The James Caird was brought back from the Antarctic to England in 1919, aboard the whaler Woodville, and was originally displayed in the gardens of Middlesex Hospital and then the roof of Selfridges department store.

In 1922 she was presented to Dulwich College by John Quiller Rowett, a school friend of Shackleton and sponsor of his last expedition aboard the Quest. Both men were old boys of Dulwich College.

In 1967, the James Caird was loaned to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. She remained there until 1986, when she was returned with some ceremony to Dulwich College.

In 1989, she was installed in the North Cloister in Dulwich College and in 1994 was loaned to the International Boat Show at Earl’s Court, London, where she attracted a great deal of interest.

Apart from occasional outings to maritime exhibitions and displays, the Caird remained on permanent display in the North Cloister at Dulwich College until 2015.

In that year the College completed its new science block, known as The Laboratory. The boat brings an incredible resonance to The Laboratory, sitting in its own James Caird Hall.

The design of the building and the placement of the boat mean that she can now be seen from every angle at ground level and for the first time from above, allowing every visitor to reflect on and be inspired by the achievement of Shackleton and his crew.

How to Visit

The James Caird is on display in The Laboratory at Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD.

Public tours

Public tours of the James Caird are offered on Fridays at 11.15am and must be booked in advance.

Book a public tour

New dates are generally released around six weeks in advance. Availability may be reduced during school examination periods, and the tour route may change to minimise disruption to pupils.

The tour lasts approximately one hour and involves a short walk and stairs. Visitors with accessibility requirements, including wheelchair users, should contact the College in advance to discuss arrangements.

School visits

School tours are available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during term time. To enquire or arrange a visit, please email .