Maritime Museum
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.
![Light up the Quay, Maritime Museum](/_images/pagecentre/13353/Light-Up-the-Quay, Maritime Museum.jpg)
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, and listen to local fisherfolk speak of life on and around Morecambe Bay. Delve into Lancaster’s darker side and learn the stories of the merchant families who built the city’s wealth from the trade in enslaved Africans and slave-produced goods, or discover something new in our programme of changing exhibitions.
Monday | 12:00 – 16:00 |
Tuesday | CLOSED |
Wednesday | CLOSED |
Thursday | CLOSED |
Friday | 12:00 – 16:00 |
Saturday | 12:00 – 16:00 |
Sunday | 12:00 – 16:00 |
- 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 see the web pages for our other museums to see their opening days and times, as each museum is different.
Adults | £3.00 |
Concessions (Full-time Students, People with Registered Disabilities & those 65+) | £2.00 |
Children (under 16) | FREE - must be accompanied by a responsible adult. |
Local Residents (LA1 – LA6) | FREE - please bring proof of address. |
Carers accompanying a disabled visitor | FREE |
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.
![Hoard of Hoards poster, Maritime Museum](/_images/pageside/13349/A4 HofH POSTER.jpg)
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.
![Delftware Exhibition poster, Maritime Museum](/_images/pageside/13350/Delftware LDaPH_ A4 Poster.jpg)
Lancaster Delftware: a Potted History
20 April – 25 August 2024
This exhibition looks at the history of the recently discovered 18th century pothouse right here on St. George’s Quay. It brings together a collection of the ceramics that were made there and sold in the local area and around the world.
You can learn more in the book Lancaster Delftware: an 18th century pottery (1754 - c.1786), available in the Maritime Museum shop.
Find out about other exhibitions and events at all our museums here - or keep up to date with all the latest news on our Facebook page.
Lancaster was once Britain's fourth most prolific port involved in the transportation and trade of enslaved Africans. This topic is of special relevance to our museum, which is housed in the very buildings that formed the heart of the port in that era.
Follow the links below to find out more.
We also run guided walking tours exploring this aspect of the city's history. You'll find details on our Events & Activities page.