National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
Step aboard HMS Trincomalee, Europe's oldest floating warship, and explore a recreated 18th-century seaport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live demonstrations and events
National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
Best Time
Live demonstrations and events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step aboard HMS Trincomalee, Europe's oldest floating warship, and explore a recreated 18th-century seaport.
"Great value with an annual pass, perfect for families and history lovers!"
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Your ticket is valid for a year! Great for repeat visits and exploring at your own pace.
🏴☠️ Kids' Pirate Paradise
The Horrible Histories Pirate Play Area is a hit with children and included in admission.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
HMS Trincomalee
Onboard the ship
Step aboard Europe's oldest floating warship, a beautifully restored 1817 vessel with a rich history.
Horrible Histories Pirates Exhibition
Museum building
An engaging, hands-on play area for kids, captain your own ship and design pirate flags!
18th Century Seaport Recreation
Quayside
Experience life in a recreated 18th-century seaport with costumed guides and historical buildings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Annual Pass Value
Embrace the Interactive Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Your ticket is valid for a year! Great for repeat visits and exploring at your own pace.
🏴☠️ Kids' Pirate Paradise
The Horrible Histories Pirate Play Area is a hit with children and included in admission. 
⚓ Explore HMS Trincomalee
Don't miss stepping aboard Europe's oldest floating warship for an immersive experience.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Options
There's a cafe on-site, or you're welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Annual Pass Perks
Your ticket is valid for a year! Great for repeat visits and exploring at your own pace.
🏴☠️ Kids' Pirate Paradise
The Horrible Histories Pirate Play Area is a hit with children and included in admission.
⚓ Explore HMS Trincomalee
Don't miss stepping aboard Europe's oldest floating warship for an immersive experience.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Options
There's a cafe on-site, or you're welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy.
🚗 Free Parking Bonus
Enjoy the convenience of free parking, a welcome perk for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool for its excellent value, particularly the annual pass and free parking. The historic ship HMS Trincomalee and the interactive Horrible Histories Pirate exhibition are highlights for families. Some displays in the museum buildings are noted as being a bit dated, but the overall experience is considered worthwhile and engaging.
"We had a great day here with the boys aged 9 & 12. They enjoyed the weapons talk and the fighting ships experience. The 9 year old is also young enough to have enjoyed the play area and the additional games set out quoits and bowls were fun.
The only negative I would add would be some of the displays in the buildings were a bit tired and dimly lit and the wording was too high up to read easily.
The ship is very interesting and the whole quay area gives a good overall impression. If you could get some investment this has potental to be 5 star.
There is a cafe which we didn’t use as we’d brought a picnic which you are welcome to do. There is seating available.
Overall for the price on an annual ticket£34 for 2+2 it’s good value compared to many other attractions and free parking an added bonus."
Linda Chapman
"The museum is ok, it is looking tried in places I.e information plaques torn or items missing. The centre piece being the naval ship is very good however I would have liked more information around the ship to bring the different parts of it to life. We were warmly welcomed onboard but about from that limited in info to read or a talk through would have been fantastic even an audio app to listen too would have been welcome.
The weapons talk and the firing of the cannon was good along with the hands on bit at the end.
The quayside is well maintained and there is information within some of the buildings.
I do get that one ticket gets entry all year however not enough for us to make another trip I feel. Comfortable visited within a morning or afternoon"
Neil Black
"We love this place been a few times plus once paid can use the tickets for a whole year so plenty of time to revisit with the kids they like to go around the boat and play their is a free museum next door to so worth a look a nice little cafe to get some hot drinks to walk around with keep you caffeinated with the kids ha small park and do some shows during the day too"
jenna Nixon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Hartlepool Marina. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. Public transport options include local bus services that stop nearby.
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at the museum, which is a great convenience.
Absolutely! Local bus routes serve the Hartlepool Marina area, making it accessible via public transport. Check local timetables for the most convenient routes.
While the historic ship HMS Trincomalee has its limitations, the museum buildings and quayside are generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility details.
Hartlepool is well-connected by train, with services running from major cities. Driving is also a popular option, with good road links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times can vary seasonally, so it's always best to check the official website before your visit. Generally, it's open daily, but specific hours are best confirmed online.
Admission tickets are valid for a full year, offering excellent value for money, especially for families. Pricing details are available on their website.
While not always strictly necessary, purchasing tickets in advance online can sometimes save time, especially during peak periods. Check their website for booking options.
The annual pass system offers great value. Look out for potential family tickets or group discounts on their official website.
Yes, your admission often includes access to the Museum of Hartlepool, located nearby, offering even more historical exploration.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic warship HMS Trincomalee, experience a recreated 18th-century seaport, and engage with interactive exhibits like the Horrible Histories Pirates area.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Highlights include the Horrible Histories Pirates play area, weapons talks, and interactive displays. +1
The museum often hosts weapons talks and demonstrations, including cannon firings, which are highly recommended. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
Absolutely! Stepping aboard HMS Trincomalee, Europe's oldest floating warship, is a central part of the experience.
The museum primarily focuses on Nelson's era and life in the Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries, with a special nod to India's maritime history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics, and there are seating areas available.
Being located in Hartlepool Marina, there are several restaurants and eateries in the vicinity offering various dining options.
The cafe typically offers hot drinks, snacks, and light meals suitable for a museum visit.
Prices are generally in line with typical museum cafe charges. Bringing a picnic can be a more budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted throughout the museum and on HMS Trincomalee. However, always check for any specific restrictions.
The deck of HMS Trincomalee offers fantastic views, as does the recreated seaport. The exterior of the ship against the marina backdrop is also very photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in such historical and public areas. It's essential to check the museum's policy and local regulations before attempting any drone photography.
Capturing the scale of HMS Trincomalee, the details of the 18th-century buildings, and the interactive elements with children are great photo opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring a picnic to save on costs, as there are designated areas for eating. The free parking is also a big plus for families travelling by car. The museum is designed to be engaging for various age groups, ensuring a memorable day out for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine this with free parking and the option to bring your own picnic, and you have a very budget-friendly day out. The museum also often includes entry to the nearby Museum of Hartlepool, further maximizing your experience without additional cost.
🚢 History Enthusiasts
+1While some displays might benefit from updates, the core historical experience, particularly onboard the ship and through events like weapons talks, is highly engaging. The museum's focus on the Royal Navy's past, including its international connections, makes it a valuable visit for any history buff.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring HMS Trincomalee
+1The experience onboard is immersive, with many areas open for exploration. You can see where the crew slept, ate, and worked, gaining a real appreciation for the conditions they endured. The ship's cannons and rigging are particularly striking, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a glimpse into naval warfare of the past.
While the ship itself is a marvel, some visitors feel there could be more detailed information or audio guides to truly bring its history to life. However, the sheer presence of the vessel and the ability to walk its decks make it an unforgettable part of the visit.
Family Fun and Interactive Exhibits
+1Beyond the pirate exhibition, the museum offers weapons talks and cannon firing demonstrations, which are consistently praised for their educational and entertaining value. These live elements bring the history to life in a dynamic way, captivating both children and adults.
For younger visitors, the museum also provides additional games like quoits and bowls, ensuring there's something to keep everyone entertained. The overall atmosphere encourages learning through play, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.
The Quayside and Historical Context
+1The quayside itself is well-maintained and offers a pleasant environment for exploration. Visitors can appreciate the maritime atmosphere and the historical significance of Hartlepool as a port. The inclusion of the Museum of Hartlepool with the same ticket further enhances the historical exploration, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the local area's past.
While the historical buildings and quayside offer a good overall impression, some reviews suggest that certain displays within the buildings could benefit from updates, with some signage appearing tired or dimly lit. Despite this, the combined experience of the ship, the seaport, and the adjacent museum provides a rich historical narrative.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit