Charlestown Shipwreck Centre

About this activity

Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre is a popular tourist attraction in the picturesque coastal town of Charlestown, Cornwall, UK. The center is located in an 18th-century restored harbor and serves as a museum dedicated to the rich maritime heritage of the area. The center houses a collection of items that showcase the maritime history of Charlestown, including shipwrecks and artifacts that were salvaged from local shipwrecks.

Visitors can explore a variety of exhibitions, including the history of shipwrecks in the area, the life of sailors, and the trade and commerce that took place in the past. The center also has a gift shop that sells souvenirs, books, and postcards related to the maritime history of Charlestown. The center provides a unique experience for visitors to learn about the town's rich maritime heritage and the importance of its port.

One of the main highlights of the Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre is the collection of shipwreck artifacts that are displayed in the exhibitions. The collection includes items such as ship's bells, cannons, anchors, and navigational instruments, as well as pottery, glassware, and other items that were salvaged from shipwrecks. The exhibitions are designed to showcase the different types of ships that have been wrecked off the coast of Charlestown and the various items that were salvaged from the wrecks.

Another feature of the center is the interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like for sailors in the past. Visitors can climb aboard a replica of a 19th-century tall ship and explore the different parts of the ship, including the deck, the hold, and the cabins. The center also has a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to experience a shipwreck from the perspective of a sailor. This experience provides a unique and immersive look at what it was like to be a sailor during the height of the maritime era.

In addition to the exhibitions, the Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre offers a range of educational activities and events for visitors of all ages. The center provides guided tours, workshops, and activities that help visitors learn more about the maritime history of Charlestown and the role that ships and the sea played in shaping the town. The center also hosts special events throughout the year, including demonstrations of traditional maritime skills such as knot tying and sail making, as well as talks and lectures on various topics related to maritime history.