PS Medway Queen
A historic paddle steamer, hero of Dunkirk, lovingly restored by passionate volunteers. A true gem of British maritime heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Open for visitors
PS Medway Queen
Best Time
Open for visitors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic paddle steamer, hero of Dunkirk, lovingly restored by passionate volunteers. A true gem of British maritime heritage.
"A real hidden gem and unbelievable value for such an experience of a stunning part of our heritage."
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
Your £5 ticket is valid for a whole year! Perfect for history buffs wanting to see the restoration progress.
🤝 Meet the Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they share the ship's history with enthusiasm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dunkirk Evacuation Hero
Visitor Centre
Learn about the Medway Queen's incredible 7 trips during Operation Dynamo, rescuing 7,000 men.
Restored Paddle Steamer
Onboard the ship
Explore the beautifully restored paddle steamer, a testament to volunteer dedication and engineering.
Visitor Centre Exhibits
Visitor Centre
Engaging displays detailing the ship's rich history and wartime service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Volunteer-Led Restoration
A Piece of History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
Your £5 ticket is valid for a whole year! Perfect for history buffs wanting to see the restoration progress.
🤝 Meet the Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they share the ship's history with enthusiasm.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience a unique piece of heritage and a step back in time for a few hours.
🚢 See the Restoration
Witness the ongoing restoration efforts of this magnificent paddle steamer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
Your £5 ticket is valid for a whole year! Perfect for history buffs wanting to see the restoration progress.
🤝 Meet the Volunteers
Chat with the passionate volunteers; they share the ship's history with enthusiasm.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience a unique piece of heritage and a step back in time for a few hours.
🚢 See the Restoration
Witness the ongoing restoration efforts of this magnificent paddle steamer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the PS Medway Queen as a hidden gem with incredible historical significance, particularly its role in the Dunkirk evacuation. The passionate volunteers are frequently highlighted for their engaging tours and dedication to restoration, making it an amazing value for money with a ticket valid for a year.
"Had an amazing morning looking round the visitors centre and the old paddle steamer. It has an amazing history which is explained so well and passionately explained by the enthusiastic volunteers. There is a really moving story about the boat's exploits in Dunkirk and also in evacuating children early in WW2. So much work has been done but there is still so much to do. Wish I could win the lottery and I would pay for its total renovation. It is only open on Saturdays but well worth a visit. Only a fiver each and the ticket lasts for a year..."
Julia King
"Wonderful ship with very moving history. Volunteers who have restored her have done a superb job. Excellent display in the office and interesting tour of Workshop and around the ship. Thoroughly recommend going to visit."
Shirley Bury
"Known as the Heroine of Dunkirk, the paddle steamer Medway Queen helped this country in her hour of need. I had a fascinating tour of the ship when I visited her. To see her now, you would never believe that this ship was once a half-sunken wreck; such have been the monumental efforts of the MQPS. Visit her at Gillingham Pier (just behind Asda) and find out more about this amazing ship."
Mitch Peeke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The PS Medway Queen is located in Gillingham, Kent. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's part of the Medway Towns area, which has bus and train services. Consider checking local transport apps for routes to Gillingham Pier.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but as it's a popular heritage site, there may be nearby public car parks. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for options in Gillingham.
As a historic paddle steamer, it's unlikely to be accessible by private boat for visitors. The primary access is via land to its mooring.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The PS Medway Queen is typically open on Saturdays. It's always best to confirm current opening times directly with the attraction before your visit.
Admission is incredibly affordable at £5 per person, and this ticket is valid for a full 12 months, offering excellent value for money. Children often get in free.
Advance booking is generally not required for the PS Medway Queen, especially as it's volunteer-run and open on specific days. However, for group visits, it's always wise to inquire.
While efforts are made to showcase the ship's history, accessibility for all may be limited due to its historic nature. The visitor centre is generally more accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the visitor centre with its engaging displays, tour the beautifully restored paddle steamer, and learn about its significant wartime history, including the Dunkirk evacuation. +1
A visit typically takes a couple of hours to fully appreciate the history and the restoration work.
Yes, enthusiastic volunteers often provide tours, sharing the ship's history and their restoration efforts with passion. +1
The PS Medway Queen is famous for its role in the Dunkirk evacuation, making a record 7 trips and rescuing thousands of men. It also played a part in evacuating children early in WW2.
While it's a beautifully restored historic vessel, it is primarily a museum ship and not in regular operational service for passenger trips.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the ship's historic details and the surrounding Medway scenery.
The exterior of the paddle steamer against the Medway backdrop is picturesque. Inside, focus on the intricate details of the engine room and the visitor centre displays.
While personal photography is usually fine, it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding commercial use or sensitive areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ship itself is a historical artifact and may have some access limitations, the visitor centre provides informative displays that can be captivating for younger minds. The passionate volunteers often make the tours interactive and engaging, bringing the stories of the ship to life. It's a unique opportunity for kids to explore a real piece of history and understand the importance of preservation.
⚓ History Enthusiasts
The ongoing restoration project adds another layer of interest, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the engineering and dedication involved in preserving such a grand old lady of the sea. The annual ticket validity is a huge plus, enabling repeat visits to witness the meticulous work and learn more about the ship's journey from wartime hero to a cherished heritage site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The PS Medway Queen's Wartime Legacy
Beyond its Dunkirk exploits, the Medway Queen also served in other capacities during World War II, including the evacuation of children from vulnerable areas in the early stages of the war. This dual role underscores its importance not just as a military asset but as a vessel of rescue and protection. The ship's history is a powerful reminder of the bravery and resilience shown during wartime, and visiting it offers a tangible connection to these pivotal moments.
Today, the PS Medway Queen is undergoing a dedicated restoration by a team of passionate volunteers. This ongoing project ensures that its incredible story and its physical presence are preserved for future generations. Visitors can witness the progress of this restoration firsthand, gaining an appreciation for the immense effort involved in bringing this historic vessel back to its former glory.
Volunteer Spirit and Restoration
Visitors can experience this dedication through the engaging tours and the informative displays within the visitor centre. The volunteers are often eager to share their knowledge, offering personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges and triumphs of restoring such a large and historic vessel. This personal touch transforms a typical museum visit into a more intimate and memorable experience.
The ongoing restoration means that each visit can offer something new. Whether it's seeing a newly refurbished section of the ship or learning about the next phase of the project, there's a sense of continuous progress. This commitment ensures that the PS Medway Queen remains a vibrant piece of heritage, actively cared for and shared with the public.
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