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Visit National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

Plan a visit

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool is the perfect place for a family adventure as you journey to a recreated 18th century seaport.

Climb aboard the spectacular HMS Trincomalee, the last remaining Royal Navy ship to be built in India, as well as being the oldest floating British warship and the last of Admiral Lord Nelson’s Frigates.

Travel back in time to the 18th century and see what life on a seaport was really like as you visit the Chandler’s shop, hear the firing of our cannon and musket, and experience our fighting ships exhibit.

Please note: There is level access to the Gun Deck of HMS Trincomalee for visitors who require it. Due to ongoing conservation work there is no lift access to other decks. Additionally, the aft end of the gun deck is currently cordoned off until the end of March for active restoration work.  For more information please see the Accessibility section of the FAQ. 

Museum Open
Open Daily | 11am to 4pm
Last Entry | 3.30pm
NMRN Hartlepool, Jackson Dock, Maritime Ave, Hartlepool, TS24 0XZ
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Experience life on a recreated 18th century seaport

Travel back in time and take to the 18th century seaport and its beautiful waterside setting. See how tradesmen earned a wage, how people spent their leisure time and climb aboard HMS Trincomalee, the last remaining Royal Navy ship to be built in India.

All of this and more at The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.

What to see

Two women looking at the Diving Deep HMS Invincible 1744 exhibition

Diving Deep: HMS Invincible 1744

Dive beneath the waves with this ground-breaking exhibition telling the exciting story of HMS Invincible through cutting edge technology and objects that had lain undiscovered for hundreds of years.

HMS Trincomalee Exhibition

Located on the historic quayside, the HMS Trincomalee Exhibition is home home to the story of HMS Trincomalee, from her build in India to her restoration in Hartlepool, as well as the famous figurehead which has been mounted on the ship for 150 years!

HMS Trincomalee

Climb aboard the last remaining Royal Navy ship to be built in India, HMS Trincomalee.

Horrible Histories Pirates: UK exclusive!

Avast ye! Plunder no more – Horrible Histories® Pirates: The Exhibition ‘lands ahoy’ at The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool!
 

Recreated Georgian Quayside

Take in the historic quayside setting at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool. 

Fighting Ships

See the secrets of war unfold before you in the moving and stirring story of HMS Prosperity. Move through the exhibition as each part of the ship is brought to life and the stories of those who served onboard are revealed.

Plan a visit

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.

Update on Gundeck Restoration

The aft end of the gun deck is currently cordoned off as Shipwrights and Riggers replace a section of one of the ship’s beams to help keep HMS Trincomalee shipshape.  

We hope to have the works completed by the end of March, though encourage visitors to keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on the progress of these works. Please remember that your ticket is valid for a year from your first visit, so we hope to welcome you back for the remainder of your ticket validity.  

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

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!

Book your tickets now

Book your ticket to visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool now

School visits

Find out how to plan a visit for your school and see our learning resources

Find out about school visits

Support Us

As a charity we rely on funding from many sources to preserve the rich history of the Royal Navy

See how you can support us

View our collection online

Discover our incredible range of items across the key branches of the Royal Navy with our online Collections Portal

See the collection

Gift shop

All profits from our online shop go towards preserving Naval heritage. Thank you for your support.