls along with incense, crystals, candles, jewellery, books and CD's, essential oil burners, miniature models of lighthouses and much more!

Jan and Agnes would be very pleased to welcome you aboard the SULA Lightship. The ship is open every day except Mondays. They hold regular guided tours of the ship, and tea and coffee can be served on deck.

The ship is located off Llanthony Wharf which is just a short walk from the main basin of Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays. You will easily see the ship if you are stood on Llanthony Bridge on Llanthony Road.

For further information on the lightship or 'Lightship Therapies', please contact Jan and Agnes on the Lightship SULA on (01452) 527566 or email info@lightshiptherapies.net