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.
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.
| 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).
- Please check 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.
From 1st April 2025 our admission fees will be changing:
Maritime Museum Tickets
- Single visit.
| Lancaster District Residents | FREE |
| Children (under 18) | FREE – must be accompanied by a responsible adult if under 16. |
| Carers accompanying a disabled visitor | FREE |
| 1 Adult from outside the Lancaster District | £5 |
| Joint ticket – 2 Adults from outside the Lancaster District | £8 |
Multipass Tickets
- Unlimited entry to the Maritime Museum, the City Museum (including the King’s Own Regimental gallery), & the Cottage Museum (open Saturdays only, April-September).
| Weekly Pass – 1 adult, 3 museums, 1 week | £8 |
| Annual Pass – 1 adult, 3 museums, 1 year | £10 |
Our Future Coast
15 March - 6 July 2025
‘What does Morecambe Bay mean to me?’
Our Future Coast is a DEFRA-funded project to improve the natural flood defences and coastal resilience of our local area: working with nature to safeguard coastal communities.
This open art exhibition at the Maritime Museum was created in partnership with the OFC team and other local groups and individuals to create responses to the question ‘What does Morecambe Bay mean to me?’
- Find out more about the project here: Our Future Coast.
Hoard of Hoards: Hidden | Lost | Stolen | Offered | Collected
Ongoing
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.
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