The Maritime Museum
The Holyhead Maritime Museum
Step into the heart of Wales’ maritime legacy
The Holyhead Maritime Museum invites you to step into the heart of North Wales’ maritime legacy, where centuries of rich seafaring history come to life.
Housed in the beautifully restored Lifeboat House – believed to be the oldest of its kind in Wales – the museum offers an immersive journey through the captivating stories of shipwrecks, brave lifeboat rescues, and the intricate craftsmanship of detailed ship models. Also, explore the gripping “Holyhead at War” exhibit, set within an authentic WWII air raid shelter, for a deeper connection to the area’s wartime past. Accredited by the Arts Council of England and run by a dedicated team of volunteers, the museum not only safeguards these remarkable tales and exhibits but creates a warm, inviting space for visitors of all ages. After exploring, relax in the cozy on-site café/bistro and enjoy stunning coastal views – making it a perfect day out for history lovers and families alike!
Journey through time…
where centuries of seafaring history come to life
The Holyhead Maritime Museum, a testament to the town’s rich seafaring heritage, was born from the success of local maritime exhibitions in 1982 and 1983. Officially opened in 1986 at St. Elbod’s Church, the museum later relocated to its picturesque seafront setting at the Lifeboat House on Newry Beach in 1998 – Today this accredited museum offers visitors an immersive experience, showcasing the area’s incredible and very diverse maritime history, shipwrecks, and its critical role in wartime efforts…
Read More
Sitting along the Wales Coast Path, the museum is an independent enterprise led by a team of trustees and operated by a dedicated group of volunteers. Its aim is to tell the story of the rich maritime history of Holyhead and in particular that associated with the primary UK sea crossing to Ireland, established over many centuries.
The museum is situated within what is considered the oldest purpose built Lifeboat Station in Wales (circa. 1858) and is packed with interesting and unique seafaring memorabilia. An adjacent converted WW2 Air Raid Shelter tells of Holyhead’s remarkable experience through two world wars.
We are an Accredited Museum (No. 1320), fully compliant with national requirements and also meeting Wales’ Quality Standard for Visitor Attractions. We are also a registered charity (No. 514840).
Our volunteer guides have extensive maritime and local knowledge and are happy to share this with all visitors.
Part of the museum building is given over to a privately run and highly regarded Cafe/Licenced Restaurant, the Harbourfront Bistro.
Visit our blog for more stories of Holyhead’s past – https://holyheadstoriesofaport.com/
Some Current Museum Exhibits
The Gold Medal Rescue of the Harold
Highlighting the region’s perilous maritime history and the bravery of the Holyhead Lifeboats, which have received 49 RNLI gallantry medals. Visitors can explore lifeboat models and learn about local shipwrecks & heroic rescues…
Read More
The ‘Harold’ was a small steel-hulled steamship with a crew of nine. On the 22nd of February 1908 she was carrying a cargo of china clay from Teignmouth, Devon to Runcorn when she was caught in a fierce force 9 gale. The ship’s engine failed and distress signals were fired as the ship drifted towards the cliffs at South Stack lighthouse.
Two anchors were let go as the crew awaited the arrival of the steam powered Holyhead lifeboat, the ‘Duke of Northumberland’. The Coxswain, William Owen and his crew of ten fought for two hours to get close enough to pass a line across. Six crewmen were taken off before the lifeboat made a pass sufficiently close for the remaining three crewmen to jump aboard the lifeboat. They were landed at Holyhead and taken to the Sailors Home to recover.
Coxswain William Owen was awarded the RNLI Gold Medal and each of his crew awarded the RNLI Silver Medal for their bravery on that day.
Holyhead Port & Ships
Showcasing the port’s evolution from sailing vessels to steam and motor ships after the railway’s arrival in 1848, featuring ship models, maritime artefacts, & memorabilia that highlight its rich and diverse history in both war and peace…
Read More
Prior to the Victorian period sailing vessels and paddle driven Packet Boats sailed regularly to Ireland from Holyhead. With the arrival of the railway in 1848 larger, screw driven ships started to appear. Towards the end of the 19th Century far more technically advanced ships appeared and competition between the operating companies resulted in a faster more comfortable service.
The inner harbour was developed in the early 1800’s and then again in 1880 with a building of a new Railway Station, Hotel and Dock enabling passengers to transfer directly from ship to train. To provide a harbour of refuge from the sometimes inhospitable Irish Sea, the giant Breakwater was completed in 1873.
The Thetis Tragedy
The Holyhead Maritime Museum’s special exhibit on the 1939 HMS Thetis tragedy, where 99 of 103 men perished during a test dive, features artefacts and photographs commemorating the victims, 44 of whom are buried locally…
Read More
On 1st June 1939, a few weeks before the start of the Second World War, HMS Thetis sailed from her builder’s yard at Cammel Laird, Birkenhead into Liverpool Bay on her first full sea trial. There were 103 men on board, 50 more than the normal complement of crew. Included were a group of Naval observers, a large number of employees of the shipbuilders, some caterers and a Mersey Pilot.
On her first test dive there was a mishap with the forward No. 5 torpedo tube resulting in the first two compartments flooding and her bow being firmly stuck in the seabed mud. Only 4 men managed to escape. The other 99 died, trapped in the submarine. The vessel was eventually raised and bodies recovered, with 44 of these buried in a mass grave at the Maeshyfryd Cemetery at Holyhead.
Captain Skinner
This special exhibit focusses on Captain John Macgregor Skinner, a notable figure in the town’s maritime history who served valiantly in the British Navy. The exhibit includes personal memorabilia & even a life-size model of him with his pet raven!..
Read More
Born in the Province of New Jersey, North America in 1761, John Macgregor Skinner was raised in the town of Perth Amboy. After losing an eye in a childhood accident the young
Skinner entered the British Navy in 1776 at the outbreak of the American Revolution. He later lost an arm whilst serving as a midshipman aboard HMS Phoenix,
In 1793 he left the Navy and joined the Post Office service and moved to Holyhead. He served as master on packet ships crossing the Irish Sea. Captain Skinner campaigned vigorously to improve the management of the Post Office service and the condition of their ships.
Unfortunately he lost his life, aged 70, when washed overboard from his ship
the Escape in 1832. He was loved and respected by rich and poor alike of the town as a man of endless goodwill and generosity. As a mark of respect an obelisk to his memory was erected by public subscription on a dominating rock overlooking Holyhead Harbour.
Included in the museum’s exhibit is the original painting of Captain Skinner’s House by his friend, the Customs Officer, James Sparrow. This painting includes in the foreground many of Captain Skinner’s friends and also many of those who benefited from his kindness and charity. The names of these individuals are inscribed on the gilded frame.
A book relating the life story of Captain Skinner, written by Peter Scott Roberts, a volunteer at the museum, is available for purchase from the museum shop.
Holyhead at War
The Museum honours the town’s significant role in both World Wars through its permanent “Holyhead at War” exhibition, located in a WWII air raid shelter. The exhibit features memorabilia, photographs & accounts of local bravery…
Read More
Both World Wars had a significant impact on Holyhead with many from the town called upon to serve their country with some making the supreme sacrifice.
There are numerous accounts of bravery and sacrifice. Find out how William Williams won his VC. Learn what happened to the surviving crew of HMS Tara held in captivity deep in the north African desert for over four months during the Great War and how they were rescued. Find out about the tragedy of the US Airforce plane “Jigs Up” and about how one Holyhead seaman earned the DSM during Operation Pedestal to relieve the besieged island of Malta during WW2.
Included in the exhibition is a detailed painting of the Holyhead ship, RMS Leinster, torpedoed in 1918, a few weeks before the end of WW1. It resulted in the loss of approximately 567 lives, including many seamen from the town of Holyhead. Also on display is the bell from the WW1 hospital ship HMHS Anglia that struck a mine whilst crossing the English Channel in 1915. Many soldiers, medical staff and seamen lost their lives that day.
Dutch Navy in Wales
This exhibit, on WWII, highlights the Dutch Navy’s presence in Holyhead after escaping German occupation and explores the impact of Dutch sailors on the local community, some of whom settled in Holyhead permanently after the war.
Read More
In 1940, after the fall of France and the occupation of Holland by German troops, several vessels of the Dutch Navy managed to avoid capture and made their way to the UK. A number of these were directed to Holyhead. These included the Stuvesant, Medusa and Oranje Nassau. Added to these were numerous smaller vessels, which all helped to protect shipping in the Irish Sea.
In addition to the Dutch sailors there was also a large number of Marines attached to the port. In all these numbered more than 100 men and they began to use the Cafe at the now Maritime Museum as an unofficial “NAFFI”. They would use the adjacent Air Raid Shelter for protection during air raids.
This shelter has on display many unique photographs, artefacts and memorabilia relating to the Royal Netherlands Navy at Holyhead. Many of the Dutch sailors stayed behind after the war and married local girls and brought up families.
The Museum’s expert on the Dutch Navy’s presence in Holyhead during WW2 has written a book on this time in the town’s history. It is available to purchase at the museum. He would welcome any contact on the subject, especially from relatives of those who served. Contact can be made by email to grahamvanweert@hotmail.co.uk
Myfanwy the Mammoth
Stored in the Natural History Museum and returned for permanent exhibition at the Maritime Museum in 2006, come and meet Myfanwy, our resident Wooly Mammoth!
Read More
Over 30,000 years ago the Woolly Mammoth roamed the land that was eventually to become Anglesey. In 1864, whilst working on the Holyhead Harbour for the London and North Western Railway, a group of workmen came across what was subsequently identified as the teeth and jawbone of one of these strange elephant like animals. Stored in the Natural History Museum they were returned for permanent exhibition at the Maritime Museum in 2006.
In 2011 the Captain Jesse Hughes Youth Club of Holyhead completed a unique collage made from numerous coins depicting the Woolly Mammoths in their natural environment. The Maritime Museum is privileged to be able to display this special artwork.
Find Nelson the Cat!
Ahoy, shipmates! I’m Nelson, the cheeky, one-eyed museum cat. Can you spot me hiding around the museum? Each time you find me, I’ll give you the answer to one of 16 seafaring questions. Complete the challenge and prove you’re a true young explorer!
Plan your visit today!
The Holyhead Maritime Museum is conveniently located for all visitors exploring Anglesey and North Wales, we’re easy reach by car, bus, and even train. Situated just a short distance from the A55 expressway, it provides easy access from across the island and the mainland. Local bus services run frequently, making the museum accessible for both tourists and locals. Cruise passengers arriving at Holyhead port will also find the museum within easy reach, making it a perfect stop during a visit. We’re open just before Easter until the end of October.
Adults: £6.00 (including gift aid benefit) Accompanied Children: FREE (16 years & under) Concessions: £5.00 (over 60 years & students)
How to find us…
Old Lifeboat House,
Newry Beach,
Holyhead,
Anglesey
SAT NAV: LL65 1YD