Visit National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

At The National Museum of the Royal Navy we have a large car park that is free for visitors to use.

If you are travelling By Car

From the north

Take A19 southbound and exit at the A179. Follow the brown signs to the NMRN.

When you reach the roundabout at the top of Maritime Avenue with a large buoy in the middle.

Head for the masts of HMS Trincomalee. Take the second left then the next left again which will bring you to our car park.

From the south

Take A1M northbound and exit at junction 49 (A168/A19) signposted Teesside. Exit A19 at the A689 and follow the brown signs to the NMRN. Keeping going straight on at each set of lights and each roundabout. When you come to the lights at the junction between Victoria Road and Stockton Street, Wilkinsons is on your left, go straight ahead, past Asda and Boots and with Dunelm on your left, take the 4th exit at the roundabout. Head for the masts of HMS Trincomalee. 

Take the second left then the next left again which will bring you to our car park.

Public Transport 

We are only a seven minute walk away from Hartlepool train station and the Hartlepool transport interchange. For more information about trains & buses click here for the Connect Tees Valley website.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool takes access to our on-site attractions seriously. When exploring the historic quayside, wheelchairs and pushchairs can access all external areas of the quayside.

There are several toilets on site including disabled facilities and baby changing facilities. We also offer free parking on site including disabled parking. The gun deck is wheelchair accessible, though the top deck, mess deck, and hold are not.  

Update on Ship Lift Maintenance

Our lifts are currently non-operational and due to age and lack of available replacement parts, the most recent attempts to repair them have been unsuccessful. Plans for their replacement are being factored into the continuing conservation and maintenance plan for HMS Trincomalee but there is no confirmed date at present for this specific project. This important work to care for what is an internationally significant ship is not possible without the support and generosity of our visitors, donors and funding partners.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.

Outdoor Playship

While we strive for inclusivity throughout the outdoor playship, we acknowledge that some areas, due to their design or natural features, may present greater challenges for access. However, we are committed to maximising accessibility wherever possible, and here are areas in the playship that are accessible:

• Ground level, wheelchair accessible roundabout/spinner
• Seesaw with centre platform that disabled users can lie down on with carer assistance
• Handholds on steps to upper section of playship for users with mobility challenges who are not wheelchair bound
• Hammock net swing that disabled users can use with carer assistance
• Play features (including sensory-based play components) at ground level that are wheelchair accessible

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool offers the ultimate day out for all the family.

There are several toilets on site including disabled facilities and baby changing facilities.

We also offer free parking on site including disabled parking. We have a Georgian-themed coffee shop with a variety of hot and cold drinks as well as light bites.

Also children of all ages can enjoy our adventure themed play ship, which is the perfect place to burn off any excess energy.

Finally you can end your visit in our gift shop were you can choose the perfect souvenir to remember your day.

The Quayside Coffee Shop

Relax and unwind in our Georgian-themed coffee shop nestled within the historic quayside with spectacular views of HMS Trincomalee.  

Inside you can enjoy a variety of freshly made sandwiches, hot pasties and sausage rolls, delicious cakes and other tasty treats alongside a wide range of hot and cold drinks. Vegan and gluten free options are available daily, alongside our Jack Tar lunchboxes complete with colouring sheets for the younger sailors. 

We source our ice cream from Doddington Dairy, Northumberland. We are eager to stock local from other North East suppliers – if you are interested in supplying to our café, please contact us.

Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy in our outdoor picnic area.

Find out more information on our dedicated school visits page.

Groups of 12 or more are welcome at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Contact us to book your group visit today. Call at 023 9283 9766 (opt. 3) or Email groups@nmrn.org.uk

Want to come back and experience the thrills of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool again?

Book your return visit today!

Guidelines for visitors (2024)

To ensure all visitors have a safe and rewarding experience we have compiled these brief safety notes.

All buildings and exhibits are assessed regularly and maintained to a high standard, as are equipment and procedures (e.g. fire evacuation). Due to the nature of our attractions, some hazards cannot be avoided but they can be mitigated. They all may have raised artefacts, sharp edges, electrical hazards, fire hazards, trip/fall/slip hazards and rusty/dusty artefacts. First aid trained staff are available at all sites. Please approach the nearest members of staff if any assistance is required or an emergency occurs.

All front of house staff are trained in evacuation procedures; in the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions given by the staff and volunteers. Do not stop to collect your belongings. Please contact a member of staff if you need assistance. We have qualified First Aid staff available at all our sites. Please contact a member of staff if you need assistance.

The General Environment

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool includes a recreated historic quay. This includes some uneven surfaces and cobbled areas. Our exhibits are split over two floors across several different buildings and movement around site will include external routes.

A paved path around the site allows for access and ensures wheelchairs and pushchairs can access all external areas of the quayside

Second floor gallery spaces and displays are all connected with lift access. This includes our Fighting Ships exhibit and HMS Trincomalee Gallery.

HMS Trincomalee is accessible over two gangways, one of which is equipped with a ramp to provide wheelchair access to the gun deck. There is currently no wheelchair access to the other decks.

Toilets (including accessible toilets) are available at reception, in the café, under the HMS Trincomalee Gallery and near the outdoor play area. In addition, there is a Changing Place facility located within our car park, accessed using personal radar keys. A member of our team will be happy to direct toward appropriate facilities for your needs.

We regularly carry out live cannon and musket firing displays onsite. These are located in a cobbled area near the main entrance. You can view these displays from beneath a canopy. The displays are loud and produce a lot of smoke, so may not be suitable for all audiences. We can provide ear defenders where required.

The Museum of Hartlepool is a free to access museum housing Hartlepool Borough Council collections. This is also accessed via our main entrance. It is over one floor, with flat and even flooring throughout.

All staff will either be in uniform consisting of red museum branded shirts or coats, or in a period costume. They will be happy to assist with any issues or concerns.

Security

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool is protected by 24 hour CCTV and overnight security. All visitors entering the museum are responsible for the conduct and health and safety of your group at all times. Although our staff are trained to take the highest care of your group, they are not legally responsible for them. In the event of an emergency evacuation please follow the instructions of NMRN staff who are trained to ensure people vacate the attraction quickly and safely.

Conservation and Maintenance Work

There is always work happening across all our sites to keep our historic ships and buildings safe and well maintained. You may come across areas barriered off during your visit. Please ensure that members of your group do not enter any of these areas.

Safety Information

HMS Trincomalee

• Historic ship
• Access via shallow steps or a wooden ramp (to access the Gun Deck for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility)
• Very cold temperatures during winter months
• Low light levels on lower decks
• Uneven flooring and very low ceilings and doorways-mind your head!
• Trip hazards on the decks eg ring bolts
• Steep ladders/stairs on board
• Top decks exposed to the elements – slippery when wet
• Proximity to water