Description
National Maritime Museum Cornwall if you are looking for an inspiring and educational day out, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is one of the most distinctive family destinations in the Southwest. Located right on the bustling waterfront in Falmouth, this multi-award-winning indoor attraction brings maritime history to life across five sprawling floors. It stands as a premier coastal destination, making it one of the absolute best things to do with kids in Falmouth.
Standard museum admission prices start from £10.00 for children and £19.00 for adults, with the incredible bonus that your standard ticket automatically upgrades to a full annual pass. This means you can pay once and return as many times as you like for an entire calendar year. For families planning a late afternoon stop, discounted single-entry options are also available.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that perfectly balances rich maritime heritage with high-energy play zones, this museum is a spectacular choice. From launching model yachts to climbing a massive lookout tower, it provides a fully scannable, hands-on adventure that keeps all ages entertained. It stands as a reliable rainy-day haven and a compelling educational journey that captures the imagination from the moment you step inside.
A voyage of discovery
15 galleries, over five floors: exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture. Falmouth, on the South Cornwall coast, is a fitting setting for this journey of discovery to begin. The Museum is located on aptly named Discovery Quay, and is a vast, iconic building, home to exciting exhibitions and a wide range of galleries taking visitors on a journey through the influence of the sea on history and culture.
The Main Hall
Your voyage of discovery begins in the Main Hall. Here you can orientate yourself in the building, admiring the hanging flotilla of small boats on display over your head.
RNLI Rescue Zone
Beyond, in the RNLI Rescue Zone there are ride-on rescue vehicles, a dressing-up area and information about sea safety where we celebrate the outstanding work of the RNLI.
Flotilla
Flying across the top of the Main Hall is our flotilla of small boats from The National Small Boat collection. Preserving a collection of international importance, including craft used for survival, work, competition, leisure, pleasure, exploration and war
The Cornwall Galleries
In these galleries Cornwall’s unique maritime heritage can be explored over three floors, each focusing on different aspects of industry, work and communications.
Cornwall and the Sea – 1st floor
Nowhere in Cornwall is more than 17 miles from the sea. This proximity has shaped both the landscape and its people. In this gallery you can discover how Cornish people have made a living from the sea, how local craft were built and who sailed in them
Tidal Zone
In the Tidal Zone you can go underwater and look out into the harbour through two large windows – if you stand there long enough you’ll see the tide rise and fall. Take a really close look and you could catch a glimpse of a cormorant diving after a fish, crabs, shrimps and much more. Here you can learn more about the effects of the Moon and Sun and what causes the tides
The Treasure Island Play Zone
Let their imaginations run wild at the Treasure Island Play Zone. Dress-up as pirates, watch-out for enemies and navigate the high seas.
The Lookout
Climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views over the harbour, docks and estuary. Find out about historic buildings, local landmarks, coastal features, and special events and vessels in the harbour. Look north across the water toward the village of Flushing, former home of Packet Ship captains, or inland to the west and Custom House Quay where the customs used to land contraband goods seized from ships.
The Bartlett Maritime Research Centre and Library
The Museum’s research work is led by the Bartlett Maritime Research Centre which incorporates the Bartlett Library and the Peter and Julie Newall Library, a wonderful resource of books, archives and records on maritime matters
The Bridge
The Bridge is the Museum’s temporary exhibition space and is home to a regularly changing programme of exhibitions.
The Pontoon
Experience even more of the sea on the Pontoon directly in front of the building. From here you can view the boats on the water.
The Sunley Lecture Theatre
Fitted with the latest audio-visual technology and an induction loop for hearing aid users this is where we hold our inspiring talks, presentations, conferences and films.
The Boat Pool
Sail model boats and even have a race.
12.29 miles
