Discover the story of Lancaster and Morecambe’s relationship with the ocean, the challenging lives of those living and working in the places between land and sea, and how our inland waterways have shaped our lives, work, and leisure. We uncover the dark legacy that the transatlantic slave trade has left in this proud, historic city and show how the Quay where the museum stands was once a bustling place of trade and commerce from all over the world.

Lancaster Maritime Museum occupies two historic buildings on St. George’s Quay, the heart of the city’s 18th-century harbour. The museum was opened in 1985 in the former Custom House, designed in 1764 by Richard Gillow. It also incorporates the upper floor of the neighbouring warehouse, where goods were stored after being shipped into the port from all over the world.    

Explore these atmospheric and fascinating buildings and discover the history of the Port of Lancaster. Experience the treacherous crossing of the sands, sit in a packet boat on the Lancaster Canal, listen to local fisherfolk speak of life on and around Morecambe Bay, or discover something new in our programme of changing exhibitions. 

Our displays delve into Lancaster’s darker side too, revealing the stories of the 18th century merchant families who built the city’s wealth from the trade in enslaved Africans and slave-produced goods. This aspect of Lancaster's history is of special relevance to our museum, which is housed in the very buildings that formed the heart of the port in that era. You can find more on this topic here: Lancaster and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

2024 Holiday Hours

Please note that our last day of opening before christmas will be Monday 23 December. We will re-open on Friday 3 January.

Normal Opening Hours

• Last full admission is at 15:30. Visitors arriving after this will be able to visit the museum shop and Custom House galleries only (about half the museum).
• The Quayside Tea Room closes at 15:30.
• Please check the web pages for our other museums to see their opening days and times, as each museum is different.

Dogs:  Only assistance dogs are permitted in the museum. This is because even well-behaved dogs are curious, and they sometimes need the loo. We can’t risk it for the sake of our fragile museum objects, which might get knocked over by a very waggy tail, and other visitors who may be nervous around dogs.

Umbrella Legs: John Walker of Sunderland Point

14 September 2024 - 28 February 2025

John Walker was a prolific photographer who captured real life in and around Morecambe Bay. He cut a fine figure with his large moustache and fitted suit with tight trousers, that earned him the moniker Umbrella Legs. A selection of the hundreds of his photographs that we have in the collection have been chosen for this exhibition, along with photographic equipment and other objects from our stores.

This exhibition will be travelling to Sunderland Point after its run at the Maritime Museum.

Hoard of Hoards: Hidden | Lost | Stolen | Offered | Collected

Continuing throughout 2024

This immersive exhibition literally uncovers the hoards that we have in the collection. From pre-history through to the Tudor period people have always stashed away their valuables for one reason or another. We take a look at each one and ask what was happening in Britain at the time and why the owners felt the need to hide theirs.

From talks and walking tours to kids' craft sessions, you can find details of what's on at all our museums here: Events & Activities.

Or keep up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page.

Getting here

On Foot or by Public Transport

The Maritime Museum stands beside the River Lune on St George’s Quay. It’s within walking distance of the bus station (five minutes) and train station (fifteen minutes). 

• Download a free visitor map of Lancaster city centre (PDF, 929KB). (We’re near the top on the left!)

By Bike 

The Lune cycle path runs past the museum and there are bike parking stands near the entrance.

• Download a Cycling Map of Lancaster & Morecambe Bay (PDF, 6MB).

By Car

There is free on-street parking for 3 hours in front of the museum and a Pay and Display car park behind. Other city centre car parks are also within easy walking distance, or you can use Lancaster’s Park and Ride scheme to get into town from the M6.

Our Address

Lancaster Maritime Museum, Custom House, St George's Quay, Lancaster, LA1 1RB

Find us on Google Maps here.

Facilities

• Gift shop
• Tearoom serving drinks and cakes, open 12:00 - 15:30.
• Toilets: There are two gender-neutral toilets on the ground floor. One is fully wheelchair-accessible, with an emergency cord.
• Baby changing facilities: inside our accessible toilet.
• Parking: Free parking for up to 3 hours is available along the roadside and there is a Blue Badge parking space at the front of the museum. There is also a Pay and Display car park behind the museum. 

Accessibility

Physical Access Update, Dec 2024

We're pleased to say that the access situation at the Maritime Museum has improved, though we're still dealing with some technical issues.

• Arrangements for fire evacuation using an Evac Chair are now in place, so we are able to provide access for one wheelchair user at a time to each level of the museum above the ground floor.
• Our lift is in working order, but the call buttons on the ground floor and first floor are still broken. Please ask a member of staff if you need to use the lift, and we will be happy to send it to you!

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call or email the museum for more details before your visit: 01524 382264, lancastermaritimemuseum@lancaster.gov.uk

Parking: There is a Blue Badge parking space directly in front of the museum.

Toilets: There are two gender-neutral toilets on the ground floor. One is fully wheelchair-accessible, with an emergency cord.

Sensory backpack: available to borrow for free from the front desk. Ideal for children and young people on the autism spectrum, the backpack includes ear protectors, communication cards, fiddle toys and more. 

We are currently developing a new way for those with visual impairments to enjoy our collections. Find out more here: Touch and See.

Please download our Access Statement (PDF, 174KB) for an in-depth look at accessibility in the Maritime Museum.

Group & School Visits

If you plan to visit us for a self-guided tour with a large group (over 12 people) please contact us in advance at lancastermaritimemuseum@lancaster.gov.uk.

• We can also provide guided tours and refreshments for group visits by prior arrangement.
• Why not extend your visit with a guided walking tour of Lancaster? We offer group tours on Lancaster's involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade of the 18th century. Find out more here: Events & Activities.

If you’d like to bring a school group or other educational group, please find the relevant information on our Learning Pages. 

Friends of Lancaster Maritime Museum

Visit the Friends of Friends of Lancaster Maritime Museum Facebook page for details on how you can join the group and support the Maritime Museum. 

You can access a series of talks and events through the Friends, and the group also enjoys reciprocal membership with the Lancaster Engineering Society.

Non-members are also welcome to attend talks for a £3 fee. Find out more here: Public Talks.

Room Hire

Our ship-themed Education Room is available to hire for meetings, talks and other small events: Book Meeting Space