The incredible 350 foot cruise ship that's now abandoned - left to rot for 45 years

An iconic luxury cruise ship that was once known for transporting passengers in its first-class quarters has been left to decay, with its royal interiors covered in rust. The TSS Duke of Lancaster, in its heyday, offered silver service on voyages to Ireland and Scotland.

It even ventured to European destinations such as Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain. Built by the famous shipbuilders Harland & Wolff in Belfast, Ireland in 1956, this 350-foot cruise liner travelled throughout the 1950s and 1960s. But, in the 1970s, the ship was repurposed as a car ferry, with her main deck rebuilt to accommodate 105 cars, 1,200 passengers, and cabin space for 400 people.

The 4450-tonne vessel retired from service in August 1979 and dry beached with aspirations of becoming a tourist attraction at Llannerch-y-Mor Wharf, near Mostyn Docks, on the River Dee, in North Wales.

The ship once known as 'the FunShip' began a bold new chapter when it was transformed into a floating retail complex, featuring an arcade, restaurants, and a bar on the top deck.

Despite its ambitious design, the venture struggled to gain momentum and never truly flourished. Its owner, John Rowley, eventually abandoned the project amid a reportedly lengthy legal dispute with the local council, leading to the ship's closure by the mid-1980s.

In the years that followed, the vessel found sporadic use as a warehouse and occasionally as a canvas for art installations. Today, it remains moored in the same location, its interiors untouched and slowly deteriorating, as rust and overgrowth mark its quiet surrender to time and nature.

Ashley Gardner, 60, who handles administration for the society said: "It was a very successful ship on and off the water. But it came with its problems, especially when it was transformed into The Fun Ship.

"It was attacked by the local council having many legal challenges put up against it forcing John to close it on his terms in 1984. The vessel has sat idle ever since and hasn't been given its identity back which is no fault of the owner.

"We don't want to lose it as it has such historical value. For instance was built in the same place as the Titanic."

The vessel will be utilised this Halloween for a frightening experience between October 22 and November 1.