Thanks for the giggles, everyone. We hope you had as much fun reminiscing on our movement’s history in this whimsical way as we did making up this little yarn. – TUC South West

With only 9 years to go until the bicentenary of the arrest of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, we are delighted to bring you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive what they experienced.

Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival organisers are proud to announce a unique opportunity to step back in time and relive the Martyrs’ voyage on our unique 10-week cruise; followed by a stay in the beautiful Australian state of New South Wales.

Along the way, guests will stop in historic refuelling ports such as Spain, Morocco and South Africa with the opportunity to view the astounding oceanic and coastal scenery through their allocated portholes as they traverse across the world.

The cruise will sail on an incredible replica of The Neptune, notorious prison ship, currently being built in a freeport.

When else do you get the opportunity to go on a cruise on an actual sailing ship, the likes of which they had 200 years ago? Learn to climb the riggings and pull the sails down quickly in a storm – or just stay below deck if that isn’t your thing.

There are several options for accommodation:

1. The Martyrs’ Deck – our most economical option, recreating the conditions of the Martyrs’ first voyage. You will be given a space below deck and get to experience the journey as they did almost 200 years ago. Only £1500! The cheapest cruise on the market at just £150/week. Or pay £200 a year for nine years to secure your space.
2. The Freedmans’ Cabins – suitable for the whole family! Experience the upgrade and relief the Tolpuddle Martyrs felt on their return journey to the UK after they had been granted a full pardon.¹ Our most popular option, available for the exciting early bird offer of £3,499 until 2027.
3. The Lords’ Rooms – the height of luxury. Get your own private cabin overlooking the ocean.² Just £15,000.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience has been brought to you in partnership with P&O Ferries so that fellow trade unionists, socialists, and other rabble-rousers can experience the origins of our movement.

And the adventure doesn’t stop there. Upon arrival, guests will gain first-hand experience as they recreate their living quarters for the next seven years, just like the Martyrs. And you can be sure to pack light as all tools and materials will be available (or easily sourced with support from other local residents).

Payment plans will be made available so that you have nine years to secure your space on board. Bookings open soon – why not bring your entire union delegation for the journey of a lifetime? You’re guaranteed to come back⁴ with a renewed sense of the importance of the work of trade unions and a deep solidarity with your fellow passengers.³

¹This is available after guests obtain a full pardon from the Crown, and/or after the completion of their residency of seven years.

²These cabins are available to people who have previously made a political donation above £10,000.

³Unless one of them decides to stay in the village while the other five all move to Canada, but we won’t talk about that.

⁴Actually, technically speaking, you aren’t guaranteed to come back. You have to arrange a petition of 850,000 signatures without use of the Internet in order to secure return passage.

Terms and conditions: Shackles and food are included throughout the trip. Please ensure you bring your own clothing. Unfortunately, no dietary or allergy requirements are able to be accommodated.