National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

Travel back in time when you visit Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience. This authentically recreated 18th century naval seaport is a great family destination, transporting visitors back to the era of Napoleon, Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Explore the historic quayside with its different shops and buildings that capture the atmosphere of what would certainly have been a bustling and flourishing seaport bolstered at that time by the demand from the Royal Navy and merchant ships visiting.

You’ll find shops such as a Chandler, Swordsmith, Naval Tailor, Printer and the Admiral’s House. Guides in full period costume help bring the quayside to life, answering questions and relating what life would have been like then. Be sure to see the regular displays of musketry, sword fighting and cannon firing and learn about being pressganged!

A visit on board HMS Trincomalee, the oldest British warship still afloat, is a must. As visitors tour this warship, an audio guide tells stories of the difficult conditions and extreme hardship those who served on her had to endure simply to survive. Another exhibit not to be missed is P.S.S. Wingfield Castle, a restored Paddle Steam Ship moored in Jackson Dock. This former passenger ferry was built in Hartlepool and is the largest exhibit at the Museum of Hartlepool, another attraction on site.

Discover the town’s interesting history at the Museum with displays dating from the Bronze Age through to the present. Kids will love the Children’s Maritime Adventure Centre, full of nautical activities and they can climb aboard the wooden playship. Schools are warmly welcomed and the children can take part in workshops at the Museum based on the national curriculum.

For a special birthday, why not hold a Pirate party at the Maritime Experience? It’s certainly a day out the whole family will remember.

Opening times are Summer (April – 30th October) at 10am – 5pm daily and Winter (30th October – end March) 11am – 4pm daily.