
Holyhead Maritime Museum
Discover Holyhead's seafaring past and wartime secrets at this charming maritime museum, featuring a unique WWII air raid shelter.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction

Holyhead Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Holyhead's seafaring past and wartime secrets at this charming maritime museum, featuring a unique WWII air raid shelter.
"A fantastic museum with incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff, a real highlight!"

🎯 Chat with Staff!
Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share stories and help with research.
💣 Explore the Shelter
Don't skip the WWII air raid shelter; it's a highlight filled with fascinating wartime memorabilia.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World War II Air Raid Shelter
Step back in time in this preserved shelter, filled with poignant artifacts and memorabilia from WWII.

Maritime History Exhibits
Explore models, documents, and artifacts detailing North Wales' rich seafaring past and wartime naval history.

Harbour Front Bistro
Enjoy a meal with stunning views of Holyhead Harbour at this bistro located right next to the museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Don't Miss the Shelter!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Chat with Staff!
Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share stories and help with research.
💣 Explore the Shelter
Don't skip the WWII air raid shelter; it's a highlight filled with fascinating wartime memorabilia.
🍽️ Bistro Views
The attached Harbour Front Bistro offers great food and stunning waterfront views.
🚢 Ship Models Galore
Marvel at the detailed ship models showcasing maritime history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Chat with Staff!
Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share stories and help with research.
💣 Explore the Shelter
Don't skip the WWII air raid shelter; it's a highlight filled with fascinating wartime memorabilia.
🍽️ Bistro Views
The attached Harbour Front Bistro offers great food and stunning waterfront views.
🚢 Ship Models Galore
Marvel at the detailed ship models showcasing maritime history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Holyhead Maritime Museum for its welcoming atmosphere, incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff, and fascinating exhibits, especially the WWII air raid shelter. It's considered a fantastic and well-priced gem for exploring local history. Some minor points of confusion can arise regarding the bistro's specific offerings.
"A fantastic museum with some incredible exhibitions! The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I really enjoyed my visit. There's also a World War II air raid shelter on-site, filled with fascinating artifacts and memorabilia – a real highlight"
adam mctasney
"Fantastic little museum, with a very nice Bistro on the front. Very friendly staff to help with visit and well priced. Worth a visit if you find yourself in Holyhead lots of interesting history of the area, the wars and the maritime history of North Wales."
Arran Kennedy
"Fabulous small Maritime Museum that has great staff and lots of exhibits of Maritime history.
Don’t miss the bomb shelter directly outside the Museum and its fabulous staff. They will show you some exhibits"
Andrew McConnell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Holyhead, North Wales. Many visitors arrive by ferry from Dublin, Ireland, which is a popular and affordable option. You can also reach Holyhead by train, with spectacular scenery along the way. The museum is situated on the harbour front, making it easily accessible for day-trippers.
Yes, Holyhead is well-connected by train and ferry services. The museum is a short walk from the train station and ferry port, making it convenient for those relying on public transport.
Holyhead is described as quaint with some cool architecture. Walking around, especially towards the Maritime Museum, can be a cool exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website or contact the museum directly before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Admission is generally well-priced, making it an affordable option for exploring local history. Specific pricing details are best confirmed directly with the museum.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check if there are any special events or peak times where booking is recommended to secure your entry.
The WWII air raid shelter is often included with museum admission or accessible with a small additional fee. The staff are usually happy to guide you through it.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a variety of exhibits on local maritime history, including ship models, historical documents, and artifacts related to North Wales' seafaring past and wartime naval history.
Absolutely! The air raid shelter is a significant highlight, filled with fascinating artifacts and memorabilia that offer a powerful glimpse into wartime life.
While specific interactive elements aren't heavily detailed, the museum's strength lies in its authentic artifacts and the knowledgeable staff who bring history to life.
Yes, visitors have reported that the staff are incredibly helpful with genealogical quests, providing significant assistance.
The atmosphere is described as welcoming, with friendly and knowledgeable staff creating a positive and engaging visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a bistro attached to the museum called the Harbour Front Bistro, which offers food and drinks with lovely views of Holyhead Harbour.
The bistro is a great spot for a meal or a cup of tea, offering a pleasant dining experience right on the waterfront.
While it's a bistro, it seems they cater to meals, and some visitors have noted that just wanting a cup of tea might not be their primary focus, though it's worth asking.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's generally a good idea to check with the museum staff upon arrival, but many visitors capture their experiences.
The detailed ship models, artifacts in the air raid shelter, and the scenic harbour views from the attached bistro are excellent subjects for photography.
Photography within the air raid shelter is usually permitted, allowing you to document the historical items. Always confirm with staff if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 History Buffs & Genealogists
✈️ Day-Trippers from Ireland
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the WWII Air Raid Shelter
Exploring the shelter allows you to see firsthand the items that were essential for survival during air raids. The staff are particularly knowledgeable about this section and are often happy to share detailed insights and stories, making the visit even more impactful. It's a powerful reminder of the town's resilience and its role during the war, adding significant depth to the museum's maritime focus.
Maritime Heritage of North Wales
These displays highlight the importance of Holyhead as a port and its role in trade and defense. The museum effectively captures the spirit of those who lived and worked by the sea, offering a comprehensive look at the challenges and triumphs of maritime life in the region. The knowledgeable staff further enhance this experience by providing context and answering questions, making the history come alive for visitors.
The Harbour Front Bistro Experience
Visitors enjoy the opportunity to relax and dine with a picturesque backdrop. While it's a bistro, it's noted that it's not strictly a café, so if you're just looking for a quick drink, it's worth clarifying your needs. Nevertheless, it's a popular spot for a meal, adding a culinary dimension to the maritime exploration.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit