Scarborough Heritage Maritime Museum Printable Guide

The Great Yorkshire Day Out

Scarborough Heritage Maritime Museum Printable Guide

Scarborough Heritage Maritime Museum Printable Guide

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Scarborough Maritime Museum Guide

Welcome to the Scarborough Maritime Museum!

Located in the heart of Scarborough, our museum celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the Yorkshire coastline. From its role in fishing to its importance in trade and exploration, discover how Scarborough’s maritime past shaped its identity.

Museum Highlights:

1. The Fishing Heritage Exhibit

  • Learn about Scarborough’s fishing industry from its early beginnings to the present day.

  • Featured Artifacts:

    • Traditional fishing nets and tools.

    • A restored 19th-century fishing boat.

    • Oral histories from local fishermen.

  • Interactive Feature: Try knot-tying stations where you can practice knots that sailors used!

2. Scarborough’s Shipbuilding Legacy

  • Discover the history of shipbuilding in Scarborough, a vital industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.

  • Model Ships: A collection of detailed models showcasing Scarborough-built ships.

  • Interactive Feature: Virtual reality (VR) tour of a historic shipyard. Experience what it was like to be part of the shipbuilding process!

3. Explorers and Pirates

  • Learn about the famous explorers who set sail from Scarborough and the legends of pirates along the Yorkshire coast.

  • Featured Artifacts:

    • Maps and navigation tools from the 17th century.

    • Pirate flags and replicas of pirate weaponry.

  • Interactive Feature: Kids can take part in a pirate treasure hunt, finding clues throughout the museum.

4. Scarborough in Wartime

  • Scarborough’s strategic importance during the wars and its role as a naval base.

  • Featured Displays:

    • Stories of Scarborough during World War I and II.

    • Uniforms and medals from local servicemen.

  • Interactive Feature: Visitors can listen to audio recordings of letters sent between sailors and their families during wartime.

5. The Lifeboat and Rescue Services

  • The Scarborough Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in the UK. This exhibit celebrates the bravery of the crews who saved countless lives.

  • Featured Artifact: The restored Mary Ann Hepworth, a lifeboat that served from 1953 to 1986.

  • Interactive Feature: Climb aboard a modern lifeboat simulator to experience a rescue mission!

Temporary Exhibitions:

We also host rotating exhibitions, focusing on specific themes like marine wildlife, climate change impacts on the oceans, and contemporary maritime art. Be sure to check what’s currently on display!

Plan Your Visit

  • Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM

    • Sunday: 11 AM - 4 PM

    • Closed on major holidays.

  • Location:

    • Scarborough Maritime Museum, 15 Seafront Rd, Scarborough, YO11 1PQ.

  • Admission Fees:

    • Adults: £8

    • Children (under 16): £4

    • Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): £20

    • Senior Citizens/Students: £6

    • Free entry for children under 5.

  • Accessibility:

    • The museum is fully accessible with ramps and elevators for wheelchairs.

    • Audio guides and large print guides are available for visitors with visual impairments.

Museum Shop & Café:

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for maritime-themed souvenirs, including books, model ships, and nautical crafts. Our café offers local seafood dishes, sandwiches, and light snacks with a beautiful view of the harbor.

Educational Programs & Events:

  • School Programs: We offer guided tours and educational workshops for school groups. Topics include navigation, marine biology, and Scarborough’s maritime history.

  • Public Lectures & Workshops: Throughout the year, we host talks by historians, sailors, and authors on various maritime topics.

  • Seasonal Events: Special events like "Sea Shanty Sundays", a festival of traditional sea shanties, and "Maritime Family Fun Days" take place regularly. Check our calendar for upcoming dates!

Contact Information:

Visitor Tips:

  • Best time to visit: Weekdays tend to be quieter, especially in the mornings.

  • Parking: Nearby parking is available at the harbor parking lot.

  • Photography: Allowed, but no flash near sensitive exhibits.

  • Donations: Consider donating to the museum to support our preservation efforts!

We hope you enjoy your visit to the Scarborough Maritime Museum. Set sail on an adventure through history!

This guide offers a full visitor experience, integrating practical information and engaging exhibit descriptions with interactive elements to make the visit educational and fun.