HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2026 | Everyday Histories

19-20 September | 1200-1400

PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR THESE ACCOMPANYING EVENTS | PLEASE EMAIL US TO BOOK YOUR PLACE | LIMITED AVAILABILITY

SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES BUT UNDER 16 YR OLDS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

We’re delighted to join in this year’s Heritage Open Days with two special visitor experiences.

Join the crew and artists aboard LV21, a unique 40-metre steel-hulled lightship, the last of the renowned Philip & Son's ships to be commissioned by Trinity House. Since her launch in 1963, LV21 saw most of her service off the Kent coast on the Varne, East Goodwin and Channel stations.

Come tour the decks and discover her story, from lightship service in the past to the current role as a cultural flagship moored at Anchor Wharf in the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

There's a lot to see and do aboard LV21 during your visit!

Delve deeper into the rich maritime heritage of the vessel through a private collection of artefacts, films and photos, and immerse yourself in the fascinating 'Experiment 2' exhibition by the Fusionists Collective below decks, or just sit back on the upper deck and enjoy the views.

The exhibition by artists Jocelyn Leigh, Rosie James, Rosie Melville and Sheilagh Dyson explores the intersection of art and science, featuring new works influenced by the members' scientific backgrounds and their personal connections to maritime heritage, dockyards and the River Medway.

As part of the exhibition visitors are invited to take part in a creative drop-in activity led by the artists and leave their mark on a collective art installation. All materials provided, suitable for all ages.

PLEASE NOTE:

LV21 is moored at Anchor Wharf in the Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent. Access to the site is restricted via 24/7 security gates and public entry via the Visitor Information Centre is only available for Historic Dockyard Chatham annual ticket holders. To join this special event it is ESSENTIAL that you pre-book your place to gain free entry if you’re not a ticket holder.

Detailed directions will be provided prior to the booked visit. Visitors will be met on arrival by one of our crew at the main visitor car park and escorted as a walking group through the dockyard to LV21 and back to the car park after the visit. For directions to the Historic Dockyard Chatham including information about parking please see: https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/parking/.

If you are an annual ticket holder then you do not need to book a place and can visit LV21 admission free on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September during opening hours 11am-4pm.