See also - Group Visits - School Visits - Museum Accessibility

To visit the Museum, you can book your entry ticket online here

Or come along to the Museum to book in-person, on the day.

Timed entry has been introduced to ensure that we can manage numbers and avoid overcrowding. From 1st June 2023 we are phasing out timed entry so tickets will be valid at any point during opening hours on the date booked.  If the museum is particularly busy when you arrive, we may ask you to wait five minutes before entering as the first gallery on the tour is especially cramped.  We thank you for your understanding as we continue to work to keep everyone safe.

Opening Times

The museum, shop and café are open all year round, except during the festive period when we close for a few days (check our events pages for this year’s details). Our usual opening times are:

Monday + Wednesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 4.30pm; Sunday: 11.00am - 4.30pm

July and August:

Monday + Wednesday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm; Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Last entry to the Museum is 1 hour before closing.

Museum Entry Costs

Adult: £11.00

Concession: £8.80 (Seniors, Disabled & Student)

Child: Free (max 5 children up to 16yrs, accompanied by an adult)

Members: Free

Our ticket prices include a voluntary 10% charitable donation and therefore, they are eligible for Gift Aid. Please ask us about this option, or tick the Gift Aid box when buying online.

If you prefer to buty a ticket without a donation, the prices are:

Adult: £10

Concession: £8

Group Visits

Whilst booking in advance is not necessary for individuals or families, we do advise that parties of 12 or more people book in advance to take advantage of our group booking rates. Payment by cash, cheque or debit/credit card can be made on arrival. We can also provide your group with a guide if you request this well in advance. Our guides are all volunteers and are subject to availability.

Group booking rates per person (minimum 12 in group)

Adult: £9.00

Concessions: £7.00 (seniors, disabled, students)

Youths: £4.00 (to ages 16 & 18yrs in secondary education)

Group leaders: £4.00

Group leaders accompanying youth groups are free at a ratio of 1:5 for early years and 1:10 for primary /secondary. Any additional group leaders are £4.00 each.

To book a group visit please either call us on 01333 310628 or contact the museum.

School Visits

We have a variety of facilitated and self-led options available to schools and groups.

£4.00 per child

One teacher/leader per group goes free. Any additional adults £4.00 each.

*We require a minimum of 1 adult per 5 children for early years / 1 adult per 10 children up to age 16.

Free familiarisation visit for teachers and group leaders! Please ask about this when booking

How do we book our visit? - you can book a visit either by calling the museum on 01333 310628 or contact the museum.

If you have specific dates in mind please allow as much notice as possible when booking.

Please note:

• Our Education Centre can accommodate a class or group of up to 33 pupils. However if you wish to bring more than one class or group, please contact the museum to discuss.
• Particular areas of the museum can be cold in winter particularly in the boat yard where there is no heating to preserve the boats, so please dress appropriately!
• Behaviour and conduct are the responsibility of the teachers and accompanying adults at all times

Cancellations

We understand that sometimes groups may need to cancel their bookings. Please give us as much notice as you can, especially if you have booked one of our staff-led workshops.

Spaces

Our Education Centre is a bright and airy room that can be used for activities, such as self- or staff-led workshops and storing belongings. The room is lockable and has access to toilets nearby. The room can hold a group of up to 25 comfortably and up to 33 at a squeeze.

Our Sun Tavern is accessible from the outside of the Museum that can be used for eating packed lunches. The room is lockable if required and has access to its own toilet. The room can hold a group of 18 comfortably and up to 25 at a squeeze. Our courtyard can also be used as a lunch space if the weather permits!

Disabled Access

The museum has full disabled access, apart from our Victorian Fisherman’s cottage, which can be viewed from the Days of Steam gallery instead.

Risk Assessment

We have an up-to-date risk assessment available on our website.

Safeguarding Policy

All eligible staff and volunteers undertakingregulated work with children, young people and vulnerable adults go through the PVG process. A summary Safeguarding Policy is available on request.

Parking

There is a car park across from the museum which has bays for coaches to be parked. Charges apply during the summer months.