London | Winter 2026
Ahoy, Londoners! El Galeon Andalucia, a full-size replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, sails back into St Katharine Docks on Friday 13 November and stays until 28 December 2026. She was such a hit on her first visit that her stay had to be extended, so if you missed her then, this is your second chance. With six decks to explore and a costumed crew on board, it is about as close as you will get to a real pirate adventure in central London.
1. Step aboard a real, full-size galleon
This is not a model or a museum mock-up but a full-size replica of the kind of ship that carried the world’s trade across the oceans. Built in Spain by the Nao Victoria Foundation, she has sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles and called at over a hundred ports on four continents. Her hull and decks were made using a construction method never before used for ocean-going ships of her size, then clad in timber. Traditional craft skills were used to finish the masts, rigging and sails, so the details up top are wonderfully authentic. Anyone who grew up on The Goonies or Pirates of the Caribbean will feel right at home the moment they step on deck.
2. Six decks of exhibits and a crew in period costume
Inside, the ship is a floating living museum spread across six decks. You will find exhibits and live displays, with a crew in period costume bringing the age of the Spanish galleons vividly to life. Ships like this carried wheat, wine and weapons out to the Americas and Asia, and came home laden with gold, silver, silk and precious gems. It is a brilliant way to understand how these vessels helped connect the two halves of the Earth. School groups love it, and it makes a refreshingly different family outing for the winter months.
3. A fitting home in a historic trading dock
St Katharine Docks is the perfect berth for a ship like this, as it was once a hub of international trade handling ivory, spices, tea and textiles from around the globe. The galleon first arrived in September 2024, sailing up the Thames and passing under Tower Bridge before docking at the estate. She welcomed more than 400 visitors a day during that visit, which is why her stay was extended by popular demand. The docks have since become something of a magnet for historic replicas, including the Viking trading ship reconstruction Saga Farmann in 2025. This summer the estate also hosted the Nao Victoria, a 26-metre replica of the ship that completed the first circumnavigation of the world.
4. Pair it with the Christmas Market and light switch-on
Your visit slots neatly into the estate’s festive winter programme. The Christmas Market is already open on Marble Quay, selling gifts, decorations and seasonal treats until 3 January. On Thursday 19 November, the festive light switch-on brings live Christmas music, a visit from Santa and an appearance from the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London. Every weekend in December until Christmas, St Kat’s Jazz Sessions take over the floating pontoon. Time your galleon trip well and you can easily make a whole festive afternoon of it.
5. Waterside dining with a view of the ship
Once you have explored below decks, the estate’s waterside restaurants and bars are serving seasonal menus all winter. Expect everything from hearty comfort food to festive drinks, with tables overlooking the marina. The yachts moored beside you will include El Galeon Andalucia herself, which makes for a rather special backdrop. It is a lovely way to warm up after a chilly stroll around the docks. If you are organising a work do, the ship can even host receptions and corporate events for up to 250 guests.
Visit
El Galeon Andalucia
St Katharine Docks, London
Friday 13 November to 28 December 2026
See the St Katharine Docks website for visiting times and tickets